You get two quiet-water stops at the northern tip of Crete in one tight half-day. I like that this cruise mixes snorkeling with real places, Menies Beach on ancient Diktynna and Chironisia Bay, reachable only by sea. I also like the chance to hunt WWII remains in the water. One consideration is that the boat anchors about 6 meters out, so you will swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

This is a practical choice if you want turquoise water without a long day, and you still get a guide to explain what you are seeing. If you are sensitive to boat motion or you do not like rocky shoreline, plan ahead with the right footwear and seasickness help.

Key Things I’d Plan Around on This Cruise

• Menies Beach underwater WWII finds: you can look for the sunken base of cannons and other WWII remnants while snorkeling
• Two separate swim sessions: long enough to get comfortable in the water, plus time to roam a bit on shore
• Chironisia Bay’s boat-only access: you are swimming in a small bay and can explore small caves with your snorkeling gear
• Ancient Diktynna stop on shore: Menies is linked to the temple of goddess Vritomartis, plus a Roman temple and a 9th-century monastery of St. George
• Onboard basics are covered: snorkeling equipment, toilets, and a refreshments bar, though food is not a full meal service
• You might hear instructions less on the upper deck: keep that in mind if you like clear guidance while in motion

Where You Start: Kolymbari Port and the Smile Cruises Boat

This outing runs from the port area in Kolymbari, and you meet the Smile Cruises boat there. If you choose hotel pickup, your bus stop is typically in north Chania, with pickup arranged for select hotels and a long list of drop-offs.

Departure times from the port are 10:15 and 14:30, and pickup from your hotel can be anywhere from about 1 hour to 10 minutes before departure, depending on where you are staying. Also note the timing rule: the driver will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so do not roll out late.

The Rodopou Peninsula Cruise: Quick Sails, Big Sea Views

After a short safety briefing on the boat, you cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula. The ride to Menies is about 40 minutes, which is just enough time for the water to start looking unreal and for you to settle in.

You will likely see a mix of quiet coastlines and cliffy views, and the captain may do little show-and-tell moments along the way. One highlight from the experience is that the captain can point out things like a cave and even a goat on the cliff during the journey, which gives the trip more personality than just transport.

Menies Beach (Diktynna Area): Ancient Ruins on Shore and WWII Underwater

Menies Beach is the first real draw, and it is special for two reasons: place and water.

On shore, Menies sits in an area tied to ancient Diktynna, where the important temple of goddess Vritomartis was located. You also get the chance to see remains connected to a Roman temple and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George, even if what you can make out depends on what’s visible that day.

Then there’s the water. You get roughly 105 minutes at Menies for swimming and snorkeling, and this is where you can look for underwater WWII remnants. The snorkeling focus is on WWII items like the sunken base of cannons, and the idea is that you use the provided gear to spot those items underwater rather than just watch fish go by.

Menies Beach Practical Tip

The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. That means you will swim in shallow water to get to the beach, so pack for that reality. I strongly recommend swim shoes or water shoes if you are even slightly picky about rocky edges or pebbly ground, because the shoreline can feel less friendly than the water.

Snorkeling at Menies: What You Can Expect in the Water

This stop is built for hands-on snorkeling time. You’ll use the snorkeling equipment provided, and the crew’s job is to make it easy to get in and out of the water, including using ladders or jumping off the boat if conditions feel right.

You are not guaranteed a dramatic movie-like coral scene. Some people see lots of fish and sea life right away, and some people find it calmer or less busy under the surface. The tradeoff is that Menies rewards you for exploring and scanning, especially because the WWII remnants give you something solid to look for.

If you are new to snorkeling, this can still work because the stops are designed for regular swimmers and first-timers. Still, you’ll do best if you go slow, clear your mask, and accept that visibility and fish activity can vary day to day.

Short Cruise Break on the Rodopou Coast

After Menies, you cruise again for about 15 minutes to reach the next area. This is not a long transfer, but it matters because it breaks up the day and gives your group time to reset.

You can also use this stretch to get a towel dry, grab water from the refreshments bar if you want it, and regroup before the next swim stop.

Chironisia Bay: Small Caves and Boat-Only Swimming

Chironisia Bay is the second swim and snorkel stop, and it is quieter on purpose. It is described as only accessible by sea, which is exactly what you want if you are chasing that tucked-away feeling.

You get about 40 minutes there for free time, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is deep blue, and you can use your snorkeling gear to explore small caves, which tends to add variety beyond just floating over open seabed.

What Might Surprise You at Chironisia

You might expect a dock and an easy walk onto sand. Instead, plan for time in the water first, shore second. Like Menies, the boat and anchoring setup means you will handle getting to and from the boat by swimming in shallow water.

This stop is also more about the underwater shapes and quiet bays than it is about sunbathing all day. If you want a beach lounge session, Menies may suit you more.

Time on the Boat: Space, Shade, and the Small Comforts That Matter

This trip is about 4 hours total, so you get a real experience without turning it into a full-day production. The boat itself is described as spacious enough that even when multiple buses join, people do not feel packed at the key moments like swimming.

There are seating areas, and some boats have an upper deck. The catch is shade. If you sit upstairs, be ready for it to feel hot and bright because there may be no shade up there.

Also, audio can be tricky. If you are on the upper deck, you may find it hard to hear the guide through the speaker system while moving or if there’s wind. If instructions matter to you, try to position yourself where you can hear best, especially during safety briefings.

The basics onboard tend to include toilets, and there is a refreshments bar. Food is not included as a full meal, and what you buy is typically snacks and drinks. One traveler described it as mostly crisps and drinks, so do not plan on lunch being covered.

Price and Value: Is $47 Worth It?

At about $47 per person, this cruise looks like a clear value play, mainly because you are paying for three things that usually cost extra on their own.

First, you are paying for guided access to two swimming areas with snorkeling equipment included. Second, you are paying for transport by boat from Kolymbari, plus the time in the water that makes snorkeling worthwhile instead of rushed. Third, if you select the pickup option, you are also paying for bus transfer to and from your hotel area in north Chania.

Where the value is strongest is if you want variety in a short window. You get Menies for ruins and WWII snorkeling, then Chironisia for caves and a boat-only bay vibe, all in one half-day.

What to Bring (So You Actually Enjoy the Stops)

I recommend you pack like you are going for water time first, photos second.

Bring:

• Swimwear you can wear right away
• A towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear you can reapply easily
• Comfortable shoes or water shoes for rocky shoreline access
• A change of clothes if you hate the feeling of damp fabric
• Anything you need for seasickness if you are prone to motion sickness

Also, if you are picky about hygiene for snorkeling masks, you might want to bring your own mask. One report mentioned snorkeling equipment hygiene concerns, and another described quick help getting a new mask, which suggests the staff tries to fix issues fast.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Rethink It

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A short, efficient boat-and-snorkel day rather than a full-day excursion
• Clear-focus snorkeling with a storyline, WWII underwater items at Menies
• Easy swim access support from the crew with ladders and equipment
• A guide who can explain what you are seeing, including ancient context and what to look for underwater

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate rocky, pebbly, or uneven shoreline and do not want to swim to the beach
• You get motion sick easily, since boat travel can feel choppy at times
• You need lots of shade for long periods, especially on any upper deck

That said, the majority of experiences described the day as well organized and supportive, with helpful crew members keeping things calm and moving.

Should You Book the Chania Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay Cruise?

If you want a smart, value-priced half-day on Crete’s northern coast, I think you should seriously consider booking it. The combo of two swim stops, WWII underwater snorkeling potential at Menies, and the boat-only access feel at Chironisia makes it more than just a generic cruise.

Book it especially if you are flexible and practical about beach access and you are comfortable with swimming from where the boat anchors. If you want a perfectly easy sandy beach and zero-water effort, look for a different style of shore-based tour.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Kolymbari?

The total duration is about 4 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $47 per person.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at the port of Kolymbari and look for the Smile Cruises boat.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is optional. It is included if you choose that option and if you are at select hotels in north Chania.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swim stops.

Where do the boat stops go?

The cruise includes time at Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, both with swimming and snorkeling.

How do I get from the anchored boat to the beach?

The boat anchors about 6 meters from the shore, so you will need to swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase snacks and drinks onboard.

When does the boat depart?

Boat departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30.