Seven hours, three swim stops, one private boat. Notos sails out of the Old Harbour of Chania and trades crowds for calmer water time, with snorkeling gear and a light lunch built into the day. I especially like that the itinerary is timed around swimming, not just sightseeing, and that wine or beer shows up while you relax. One consideration, though, is that this cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or mobility impairments.

You set sail at 10:00 AM and head back at 17:00 PM, with the boat moored at the wooden pier. The skipper can work in English, German, or Greek, and you will want to plan your own way to the harbour since transfers are not included.

Key highlights to know before you go

• A true private cruise: it is always private, so your schedule is not squeezed by other groups.
• Mahirida Beach stop: crystal-clear water and a tiny shoreline that feels protected from wind.
• Thodorou Island wildlife angle: keep an eye out while sightseeing the endangered Kri Kri (Cretan wild goat).
• Lazaretta Island swim-friendly anchoring: you can snorkel and swim right up to a small sandy beach.
• Snorkel kit and drinks included: masks, snorkels, water, soft drinks, plus wine or beer.
• No towel and no sunscreen provided: bring both, or you will feel it after the first swim.

A private day sail out of Chania, without the usual hassle

If your idea of a great day in Crete is water time plus a little natural drama, this Notos day sailing cruise hits the sweet spot. You get a skipper, fuel, and a clear plan, but the day still feels relaxed because the trip is always private. That matters. It means you are not constantly navigating other people’s schedules, and the crew can focus on your group.

I also like how the stops are chosen for actual water moments. Maherida is where you start swimming and snorkeling, and the later anchoring points keep that theme going. Add in included masks and snorkels, plus an on-board light lunch and drinks, and you are not burning energy on logistics all day.

The main thing to be honest about is comfort. This is time on a boat, and it is not listed as suitable if you are prone to seasickness. If you know your stomach does not like sailing, skip this or plan carefully.

Finding Notos at the wooden pier, then getting on the water

The meeting point is simple: the boat is moored at the wooden pier. That is good news, because you can plan your morning around one fixed spot in Chania rather than chasing multiple pickup points.

Just remember, there is no transfer included. If you are staying outside the Old Harbour area, you will need to handle your own ride or walking. I suggest building a little extra time so you can arrive, get oriented, and start the day without stress.

Duration is 7 hours, with departure at 10:00 AM and return at 17:00 PM. That is a friendly length for a day sail. Long enough to get multiple swim stops, short enough that you still have energy left for dinner back in town.

Maherida Beach: the first swim stop feels like a secret cove

After leaving the Old Harbour, you reach Maherida in less than an hour. This is the first big highlight, and it is easy to see why. Maherida is described as having a tiny shoreline that is hidden from wind and untouched by man. Translation: it is the kind of place where you can actually enjoy the water, not just look at it from a dock.

Once you anchor, you can swim or go snorkeling to enjoy the underwater view. Masks and snorkels are included, so you do not have to pack your own gear to get started. If you are new to snorkeling, the key is keeping it simple, slow, and close to where the boat has anchored.

One practical note: the tour does not include towels or sun cream. You’ll want a towel for after your swim and sunscreen for the time in direct sun, especially since you are out for hours.

Thodorou Island: Kri Kri sightseeing plus a shaded snack moment

Next up is the beautiful island of Thodorou. Here you get another chance to swim and go snorkeling, but you also get the wildlife angle. The day includes sightseeing for the endangered Kri Kri, the Cretan wild goat. That is not the sort of thing you get on most standard beach days.

What I like about this stop is that it pairs nature with downtime. While you are in the water, the captain prepares a light snack savored with wine or beer under the shade of the boat tent. That is a smart rhythm. You swim, you reset, you snack, then you go again.

A small consideration: wildlife spotting depends on conditions and timing. The cruise is set up to include sightseeing, but there are no guarantees about how visible any animals will be at any given moment. Treat it as a bonus if you catch sight of them, not a checklist item.

Lazaretta Island: swim to the small sandy beach

After you anchor again, the next destination is Lazaretta island. Like Maherida and Thodorou, the underwater view is part of the point. You can enjoy snorkeling here too, and you are highly recommended to swim all the way to the island’s small sandy beach.

This is a great stop if you like to swim with a goal. It turns snorkeling into something more active rather than just floating. It also gives you a clear sense of where you are going once you are in the water.

Bring your own energy management. If you spend too long at the first snorkeling pass, you may feel rushed for the swim to the sandy beach. I’d plan to do one comfortable snorkel session, then save your stamina for the swim portion.

What you eat and drink on board (and what it means for value)

Food and drinks are one of the strong points of this cruise. You get a light lunch included, and there are also fruits, soft drinks, and water provided during the trip. That means you can stay hydrated and fueled without leaving the boat.

On the snack side, the captain prepares a light snack during the Thodorou part of the day, and it is enjoyed with wine or beer under the shade of the boat tent. So even if you are not a big drinker, you still get the benefit of a relaxed break with included refreshments.

I like that the inclusions are practical. Many tours include a snack, but you still end up paying for basic water. Here, water, soft drinks, fruits, and alcohol options are part of the package.

For real-world planning: the cruise includes wine or beer, but it does not say towels are provided, and it does not include sun cream. You should assume you will need your own sun protection and drying setup.

Price and value: $942 per group up to 4, not per person

The price is $942 per group up to 4. That is the main value math for this cruise. If you fill all four spots, you are looking at about $235 per person. If you go as a smaller group, your per-person cost rises, because the price is adjusted to group size.

Where the value comes from is the mix of what is included:

• Skipper and fuel are included
• Light lunch is included
• Masks and snorkels are included
• Water, soft drinks, fruits are included
• Wine or beer are included

For a private day sail, those inclusions matter. You are paying for access to a sailing boat and a skipper, plus the gear that makes snorkeling easy. The day is designed so you can spend the majority of the hours in the water, rather than thinking about where to buy food, water, or gear.

The one cost you must factor separately is transfer. Since no transfer is included, you will spend something getting to the Old Harbour or at least getting yourself to the wooden pier.

Who should book this Notos cruise, and who should skip it

This cruise is a great match if you want a private sailing day in the bay of Chania, with real swimming and snorkeling time at multiple stops. It also suits groups of up to 4 who want to share a boat experience without turning it into a complicated logistics day.

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It also is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If either of those applies to you, you will probably be happier choosing a different type of experience.

If you love snorkeling but hate gear hassles, you will appreciate that masks and snorkels are included. And if you want a day that feels more like a Cretan sea escape than a checklist tour, the pacing from Maherida to Thodorou to Lazaretta supports that.

Simple packing checklist for a 10:00 to 17:00 day

You only need a few basics, but do not skip them.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

And remember what is not included:

• Towels are not provided
• Sun cream is not provided
• Transfer is not included

Also note the onboard rule: smoking indoors is not allowed. That is good to know before you go, especially if you are used to smoking restrictions being handled differently on land.

Should you book Notos Day Sailing in Chania?

Book this if you want a private sailing day that centers on swimming, snorkeling, and included food and drinks, starting at the Old Harbour at 10:00 AM. It is strongest for couples or small groups up to 4 who can fully use the private setup and who do not get seasick.

Hold off or choose something else if you know you are prone to motion sickness or if mobility is an issue. Also, plan ahead for the few things not included, especially sunscreen and a towel, since you will need them quickly once you hit Maherida.

If your dream day in Chania includes crystal water stops like Maherida, a wildlife-focused moment tied to the Kri Kri on Thodorou, and a final swim option at Lazaretta’s small sandy beach, this is a very practical way to make it happen.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and end?

It starts at 10:00 AM and returns at 17:00 PM, for a total duration of 7 hours.

Is this a private sailing cruise?

Yes. The trip is always private.

How big is the group?

The price is $942 per group up to 4, and the price is adjusted based on group size.

Where do I meet the crew?

The boat is moored at the wooden pier.

Are transfers included from your hotel?

No. Transfer is not included.

What swimming and snorkeling options are included?

You can swim and go snorkeling at the stops including Maherida beach, Thodorou, and Lazaretta island.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Masks and snorkels are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Light lunch is included, and there are also fruits, soft drinks, and water.

What drinks are included?

Water and soft drinks are included, and wine or beer is included as well.

What should I bring and what is not included?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Towels and sun cream are not included. Smoking indoors is not allowed.