Chania from the water feels effortless. This private Notos half-day sail gives you two swimming stops in clear water, with wildlife scenery built in.

I like that the pace stays calm and personal, not rushed like big group cruises. You also get a proper mix of swim time and sightseeing, so the trip feels like more than just boat rides.

One heads-up: this outing is not a good match if you get seasick easily, and it is also worth packing your own towel and sunscreen since they are not included.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private half-day sailing on Notos for your group in the Bay of Chania
• Two swimming stops with time to anchor and enjoy the water
• Thodorou island in the national park area for Kri Kri viewing possibilities
• Lazaretta island swim with underwater views and a small sandy beach stop
• Drinks and fruit included (water, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruits)
• Meeting point by the old custom house and Mikis Theodorakis theatre

Setting Off From Chania’s Old Harbour at 10:00

You start right in the historic Old Harbour of Chania at 10:00 AM. The meeting point is the wooden dock opposite the old custom house, which is now the theatre of Mikis Theodorakis. It is an easy landmark to find, and it sets the tone: you are getting straight onto a boat, not stuck in long transfers.

The schedule is tight in a good way. In less than an hour, you are headed out toward the national park waters near Thodorou island. That means you spend less time watching the shoreline and more time where the water looks like it belongs in a postcard.

The trip is always private, so you are not waiting on other groups to shuffle onboard. You also have a skipper and fuel included, which helps keep the experience simple once you are there.

At 14:00, the anchors are down and you are back at the Old Harbour. In other words, this is a true half-day sailing plan, not a full-day commitment that eats your whole afternoon.

Thodorou Island Swim Stop and the Kri Kri Wildlife Angle

Your first swim stop is at Thodorou island, reached in under an hour from Chania. This is part of a national park area, and the big wildlife name to know is the Kri Kri, the endangered Cretan wild goat.

That matters for two reasons. First, it gives the stop a purpose beyond swimming. Second, it adds a quiet, nature-focused element that feels grounded in the place, not staged. When you are anchored, you can swim in the crystal-clear water while taking in the sightlines that make Kri Kri a real part of the experience.

You should expect the trip to be casual and on the boat’s rhythm. There is no suggestion here of a long program or heavy choreography. You anchor, you swim, you look around, then you head out again when you are ready.

Practical thought: bring your expectations down to something realistic. You are not guaranteed a close view of every animal in every moment, but the setting is specifically chosen for that kind of wildlife possibility. If you love nature and quiet moments, this stop will feel like a win.

Lazaretta Island for Underwater Views and a Beach Swim

After Thodorou, you sail onward to Lazaretta island for the second anchor stop. This is where the focus shifts even more to the water itself. The plan includes time to enjoy the underwater views, and it is a great spot for swimming all the way to the island’s small sandy beach.

This is one of those “simple but memorable” setups. Instead of just circling and dipping, you have a clear target: the beach at Lazaretta. That gives your swim a natural endpoint, and it helps you feel like you did something active, not just sat in shallow water.

A small drawback to consider: if you prefer very easy, short swims, this might feel like too much effort because the idea is to swim toward the beach. If you are comfortable in open water, it is likely to be one of the best parts of the day. If not, you can always stay closer to the boat and enjoy the underwater scenery without going all the way.

Either way, you get a second “reset” moment on the water before the cruise ends. That keeps the half-day from feeling repetitive.

Drinks, Wine, Beer, and Fruit While You Sail

Food on a sail can range from snacks to full meals. This one stays in the simple, vacation mode. During the trip, you are served water, wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruits, and they are included in the price.

I like this approach for a couple reasons. It supports the relaxing vibe, and it means you do not have to plan where to buy drinks mid-cruise. You can also keep your energy up for swimming without turning it into a complicated food situation.

A practical note for your own comfort: alcohol and sun can add up fast. Even though drinks are included, it is still smart to take breaks in the shade and drink extra water. If you want the cruise to feel easy, pace yourself from the start.

Also, note what is not included: towels and sun cream. You will want to bring a towel big enough for drying off and a solid sunscreen routine, because a half-day at sea plus two swim stops can add up to serious sun exposure.

Price and Value for Up to Six People

The price is $825 per group for up to six people, and it is adjusted to the group size. That means this is priced like a private boat experience, not like a seat on a crowded cruise.

Here is the real value math: if you fill the boat with the full six people, you are roughly at $137.50 per person. If you only have two people, it becomes much more expensive per person, roughly $412.50 each. So the best deal usually happens when you can travel as a small group.

What you get for that money is the whole private setup: the skipper and fuel are included, plus drinks and fruit. In practice, you are paying for time on the water with your own plan, your own pace, and fewer constraints. For couples who want quiet time or friends who want a shared, swim-focused half-day, it can be excellent value.

If you are traveling solo or as a duo and you are expecting a bargain, this is not that kind of price. But if privacy and a calm itinerary matter, it holds up well.

Why Private Sailing Changes the Whole Experience

Being private is not just a label here. It changes how the cruise feels from start to finish.

First, you do not compete with other groups for attention or timing. That matters because the trip includes swim stops where anchoring time can affect how long you actually get in the water. With a private group, the rhythm tends to match your comfort level more easily.

Second, the day has a tight window, starting at 10:00 and ending at 14:00. A shared cruise can make that feel short due to delays. Here, the schedule is straightforward, and the private nature helps keep it on track.

Finally, you get the kind of service that fits the setting. One verified booking, William from the United States (June 28, 2024), described the trip as very relaxing with great service. That lines up with what the structure suggests: less fuss, more time to enjoy the water and the scenery.

The Weather, the Sea, and What to Pack

This is a sailing cruise, so weather matters. If conditions do not allow the trip, it is canceled and you return to shore, with the deposit handled accordingly. You are booking something that depends on the day’s sea and sky.

Also, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also avoid it if you are prone to seasickness, since the activity is on the water and you will be spending time moving between anchor points.

What to bring is clearly spelled out:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

What to remember from the practical side: even if the trip is short, you are swimming twice, so your towel and sunscreen are not optional extras. They are core gear.

Who Should Book This Notos Half-Day Cruise

You will likely enjoy this if:

• You want a private sail in Chania without crowd energy
• You like swimming and want two distinct water stops
• You are interested in the setting around Thodorou island and the Kri Kri connection
• You want drinks and fruit included so you can keep your day simple

You might skip it if you:

• get seasick easily
• need an accessibility-friendly setup (since it is not suitable for mobility impairments)
• prefer tours that provide towels and sunscreen, because you will need to bring them

Should You Book the Notos Half-Day Cruise?

If your idea of a great day is two calm swim stops, clear water time, and a private sailing pace, I would book it. The pricing makes the most sense when you can bring a full group up to six, since you spread the private-boat cost across people.

My main decision check for you is this: be honest about seasickness and sun. If you are prone to motion discomfort, choose something on land. If you can handle the sea and you pack sunscreen and a towel, this is one of those half-day plans that feels genuinely relaxing, not rushed.

FAQ

What time does the Notos half-day cruise start and end?

It departs at 10:00 AM from the Old Harbour of Chania. The trip ends at 14:00, when it returns to the Old Harbour.

Is this cruise private?

Yes, the trip is always private. It is arranged as a private group.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are two stops for swimming. The first is around Thodorou island and the second is at Lazaretta island.

Where is the meeting point in Chania?

You meet at the wooden dock opposite the old custom house, which is now the theatre of Mikis Theodorakis.

What drinks and fruit are included during the cruise?

During the trip, water is served along with wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruits. These are included in the price.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

Is sunscreen included?

No. Sun cream is not included, so you should pack your own sunscreen.

What languages are available for the tour guide?

A live tour guide is available in English, Greek, and German.