One boat, two coves, and the sea does the rest. This Chania snorkeling cruise takes you to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay from Kolymbari, with time to swim, snorkel, and see WWII remains underwater.

I like the structure of the day. You get multiple water moments, plus a guide who points out the underwater story at Menies and keeps things moving without dragging you through a full day itinerary.

There is one main consideration: getting on and off the beach is not a simple dock step. The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, and you’ll need to swim in shallow water to reach the Menies coastline, which can feel rougher if the sea is choppy.

Key things to know before you go

• Two swim-and-snorkel stops with enough free time to actually enjoy them, not just dip your head in
• WWII underwater sights at Menies, including the sunken base of a gun and carriage you can search for with your snorkel
• Boat-only access to Chironisia Bay, so the shoreline you reach feels quieter than most beach resorts
• Ancient site context at Menies near Diktynna, tied to temples and later history
• Photo-friendly blue-water cruising from the Rodopou Peninsula out to the coves
• Guide help can make a difference, including practical snorkeling support from staff like Maria

Northern Crete, but with a snorkeling plan that makes sense

If your idea of a great Crete day is sun, clear water, and a few focused stops, this cruise fits. You’re cruising the northern tip of the island by boat, not hopping from beach to beach by bus all day, so the time feels spent on the water.

I also appreciate that the experience is built around real sea time. The schedule gives you long enough chunks to swim, snorkel, and dry off between, with short boat rides connecting the two locations.

The best part, in my view, is that Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay are different kinds of places. Menies adds underwater WWII history plus ancient-site context, while Chironisia leans more toward secluded shoreline access and cave-style snorkeling with your gear.

Your 4-hour timetable: how the day actually flows

The cruise runs about 4 hours total, with two set departure times from Kolymbari: 10:15 and 14:30. If you chose hotel pickup, your pickup can be from as much as 1 hour to 10 minutes before departure depending on where you’re staying, so check your email carefully.

The day starts with a quick safety briefing once you’re on the boat in Kolymbari, then you head toward the Rodopou Peninsula. You’ll cruise for roughly 40 minutes before the first swim stop, then there are shorter boat segments between the two coves.

Here’s the rhythm you should expect:

• Kolymbari safety briefing (about 10 minutes)
• Rodopou Peninsula cruise (about 40 minutes)
• Menies Beach free time with swimming and snorkeling (about 105 minutes)
• Short cruise segment (about 15 minutes)
• Chironisia Bay swimming and snorkeling (about 40 minutes)
• Final cruise back (about 30 minutes)

That pacing is one reason this feels like a strong value. It avoids the worst problem with some day trips, where you spend more time traveling than experiencing.

Menies Beach: where snorkeling meets WWII and ancient Diktynna

Menies Beach is the highlight stop for many people, and for good reason. The water is crystal-clear, and you’re not just there to float around, you’re there to look.

On the water, you’re snorkeling with equipment provided onboard. The underwater mission at Menies is to look for the sunken base of cannons from WWII, including the gun and carriage remains. It’s the kind of sight that makes people linger at the surface, adjusting masks and scanning.

Above water, Menies also has layered history. The area ties to ancient Diktynna, connected with the goddess Vritomartis. You may also spot remains associated with a Roman temple and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George in the broader region.

One practical detail to plan for: access is not a straight line from boat to sand. The boat anchors around 6 meters out, so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach. That’s fine for confident swimmers, but if you’re nervous in open water, this is the moment to think twice.

Chironisia Bay: a secluded shoreline reached only by sea

After Menies, you move to Chironisia Bay, a smaller hidden bay that is accessible only by boat. This stop feels more like a calm retreat, especially if you enjoy quieter coves over big beach scenes.

You’ll get a shorter window here, around 40 minutes, but it’s enough time to do the basics well. Put on your snorkel, check the water, then swim toward points you can see. The underwater terrain includes small caves, which adds a sense of exploration without turning the day into a long endurance swim.

Chironisia is also where you can shift from history mode to scenery mode. Some snorkelers focus on fish and sea plants, while others just enjoy watching light patterns in the water as you move around the shallows near the caves.

If you’re prone to seasickness, keep a close eye on how the water feels during the boat ride between stops. There are days when waves can be choppy, and that can affect comfort on the water even if the swimming stops are perfect.

What snorkeling equipment helps with, and what it cannot guarantee

This cruise includes snorkeling gear, so you don’t need to pack your own. That alone is a big deal when you’re traveling light, and it keeps the day from turning into a last-minute equipment search.

That said, what you see underwater is never fully predictable. One traveler noted they didn’t see many fish, while others saw plenty of sea life and vegetation. The clarity and calmness of the water at each stop can shift, and so can visibility for your specific swim area.

A couple practical pointers based on real-world comments:

• Bring water shoes or consider them strongly. The beach can be rocky, and smooth stones do not always mean easy footing.
• Expect to work with your mask fit. Some people needed a mask adjustment during the trip, and staff support like Maria stepping in helped quickly.

Also, don’t plan on snorkeling for long sessions like you would on a full scuba day. This is a half-day style cruise where you alternate between swimming, surface breaks, and short snorkeling passes.

Boat comfort, shade, and group feel on a 2-stop cruise

The boat is described as spacious and modern, with seating areas onboard. You may find it bigger than you expect, including times when multiple busloads arrive for one sailing, so the group can feel busy at first.

The good news is that the water stops are what matters most. Even when the boat carries a lot of people, the snorkeling locations are coves and bays, so you generally spread out once you’re in the water.

Shade can be limited depending on where you sit. One practical tip, if you burn easily, is to plan to spend time out of direct sun during the longer stop at Menies. Also, use sunscreen early, because the boat rides and surface time can add up fast.

If you’re sensitive to noise, note that hearing instructions can be difficult while you’re outside the main seating area. Staff can still be helpful, but don’t expect perfect audio clarity from every corner of the boat.

The value question: is $47 really fair for what you get?

At $47 per person for around 4 hours, this cruise is priced like a budget-friendly Crete day. What makes it feel like good value is that the cost covers the core experience, not just a ride.

You’re paying for:

• The boat cruise with guided stops
• Snorkeling equipment
• A guide to point out what to look for
• Multiple swim periods at two separate coves
• Optional hotel pickup and drop-off from selected north Chania locations

Food and drinks are not included, but there is a refreshments bar onboard where you can buy snacks and drinks. For a 4-hour outing, that usually means you can snack on the go without packing a full beach picnic.

The best value angle here is the combination of underwater history and natural swimming time. A lot of tours sell you one or the other. This gives you Menies plus WWII underwater remains, then Chironisia for a quieter bay experience.

Weather and sea conditions: the real decision point

This tour will not run when weather conditions are poor. That’s standard for sea days, and it matters because the experience includes water access and snorkeling.

When conditions are good, the day feels smooth. When conditions turn choppy, the boat ride can be rough, and some people can feel sick. If you know you’re sensitive to motion, consider timing and how you feel before you get on board.

Also, the anchor distance from shore means you should be comfortable with water entry. You don’t have to be an expert swimmer, but you do need to handle a short swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

Who should book this cruise, and who might look elsewhere

This is a great fit if you want a half-day plan that focuses on water. It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a memorable day without committing to an 7 to 8 hour boat tour
• Families with kids who can snorkel casually, because the stops are short and manageable
• Beach swimmers who like clear water and don’t want to fight for chair space in a resort

It may be less ideal if you:

• Struggle with open water entry from an anchored boat
• Get seasick easily during choppy crossings
• Want a guarantee of abundant fish sightings at every stop

If you love history but prefer it in a hands-on form, Menies hits that sweet spot. WWII underwater remnants plus ancient site context makes the swim feel purposeful.

Quick packing list that keeps the day easy

Bring what you need for a day where you’ll be in and out of the water:

• Comfortable shoes (many people recommend water shoes)
• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Anything you’d normally want for sun protection

If you’re bringing your phone, use a small dry pouch or keep it in a sealed bag. You’ll be on a boat, then in and out of the water, so a little water protection goes a long way.

Should you book the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

I’d book this if you want an efficient Crete day built around snorkeling, clear water, and two different coves. Menies Beach delivers on the wow factor, especially for anyone curious about WWII underwater remains and the ancient Diktynna area nearby. Chironisia Bay is the payoff stop when you want quieter scenery and cave-style snorkeling time.

I would think twice if you’re not comfortable with the anchored-boat to shore swim, or if rough sea conditions could ruin your day. Also plan for a group atmosphere onboard, even if the coves themselves help you feel less crowded once you’re in the water.

If you like practical day trips that hit the good stuff fast, this one makes sense.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the cruise?

You should look for the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari.

Are snorkeling masks and gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an optional add-on from select north Chania locations. If you choose it, you’ll wait at the pickup point on the main road with a sign showing Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, and drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

How far is the boat from the shore at the beaches?

The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. You’ll need to swim in shallow water to get to the beach.

What time does the boat leave Kolymbari?

There are two departure times from the port of Kolymbari: 10:15 and 14:30.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard. Snacks and drinks can be bought from the refreshments bar.