Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay in one 4-hour cruise makes sense. I really like the two swimming stops with time to snorkel at each one, and I like that you’re not just looking at fish—you can also search for WWII remains with the gear they provide. One thing to plan for: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll swim in to reach the beaches.

This is a good value day. For around $47, you get a guided trip, snorkeling equipment, and a comfortable ride from the Kolymbari area (with hotel pickup options in north Chania). The boat isn’t just for show either—there are toilets onboard and a small refreshments bar where you can buy snacks and drinks.

The setting is part of the payoff. Menies is on the site of ancient Diktynna (temple links to Vritomartis), with Roman temple remains and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George nearby, and Chironisia Bay is a small cove only reachable by sea—perfect for a quiet swim and a look at underwater caves with your snorkel.

Key things I’d watch for

• Two snorkeling rounds in separate coves, not one quick stop
• WWII underwater finds: a sunken gun/cannon base and carriage area to look for
• Menies Beach’s ancient layers: Diktynna, Roman temple remains, and St. George monastery nearby
• Chironisia Bay is boat-access-only, so it stays calm
• Crew help you stay in the water (Maria is specifically noted for swapping out a snorkel mask fast)
• Water shoes matter: the shore can be rocky, even if stones feel smooth underfoot

Kolymbari meeting point and north Chania hotel pickup

You’ll either meet at the port or get picked up from select hotels in north Chania. If you’re going on your own, go to Kolymbari Harbor and look for the Smile Cruises boat. The name matters here—double-check the boat sign so you’re not wandering the pier.

If your option includes pickup, you’ll wait on the main road in front of your pickup point. There’s a bus sign with the destinations (Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay), and the driver won’t wait long after the scheduled time—think a maximum of about 5 minutes. Also keep your eyes on your email: pickup time can be from roughly 1 hour to 10 minutes before the 10:15 or 14:30 departure, depending on where you’re staying.

Practical tip: if you’re arriving by rental car, aim to get there early. Harbor parking can be tight.

How the day flows: safety talk, Rodopou Peninsula cruising, and when you actually get to swim

The trip runs about 4 hours, and it’s built around movement plus two proper water breaks. You start with a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes), then you cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula for roughly 40 minutes before the first swim stop.

Between the two beaches, there are shorter boat legs (about 15 minutes, then later another ~30 minutes after the second swim). That matters because it keeps the day from feeling like nonstop transport. You get out, you get time in the water, then you enjoy the next scenic transfer.

One reality check: the sea can be choppy. A couple of people noted rougher water on the ride up to the bay, and one family had a tough moment with motion sickness. The crew did what they could to help and calm things down, but if you’re prone to seasickness, bring your usual prevention (ginger, meds, or both) and sit where the ride feels steadier.

Also, boats can feel busy even when the swim stops are calmer. Expect the onboard vibe to be energetic with multiple groups onboard, especially if the day is running close to capacity.

Menies Beach: ancient Diktynna energy plus WWII snorkeling

Menies Beach is where the day starts to feel special. You get about 105 minutes here—long enough for real breathing room, not just a quick splash.

First, how you reach the shoreline: the boat anchors around 6 meters out, so you’ll swim in shallow water to get to the beach. The crew provides help with getting items across (basket and boards are mentioned), and you can use the ladder or jump in depending on comfort level.

Now for the two big draws at Menies:

WWII snorkeling with provided gear

Snorkel here with the equipment they hand out, and you’re looking for the remains of WWII-era hardware—specifically a sunken gun base and carriage area. Even if you’re not a hardcore history buff, this is a cool twist on normal snorkeling. You’re not only hunting fish; you’re reading the underwater environment like a clue trail.

Ancient-site surroundings you can actually picture

Menies sits on the ancient site of Diktynna, where the temple of Vritomartis was located. You can also expect to find nearby Roman temple remains and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George. You won’t be walking a long archaeological circuit during this stop, but the story helps you look at the coast differently—like you’re swimming inside a layered setting, not a generic beach.

Ground truth: beach feel and comfort

One review noted Menies can be rocky, but the stones are smooth. Still, I’d take that as permission to bring water shoes if you’re sensitive. It’s easier on sore feet, and it saves you from thinking about your footing instead of the water.

Time on deck and listening to the guide

If you’re on the upper deck, know that shade may be limited and sound quality from speakers can be poor. You might have a harder time catching guide instructions while you’re moving around, but the good news is the stops are timed so you still get what you came for—swimming and snorkeling.

Chironisia Bay: a smaller cove, possible cave snorkeling, and a quieter mood

Chironisia Bay is the second water stop, and it’s shorter at about 40 minutes. That’s actually a good thing. You already warmed up at Menies, and this acts like a second chapter: different water, different corners, and a change of pace.

Chironisia is only accessible by sea, which helps keep it from feeling crowded in the way some popular beaches do. Once you’re in, the water is deep blue and the bay offers chances to explore small caves using your snorkel gear.

You’ll also have options for getting back in—jumping from the boat or using the ladder. If you’re coming with kids or first-time snorkelers, this stop often feels manageable because the focus is calm water time rather than a long swim plan.

One note on what you might see underwater: fish life can vary. Some people saw lots of fish and sea vegetation; others didn’t see as much. Don’t build your expectations around a specific species. Build them around clear water, calm moments, and the fun of scanning underwater shapes and textures.

Snorkeling gear, mask swaps, and onboard comfort that actually helps

This cruise includes snorkeling equipment, and in practice that’s the difference between guessing your way through gear shops and simply getting in the water. You should expect snorkels and masks, and several reviews specifically mention flippers being available too.

The crew tends to be hands-on if something isn’t working. One strong example: Maria was singled out for helping quickly when someone needed a new snorkel mask. That kind of fix matters because good snorkeling is mostly about a fit that doesn’t leak.

Onboard comfort is also worth calling out because it makes waiting between swim times less annoying. The boat has toilets, a bin, and a refreshments bar. You can buy snacks and drinks, but one review also warned the food selection may be basic—think crisps and drinks, not a full meal.

What to bring (don’t skip this list)

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Comfortable shoes (and yes, water shoes if you’re rough on rocky shorelines)
• A basic plan for shade: sunscreen matters because you may spend time in sun with limited cover

Price and value: why this $47 trip is a fair deal

At about $47 per person for a 4-hour cruise, this isn’t priced like a premium private boat. But it still feels like good value because several key pieces are included:

• Cruise and guided direction
• Two swim/snorkel stops (not one)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Optional hotel pickup and drop-off in north Chania
• A real time block where you’re actually in the water

The extra cost is food and drinks. If you want to snack between swim times, budget for what the refreshments bar sells onboard. But you can keep the day light: this outing is built more around swimming than dining.

If you’re comparing options, think about what you’d pay just to get a boat trip plus snorkeling gear for two different spots on the coast. That’s where the money starts to make sense—especially when you don’t have to organize transport yourself.

Who should book this cruise (and who should pass)

I’d recommend this cruise if you want a half-day on Crete that’s active but not exhausting. It’s especially good for:

• People who like swimming and want two chances to snorkel
• Families and mixed-age groups (the timing is short enough for kids, and the stops are set up for straightforward water time)
• First-time snorkelers who want gear and staff support

I’d think twice if:

• You’re not comfortable swimming from the boat to shore (because anchoring is about 6 meters out)
• Rocky footing bothers you (bring water shoes)
• You’re very sensitive to rough water and waves (choppier rides can happen)

Also consider your expectations about snorkeling life. It can be fantastic, but it’s not guaranteed that every session will be packed with fish. Clear water and underwater WWII remains are the consistent story.

Should you book the Chania Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay cruise?

Yes—if you want a simple, efficient day that mixes water fun with real place meaning. The combo of Menies and Chironisia gives you variety without eating up your whole vacation, and the WWII snorkeling adds a reason to look around beyond basic beach swimming.

Book it especially if:

• You’re staying in north Chania and want hotel pickup
• You’re happy to bring swim basics and handle a shore swim from the boat
• You want a guided outing where you’re not stuck just watching from dry land

Skip it if you hate water-in/water-out logistics, or if your snorkeling “must-see” list only includes predictable fish-rich reefs. For everyone else? This is the kind of trip that turns a few hours into a memorable swim-and-history moment, with a crew that keeps things moving.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Kolymbari port. Look for the Smile Cruises boat.

What are the departure times from Kolymbari?

The boat leaves at 10:15 and 14:30. Your pickup time (if included) will be earlier, depending on where you stay.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.

How do you get to the beaches from the boat?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What’s the typical schedule during the 4-hour trip?

You get a short safety briefing, then boat travel to Menies Beach for the first long swim/snorkel stop, a second cruise segment to Chironisia Bay, and another swim/snorkel stop, followed by the return to drop-off areas.

Does the tour use hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off are available only if you choose that option, and it’s offered for select hotels in north Chania.

When does the tour operate?

It runs only when weather conditions are suitable, and it may not take place when conditions are poor.

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