Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Menies Beach is the main prize here: a remote cove reached by boat, with clear water, smooth stones, ancient ruins, and the underwater remains of a WWII gun and carriage. I like that you get 105 minutes at Menies, enough time to swim, snorkel, visit the shore, and slow down. I also like the second stop at Chironisia Bay, where small sea caves add a little adventure.

The catch is that this is not a quiet private sailing trip. The boat can carry a large group, and the upper deck has no shade. The sound system can also be hard to hear, so you may miss some of the guide’s comments. Bring water shoes, arrive early if driving, and take care if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Two different swim stops: Menies Beach gives you shore time, while Chironisia Bay is mainly a boat-based swim and snorkeling stop.
• WWII remains underwater: Snorkel gear lets you look for a sunken gun base and carriage near Menies.
• Ancient sites on shore: Menies is linked with ancient Diktynna and includes Roman remains and an abandoned ninth-century monastery.
• You swim to the beach: The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you must enter shallow water and swim in.
• A good four-hour format: You get a half-day on the sea rather than committing to a long seven or eight-hour cruise.
• Transfers cover select hotels: Pickup and drop-off are available from listed areas in north Chania, but the pickup may be much earlier than the boat departure.

Why Menies Beach makes this four-hour cruise worthwhile

Crete has plenty of beaches you can reach by car, but Menies feels different because the sea is your road. The boat leaves from Kolymbari and follows the Rodopou Peninsula for about 40 minutes. Along the way, you get open views of northern Crete, rocky coast, and the pleasure of letting someone else handle the route.

Menies is not a soft, sandy beach. It is a smooth-pebble cove, and that matters when you pack. Water shoes will make walking in and out much easier, especially because the boat does not pull right onto the beach.

The water is the star. Conditions can be wonderfully clear, and you may see small fish and sea vegetation close to shore. The snorkeling is not a tropical reef experience, but it gives you something to look for beyond simply swimming. Near Menies, the crew points out underwater remains from WWII, including the sunken base of a gun and its carriage.

I like this mix of nature and a small historical puzzle. You are not visiting a formal museum or a preserved battlefield. You are floating above pieces of the past, looking down through clear water. Visibility depends on the day, and some people see more fish than others, but the setting itself makes the stop worthwhile.

You have about 105 minutes at Menies. That is generous by boat-trip standards. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, and make the short crossing to the beach. The crew may provide baskets or paddle boards to help move belongings toward shore, but you should still pack light and keep valuables secure.

Ancient Diktynna adds more than a beach stop

Menies is associated with ancient Diktynna, a site connected with the goddess Vritomartis. The area once held an important temple, and you can also see remains of a Roman temple and a ninth-century abandoned monastery dedicated to St. George.

Do not expect a full archaeological visit with a museum, signs, or a long guided walk. This is primarily a swim cruise, and the ancient remains are a bonus rather than the central event. Still, they give the beach a stronger sense of place.

I find that useful because the stop does not become just another pretty cove. You can spend part of your time in the water and part of it looking around the shore. If you enjoy ruins, take comfortable shoes and allow time to walk carefully over the pebbles.

The guide speaks English and Greek, and the crew shares information during the cruise and at the stops. Audio quality is one weak point. Several people found the speakers difficult to understand, especially from the outside or upper deck. If the historical details matter to you, stay near the guide when information is being given.

Chironisia Bay is the shorter, more playful stop

After Menies, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This is a small cove accessible only from the sea, and the boat normally provides the main access rather than putting you ashore.

You get around 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and the crew may point out small caves along the coast. You can use your mask and tube to look into them, or simply jump from the boat and swim around the sheltered water.

This stop feels less like a beach visit and more like a water playground. It is a good contrast with Menies, where you have time to sit on shore and look at the ancient remains. At Chironisia, your time is shorter, so get your mask ready before the boat stops.

The boat offers a ladder, and confident swimmers can jump from the upper deck where permitted. Floats are available, which helps families and anyone who is not comfortable in open water. A lifeguard is also on staff according to the tour information, an important comfort for families with children.

You should still take the sea seriously. The water may look calm in the bay, but the ride to and from the peninsula can be choppy. One outing had high waves and several people felt sick. If you are sensitive to motion, sit low and toward the center of the boat, watch the horizon, and avoid a heavy meal before departure.

What the boat ride is really like

The schedule gives you about 40 minutes to Menies, 15 minutes between the two stops, and 30 minutes back toward Rodopou Peninsula and Kolymbari. That leaves most of the four-hour outing for swimming rather than sitting on the boat.

The boat is described as spacious, modern, and clean, with several seating areas, toilets, and a small refreshments bar. It is large enough that even a full departure may not feel cramped at the swimming spots. Still, do not book this expecting a small private group. Pickup buses can deliver two or three coach groups at once, and the boat may feel busy during boarding and cruising.

The upper deck gives you the best open views, but there is no shade there. Lower seating offers more protection, though you may have a less open view of the coast. If you want a particular seat, arrive early.

The onboard bar sells drinks and simple snacks. Packaged crisps and drinks are the safe expectation, not a full meal. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, so bring extra water if you need more than the bar provides.

The crew is an important part of the experience. They help with masks, floats, boarding, and swimmers who need assistance. Maria is specifically noted for quickly replacing snorkeling equipment and helping with questions. That sort of practical support matters more here than a long speech about the coast.

Transfers from north Chania: convenient but check the clock

You can meet the Smile Cruises boat at Kolymbari harbor, or choose hotel pickup and drop-off from selected locations in north Chania. The listed stops include hotels and businesses around Santa Marina, Platanias, Agia Marina, Maleme, Kissamos-area routes, and Chania.

The convenience is real, especially if you do not have a car. Pickup is usually close to your hotel, sometimes within a five-minute walk, but the bus may collect people from many locations. The vehicle can also feel hot, and the total transfer time depends on where you stay.

Pay close attention to the pickup time in your confirmation. A 10:15 boat departure does not mean a 10:15 hotel pickup. Depending on your location, the bus may arrive as early as 8:40 or anywhere from one hour to 10 minutes before departure. You are asked to wait on the main road at the pickup point, where the bus should display Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay.

Multiple coaches can operate around the same time. If one bus passes and does not stop, do not assume you have been forgotten. Check for the destination sign and confirm with staff if needed. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so do not cut it close.

If you are driving to Kolymbari, arrive early. Parking near the harbor is limited, and you will want time to find the Smile Cruises boat. Look for the boat by name at the port.

How much value do you get for $47?

At $47 per person, this is a strong value if your main goal is swimming in clear water and reaching places you cannot easily visit by road. The price includes the cruise, both swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. Hotel transfers are included only if you select that option.

A private boat would give you more control and fewer people, but it would cost far more. A land-based beach day may be cheaper if you already have a car, yet it will not give you the same views from the Rodopou Peninsula, the Chironisia caves, or the chance to snorkel around WWII remains.

The four-hour length is one of the best features for your budget and schedule. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the water and still have time for dinner, another beach, or a walk in Chania. Families in particular may prefer this format to a full-day boat outing.

The value drops slightly if you dislike group activities, need guaranteed shade, or want a proper meal onboard. It also depends on sea conditions. A rough crossing can make the ride uncomfortable and reduce your time in the water.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want:

• Clear-water swimming without planning a remote beach drive
• A manageable half-day activity
• Snorkeling equipment supplied onboard
• A family-friendly boat with floats, a ladder, and a lifeguard
• A mix of swimming, coastal views, and simple historical details
• Optional transport from a hotel in north Chania

It suits confident swimmers and beginners alike, since you can use the ladder, floats, or crew assistance. Children enjoyed the calm swimming areas, but you should judge your child’s comfort with a short swim from the anchored boat to Menies Beach.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, small-boat escape. The boat can be busy, and the guide’s announcements may be hard to hear outside. I would also think twice if you get seasick easily, especially on a day when the forecast suggests stronger wind.

Snorkeling quality is variable. You may see fish, cuttlefish, and sea plants, but the sea life is not guaranteed. One useful practical concern is hygiene: bring your own mask and tube if you have them and prefer not to share equipment. The provided gear is included, though one person questioned its cleanliness.

What to pack for Menies and Chironisia

Keep your bag small and practical. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and beachwear. Add water shoes because both the beach and the entry area are pebbly.

A dry bag or small waterproof pouch is useful for your phone and room key. You will be moving between the boat and shore, and the boat anchors about 6 meters from the beach. You must swim through shallow water to reach land, so do not bring anything you cannot carry safely.

Bring a refillable bottle if you drink a lot of water. Snacks and drinks are sold onboard, but the choices are limited. A hat and cover-up help on the open deck, while a light layer can be useful on the ride back if the wind picks up.

Check the forecast before you go. The cruise does not operate in poor weather, and conditions at sea can change the feel of the outing even when the sun is shining at your hotel.

Should you book the Menies and Chironisia cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, four-hour boat trip with two good swim stops, simple snorkeling, and access to a remote part of northern Crete. The combination of Menies Beach, ancient remains, WWII underwater objects, and Chironisia’s small caves gives the outing more variety than a basic swim cruise.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a sandy beach, extensive archaeological guiding, or a full lunch at sea. For most people staying in north Chania, the price, short format, helpful crew, and clear water make this an easy activity to fit into a holiday.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat in the harbor.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts four hours. Departure times from Kolymbari are listed as 10:15 and 14:30, subject to availability.

Can I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the appropriate booking option from selected locations and hotels in north Chania.

How far in advance is hotel pickup?

The pickup can be from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat departure, depending on your location. Your exact time is sent by email, so check your spam folder too.

Do I need to swim to Menies Beach?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it at Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay.

What food and drinks are available?

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy refreshments onboard. The available choices are mainly simple snacks such as crisps and drinks.