Crete: Coastline Snorkeling Cruise from Hersonissos Port

At noon, this two-hour boat trip leaves Hersonissos for a short run along Crete’s coast, with time to swim and snorkel at one or two beaches. Saint George Beach is the main draw: calm, clear water, a quiet setting, and enough time to float, sunbathe, or look below the surface.

I like the simple plan and the 45-minute beach stop, which gives you more than a quick splash before the boat moves on. I also like the low price, $35 per person, and the fact that snorkeling gear and inflatable toys are available on board.

The main catch is that the boat may visit only one beach, since stops depend on the weather. Fish can also be scarce, and some snorkeling equipment has been reported as worn or faulty, so this is better for a relaxed swim than for serious underwater viewing.

Key points to know before you book

• Noon departure from Hersonissos: This fits neatly into a morning at the resort or an afternoon plan afterward.
• Saint George Beach is the likely highlight: Expect calm, clear water suited to swimming, floating, and casual snorkeling.
• One or two beach stops: The plan changes with weather, and one stop is possible.
• Forty-five minutes in the water: You have useful time to swim and sunbathe, but not a full beach day.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Masks and other equipment are available, though condition and supply may vary.
• Drinks and snacks cost extra: The boat has a mini bar, but food and beverages are not part of the $35 fare.

A short cruise with a clear purpose

This is not a full-day sailing trip or a sightseeing cruise packed with stops. It is a compact outing built around one simple pleasure: getting off the Hersonissos waterfront and into clear coastal water for a while.

You leave around noon and spend about two hours on the boat and at the beach. That short format makes the trip easy to fit into a Crete holiday. You can spend the morning at your hotel, take the cruise, and still have the evening free for dinner in Hersonissos.

I would think of this as a swimming excursion with snorkeling added, not as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The setting and water matter more than a large number of fish or an elaborate route.

The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 46 ratings, with especially warm comments about the crew, the boat ride, and the beach stop. That matches the nature of the trip: the strongest part is the pleasant time on the water, while the snorkeling itself can be less reliable.

Leaving Hersonissos at noon

The boat departs from Hersonissos Port at midday. Since air-conditioned transportation is not included, you need to make your own way to the port. That is an important point if you are staying outside Hersonissos or planning to come from another resort.

A noon start has both good and bad sides. It avoids an early morning departure and lets you enjoy breakfast at a relaxed pace. On the other hand, Crete’s midday sun can be strong, especially when you are surrounded by bright water with little shade.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. You will want to apply sunscreen before boarding, not only once you reach the beach. The boat also has a mini bar, but drinks and snacks cost extra, so carrying your own water may be useful if permitted by the operator.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. You get a different view of the Hersonissos coast than you would from shore, with time to sit back between swimming stops. The trip is short enough that you do not spend most of the afternoon at sea.

Saint George Beach and the 45-minute stop

Saint George Beach is described as calm and clear, making it the best match for the activities offered. You can swim from the boat or beach area, use a mask to look underwater, lie back on an inflatable lilo, or simply sit in the sun.

Forty-five minutes is a sensible amount of time for a short cruise. It gives you time to cool off and enjoy the water without turning the trip into a long beach day. Still, you will need to manage your time. If you want to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, do not spend the first half of the stop deciding what to do.

The water conditions are the key attraction. Calm water makes entry easier and gives casual swimmers a more comfortable place to float. Clear water can also make snorkeling pleasant, but clear does not always mean full of fish.

That distinction matters here. The trip offers a chance to see underwater life, not a guarantee of a busy reef or a large variety of fish. Some people found that there were few fish to see. If your main goal is marine life, you may find the snorkeling modest.

Why the itinerary may include only one beach

The plan allows for one or two secluded beaches, but weather controls the final route. You may visit Saint George Beach and one other place, or you may spend your stop at a single beach.

That flexibility is normal for a coastal boat trip, but it can create a gap between expectation and reality. If you book mainly because you want two different beaches, keep in mind that the second stop is not assured.

A single beach stop does not make the outing a poor value. You still receive the boat ride and a substantial 45-minute swim stop. But the $35 price makes the most sense if you are happy with a relaxed coastal outing even when the route is shortened.

Weather also affects the quality of the water time. Wind can make the ride less comfortable and may change where the boat can stop. People prone to seasickness should take the warning seriously. This is not the right choice if even a short period on a moving boat tends to ruin your day.

Snorkeling gear, inflatables, and what to expect

Snorkeling equipment is included, and masks are available on the boat. Inflatables are also provided, including lilo-style beds and other floating toys. These additions make the trip more appealing if your idea of fun is floating in the sun rather than swimming long distances.

The equipment is a practical bonus, but I would keep expectations realistic. Some gear has been reported as partly defective, and there has also been a complaint about not having enough snorkels. If snorkeling is important to you, ask about equipment as soon as you board and check that your mask seals properly before the boat reaches the beach.

You may prefer to bring your own mask if you already have one. That is not required by the tour details, but personal gear can save time and avoid relying on shared equipment. The included gear still means you do not need to buy or rent a set separately.

The inflatables are useful for less confident swimmers and for anyone who wants a lazy break between swims. They also help turn the stop into a social, easygoing beach visit rather than a test of swimming skill.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew is one of the more consistently praised parts of the trip. The available comments describe the staff as friendly and helpful, which matters on a small boat where the crew shapes the whole mood.

You should expect a casual outing rather than a formal guided tour. No guide names or detailed commentary are provided, so do not book this expecting a history lesson about Crete or a naturalist-led talk about sea life.

The boat ride appears to be as important as the stop itself. You get open-water views, a change of pace from the resort, and a simple way to reach a quieter swimming place. For many people, that is enough.

There is one service issue worth knowing. A complaint describes pressure to buy photographs on the return journey. That may not define every departure, but you should feel free to decline any photo purchase you do not want.

Is $35 a fair price?

At $35 per person, this is priced as an affordable short boat trip rather than a premium sailing day. The fare includes the boat, the cruise, and snorkeling equipment, with access to inflatables as well.

The price is fair if you value the following:

• Two hours away from the resort shoreline
• A chance to swim at Saint George Beach
• A boat ride without paying for a full-day sailing package
• Included snorkeling gear
• A flexible stop that may include one or two beaches

The value is weaker if you expect a full meal, drinks, guaranteed access to two beaches, or excellent snorkeling conditions. Snacks and drinks are extra, and the mini bar can add to the final cost.

There is also no included vehicle transfer. If you need a taxi or other transport to Hersonissos Port, add that cost when comparing this trip with other excursions.

My view is that the fare works best for a low-cost change of scene. You are paying for the boat, the water, and the chance to swim from a quieter coastal stop. You are not paying for a major sightseeing route or a guaranteed marine-life encounter.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a short break from Hersonissos without committing to a whole day. It also suits people who prefer a calm swim and some sun over a demanding activity.

The trip can work well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can float on a lilo, and someone else can stay on the boat or sunbathe. The 45-minute stop gives everyone a manageable block of free time.

It is less suitable for anyone prone to seasickness. The route depends on weather, and even a short boat ride can feel rough on an unsettled day.

It is also not ideal for serious snorkelers. You might see underwater life, but the conditions and fish sightings are not guaranteed. If you want coral, abundant fish, or a specialist snorkeling guide, you should look for a different type of excursion.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive ready for the water. Wear beachwear, pack a towel, and keep sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses close at hand. You do not want to spend your limited beach time searching through a bag.

Ask about the snorkeling equipment early. If the boat is busy, there may be more demand for masks than expected. Testing your mask before the stop gives you time to change it if it leaks or does not fit.

Keep your expectations flexible about the number of beaches. The advertised plan can include one or two stops, but weather decides the final route. Treat the second beach as a possibility rather than a promise.

Plan for extra spending. The mini bar is available, but drinks and snacks are not included. If you want to keep the cost close to $35, check what you need before boarding.

Finally, protect your belongings from spray and sun. The activity information does not specify storage arrangements, so a small waterproof bag may be sensible for phones and cameras.

Booking, cancellations, and timing

The cruise lasts two hours, with a noon departure and availability based on the chosen date. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately.

Those terms are useful when your Crete schedule depends on weather. Since the beach stops can change with conditions, booking with some flexibility is sensible.

Before paying, check the exact meeting instructions for Hersonissos Port and confirm the available start time. Transportation is not included, so allow enough time to reach the harbor on your own.

Should you book the Hersonissos coastline cruise?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, easy two-hour boat outing with a good chance to swim at Saint George Beach. The friendly crew, short duration, included equipment, and low price make it a practical choice for a free afternoon.

Skip it if you need guaranteed two-beach access, abundant fish, reliable snorkeling gear, or a full-service sailing trip with food and drinks included. The best way to judge this excursion is to see it as a pleasant coastal swim with a boat ride, not as a major underwater adventure.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Hersonissos Port in Crete.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise departs at noon.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is two hours.

How many beaches will the boat visit?

The boat may visit one or two beaches. The exact number of stops depends on weather conditions.

Is Saint George Beach included?

Saint George Beach is one of the possible stops and is described as a calm place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

How long is each beach stop?

The planned stop is 45 minutes at each beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and masks are available on the boat.

Are inflatable toys available?

Yes. The boat has inflatable toys, including inflatable lilo beds.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included. A mini bar is available on the boat for an extra charge.

Is transportation to the port included?

No. Air-conditioned vehicle transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Hersonissos Port.