Snorkelling & Sailing In Crete’s Hidden Coastal Gems

A traditional wooden boat, a swim stop at Saint George Bay, and two hours on Crete’s coast make this a simple, easygoing sea trip from Hersonissos. The boat stays close to shore, so you spend more time enjoying the water and views than making a long voyage.

I like the friendly crew and the chance to swim straight from the boat. I also like the reasonable $37 price, especially if you want a short outing rather than a full-day cruise. The main catch is that Saint George Bay can be crowded and cloudy, and the snorkelling equipment may not be enough for everyone.

Quick points to know

• The boat is a traditional wooden ship: It gives the trip a pleasant pirate-boat character rather than a polished yacht feel.
• Saint George Bay is the main stop: Plan on swimming and trying the provided masks and snorkels, but do not expect guaranteed clear water or abundant sea life.
• The route stays close to Hersonissos: The cove may be only about a 15-minute walk from the departure point, so this is more of a short boat outing than a major coastal expedition.
• The crew helps set the mood: The staff are friendly and entertaining, and music plays throughout the trip.
• Bring your own towel and consider arriving early for gear: Masks and snorkels are supplied, but equipment has been reported as limited or faulty.
• The trip suits families and casual swimmers: It offers scenery, a swim, and a relaxed boat ride, but serious snorkellers may want a better-equipped excursion.

Setting Sail from Hersonissos at Noon

You meet the boat at Hersonissos Port, at the Pirates of Crete departure point. The sailing begins around noon, when the Mediterranean sun is strong and the sea usually looks at its brightest. Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and a towel, since towels are not included.

The trip lasts two hours, which is useful if you want to fit a boat ride between beach time, lunch, or an afternoon around Hersonissos. It also limits how far the boat can go. The route takes in the coast near Malia and Stalida, but you should think of this as a compact coastal cruise, not an all-day sailing adventure.

As the boat leaves the harbour, you get open views of the shoreline, cliffs, small bays, and the water around Crete’s northeast coast. The boat’s traditional wooden design adds character. It feels more playful and informal than a modern glass-bottom vessel or a quiet sailing yacht.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Some people will enjoy the upbeat setting, while others may find the volume too high, especially if they hoped for a calm cruise with only the sound of the water. If you prefer peace and quiet, this is worth considering before you book.

Saint George Bay Is the Main Event

The boat stops at Saint George Bay for swimming and snorkelling. This is the point where you can leave the deck, enter the sea, and cool off in the water. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel to take part.

The bay’s appeal comes from its clear-water potential, cliffs, and sheltered coastal setting. On a good day, the water may offer pleasant visibility and small fish close to the rocky shore. The supplied description also points to the possibility of seeing sea life such as dolphins or sea turtles, but these sightings are never something you should count on.

Water conditions can change the whole stop. Wind may stir the sea and make the water cloudy, reducing visibility to the point where there is little to see below the surface. Other boats can also gather in the bay, which takes away from the quiet feeling suggested by the setting.

I would treat the swim as the reliable part and the snorkelling as a bonus. You can cool off, float, and enjoy the coast even if the underwater view is poor. If your main goal is to study fish or inspect the seabed, this trip may not meet your expectations.

There are also some practical equipment issues to keep in mind. One account found that snorkelling gear was not available for everyone, perhaps only the first ten people who claimed it. Another noted that some masks were damaged and that the snorkels did not always attach properly.

For the best chance of getting usable equipment, arrive ready to board promptly and ask the crew about the gear before the boat reaches the bay. Fins are not included, despite what some people may expect from a snorkelling trip. Schwimmreifen, or floating rings, may be available, but they are limited.

A Short Cruise Along Malia and Stalida

After the swim stop, the boat continues around the bays near Malia and Stalida. From the water, you see a different side of these popular resort areas. The coastline includes cliffs, small inlets, and stretches of shore that are difficult to appreciate from inland roads.

The route is scenic, but it does not travel far from the harbour. A report placed the swimming cove only about a 15-minute walk from the departure point. That is not a flaw if you want a quick trip with little time spent in transit, but it matters if you are booking because you expect to cover a large stretch of Crete’s coast.

I like short cruises that leave enough time for other plans. At two hours, this one is easy to add to a Hersonissos stay. You get a boat ride, coastal views, and a swim without giving up an entire morning or afternoon.

The tradeoff is variety. There is one main swimming stop, and the boat may spend much of the trip moving slowly around the same nearby area. In windy conditions, the crew may also remain in one spot for much of the outing rather than following a broad route.

The Crew, Music, and Pirate-Boat Character

The staff are one of the stronger parts of the trip. They are described as friendly, helpful, and entertaining, which matters on a short boat ride where the crew shapes much of the mood. Families may especially enjoy the light pirate theme and the playful feel of the traditional ship.

One unusual detail is the parrot kept aboard. It adds to the Pirates of Crete character and may be a fun surprise for children. The boat itself has been described as clean and well maintained, rather than worn out.

The music divides opinion. Some people enjoy the soundtrack and find it adds energy to the outing. Others find it very loud. You should not book this as a silent nature cruise. The atmosphere is closer to a casual party boat with a swimming stop than a hushed sailing lesson.

Onboard drinks are available for purchase, and the prices have been described as reasonable. Food is not included, and the supplied information only confirms that drinks and food can be bought onboard. Bring a towel, since none is provided.

Getting Into the Water

The boat has a ladder for entering and leaving the sea. There is only one ladder, which can create a wait when several people want to swim at once. This is a small detail, but it affects the amount of time you actually spend in the water during a two-hour trip.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for help and use any available flotation support. The crew is there to assist with safety, but the supplied information does not promise life jackets or individual flotation devices for every swimmer. Take care on the ladder, especially when waves move the boat.

The lack of fins also changes what the snorkelling stop is like. You can look around near the surface with the provided mask and snorkel, but you will not have the same control or range as you would with a full set of equipment.

This makes the stop best for a quick swim and casual look below the surface. Strong snorkellers who want to cover rocky areas or spend a long time observing marine life should bring their own equipment if allowed, or choose a dedicated snorkelling trip instead.

How Much Value Do You Get for $37?

At $37 per person, the price is fair for a two-hour boat trip with a crew, a swimming stop, and snorkelling equipment. You are paying for the boat ride and the setting, not for a long cruise or a specialist marine tour.

The value is strongest if you want three things: a short outing, a pleasant boat atmosphere, and a chance to swim from the deck. It can also work well for families who want a fun activity without committing to a full day at sea.

The value drops if you are mainly paying for underwater viewing. Cloudy water, crowded conditions, limited equipment, and the lack of fins can leave you with little actual snorkelling. Since the boat stays close to Hersonissos, you are not paying for access to a remote bay.

The flexible booking terms help. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available starting time when booking, since the trip is listed as two hours and begins around noon.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and groups who want a light coastal outing with a swim. Children may enjoy the pirate-style boat, the music, the friendly crew, and the parrot. The short length also makes it easier for young passengers than a long day at sea.

It suits casual swimmers who are happy to enjoy the water without expecting a serious snorkelling session. You can sit on deck, take photos, watch the cliffs and bays, and enter the sea when conditions are comfortable.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet sailing experience. The music may be loud, the bay may be crowded, and the one ladder can slow down access to the water. It is also a poor match if your top priority is clear underwater visibility or a remote coastline.

The English-speaking crew makes the trip straightforward for visitors who do not speak Greek. The available information lists English as the language for the host or greeter.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Bring your own towel, since towels are excluded. Pack sunscreen and protect your shoulders, as the noon departure leaves you exposed to strong sun.

Arrive early enough to ask about snorkelling equipment. Reports of limited masks and faulty snorkels make this more important than it would be on a fully equipped marine tour.

Do not promise yourself dolphins or turtles. They are possible sightings, not a regular feature of the route. Enjoy the coast and the swim first, and treat wildlife as a lucky extra.

If loud music bothers you, ask where the quieter part of the deck is before settling in. Music is a central part of the atmosphere, not background noise.

Finally, keep your expectations tied to the price and duration. This is a short, lively boat ride near Hersonissos. It is not a remote-island cruise, a private charter, or a specialist snorkelling expedition.

Should You Book the Pirates of Crete Cruise?

Book this trip if you want an affordable two-hour outing with a traditional boat, friendly staff, coastal views, and a chance to swim. The pirate theme, lively music, clean boat, onboard drinks, and family-friendly tone give it plenty of appeal.

Skip it if crystal-clear snorkelling is your main reason for going. The bay can be crowded, visibility can suffer in the wind, equipment may be limited, and the boat remains close to the harbour.

For most people, the best way to view this outing is as a scenic swim cruise with optional snorkelling. At $37, that can be good value, as long as you are comfortable with a lively atmosphere and modest expectations about what you will see underwater.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts two hours.

What time does the cruise begin?

The described trip sets sail at noon. Check availability when booking for the exact starting time.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided for the stop at Saint George Bay.

Are swimming fins included?

No. Fins are not listed among the included equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase onboard.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.