Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Clear water, quiet coves, and a little history.

This four-hour cruise from Kolymbari gives you two very different swimming stops along Crete’s wild Rodopou Peninsula. I like the generous time at Menies Beach, the chance to snorkel over WWII remains, and the simple half-day schedule. The main drawback is that the boat can carry a large group, and rough seas may make the outward ride uncomfortable.

I also like the value. At $47 per person, you get the cruise, two swim stops, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and optional hotel transfers from selected north Chania locations. Just bring water shoes, and do not expect a quiet private-boat outing or a full meal onboard.

Key points to know before booking

• Menies Beach gets about 105 minutes: You have time to swim, snorkel, walk the pebbly shore, and see the ancient remains.
• The WWII snorkeling stop is unusual: Provided gear lets you look for the sunken base of a cannon and its carriage underwater.
• Chironisia Bay is reached only by sea: The small cove offers another 40-minute swim and snorkel stop, with small caves to explore.
• The boat anchors about six meters from shore: You need to swim through shallow water to reach Menies Beach.
• This is a large shared cruise: The boat is spacious, but some departures include several coachloads of people.
• Water shoes are a smart choice: Both the beach and entry areas are rocky, although the stones are generally smooth.

What the $47 price really includes

At $47, this is a strong-value outing if your main goal is swimming and snorkeling rather than a private sailing experience. The cruise lasts four hours, so you get a useful change from a full beach day without giving up most of your day.

The price covers the boat, swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a live guide in English and Greek. If you choose the transfer option, pickup and return from selected hotels in north Chania are also included. That saves you the trouble of driving to Kolymbari and finding a parking space near the harbor.

Food and drinks cost extra. The boat has a small refreshment bar, but the selection is limited to snacks such as crisps and drinks. I would eat before boarding and bring any extra water you need.

The value improves if you use the snorkeling equipment and stay in the water at both stops. If you only want to sit in the sun, much of what you pay for is the boat ride and the access to places that are difficult to reach by road.

Starting at Kolymbari harbor

The meeting point is the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari. Two listed departure times are 10:15 and 14:30, although your exact starting time should be checked when you book.

If you drive yourself, arrive early. Parking near the harbor is limited, and a few extra minutes will make the start less rushed. If you use hotel pickup, look for the bus with a sign naming Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Pickup can begin as much as an hour before the boat leaves, depending on where you stay.

The transfer covers a long list of hotels and stops around north Chania, including places in Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Kolymbari, and nearby areas. Drivers wait only five minutes, so you need to be at the pickup point on the main road before the scheduled time.

A small point that matters: several buses may be operating at once. If one passes without stopping, stay at the pickup point and check for the next bus rather than assuming the service has forgotten you.

Once onboard, you receive a short safety briefing of about 10 minutes. The boat has toilets, several seating areas, snorkeling gear, and floats for less confident swimmers. It is described as spacious and clean, though the upper deck has little or no shade.

Cruising along the Rodopou Peninsula

The first cruise toward Menies Beach takes about 40 minutes. This is not dead time. You get views of the rocky northern coast, cliffs, sea caves, and the broad blue water around the Rodopou Peninsula.

The boat may stop briefly so the captain can point out a cave or wildlife along the cliffs. One excursion included a goat perched on the rocks, which gives you an idea of the informal character of the ride.

The sea conditions matter. On calm days, the trip is an easy ride with fresh air and open views. When the wind picks up, the waves can become choppy, and some people feel sick. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a lower, central part of the boat and keep an eye on the horizon.

The sound system is one weak point. It can be hard to hear the guide from the upper deck, especially when the boat is moving or crowded. You may want to stay near the guide during explanations about the coast and the historic sites.

Menies Beach and the ancient site of Diktynna

Menies Beach is the main stop, with about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. That generous block of time is one of the best features of the trip. You are not hurried through a quick photo stop.

The beach is made of pebbles rather than soft sand. The stones are usually smooth, but water shoes will make getting in and out much easier. The boat does not pull directly onto the shore. It anchors roughly six meters away, so you must swim through shallow water to reach the beach.

If you prefer to stay onboard, you can jump from the boat or use the ladder to enter the sea. The crew also provides floats, and some boats have baskets or paddleboards to help move small belongings toward the beach. Still, keep valuables to a minimum.

The water at Menies is the main attraction. It is clear, calm on a good-weather day, and suitable for swimming and casual snorkeling. Fish and sea vegetation may be visible, although the amount of marine life varies. Some people see plenty of fish, while others find the underwater scene more modest.

Menies is not only a swimming stop. It lies at the site of ancient Diktynna, once associated with the temple of the goddess Vritomartis. You can also see remains connected with a Roman temple and the abandoned ninth-century monastery of St. George.

Do not expect a large archaeological complex with extensive signs and reconstructed buildings. The ruins are part of the setting rather than a separate museum visit. I like this combination of history and swimming because it gives the beach a sense of place, but the water remains the focus of the stop.

The most unusual feature is underwater. With the supplied snorkeling equipment, you can look for the sunken base of a WWII cannon and its carriage. Visibility and sea conditions affect how much you can see, so treat this as a small underwater discovery rather than a formal wreck tour.

Snorkeling at Menies

The equipment is provided, including masks and snorkels, and some departures also have fins available. A lifeguard or crew member is present, and floats are available for people who are not strong swimmers.

This is a good place for a first snorkeling experience because you can enter from the boat or reach the beach, then choose how far to swim. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy the clear water.

That said, check the mask before heading away from the boat. One guest needed a replacement mask and received help quickly from a crew member named Maria. Some people have also raised concerns about the hygiene of shared masks, so you may prefer to bring your own if that matters to you.

The crew is generally attentive and willing to help. That is especially useful when several people are entering the water at once or when a child needs a float.

Chironisia Bay, the quieter second stop

After Menies, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This is a smaller, more enclosed stop, and it can feel more remote because the bay is accessible only from the sea.

You get about 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The boat remains offshore rather than docking at a beach, so you enter directly from the boat by ladder or jump. The water is deep blue, and you can swim toward small caves with your snorkeling gear.

Chironisia is less about walking ashore and more about being in the water. If you prefer a beach where you can lie down and explore the shore, Menies is the better stop. If you enjoy jumping from a boat, swimming around rock formations, and looking into small caves, Chironisia may be your favorite part.

The group size is still noticeable, but the stop does not necessarily feel crowded if everyone spreads out in the water. The crew helps keep the process moving, which matters when you have only 40 minutes.

After Chironisia, the return cruise along the peninsula takes about 30 minutes. You can use this time to dry off, buy a drink, and watch the cliffs slide past.

Group size, comfort, and the onboard mood

This is not a small-group sailing trip. Some departures bring several full coaches to the harbor, and the boat can be busy. Still, the vessel is large enough to provide different seating areas, toilets, and room to move around.

That combination makes the cruise suitable for families and mixed-age groups. Children can use floats, and the stops are not so long that young swimmers are likely to become bored. The four-hour format is also easier for families than a seven or eight-hour boat excursion.

The tradeoff is atmosphere. You may not get a peaceful, personal conversation with the guide, and announcements can be difficult to hear from the upper deck. The upper level also lacks shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and a cover-up.

The crew receives strong praise for being helpful, friendly, and attentive. Staff members check on people who feel unwell, help with equipment, and assist less confident swimmers. That service matters more than polished commentary on a trip built around swimming.

Weather, sea conditions, and what to pack

The cruise does not operate in poor weather. Even on a scheduled day, wind and waves can change how comfortable the ride feels.

For a better day, pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes
• Comfortable shoes for the pebbly shore
• A small amount of water and any personal snacks
• A dry bag or secure pouch for essential items

Water shoes are the most useful extra. The beach is rocky, and the swim from the boat to shore is short but not suited to bare feet for everyone.

If you often feel seasick, consider taking your usual precautions before boarding. The ride to Menies takes around 40 minutes, and high waves have caused discomfort on some outings.

The boat sells drinks and light snacks, but do not count on a substantial meal. You should also remember that the boat anchors offshore. Anyone who cannot comfortably swim the short distance to the beach should plan to remain onboard or ask the crew what assistance is available before leaving the harbor.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want two clear-water swim stops, basic snorkeling, and a short boat outing at a reasonable cost. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone staying near the north Chania coast.

It is especially useful if you have only a morning or afternoon free. You see a remote side of Crete without committing a full day to the water.

I would think twice if you want a private boat, a quiet group, a sandy beach, or a serious archaeological tour. The shore is pebbly, the boat can be crowded, and the commentary may be hard to follow from some seats.

The trip is also weather-dependent in a practical way. If you dislike choppy water, ask about the forecast before you go and keep your schedule flexible.

Should you book the Menies and Chironisia cruise?

Yes, if swimming and snorkeling are your priorities. The combination of Menies Beach, the WWII underwater remains, ancient Diktynna, and the caves at Chironisia gives you more variety than a basic beach transfer.

The strongest reason to book is the amount of water time. You receive roughly 105 minutes at Menies and another 40 minutes at Chironisia, with a comfortable boat ride between them. At $47, that is good value, especially with hotel transfers included.

Book it with realistic expectations: this is a shared cruise, not a private expedition. Bring water shoes, arrive early at Kolymbari, check your pickup time carefully, and choose a shaded seat when possible. If the sea is calm, this is an easy and enjoyable way to reach two parts of Crete that are difficult to visit by land.

FAQ

How long does the Menies and Chironisia cruise last?

The cruise lasts four hours. The listed boat departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari in Chania.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the transfer option from selected locations and hotels in north Chania. Pickup may take place from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price. Floats are also available for swimmers who want extra support.

Do I need to swim to Menies Beach?

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

What is available to eat and drink onboard?

Food and drinks are not included. You can purchase drinks and light snacks from the boat’s small refreshment bar.

Are guides available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in English and Greek.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise will not operate in poor weather conditions. Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity allows a full refund.