Snorkelling & Sailing In Crete’s Hidden Coastal Gems

The best part may be the boat itself. This two-hour cruise from Hersonissos Port combines a traditional wooden pirate-style ship, sea views, music, and a swimming stop at Saint George Bay for $37 per person. I like the friendly crew and the chance to see Crete from the water, especially as the boat passes the bays of Malia and Stalida.

I also like that snorkeling equipment is supplied and that the outing is short enough to fit neatly into a busy holiday. The main catch is the swimming stop: the bay can be crowded, the water may turn cloudy, and snorkeling gear may not be available or fully reliable for everyone.

• A traditional wooden pirate boat gives the trip more character than a basic harbor launch.
• Saint George Bay is the main swimming and snorkeling stop.
• Malia and Stalida bays provide the best scenery, with cliffs, coves, and open sea views.
• The crew is friendly and entertaining, with music and even a parrot aboard.
• Snorkeling conditions can be weak, especially when wind or boat traffic clouds the water.
• The $37 fare is fair for a short cruise, but the value depends on how much you care about swimming and snorkeling.

Setting Sail From Hersonissos Port at Noon

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete. The cruise starts around noon, when the sun is high and the sea should have its strongest sparkle. You get a round-trip boat ride, a professional English-speaking crew, and a planned stop for swimming and snorkeling.

The first thing to understand is the scale of this outing. Two hours is not enough for a long coastal expedition. This is a compact sea trip, suited to a morning or afternoon plan rather than a full-day sailing adventure. The boat does not travel far from Hersonissos, and one account described the swimming cove as roughly a 15-minute walk from the departure point.

That short distance is both a strength and a weakness. You spend less time reaching the swimming area and more time enjoying the boat, but you should not expect to reach remote stretches of Crete or spend the afternoon at sea.

The booking information identifies the location as Dodecanese, Greece, while the meeting point and route are clearly tied to Crete. I would check the exact port details before booking, especially if you are staying outside Hersonissos. The practical point is simple: confirm that Pirates of Crete in Hersonissos is the place you can reach easily.

The Wooden Pirate Ship Sets the Mood

The boat is one of the most appealing parts of the experience. It is described as a traditional wooden ship with a pirate theme, giving the cruise a playful character that works particularly well for families. One child-friendly feature is the lively atmosphere created by the crew, and there is even a parrot aboard.

That detail may sound small, but it helps explain why some people enjoy this trip even when the snorkeling is ordinary. You are not paying only for underwater viewing. You are also paying for a short boat ride, sea air, music, photographs, and a bit of theater.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, amusing, and helpful. They are there to assist with safety and equipment, and their good humor helps keep the mood light. If you prefer a quiet sailing trip, however, this may not be your ideal boat.

The music can be very loud. It is described positively by some people, but the volume is a repeated concern. I would bring realistic expectations: this is more of a cheerful pirate cruise than a silent sail. If you want to sit peacefully with only the sound of the sea, choose your place on deck carefully and be prepared for a lively soundtrack.

The ship itself is reported to be well maintained rather than shabby. Clean toilets are available, and drinks can be bought onboard at reasonable prices. Food is not included, so plan to pay separately for anything you purchase.

Saint George Bay Is the Main Event

Saint George Bay is the central stop. The plan is to anchor there for a swim and snorkeling session, using the supplied masks and snorkels to look beneath the surface.

Under good conditions, the bay can be attractive. The water is described as clear in the activity outline, and the setting offers a break from the open sea. You can swim, float, take photographs, or stay aboard and enjoy the view if you prefer not to enter the water.

The important word is conditions. Wind can stir the water, and boat traffic can make the bay less peaceful than expected. One outing encountered cloudy water with little to see below the surface. Another stopped in a crowded cove where several boats shared the same swimming area.

That means you should not book this as a guaranteed wildlife or reef excursion. It is a casual snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine tour. You might see fish or other sea life, but there is no promise of clear visibility or a quiet anchorage.

The possibility of dolphins and sea turtles adds appeal, yet sightings are not guaranteed. Treat them as a lucky bonus rather than the reason to pay for the trip. The scenery and time on the boat are the more dependable parts.

Snorkeling Gear Has Some Important Limits

Snorkeling equipment is included, but the practical details matter. The available gear consists of masks and snorkels. Fins are not supplied, so you should not expect a full set of swimming equipment.

Equipment availability may also be limited. One account found that there were not enough sets for everyone, perhaps only enough for the first ten people who asked. Some masks were reported to be broken, and some snorkels did not attach properly. That is a real weakness if snorkeling is your main goal.

I would ask for equipment soon after boarding, rather than waiting until the boat reaches the bay. Check the mask and mouthpiece before entering the water. If the fit is poor, ask the crew for another set while choices remain.

A few swimming floats may be available, but they are not guaranteed for everyone. The boat also has only one ladder for getting in and out of the water, which can create a slow queue when several people want to swim at once.

You should be comfortable in the water and able to manage without fins. If you are a weak swimmer, ask the crew for help and use any available flotation support, but do not assume a float will be waiting for you. The activity includes professional crew assistance, yet it is still wise to judge your own comfort honestly.

Malia and Stalida Offer the Best Views

After the swimming stop, the boat continues along the coast near Malia and Stalida. This part is less about getting into the water and more about seeing Crete from a different angle.

From the deck, you can look back toward cliffs, coves, and the curves of the shoreline. The boat gives you a chance to photograph sections of coast that are difficult to appreciate from land. Even if the snorkeling disappoints, this scenic portion can rescue the outing.

The route remains close to Hersonissos rather than reaching far along the island. That makes it convenient, but it also limits the sense of exploration. You will not spend hours crossing open water or visiting a string of isolated coves.

Still, the short route has a useful advantage. You do not lose half the trip to a long transfer. For a visitor with only a spare afternoon, the cruise offers a quick look at the coastline without demanding a full day or a complicated excursion.

I would choose a seat with a clear view if photography matters to you. The coastline, changing light, and wooden boat itself provide more reliable photo opportunities than marine life beneath the surface.

The Cost: Fair for a Short Sea Outing

At $37 per person, this is priced as an accessible two-hour activity. The fare includes the return cruise, crew assistance, the Saint George Bay stop, and basic snorkeling gear. It does not include food, drinks, towels, or personal purchases.

For that price, I think the trip offers reasonable value if you want a boat ride with a swimming break. The traditional ship, crew entertainment, coastal views, onboard toilet, and short duration make it easy to fit into a holiday schedule.

The value becomes less convincing if you are paying mainly for clear snorkeling. Cloudy water, crowded anchorage, limited equipment, and no fins can reduce the underwater portion to a quick swim. In that case, you may feel that the boat ride did most of the work.

Drinks are available for purchase onboard, and prices are described as reasonable. Bring your own towel, since one is not provided. Food is not included, so eat before departure or budget for an onboard purchase.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure gives you some protection if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several activities around weather and availability.

Who Will Enjoy This Crete Cruise Most?

This outing suits you best if you want a light, social boat trip rather than a serious snorkeling expedition. It is particularly appealing for families, couples who enjoy a bit of entertainment, and anyone who wants coastal views without committing to a full-day sailing trip.

Children may enjoy the pirate theme, music, crew, and parrot. The swimming stop adds a simple adventure, though parents should keep in mind the limited snorkeling equipment, single ladder, and uncertain water clarity.

You may also like it if your main aim is to get out on the water. The friendly crew and traditional ship are repeatedly praised, and the atmosphere can be more memorable than a plain transfer boat.

I would think twice if you want solitude, quiet music, or a rich underwater experience. The bay may be crowded, and the music may be too loud for anyone seeking a calm, reflective sail.

Practical Tips for a Better Two Hours

Bring your own towel and arrive ready for the water. Food and drinks are not included, though drinks can be bought onboard.

Ask for snorkeling equipment early. Check that the mask seals and that the snorkel attaches correctly before you reach Saint George Bay.

Do not count on fins. They are not part of the included equipment, so wear or bring suitable swim gear and be prepared to swim without them.

Expect music. The sound level has been a clear issue for some people, so sit away from the speakers if possible.

Keep your expectations flexible. The bay may be clear, but wind and boat traffic can reduce visibility. The dolphins and sea turtles are possible sightings, not scheduled parts of the trip.

If getting in and out of the water is difficult for you, speak with the crew before the swimming stop. There is one main ladder, and several people may need to use it.

Finally, verify the meeting point in Hersonissos before you go. The departure point is Pirates of Crete at Hersonissos Port, and the activity details should be checked carefully if you are coming from another part of Crete.

Should You Book This Sailing Experience?

Book it if you want a short, affordable boat outing with a friendly crew, a playful wooden ship, music, and a chance to swim near Hersonissos. The coastal views around Malia and Stalida are the most dependable reward, while families may enjoy the pirate mood and the parrot aboard.

Skip it if snorkeling is your top priority. The water may be cloudy, the bay may be crowded, and equipment may be limited or faulty. At $37, it remains a reasonable choice for a casual sea trip, but not a reliable substitute for a dedicated snorkeling excursion.

My advice is to book for the boat and the coastline, then treat the snorkeling as an extra. That simple adjustment gives you the right expectations and makes the experience easier to enjoy.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts two hours.

What time does the cruise begin?

The activity begins at noon, though you should check availability for the exact starting time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided for the stop at Saint George Bay. Fins are not listed as included.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Should I bring a towel?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.