boat tours crete greece

Chania Boat Trips

Enjoy swimming, history, sightseeing or simply relaxing at sea with CHANIA BOAT TRIPS!

Welcome to Chania Boat Trips

The first and original boat trip company in Chania Old Harbour. A family run business founded in 1987, we have over 35 year’s experience in delivering the best boat trips, for any occasion. With world-wide recommendations, we are proud to welcome a high number of repeat customers, many who have become our friends. Whether you enjoy swimming, history, sightseeing or simply relaxing at sea…..we have something for everyone at Chania Boat Trips!

Our 3 boats are suitable for families, friends, couples, parties and groups. We offer the widest choice of trips ranging from 1 – 4 hours, for fun swimming trips or for sightseeing and history. We have it all! With full safety equipment, modern amenities and a highly qualified and experienced crew, we guarantee a professional and personal experience on all of our boats.

Destinations

Theodorou Island (Kri-Kri Island) is a small inhabited island which is home to a number of the protected Kri-Kri of Crete. Lazaretta Island holds a long history associated with Chania starting in 1952 when the Island was used as a place of quarantine for leprosy victims. Chania Old Venetian Harbour and its lighthouse are the most popular sites to see in Chania.

Group & Private Trips

Private trips, school trips, weddings, filming and more... Catering to all tastes and needs – with long trips, short trips, all day trips, sunset trips, buffets, parties and lots more, we are confident we can find a trip perfect for your occasion!

With the widest choice of trips ranging from 1 – 4 hours, for swimming and snorkelling or sightseeing and history - We have it all!

Alexandros - Glass Bottom Boat

1 Hour - Sunset

Evagelos - Catamaran

2 Hours - Sunset

Evagelos - Catamaran Boat

Erofili - Glass Bottom Boat

3 Hours - Morning

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The first and original boat trip company in Chania Old Harbour. A family run business founded in 1987, we have over 25 year’s experience in delivering the best boat trips, for any occasion.

• [email protected]
• +30 6973987611
• Kountouriotou Street, Old Harbour, 73100, Chania, Crete, Greece

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15 Best Boat Trips in Crete

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The largest of the Greek islands , Crete is the perfect place to travel if you are looking for sun, sea and beautiful beaches. Though it has plenty of touristic areas, Crete also has parts that have remained untouched, wild and natural.

The island’s rugged landscape can make some areas difficult to reach by land, however, many of these beautiful spots can be visited by boat.

From the major towns and cities, you will find many great boat tours available to you. Sail on an old-fashioned wooden ship, cruise on a super-modern yacht or hire a private excursion for just you and your loved ones — there are many fantastic boat trips in Crete to choose from.

Explore the coastal caves and bays, the Lagoon of Balos and spend the day swimming at uninhabited nearby islands, such as Dia, Gramvousa and Lazzaretta. Opt for a longer day trip and explore the dramatic island landscape of nearby Santorini.

Wondering what boat trips are available from popular Crete destinations such as Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno? Look no further, here’s the list of the best boat trips in Crete you need for a fantastic boating adventure!

Boat trips from Chania

Boat trips from heraklion, boat trips from agios nikolaos, boat trips from rethymno.

Don’t know where to stay in Crete yet? Check our full catalog of boat tours in Crete

• boat tours in Crete

One of the most famous towns in Greece, Chania offers a lot for tourists to see and experience. With its famous beaches, such as Balos, Elafonissi, Falassarna, and many more, water trips and boat rides are one of the best things to do here!

Choose from sunset boat cruises and sailing trips as well as traditional boat cruises to some of the best nearby island destinations such as Gramvousa and Lazzaretta. Choose activity-based tours where you can snorkel, and paddleboard or just relax on deck and soak up the sun.

Wanting a different experience? Boat rentals may be a great choice for you! With various boats to choose from, available both with or without a captain, you can create your own itinerary. Visit all your must-see destinations and have a blast as you cruise around the waters of Chania, Greece.

• boat tours in Chania

Read more; Fun things to do in Chania

1 – Traditional Boat Cruise to Lazaretta Island

Take a trip back in time as you visit some of the region’s historic places on a Traditional Boat Cruise to Lazaretta Island! Visit the uninhabited islets of Agioi Theorodoi and Lazaretta Island which were in use during the Venetian occupation of Crete. Catch a panoramic view of the Old Harbor and swim at small deserted beaches.

These boat trips include a guided tour, use of snorkeling equipment, snacks and beverages, including fresh fruit and a drink of traditional Greek raki. Aside from getting to visit these unique spots on this boat trip, you can also discover their historic significance, visit World War II wrecks and see rare wildlife such as the local goats known as Kri Kri.

The entire trip lasts around 4 hours. It starts depending on availability, and offers full cancellation and refunds up to 24 hours before departure. The islands are visitable mainly by swimming, so if you don’t want to get wet or are not a confident swimmer, this tour might not be the best one for you. If you enjoy a bit of snorkeling, island exploring and discovering the local history this could be one of the best boat trips in Crete for you.

So what are you waiting for? Interested to know more about the local history? Book this boat ride and uncover the past — there’s a whole lot more than meets the eye!

2 – Sunset Boat Cruise with Guide

This 1-hour Sunset Boat Cruise might just be what you need to unwind. Gaze upon the beautiful dusky views in this laid-back and relaxing boat tour. In addition, you could also learn about the history of Chania, see its famous lighthouse, and appreciate the sunrise across the Gulf of Chania, as well as the Kissamos Mountains.

Sip on a glass of traditional Greek raki as you get to admire the beautiful views of the town, from onboard the boat.

The boat trip starts in the Old Venetian Harbor, then heads out to the Gulf of Chania. Then it is straight ahead to Lazaretta Island. This is the perfect spot to see the sunset across the Kissamos Mountains, a wonderful sight of nature to gaze upon! As the boat starts its return trip back to the city, look for the beautiful views of the lighthouse’s beam reflecting in the water — what is not to love.

Enjoy a guided commentary as well as a drink of traditional Greek raki, which are included in this trip. This is a short trip where you can catch great views of the area at sunset and also learn a bit about the history of the city.

Tours are given in either Greek or English and they also offer a cancellation of the booking with a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip.

This is a great value short tour for those who just want to experience sailing on the beautiful Gulf of Chania. It delivers a perfect combination of natural beauty and history in a relaxing and romantic sunset cruise.

• sunset boat tours in Chania

3 – Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling

The clear crystal waters and gorgeous beaches of Crete are among the main attractions for those visiting the island. Why not indulge in a boat trip that includes some of the most fun and popular seaside activities? Snorkel in the Aegean Sea and discover its colorful marine life, paddleboard the coves and inlets and sail the waters off the coast of Crete.

This 3-hour boat trip includes a local guide and instructor to show you the area and complimentary standup paddleboards and snorkeling equipment, including wetsuits, floats and toys for children. In addition, you can choose pick-up and drop-off at hotels within the city of Chania to make the whole experience as hassle-free as possible. You will also receive free photos and a short video, as well as a fresh basket of fruits and bottled water, making these tours a great value experience!

The pick-up is done from specific points near your hotel within the city of Chania and is ahead of the starting time (including the areas of Kalyves, Souda, and Georgioupolis). This is perfect for small groups having 10 or fewer members and tours can be conducted in either English, German, French, or Greek. Cancellation of the booking as well as full refunds is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip.

This is a great tour for those who want to explore above and below the water while they visit Chania!

4 –  Gramvousa and Balos boat trip from Chania

Wanting to visit serene and tranquil islands near the city of Chania? This cruise will take you to where you want to be! Visit the island of Gramvousa and Gramvousa Beach and the famous Balos Lagoon on this island exploration tour.

One reason people visit Gramvousa is because of its historic reputation as a pirate island and the legends of hidden pirate treasure in the region. The Castle in Gramvousa is definitely something you should check out while exploring the coast and it cuts a striking profile on top of the island’s highest point.

Balos Lagoon is the other main reason why people love to visit this place. This calm and shallow lagoon has crystal clear waters and is the perfect place to take a dip after exploring the island’s historic ruins. The lagoon is a unique natural phenomenon and a place that has to be seen to be believed.

The Gramvousa islands are truly some of the gems of the area and are not to be missed during your time on Crete. They offer the perfect secluded location to grab some peace and relaxation amid nature.

The entire trip takes approximately 10-12 hours, with the itinerary of visiting the two destinations, Gramvousa Beach and Balos Lagoon. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are offered in an airconditioned luxury bus, from selected locations within the city of Chania. A full refund is also available for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip.

Book a trip and set the date to sail off and enjoy the islands near Chania!

Experience more of Crete by sailing from the island’s main port and capital city Heraklion , famous for its archaeological sites and Venetian-style buildings to name a few.

Several boat tours can take you to different towns around Crete such as the bays of St. George’s and Mirabello and Agia Pelagia beach as well as popular nearby islands, including Dia, Spinalonga and Chrissi. Take your pick of different sailing experiences including a voyage on an old-fashioned pirate ship or a super modern catamaran.

Those who don’t like to follow the crowd can even rent their own boat which gives the freedom to explore at will and under one’s own itinerary. There are a lot of boats and cruises that offer rentals, with or without captains as well, allowing you free choice of exactly where you would like to go.

For the adventurers, they may experience scuba diving and explore Crete underwater world.

Capture memories and seize the moments by touring the wonderful island of Crete, from its capital city, Heraklion. Traveling at sea offers a way more different experience than traveling by land, the perfect reason to join one of these great boat trips in Crete.

• boat tours in Heraklion

Read more; Fun things to do in Heraklion

5 – Sailing trip to Dia Island

Looking for an island escape for a little peace and tranquility while in Heraklion? This intimate sailing trip to Dia Island may be just what you’re looking for!

Perfect for small groups of 8 or fewer members, this cruise includes swimming, snorkeling , and fishing activities with all equipment provided. A full meal is also provided with a menu of Mediterranean dishes to choose from as well as complimentary water, fruit and unlimited drinks.

Unwind onboard and enjoy refreshments prepared by the attentive crew before you reach the small and picturesque St. George’s Bay on Dia Island. Here you can take a stroll beneath the island’s cedar trees, sunbathe onshore or snorkel in the clear bay waters.

This 4.5-hour cruise offers a great-value experience for small groups. It includes a stop-off at Dia Island, one of the must-see locations near Heraklion, Crete.

The booking includes hotel pick-up within 20 kilometers of Heraklion Port (from Agia Pelagia to Hersonissos) with an English-speaking guide, unlimited refreshments, and an optional hotel or cruise ship transfer. Full refunds are offered on all cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

This all-inclusive sailing boat trip is a great-value and hassle-free option for those searching for short day trips for a family or small group.

6 – Full-Day Trip with a Pirate Boat Cruise to Koufonissi Island

Ever dreamed of sailing the high seas in a vintage galleon? Take this full-day pirate boat cruise to the gorgeous Dia Island!

Live like a pirate captain if just for one day as you cruise the turquoise waters of the Sea of Crete. Get the chance to swim and snorkel —equipment is provided, in the waters of St. George’s Bay with this fun day trip aboard the Black Rose pirate ship.

The multi-stop cruise takes passengers from Heraklion to St. Georges Bay on the island of Dia and then returns to Crete to visit the beaches of Sissi, Stalis, and Malia. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and turtles as you sail through the open waters and don’t forget to grab some fantastic photos. A complimentary BBQ lunch will be served on board, prepared by the pirate crew.

The ship is called the Black Rose, and sails from Hersonnisos, near Heraklion, to the nearby island of Dia in this 5-hour trip. If you’re looking for an atmospheric and unique way to tour the Cretan islands with all amenities, services and comfort provided, this could be just the tour for you. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

Live your swashbuckling dreams today and hop onboard the Black Rose pirate cruise. This is bound to be a highlight of your trip and is surely one of the most fun boat trips in Crete for children and young families!

7 – Comfort cruise – sailing boat trips from Heraklion, Crete

Set sail in style as you experience a luxurious cruise trip, aboard the Lagoon 400 Catamaran. Departing from Heraklion to Dia Island, this inclusive boat excursion is sure to provide you with a leisurely and relaxing trip.

This comfort cruise is perfect for an intimate and classy experience. It allows groups of up to 10 people aboard, making it a perfect trip for friends and family and a more intimate environment for solo travelers and couples.

Cruise to the idyllic Dia Island and snorkel in the pristine waters of the Aegean Sea. Paddleboard in the clear and bay and look for native fish and sea turtles which can sometimes be spotted in the area.

Included in the package are alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and soft drinks as well as a Mediterranean lunch. The use of snorkels, paddleboards and fishing equipment is also included and there is also free onboard WiFi.

The trip lasts approximately 5 hours and passengers will visit the small uninhabited island of Dia. A menu of tasty Mediterranean dishes and beverages of choice are served on board, so you can be sure of the utmost comfort and enjoyability on your Dia Island boat trip.

Wanting to relax and unwind on a luxurious and classy small boat tour? This comfort cruise may be just what you’re looking for! Full refunds are offered on cancellations made over 24 hours in advance.

• sailing boat tours in Heraklion

8 – Santorini Full-Day Tour by Boat

Considering a full-day boat tour to the glamorous island of Santorini? This boat trip could be just what you are looking for.

Located just over 80 miles to the north of Crete, Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands to visit and just one of the popular boat trips in Crete. Sail the Sea of Crete on a day-long boat trip and get the chance to tour this unique and picturesque volcanic Island. Visit the small community of Oia, the main town of Fira, and indulge your senses at this popular Greek island destination.

The full tour takes around 14 hours and takes you from Crete to Santorini, introducing to you its beautiful islands, its geology and volcanic history, and the beautiful villages and communities that can be found here.

The tour includes hotel pick-up and travel during your time in Santorini. The total sailing time takes just a few hours each way so you’ll have plenty of time onshore to explore.

While sailing on the Sea of Crete, you can take the time to relax and admire the beautiful views of the approaching islands. Upon arriving on Santorini island, you will see the traditional whitewashed buildings of Fira rising far over the crater’s edge.

You will then get to visit the scenic town of Oia where you can wander the narrow streets and get a taste of the island. Bus travel will be provided for excursions to other places.

Leave your worries behind and relax on a day-long boat tour visiting the beautiful Cycladic island of Santorini.

• Santorini tours from Heraklion

9 – Chrissi Island Cruise Boat Trip

Take a day-long cruise to nearby Chrissi Island to enjoy its clear turquoise sea waters, fine coral sand and unspoiled natural beauty.

Located off Crete’s southern coast in the Libyan Sea, this uninhabited island is a popular day trip from the town of Ierapetra. Here you can spend the day sunbathing on the pink-hued sands, swimming at the idyllic beaches and exploring the island’s unique locations.

Visit cedar forests that are over 200 years old, hunt for fossils in the island’s volcanic rocks and check out the Orthodox Church of St.Nicholas.

For those who like to swim and snorkel, the sea around Chrissi Island is an ideal place. The waters are crystal clear and remain relatively shallow up to a kilometer from the shore — offering excellent visibility.

Visiting the nearby islands is something not to miss out on during your time in Crete. These boat tours offer speedy and reliable transportation allowing you to make the most of your time here.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are offered at selected hotels and sailing time is approximately one hour each way. This gives visitors plenty of time to relax, explore and get comfortable on the island. This tour offers cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

If you’re looking for peaceful boat trips in Crete with minimal time spent sailing, this could be the perfect tour for you.

• Chrissi tours from Heraklion

Staying in or around the bustling coastal town of Agios Nikolaos ? There are plenty of great boat tours to choose from which are available to suit most budgets.

Take a safari tour for a truly unforgettable adventure where you’ll trek over land in a rugged 4×4 before hitting the waves for a thrilling speedboat tour of the nearby islands. Dip beneath the waves for a unique semi-submarine cruise or enjoy a classic sailing experience aboard a traditional wooden sailboat.

Boat rentals are also an option and if you’re feeling flush you can charter a yacht to cruise the local hotspots. Opt for a private dinner cruise for just you and that special someone or bring the family on a sailing trip they’ll never forget.

• boat tours in Agios Nikolaos

10 – Spinalonga and Milatos Cave Safari Excursion & Speedboat

Tour the wildest regions of Crete with a Land Rover and speedboat safari from the town of Agios Nikolaos.

Begin your trip with a 4×4 tour across the island which will take you to a traditional olive oil factory and through the island’s rural regions. Tour the traditional small towns and villages and see the picturesque mountains and valleys which characterize this part of Crete.

Explore the Milatos Cave system which was the sight of a historic battle and now houses a small chapel.

See the small islands off the coast and glimpse the superb views over the Gulf of Mirabello. These tours take you off the beaten path and offer an ideal mixture of an adventure safari and boat trip!

From the village of Plaka, you’ll jump on board a speedboat that will carry you over to the historic island of Spinalonga. Here you can see the ruins of the old leper colony and a Venetian-era fort from the 16th-century.

The tour is for small groups only and is limited to just six people, ensuring a personalized experience. It is conducted by a professional local guide and is offered in English as well as Italian, French and German so you can pick up a few local facts and some history on your way.

This 7-hour trip is sure to scratch your itch for adventure and introduce you to some of Crete’s most attractive natural places. Pick-up and transportation are included in the price.

11 – Agios Nikolaos Semi-Submarine Cruise

Ever wanted to explore life beneath the waves but don’t fancy scuba diving? You can with a Semi-Submarine Cruise in the Agios Nikolaos Bay.

Take a seat in these innovative glass-hulled boats for unbeatable panoramic views of the seafloor. Discover colorful fish species and coral as well as the many other creatures that inhabit the underwater environment off the shores of Crete.

If you’re in luck, you may catch a glimpse of curious dolphins or rare sea turtles as they pass through the region. Check out the onboard audio and visual guides — which are offered in multiple languages, to identify the most common fish and plant species on these subaquatic cruises. An experienced and professional crew is also on hand to assist guests on the trip.

Take a seat on the main deck for the return journey and witness the picturesque views of Agios Nikolaos Bay. Relax and enjoy the sea breeze as you admire the sights on your way back to port. Witness the action above and below the waves on these great-value boat tours.

The Agios Nikolaos Semi-Submarine Cruise is wheelchair accessible and offers full refunds on cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

If you’re searching for the most unique, educational and best-value boat tours from Agios Nikolaos, the Semi-Submarine Cruise is a good choice.

• see price and reviews

12 – Mirabello Bay Full-Day Sailing Trip

Take a classic full-day sailing excursion from Agios Nikolaos on the northeast coast of Crete.

Board a traditional wooden sailboat and head out onto Mirabello Bay to visit some of its most scenic beaches and tranquil islands.

After leaving the port you will sail the short distance over to the small uninhabited island of Pseira where you can swim and enjoy the calm waters of the bay. You will then head southwest back to Crete and drop anchor near Agriomantra Beach —which can only be reached by sea, for another swim-stop.

The tour continues with a western cruise around Mirabello Bay to Vouliasma Beach at Kalo Xorio before heading back to the marina of Agios Nikolaos.

This sailing boat trip is good for small groups of up to 12 people and offers a leisurely way to tour the beautiful bays, islands, and beaches of Crete!

The entire trip takes around six hours and food is provided onboard. The route can change dependent on weather conditions and your host will also be guiding you throughout the entire trip.

This trip doesn’t offer hotel pick-up or drop-off but there is a public transport service near the departure point.

If you’re craving sun, sea, sand and sails this tour offers it all. Enjoy a classic sailing experience on a traditional wooden boat in the enchanting region of Mirabello Bay!

• sailing boat tours in Agios Nikolaos

If you’re staying in the picturesque city of Rethymno on Crete’s northern coast, there is a great selection of boat tours to choose from.

Whether you prefer the steady pace of a traditional wooden sailboat or the invigorating adventure of a self-drive safari boat tour, you can find it here!

You could also opt to rent a boat for the day, with or without a captain, and cruise the shore to your own schedule, stopping when and where you please.

Discover the best of Rethymno on a boat trip to suit your tastes!

• boat tours in Rethymno

13 – Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

Experience the high-life, if just for a day, on board a pirate boat cruise from Rethymno.

Tour the coastline of Crete and discover its natural bays and hidden caves on a classic-styled wooden boat known as “Captain Hook”. On this five-hour trip, you will discover the beauty of the Cretan coast, get the chance to swim in secluded bays and even enjoy a light lunch.

The tour begins by sailing west to take in the scenic views of the Venetian port of Rethymno. Passing by Gerani Bay, the boat will then drop anchor in the Bay of Kefalas giving passengers a chance to swim and snorkel straight from the boat or enjoy a spot of sunbathing on deck.

Next, eat a healthy lunch on board followed by more time for swimming and sunbathing and more opportunity to relax and calm your soul. The boat will then return to the historic harbor of Rethymno taking in views of the caves of Kefalas on the way.

This is a great cruise for families with younger children as well as the young at heart! Hop on board and discover the joys of life at sea on this great-value pirate-themed boat cruise.

Cancellations made over 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund.

14 – Half-Day Small-Group Boat Safari in Crete

Leaving from Georgioupoli — just a short drive west of Rethymno, this half-day small boat safari offers lots of fun for friends and family! Get the chance to captain the boat yourself while having a safety guide on hand at all times — this is a must-do for adventure lovers while in Crete.

The guide will lead the way and you will follow behind in your own small boat with just your group— no licenses needed.

This 3.5-hour-long trip will allow you to explore the wider area of Georgioupolis, Obrogialos, and discover mesmerizing sea caves and coastal views. There will of course be plenty of time for snorkeling in the cool turquoise waters of the Cretan Sea.

Enjoy a half-day self-drive boat trip where you get a chance to captain a boat on the clear waters around the coast of Crete. Snap some incredible photos of your travel, and let the good times roll on these fun and exhilarating tours.

All you need to bring is your swimsuits, cameras and good vibes! Each boat seats up to 5 people and snacks and water and hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in the price.

15 – Sunset sailing cruise on yacht catamaran from Rethymno

If you’re looking for a romantic or relaxing boat tour for couples or families this sunset sailing cruise from Rethymno could be just what you’re looking for.

Sail on a modern catamaran yacht from the historic harbor of Rethymno to the island of Dia.  Cruise the northern coast of the Crete past beautiful bays and traditional villages. Take the chance to grab some quality relaxation as you swim or enjoy some relaxing fishing straight from the side of the boat! All equipment is provided and you can enjoy snacks, drinks and WiFi onboard.

The trip is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to admire the views of the island from the sea, as well as try some fun water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling. While on the way back to port, relax on deck and enjoy the views of Crete and Rethymno from the water lit up in the colorful glow of the sunset.

The price includes finger foods as well as drinks, including tea and coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. Use of water equipment such as snorkels and paddleboards is also included.

Don’t forget your swimsuit and your camera for these romantic sunset sailing tours.

Bonus: rent your own boat

Got a specific tour in mind but can’t find it listed here? Consider renting a boat and creating your own itinerary!

Spend the day fishing offshore or cruising the coastline of Crete, stopping when and where you please. Take a private boat rental trip to escape the crowds and choose between captained or self-captained rentals.

Whatever you have in mind, from the smallest motorboats — for up to five people, to large sailing yachts for the whole family, there is a rental here to suit you.

• boat rentals in Crete

We hope you enjoyed reading about the best boat trips in Crete and find this useful for planning your next trip!

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

While you still there, don’t miss our selection of fun things to do in Crete .

As always, happy travels!

• Morning Sailing Trip to Dia Island
• Morning Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Transfer
• Sunset Sailing Trip to DIa Island
• Sunset Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Transfer
• Private Sailing Trip Six Hours

SAILING TRIPS CRETE

The sea awaits you.

DAILY SHARED AND PRIVATE CHARTER TRIPS AROUND CRETE AND OTHER GREEK ISLANDS

Sailing Trips Crete

Sailing trips from Crete. Come and enjoy the beautiful waters of Crete with our carefully planned sailing trips. Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. Get ready for an unforgettable journey that will show you the stunning beauty of Crete’s clear seas from a new perspective. Enjoy the excitement of sailing along the coast of Crete or to Dia Island, starting from Heraklion in Crete.

As you sail to your next destination, enjoy complimentary beverages and treat yourself to delicious seafood or pesto pasta.

Sailing Trips to Dia Island

Dive into the refreshing hug of the sea, go on snorkeling adventures, and explore the underwater world. Feel like trying fishing or maybe having fun with paddleboarding? And if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins joining you on your trip.

Choose to book a private sailing boat in Crete or join a shared day or sunset sailing trip with a maximum of eight people. Our profesional crew will take care of everything and maybe even teach you something new.

Our top sailing boat tours operate from March to October every year, a tradition since 2001, leaving from Heraklion Port in Crete.

TRANSFER SERVICE AREAS

We cover the following areas in Crete. East from Heraklion: Hersonissos (Chersonissos), Malia, Stalida (Stalis), Analipsi, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras (Agkisaras), Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Karteros, Heraklion. West of Heraklion: Ammoudara, Gazi, Lygaria and Agia Pelagia.

And don’t forget: “SAIL. RELAX. REPEAT”.

Set Sails Team

Private Charters

Private charters are perfect for enjoying the Aegean Sea.

Boat Trips from Heraklion

Boat trips from Heraklion in Crete. Enjoy the fresh smell of the Greek Mediterranean sea as you go on a magical journey with your loved one. Come aboard our luxurious full-day sailing trip from Heraklion, Crete and let us guide you on an unforgettable adventure.

Take in the beautiful sights of Crete’s capital, Heraklion, from our stylish sailing yacht, together with our expert captain and crew. As we sail away from Heraklion port, breathe in the salty air and feel the sea breeze on your face.

Enjoy our delicious seafood pasta and no limit drinks (including wine, beer, water, and soft drinks). Our six-hour sailing trip to Dia Island from Heraklion departs daily from the charming Heraklion port in Crete, and transports you to the secluded and peaceful Dia Island.

Join us for a perfect day boat tour in Crete that will make memories you’ll cherish forever.

Secure your spot for the best sailing trip in Crete.

Max 8 Persons Per Boat Trip

Private Boat Trips in Crete

If you want to book an amazing sailing boat trip for you and your guests, look no further. Dive into the beautiful blue waters of the Greek Mediterranean sea on our luxurious sailing boat and enjoy stunning views of Crete’s capital, Heraklion, from the sea, by our professional captain and crew.

Enjoy a full day of happiness, with our delicious seafood pasta and drinks (including wine, beer, water, and soft drinks), all in your package. Our top six-hour sailing trip leaves daily from the Heraklion port and sails to Dia Island.

Perfect for special events, we can arrange almost anything to ensure your private tour is an unforgettable experience. Reserve now and get ready to make memories that will stay with you forever.

Book now your Private Sailing Trip Experience in Crete.

Max 8 Persons Per Boat

Our Services

With more than 20 years of Experience, we know what you are looking for. Here are some of our services and products, included in the price of our sailing trip in Crete to satisfy every need. 

Food and Drinks

Our on-board seafood pasta is renowned for its delicious taste. To ensure the best satisfaction of all our customers, we also provide unlimited Cretan white wine, soft drinks, water, and beer. Additionally, we understand that some individuals may have seafood allergies, which is why we offer alternative pasta options to accommodate their needs.

Fishing and Snorkeling Equipment

During our sailing trips, we offer our customers the use of snorkeling and fishing equipment. Explore the depths of the sea and see what treasures you may find, or simply enjoy the thrill of catching fish that you can keep.

Stand Up Paddle

Stand up paddling has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a sport that’s accessible to everyone, whether you prefer paddling on a serene beach or on the open sea. There are numerous ways to enjoy it, whether you view it as a challenging workout or as a complement to a relaxing sailing boat trip.

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Compliance status

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email [email protected]

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.

Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
• Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to [email protected]

• Da Vinci, Bavaria 51
• Shared Sailing Trips
• Private Sailing Trips
• Elounda, Agios Nikolaos
• Agia Pelagia

Photo Gallery

• Company Profile

Luxury Yachts

With our brand new Bavaria 51 features high-quality materials and first-class design with attention to detail present everywhere, we set sail to Crete’s undiscovered beaches.

Skilled Skippers

We will provide you with a professional, skilled skipper to do the sailing for you, leaving you to relish a relaxing vacation on Crete.

Unique Destinations

Be it a day-trip to the islet of Dia for swimming in its crystal clear waters or fishing or just… pure and simple slacking under the Cretan sun

WiFi On Board

Just because you are on holiday and having fun, doesn’t mean you should you keep up with your emails and social media. Start tagging now. #greencruisescrete

Brand new, luxury yachts and unique services

Why choose us.

We know Crete better than everyone 2 decades of holiday handling experience Brand new, top quality vessels

• Experienced and friendly skippers
• Fully customizable trips
• Value-for-money services

Our Vessels

Our “Da Vinci” – Bavaria 51, brand new and just off Bavaria’s production line , is at the moment the only one available in Greece . Probably the most popular of sailing yachts, she handles incredibly smooth. Her exterior and interior alike are pure luxury.

Her sailing characteristics are simply outstanding and uncomplicated as well as the ultimate in comfort. 100% Made in Germany, Bavaria 51 features high-quality materials and first-class design with attention to detail present everywhere.

Our Sailing Tours

Full-day sailing trip to Dia Island, 09:00 morning departure

Sunset sailing trip to Dia Island, afternoon departure

Half-day sailing trip to Dia Island, 09:00 morning departure

Full-day sailing trip to Agia Pelagia

Weather in crete.

The renowned amongst sea-men N-NW Meltemi wind begins roughly in June and dies down around mid-September and early October .

In July and August Meltemi blows at a force of 5 to 6 and sometimes 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale. It may last for up to two weeks long, usually blowing from several directions.

Popular Destinations

• Agios Nikolaos

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Discover Crete

Plakias boat tours.

Discover and explore South Crete by boat!

Visit untouched paradise beaches or experience fishing on the open sea. Captain Tasos and his crew are waiting for you every morning in the harbor of the beautiful village of Plakias. Make your choice from the various boat tours which are organised daily. With a lifetime of experience and 6 different boats available, Captain Tasos’ greatest priority is to take you along on a unique and wonderful trip.

Day Trips & Destinations

Discover and explore South Crete by boat. Visit untouched paradise beaches or experience fishing on the open sea.

Speed Boat Safari 5h

A 2h mini-trip during the day for lounging in the shade or sunbathing, snorkeling & swimming.

Speed Boat LUX Tour – All in 1 day 7h

Mini Get away 2h

Elafonissi Lagoon – Full day

Elafonisi is one of the most breathtaking beaches of Crete with its clear blue waters, pink sand, and shallow lagoons

Far West tour – Extended tour

The highlights of south west Crete in one day, departure as always from the Plakias port.

Gavdos Island – Private Charter

This island is the most southern point of Europe, only accessible by boat. 

Paximadia Islands Full day

The impressive rocky beauty and its unspoiled turquoise blue water are very much worth visiting.

Treasure of the South Tour – 8 hour Full day

First stop is at the lonely White Beach in between Rodakino and Frangokastello.

Treasure of the South Tour – 4 hour Half day

First stop is at the lonely White Beach in between Rodakino and Frangokastello

Sunset – 2 hour Mini tour

Enjoy a late evening tour just outside the bay of Plakias to see the dramatic sunset.

Watch our video’s

Watch some of our experiences on YouTube! Charter one of our boats for the day and discover the amazing beauty of south Crete by boat. We have a wide variety of destinations.

Meet our team

Tasos Tsanas – Captain & Owner. For over 38 years he has been a captain  at sea. From a young boy he was out fishing daily with his father,  Manolis one of the eldest professional fishermen of the village. In 2005 Tasos met his Belgian wife Lisa . Today, she welcomes you as office manager of Plakias Boat Tours.

Tasos Tsanas

Captain and owner

Lisa Michiels Tsana

Coastal inspired art & office assistant

Manolis Tsanas

Captain & Big Boss

Frank Lewin

Stella Drimaki

Office Manager

• Testimonials

What our clients say

Great day out on the water with Captain Tasos.  He made my boys feel like they were his family.  Highly recommend this trip.  Had a great time on the water.

We took a private charter with Tasos during our stay in Plakias and it was one of the highlights of our entire Italy/Greece vacation! Tasos and the staff were incredibly easy to communicate with, especially given that we made plans last minute. We used the website and communicated via email and within minutes we were able to get our questions answered and book the full-day Treasure of the South Tour. The entire day and experience was awesome and effortless. We visited places that would have taken hours and hours to get to by car (or not at all, given most of the places we stopped were only accessible by boat or an incredibly long hike in the heat)! It was a great experience for my family, as Tasos made us feel at home and literally gave us a personal tour of the south coast, going to remote beaches and really cool caves to explore and swim in/near. He even took time to take pictures for us in certain areas, as we couldn't do that and swim/explore. The entire time was fun and relaxing (and informative)! I highly recommend Tasos and Plakias Boat Tours and would most definitely use them again! Google Review link

Our family of 5 (4 adults + 1 child, aged 7) booked this tour rather last-minute to take advantage of the warmer weather during our holiday on Crete. We found Plakias Boat Tours was one of the only tour operators in the area and the website sold the trip. After a quick enquiry and an even quicker response late at night, we had the 8-hour “treasures of the south coast” tour booked the very next day! Captain Frank was great, made the trip a lot of fun. The stops were all magical in their own way. It is late October so we can’t blame Frank for the “refreshing” water temperature! But the Sun, hospitality and drinks and snacks made it all worth it. We really enjoyed the clay skin treatment at white beach. Loutro was a very quaint, perfect Greek village. The snorkeling was lovely, all gear provided. We all had a great time, all for a reasonable price…and we would highly recommend this tour! Google Review link

Great fun day out.  We went to mud beach, Loutro and Marmara.  A brilliant fun day.  Well done Captain!

Booked this trip with a group of friends.  Had a super day.  Captain knew some great spots to stop at.  Had fun on mud beach, covering ourselves with white mud then washing it off in the clear blue sea. Swam into some beautiful caves where the light shone through like diamonds.  Sea was like silk, so clear ad blue.  Loutro is very quaint and you are able to do a bit of shopping or sample a refreshing ice-cream.  Would highly recommend.

Breath-taking views.  Sailed and swan into some caves and enjoyed the beautiful crystal clear waters.

A trip not to be missed!  Had the best time ever.  Will be booking another boat trip with Tasos.

Took my 14 year old for a fishing trip with Tasos.  Had a fun relaxing time and a great learning experience for my son.  Laughed and joked all day.

Thank you Captain Tasos for an incredible evening of fishing.  Tasos is a total expert and knows the best spots

We had a great time.  First time sea fishing and Captain was an awesome teacher.  Caught my first fish!

Very knowledgeable and friendly crew.  Great trip for the boys.  Would highly recommend

Never thought I would want to go fishing with men.  Wow!!  What a fun time I had catching squid at night.  Laughed so much.  An experience to try.  Topped off by a beautiful sunset.

View all Google reviews

Visit untouched paradise beaches or experience fishing on the open sea.

Information

• Combination Tours
• Sunset Tours
• Destinations Map
• Privacy policy
• Terms and conditions
• Plakias, Rethymno Crete Greece
• +30 697 094 4190
• +30 697 988 7749
• [email protected]

Yacht In Crete best boat & sailing trips in Crete

Yacht In Crete offers private and semi-private boat and sailing trips around Crete and Greek islands. Select among the best boat trips, sailing trips, activities or other services and enjoy an unforgettable tour. Hire a motor yacht, sailing yacht, catamaran or rib boat which will offer you a unique experience during your holidays in Crete.

DESTINATIONS

Crete Boat Hire Services

Yacht In Crete offers memorable yachting experience with a fleet of up to 20 yachts, sailing catamarans and rib boats for visiting the best destinations in Crete and Greek islands. Find the best boat trips, sailing trips or rib boat trips with Yact In Crete.

Wedding party on a sailing yacht, motor yacht or catamaran of your choice, plan your sailing trip or boat trip with Yacht In Crete.

Birthday party on a sailing yacht, motor yacht or catamaran of your choice, plan your sailing trip or boat trip with Yacht In Crete.

Bachelor party on a sailing yacht, motor yacht or catamaran of your choice, plan your sailing trip or boat trip with Yacht In Crete.

Rent a sailing yacht or catamaran with Yacht In Crete and combine yoga with a sailing trip away from the city, relax your mind.

We offer diving for almost all levels, from begginers to certified divers, including equipment insurance. Plan your diving with us.

Enjoy an unforgettable fishing trip in Crete hire the boat of your choice in one of the best holiday destinations in the world.

Most popular boat trips in Crete

Hersonissos boat trips to Dia island, hire a boat from Hersonissos and experience an unforgettable boat trip to Dia island with Yacht In Crete.

Hersonissos sunset sailing trips, rent a boat from Hersonissos and enjoy the majestic view and the colourful sunset with Yacht In Crete.

Chania boat trips to Gramvousa and Balos. Hire a boat with Yacht In Crete from Chania and discover Gramvousa and Balos.

Agios Nikolaos boat trips to Kolokytha, Spinalonga island, Plaka and Elounda. Hire a boat with Yacht In Crete from Agios Nikolaos.

Ierapetra boat trips to Chrissi island. Rent a boat from Ierapetra and visit one of the most popular destinations at north east Crete.

Heraklion boat trips to Santorini. Hire a boat with Yacht In Crete and enjoy an unforgettable boat trip to Santorini.

Boat Trips and Sailing Tours

CATAMARAN SAILING TRIP

Sunset cruise on sailing boat, sailing cruises to dia island, cruise on glass bottom boat, cruise on pirate boat .

CRUISE ON SAILING BOAT ELENI

• [email protected]
• +30 6981466951
• 196, El. Venizeou, Hersonissos, Crete

Explore The Other Side of Crete

Join us for a thrilling day of city tours, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. From water sports to outdoor recreation, we have it all!

Hersonissos Tours

Welcome to Ela Tours, your ultimate guide to exploring the beautiful islands of Crete and Santorini. Our website offers an extensive range of tours and activities to cater to the varying interests and preferences of our clients. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have something for everyone. Browse through our selection of tours, boat trips, and activities to discover the best of what Crete and Santorini have to offer. With Ela Tours, you can create unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Tour Categories

At Ela Tours in Hersonissos, Crete, we offer an extensive range of tours, boat trips, and activities to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. We offer cultural tours that take you to the heart of the island’s rich history and heritage, such as visits to ancient sites like the Palace of Knossos or the Minoan Palace of Phaistos. For those seeking adventure, we offer exciting outdoor activities like hiking in the Samaria Gorge, ATV safaris, and horse riding in the countryside. We also offer relaxing boat trips that allow you to explore the stunning coastline of Crete, including a visit to the uninhabited island of Dia. Our boat trips also include options for snorkeling and swimming in crystal clear waters. We also provide a variety of activities for families, including visits to water parks and museums. 

Land Rover Safari

Sightseeing

Water Sports

Popular tours and activities.

Our Selection of the most popular tours and activities for 2023.

Beach Horse-Riding Exclusive

Hiking Tour – Havgas Gorge

Sailing Trip in Hersonissos

Lassithi Plateau -Zeus Cave- Knossos Palace

Santorini One Day Tour (with Transfer from Hotel)

Zorbas – Snorkeling Cruise

Samaria Gorge

Gramvousa – Balos Blue Lagoon

Our services.

Ela Tours is a reputable travel agency that specializes in selling tours and activities in Hersonissos, Crete. They offer a wide range of services to travelers who want to explore this beautiful region of Greece. The agency provides personalized tour packages that include airport transfers, hotel bookings, and guided tours of local attractions. They also offer unique experiences such as cooking classes, wine tastings, and sailing excursions around the island. Their knowledgeable guides can take travelers to hidden gems like the traditional mountain villages of Crete or the remote beaches of the south coast. Ela Tours is committed to providing high-quality services that cater to the individual needs and interests of each traveler. Whether travelers are seeking a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous outdoor experience, Ela Tours can help them plan the perfect vacation to Hersonissos and make the most of their time in this stunning part of Greece.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Value for money is a crucial aspect for Ela Tours Agency as it determines customer satisfaction and loyalty. We provide value for money that offers our customers an exceptional experience for a reasonable price. It means that our agency not only delivers quality services but also ensures that the customer’s expectations are met or exceeded. 

KNOWLEDGE SINCE 1992

As a tours and activities agency operating in Crete since 1992, Ela Tours has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local tourism industry. Over the years, the agency has established partnerships with local businesses and suppliers, enabling it to offer a vast array of tours and activities that showcase the best of Crete’s culture, history, and natural beauty. With a team of experienced and knowledgeable staff, Ela Tours can provide expert advice and guidance to customers, helping them make the most of their time on the island.

CUSTOMER CARE

Customer care is a critical aspect of the travel industry, and as a travel agency in Crete, Ela Tours should prioritize it. Providing excellent customer care can lead to increased customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive reviews. To ensure high-quality customer care, Ela Tours should focus on providing personalized attention to its customers, addressing their needs and concerns promptly and professionally.

Testimonials

What our happy customers say.

I spent my summer holidays in Crete this month and I booked 5 local trips from Touring Club : Santorini, Balos, Spinalonga, Gramvousa and Lassithi Plateau. It worth it, because they were very organized, nice guides, friendly drivers....Number 11 is the best driver 🙂 !!! Crete Island is very beautiful and you need more than 1 week to descover it's beauty. Thank you Touring Club for this nice experience. I will came back soon.

We did 2 day tours, to Spinalonga and to Heraklion/Knossos. The rep at Ela Tours 2 in Hersonissos told us about any additional charges (entrance fees to Spinalonga and Combined ticket for Museum/Knossos) but all together the value for money was very good. The archaeological museum was visited before Knossos and this seemed for us logical and enhanced the visit to the palace which was quieter by late afternoon. Only one unnecessary stop in Heraklion at a shopping centre. The guide for both days was certainly worth listening to, speaking excellent English (and German). Boat trip and BBQ before Spinalonga, again excellent. Great value and good service from Ela Tours.

The shop was conveniently located near our hotel, the Silva Beach. We made enquiries as to what tours were available and the lady in the shop was most helpful explaining all the times and prices etc. This enabled us to plan our fortnight and book 4 tours 1 of which was complimentary. We did Spinalonga, West Crete, Heraklion and Santorini. All trips were well organised with informative guides and good value for money. Highly recommended.

Licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism with Registration No: 1039Ε60000064400

Useful Links

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Working with us

Easy Contact

Ela tours main.

• 188, Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, Hersonissos, Crete, Greece

ELA TOURS BRANCH

• 196, Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, Hersonissos, Crete, Greece

© 1992-2024 Ela Tours. All Rights Reserved

Escape into the blue

Experience the thrill of SEAze the Day’s famous private boat trips, boat rentals, & unique experiences in Chania, Crete & the Greek Islands

BOAT RENTALS & PRIVATE BOAT TRIPS IN CRETE & BEYOND .

SEAze The Day and escape into the blue on a private boat trip in Chania Region, Crete & the Greek Islands.

Rent a boat in Chania, Kissamos, or Kolymbari and explore the Island of Crete like a local.

Discover Crete by boat, Balos beach, Gramvousa Island, Seitan Limania, Elafonissi with its pink sand beach, and the secret gems of the Island.

Book a private daily or multi day boat tour from Chania to Santorini, Milos, and the surrounding islands.

We will take you on adventurous fishing trips with the most experienced fishermen in Chania, Kissamos, and Kolymbari. You can spearfish with the experts or have an unforgettable romantic sunset trip with your loved ones.

Are you ready to SEAze The Day ?

POPULAR PRIVATE BOAT TOURS & FISHING TRIPS

Explore our best-selling Chania boat trips and fishing charters. Discover the hidden gems of Crete’s pristine waters and the surrounding islands on a private boat. Choose from our daily and multi-day top-rated cruises and create memories that will last a lifetime

Elafonisi & Balos Cruise: Discovering the Crown Jewels of Crete

Route: chania - elafonissi - kedrodasos - falasarna - gramvousa - balos -.

All Day Private Boat Trip to Balos Beach & Gramvousa Island from Chania

Route: chania - balos - gramvousa - menies - chironisia - theodorou island -.

Seitan Limania and Akrotiri Cape Round Tour from Chania

Route: chania - marathi - kamares bay - katholiko - seitan limania - aspres - macherida - aspres bay -.

Chania to Rodopou: Hidden Beaches and Caves Cruise

Route: chania - menies - limnionari - chironisia - theodorou island -.

Chania’s Hidden Beaches and Caves Private Exploration

The Ultimate Private Boat Tour to Balos Beach from Kissamos

Route: kissamos - balos - gramvousa -.

TOP Destination

BALOS LAGOON

Balos Beach is a popular destination located on the northwestern coast of Chania, Crete, Greece. It is reachable by boat from Chania Old Port , Kissamos , and Kolymvari . The beach is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters , white sand, and rocky landscapes. For an exclusive experience, a private boat trip to Balos Beach is the best way to visit , providing privacy and the chance to explore the surrounding areas and the nearby island of Gramvousa and its famous fortress while avoiding the crowds . Book a private boat trip with our safe and luxurious vessels today to experience the unspoiled beauty of Balos Beach in peace and comfort .

OUR PRIVATE BOAT TRIPS TO BALOS BEACH

• Chania to Balos Beach Private Boat Tour (5 to 7 hours)
• Kissamos to Balos beach Private Boat Tour (3 to 6 hours)
• Kolymbari to Balos Lagoon Private Boat Tour (5 to 7 hours)
• Kissamos to Balos Sunset Cruise (3 hours)
• We Fish and you Feast in Balos and Gramvousa beach

FEATURED BOATS FOR RENT

Rent a boat in Chania, Kissamos or Kolimvari and embark on an adventure to discover the beauty of Crete’s stunning coastline and hidden gems. Choose from our selection of skippered boat rentals or license-free bareboat rentals for a truly unique experience on the pristine waters of Crete.

Magna35C Motomarine From 600 €

Vesevus 35 From 650 €

Manolis Aggelos

Cobra royal from 500 €, why choose us.

Top Reviews

We're the top-rated sea experience & boat tour provider in Chania, celebrated by TripAdvisor and Google.

Memory Makers

We specialize in crafting unforgettable sea experiences.

Friendly Crew

Our experienced, friendly crew ensures your safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

Celebrity Adventure

We've proudly facilitated the sea adventures of the acclaimed 'Gordon, Gino, and Fred's Road Trip,' offering a taste of star-studded experiences.

Welcome to our blog, where we share our passion for boat rentals and private boat trips in Crete. In our posts, you’ll find information on the best tour destinations around the island, such as Balos, Gramvousa, Elafonisi and other hidden gems. Furthermore, we provide insider tips on how to make the most of your trip, and offer stunning footage from our adventures. Whether you’re planning your next vacation to Crete or just love to explore the beauty of the sea, you’ll find something to inspire you on our blog. So come along for the ride and let’s discover the wonders of Crete together!

Balos Lagoon at the comfort of your own private boat trip – updated 2024

The Best Beaches in Chania

Chania Boat Tours & Top Rated Destinations by Boat

Fishing Trip to the Wild Island of Antikythera with The Cretan Locals

Get ready to discover Elafonisi & Falassarna, the Best Beaches in Crete

Unforgettable Sunset Boat Trips in Chania

Private boat tours.

Discover Chania coastline by boat with our private cruises. With customized itinaries and exclusive access to secluded beaches, our boat tours in Chania, offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Crete.

Boat Rental

Rent a boat in Chania and explore Crete's stunning coastline. We offer licence-free boats for rent, skippered boat rentals and luxury yachts departing from Chania, Kissamos and Kolymvari. Choose from a wide range of vessels such as small speedboats, RIBs and luxury yachts and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Crete.

Fishing Trips

Looking for an authentic fishing experience in Crete? Look no further than our private fishing charters and spearfishing trips. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, our Chania-based fishing charters and spearfishing trips offer a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories during your visit to Crete.

Experiences

Join us on a unique experience where we dive up to 30 meters deep to catch the freshest fish for your meal. Experience the excitement of seeing your meal being caught right before your eyes in the crystal-clear waters of Chania, Greece. Indulge in a delicious, well-prepared meal on board or at a private beach, and immerse yourself in the authentic Cretan way of life by the sea.

Crete Tours – Best Things to Do

Greece › Crete › Tours Updated: June 18, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Where to Stay in Crete
• Best Hotels in Crete
• Best Hotels for Families in Crete
• Crete Travel Guide

The Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa is a great day trip and a fun way to visit one of Crete’s best beaches.

The 15 Best Tours in Crete 1. Heraklio Food Walking Tour Food & walking tours are my favorite way to explore a new city and this is a good one. Heraklio is not as picturesque as Chania but it’s loaded with true Greek character, gritty charm, and great traditional Cretan food. This is the best Heraklio tour. 2. Chania Old Town Highlights with Street Food Great tour of Chania’s wonderful Old Town and its sights, culture, history, and best places to eat. Highly recommended. This is the best Chania tour. 3. Hiking Tour of Samaria Gorge Walking the 18 km gorge is the activity highlight of Crete. It’s a little tricky to arrange on your own but with a tour they get you from your hotel to the start of the hike – then pick you up at the other end of the gorge (after a short ferry ride) and return you back to your hotel. There’s a tour guide and a couple of other interesting stops that you wouldn’t do on your own. Free hotel pickup from these towns: Chania, Heraklio, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Hersonissos, Georgioupolis, Sissi, Milatos, Matala, Agia Galini, Malia, and Stalida. ( Click “Book Now” and then select your departure town .) 4. Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa The popular Balos Beach Tour is a 7 hour round trip onboard a large boat with indoor and outdoor seating, bathrooms, and a small snack bar serving ice cream, cold drinks, and beer on tap. The ride is roughly an hour in each direction, with 4 hours at Balos Lagoon, and a one hour stop during the return, at Gramvousa Island, where you can choose between a short hike to the hilltop Venetian fort, walking out toward the large shipwreck, or swimming at the gorgeous beach. There are also luxurious private boat tours from Chania and from Kissamos .

5. Craft Beer Tour (Chania and Rethymno) Non-touristy walking tours in the Old Towns of Chania or Rethymno that highlight Greek and Cretan craft beer paired with local gastronomy. See the cities’ most iconic landmarks and learn some history of the island, while also discovering the ins and outs of various beer styles, what makes Greek beers unique, and some insight into the Cretan craft beer scene. Adults only (18+). 6. Wine and Olive Oil Tour (from Chania) A wonderful 6-hour tour that explores the local farms and wineries of western Crete. Lots of food, olive oil, and wine tastings (but still kid-friendly). 7. Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains (from Chania) Make and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine at a traditional family home. Learn firsthand about local culture and history while sampling homemade wine and enjoying beautiful views over the foothills of the White Mountains. This small, hands-on group tour is great for kids, with exceptionally welcoming family hosts. Includes free transportation from Chania. 8. Boat Tour to Santorini Santorini is the most amazing island in Greece. This one-day tour involves a ferry trip (2 hours each way) and about 7 hours on Santorini to explore Fira, Oia, and the fantastic views of the caldera. (This is a worthwhile tour but if you can stay overnight on Santorini you’ll see much more of the island. I typically do not recommend day trips to other islands as they’re a poor use of time, but I make an exception for Santorini as it’s so unique and memorable.) 9. Elafonisi Island Day Trip (from Chania) Elafonisi is the best beach on Crete (maybe the best beach in Greece). It’s pretty easy to get there on your own with local buses but the tour makes it effortless and you get to stop at some local villages along the way. There’s also an Elafonisi tour that departs from Rethymno .

10. Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch (from Heraklio) Great tour with lunch, 15 wine tastings, several olive oil samples, and multiple vineyard tours. 11. Day Tour to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka (from Heraklio) A 10-hour tour that takes in the highlights of eastern Crete. 12. The Real Crete (from Rethymno) Excellent small-group tour of some of central Crete’s top sights. Good local insight and history. 13. Knossos Archaeological Tour Good tour if you’re based in Heraklio, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, or one of the nearby beach towns. Start with Knossos (one of the best historical sites in Greece and a personal favorite of mine) then tour Heraklio and learn the history of the island. 10 hours long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. There is also an excellent private tour of Knossos from Heraklio .

• Best Hotels in Crete for Families
• Where to Stay in Chania
• Where to Stay in Rethymno
• Where to Stay in Heraklio
• Where to Stay in Elounda
• Athens to Crete Ferry
• Crete to Athens Ferry
• Santorini to Crete Ferry
• Crete to Santorini Ferry
• Heraklion Ferry Port Guide
• Heraklion Airport Car Rental
• Crete Bus Routes & Schedules

About Santorini Dave

Going to Crete for 3 nights. Then on to Santorini. We were thinking to stay in Elounda. Porto Elounda. Then we can take bus into Chania? Should we rent a car for a day? See Elafonsi and Knossos?

Chania is wonderful but is a 3 hour drive (or 4 hours and 2 different buses) from Elounda. Elafonisi is even farther. A much better day trip if you have a rental car is a loop through Knossos, then Crete Wine Country, then the Lasithi Plateau.

Thanks so much for your helpful website! We took a trip to Santorini two years ago and followed a lot of your recommendations. We are taking a trip to Crete this year for a week in September. We’ll be spending half the time in Chania. While there, we’ll take a day trip to Elafonisi and go on an organized trip to the Gorge. We want to spend the last leg of the trip (3 nights and three days) chilling on the beach at a hotel. We like luxurious hotels, but we worry with some of these big resorts, we won’t really feel like we are in Greece. Can you recommend a hotel that is right on a white sandy beach, but we’ll still feel like we aren’t in some big resort with all tourists? We are flying back from Chania, but we’ll have a rental car so the hotel can be anywhere within reason on the island.

That’s a sizeable order as most of the luxurious hotels have grabbed the best beach locales in Crete already and by virtue of being within the gated walls of a luxury hotel you are almost guaranteed to have sealed yourself off from Greece anyway. However, there is hope. Some luxury hotels are not located close to other luxury hotels and are sometime in authentic locales.

The Caramel Hotel is a place for subtle luxury with its own decent beach. It’s located in a largely agricultural area east of Rethymno and unlike most gated hotels the front door to this place opens out right onto an ordinary Greek street where you can hop on a bus to Rethymno. Private beach by the way doesn’t apply in Greece – according to law – all beaches are public areas.

In Chania itself is the newish Domes Noruz which sits on a beach, but is itself right in the middle of a neighbourhood in the suburb of Agioi Apostoli. Not only does it have its own beachfront, but within a hundred metres is a splendid little horseshoe shaped cove and beach that ordinary folk from Chania come to swim and picnic at. This might be the kind of place you are looking for.

Farther to the West from Chania in Kolymvari – a pretty little Cretan village is the Cavo Spada – another upper-end hotel in a remote-ish locale with Crete just outside the hotel gates. The beach and accommodation is pretty wonderful.

My wife and I are going to be in Crete for the first 3 weeks in October. Do you have any suggestions for a good car hire company. We are flying into Chania and leave from Heraklion. We are staying a week in Chania area and then heading east. Any suggestions on what to see and where to go? Thanks. Rob

The best way to rent and reserve a rental car in Crete is on Rentalcars.com (pickup at Chania airport and drop off in Heraklion).

Having a car gives you a decided advantage and touring independently is the best way to see Crete. First up Chania itself. It is the most popular destination in Crete: Agios Nikolaos probably comes a close second. Chania is all about the atmosphere and ambiance of its Old Town. Assuming you will be based there, you will have plenty of time to appreciate it during your week. Chania Old Town is all about relaxing, dining, imbibing and just people watching in a primarily pedestrianised and timeworn walled port. You can take glass-bottomed boat excursions explore the labyrinthine back streets with their gift shops, tavernas and houses of the lucky locals who live there. It’s just refreshingly pleasant and it’s a magnet for visitors. You might just bump into your old friend from High School here. When dining, choose carefully and generally keep away from the main harbour touts and picture menus. The best eats are in the back streets and at the eastern side of the harbour. You can swim in Chania – within walking distance – but your car will serve you better here.

If you are looking for exotic beaches then the boat tour to the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula (Ballos Beach) is a good day trip. Boats run out of Kissamos . Easier to get to (no tour needed) is the stunning Carribbean-esque Elafonisi Beach on the far south western tip of Crete. Falasarna beach is also great. It’s not as popular but it’s no slouch. With your car, you may care to take a less beachy run to the pretty village of Palaiochora and enjoy the hinterland of Western Crete. With an early morning start you can cut more or less diagonally across Crete through the villages of Nea Roumata, Rodovani and Strati – to name but a few of the many – that dot a pretty winding route across the mountains. You will need that early start to make it comfortably in time for lunch. Palaiochora has some good places for eating and a couple of beaches: one sandy and one pebbly. Divert instead to Sougia (see Google maps) if you prefer a quieter seaside destination.

The one highlight that a car won’t help you with is walking the Samaria Gorge. The car will take you to the starting point at Omalos, but the bus from Chora Sfakion will only take you to Chania and you’ll have to take another bus to Omalos to retrieve the car. Best use a bus to Omalos in the first instance. The car will conveniently take you around the sizeable peninsula to the north east of Chania where you might want to make your way to the little-known beach of Seïtan-Limani on the east side then head for lunch and afternoon swim at the little village of Stavros in the North.

It might also be a good idea to allow for a night in Heraklion and spend that pre-departure day visiting the Knossos Archaeological site then soak up the vibrant nightlife and streetside dining in the Cretan capital. Its recently revamped city centre really buzzes at all hours of the day.

I will be staying in Chania early September and would like to make a trip from Chania to Spinalonga. Do you know if any of the tour companies in Chania do this trip? Jacqueline Young

From Heraklion, yes. But from Chania, I’m not sure. If it’s available should be easy to book after you arrive.

Hi Dave, my girlfriend and I are travelling to Greece for 2 weeks ( 15 nights ), August 13th. We are a young couple from Canada trying to have a combination of relaxation but also to party. First we are landing in Athens and sleep for a night so we can catch an early flight the next morning to Crete. We are spending 4 nights in Chania; we are planning to hit the beach (Elafonissi, Balos etc …) and go around the old city of Chania. Then we are going to Santorini for 3 nights and then other 4 nights to the island of Ios. And finally we are staying 2 nights in Athens towards the end of the trip. I feel like my island hopping around the Greek islands is good enough however I was wondering if I should purchase the ferry tickets before going to Greece or to buy them on the spot before taking the boat. Thank you Dave, I used your guide most of the time to plan this vacation and I can’t wait to go! Tarek El Tayeh

The ferry I would be most concerned about would be Crete to Santorini. I would guess a 95% chance you’ll be fine if you wait and buy the first day you land in Crete, but there is always that small risk that they will be sold out (there are only 2 ferries per day and you’ll be traveling at the very peak of summer travel). Personally, I would buy in advance at Hellenic Seaways and pick up at the Heraklion port about 30 to 45 minutes in advance of departure. For the other ferries there are more options (even if one happened to be sold out) so very very unlikely that they would be fully booked. But still, buy the first chance you get (you can buy in Crete even though the other routes are between different ports).

Hey there! My husband and I will be traveling to Crete next month for our 1 year anniversary (which we are calling our honeymoon as we never went on a honeymoon). We would love to see Santorini and are debating a 1 day trip vs a 2 day trip. Have you used and been on a tour with the company you suggested? The reviews I’ve read about the ferries are all over the place in regards to rating so I’m hesitant to make a decision on one. For instance, Hellenic Seaways vs SeaJets. Jacque

I would not do a one day trip to Santorini (too much travel for only a short amount of time) but with an overnight stay, yes, it’s definitely worth it. Both ferries on this route are good but go with Hellenic.

My husband and I are taking a trip to Greece in September and will be visiting Crete for 3 full days. We are staying in Chania at Domes Noruz. I have planned for one day to take a trip to Elafonisi. I am torn with what to do on our second day. I would love to see the Samaria Gorge but neither my husband or I are big hikers and hiking for 7 hours seems a bit daunting. I could do something more like 2 or 3 hours tops. Are there options for shorter hikes at the Gorge and if so are they even worth it if we are not hiking the whole thing? Another option I was considering is Knossos Palace, is that worth the trip from Chania? What would be your recommendation for what to do with our last two days there? I was thinking for our last day we could enjoy our hotel and beach and maybe in the late afternoon do a tour of Chania or just go explore the town and have a nice dinner there. Something a little more relaxing since we are taking the first flight out the next day to Athens. I am a bit torn with what to do on our second day there… Thank you for your help!

People of all ages, sizes and stamina successfully undertake the Samaria Gorge each year. While you didn’t say how old you are, the fact that you state that you are big hikers should not rule out you doing the Samaria Gorge. First up, it shouldn’t take you 7 hours. It is 16kms in length and even at a brisk stroll of say 5kms per hour, then that’s a 3 hour and 20-minute hike. Allow between 4 to 5 hours to be sure – and that is taking into account breaks and photo stops.

The hike is in general a downhill walk, so there is actually very little climbing. If you start before 8am – as most people do – then you will be strolling into Agia Roumeli by lunchtime for a welcome lunch on the beach and the afternoon coastal ferry will take you to Chora Sfakion from where you will take a (waiting) bus back to Chania. It really is a well-oiled and easy operation. They key to doing the hike without strife is preparation and planning. No, it’s not worth doing a shorter hike in the Gorge because if you walk say 3kms down into the Gorge you will have to climb that 3kms back out of it again. It’s better to keep on going.

Be at the starting point – as mentioned – before 8am (a bus from Chania will get you there on time). Most definitely wear proper hiking boots as the terrain is rocky and rough in parts. Take water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and don’t undertake the hike in mid-Summer. The main stress on the legs is from the constant stepping down, so you want good shock-absorbent footwear, and your front thighs will probably take most of the strain. A walking pole such as a Lekki would be a good investment and that would give you the ‘third leg’ to assist with the transfer of weight.

You would never be alone as hundreds undertake the walk daily, though on the whole you tend to walk in isolation from the others as everyone thins out after a kilometre or two. Stay put for five minutes and someone will bump into you. Guards at the entrance gate vet all walkers and will not let people through if they look as though they will not make the hike: aged, unsuitable footwear or non-protective clothing. There may be some stream wading depending on the pre-existing weather.

The good thing about the Samaria gorge is that every step is taken care of: from getting there to getting back. With other shorter gorge walks – such as the Kourtaliotiko Gorge – you will need to arrange drop-off and pick up accordingly. The Gorge of the Dead linking Pano and Kato Zakros in far eastern Crete is a pleasant and easy hike and a bus will take you from one end of the gorge to the other.

And yes, Knossos is worth the effort to get to but do get a guide (can be hired at the entrance) as it makes the sight much more interesting. A day relaxing in Chania sounds wonderful.

Dave – Thank you for all the effort on this blog. It has helped a ton. My wife and I are staying in Elounda at the end of May and are looking to charter a guided boat for a day cruise. Do you have any suggestions for which company to contact? 3-5 hrs, visit beaches, Spinalonga, etc… Cost estimate?

Thanks again, Keith Nelson

Trips to Spinalonga are big business in Elounda and the choice of tours can be bewildering. Nearly everyone with a boat offers some kind of tour which may include swimming stops or additional cruising. Costs can range from €40 to €80 depending on whether food and drink is included and on whether tickets to visit the island are included.

In general, there is quite a bit of tourist exploitation going on so really shop around for the deal that suits you. If you just want to see the island (and unless you are a history fan and want to see how lepers lived) then walking around the stone buildings of the island in the heat of the day might not be quite up your street.

Things to look out for: cost – what do you actually get for your euro? How long will the trip take? Does it include swimming? (You may not want that if you don’t want to swim or watch others swim). Does the tour include the price of entry to the island? You mention ‘chartering a boat’ – you’ll have to decide whether you’re ok with a small group, big group, or want a private boat to you and your wife. Have a look for starters at eloundaboat.gr and compare offerings at keytours.gr

You don’t have to pre-book before you arrive. Boats have little kiosks next to them on the harbour and you can shop and compare at will (visit in the evening when owners are back from their day trips and will answer your questions). The end of May will be quieter than high season so you may score better deals.

Hi Dave, Love your site! We will be staying in Heraklion area at the end of June. While there we would like to watch a concert or a play. What’s the best way to learn about what performances are happening and where to purchase tix?

Thank you! Vera

Concerts and events are commonly advertised by posters on walls and basically anywhere you can stick a poster in Greece. Trouble is they are usually in Greek though you can usually tell who the concert is by and when.

Online booking options include:

– Songkick – Bandsintown – Nowheraklion – Cretazine

Concert tickets are generally very cheap compared to home. If the concert or play is at an outdoor venue in an amphitheatre, make sure you bring something soft to sit on. They often sell Styrofoam pads outside such venues: buy two to be sure as the cement seats in stadiums are very uncomfortable after an hour or so.

There are often free concerts given by top-line musical artists, so don’t miss out on those if you can: they are every bit as good as the paid ones. Summer is a good time for concerts so you should find plenty to entertain you in Heraklion this Summer.

Hi Dave! My family and I are going to be in Crete, staying in Chania and would like to tour the Samaria Gorge on either May 26th or 27th — the tour you suggested isn’t available those dates to leave from Chania. Do you have any other suggestions for who to tour Samaria Gorge with for about the same price? Do we need to do the tour to get to the Gorge or can we take a bus ? Thanks! Jess

You can do it on your own with buses but it’s much easier to do as part of a tour. I would wait until you arrive and you might be able to find a smaller local company that does small tours (perhaps through your hotel).

Dave, This website is EVERYTHING. Thank you so much already for all the help!

While my trip isn’t very long, because it could very well be my only trip to Greece, I saw you recommended crunching in both Crete & Santorini. We fly into Athens on Mon, June 26, to Santorini on Tues June 27, to Crete June 30 and back to Athens July 3 before flying back to the US on July 4. I don’t very much like rushing around but I’m a huge fan of a nice beach. With only 2 full days in Crete, is it realistic to think I’ll be able to get to Elofanisi? Just seems forever away from the ferry in Heraklion. And if I can get there, am I better off staying in Rethimnon as was recommended to me or staying in Chania?

Thanks! Julie

Ps: planning on staying at Herodian Hotel in Athens unless Ava Suites is better? Also, having difficulty finding a nice, affordable and available hotel so far in Santorini–seems only Aria Lito Mansion–is that ok?

It will basically use one full day getting to and from Elafonisi. Is it worth it? Only you can say. It’s a wonderful beach and one of my all time favorites. I’d check the weather just to be sure you’re not going on a windy day but otherwise (if you really love beaches) go for it. Ava Suites is a little nicer than Herodian (but both are great). Ava is also a little closer to the metro station for the port and subway. Aria Lito is a good value hotel with a central location but no caldera views.

Hi Dave! My husband and I are traveling to Crete in a few weeks, and spending 5 nights in Chania. We wanted to explore Elafonisi beach and Balos beach. For Balos: would it be best to take a boat (big cruise boat, or something more private like Captain Yiorgi’s boat trip) or do the drive? For Elafonisi: any tips for the drive or where to stop along the way? We are in our early 30’s.

Thanks! Lauren

Balos Beach (Gramvousa Peninsula) can be done by car, but the result is probably not worth the effort you will put into it and your hire car company may not be happy to learn you have taken their car over that rough road (starting from Afrata) you will have to traverse to get there. This is one occasion where the organised tour is worth the money see Cretan Daily Cruises (from Kissamos) for details on how to do it in a group setting.

The drive to Elafonisi is straightforward and is worth combining with a stop at the Eco resort of Milia . You could make an early start on Elafonisi and have a swim and sunbathe before driving back and stopping off at Milia for a mid-afternoon lunch here.

If you have not driven in Greece/Crete before there are no real surprises. The only issue – from the Greek driver’s point of view – is that tourists tend to drive perceptibly slower (more cautiously) than locals and this can cause irritation (to the locals). The end result is often tailgating (by local drivers) and impatient overtaking on their part. Either drive at ‘local speed’ or, if you are the cautious sort and you get caught by a tail-gating local, let them pass. The road is winding, but pleasant and from Chania it should take you no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes to Elafonisi. Hire cars are usually stick shift types, so if you only know how to drive an automatic you might be limited and want to book a car in advance.

I am travelling to Crete on 11th – 21st April we really wanted to see Samaria gorge but it doesn’t look like it will be open. For the first part of our trip we will be based in Kissamos which we thought would be ideal for the gorge trip. After that we will be staying further west (Hersonissos and then lastly Rethymno) so it may be harder to get to from there.

Do you know when the Samaria Gorge is likely to open this year? I have read that it is dependant on how the weather was during winter months.

Thank you (great website really helpful!) Emily

The Gorge traditionally opens on 1st of May, but this date is not set in stone. It’s not usually before the 1st but can be up to 10 days after the 1st. It depends on a number of factors: damage that may have been caused to the trail during Winter, the amount of water in the stream, or the anticipated amount of water that might come, if there is still snow in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). So, from 11-21st April it is unlikely that you will get to do the walk.

Kissamos is not the best base for doing the walk BTW. Unless you are on an organised tour, you will have to take two buses: from Kissamos to Chania and from Chania to Omalos at the start of the trial. You really need to be at the trailhead no later than 9am and that means an early start from Chania.

Rethymno is further from Omalos than Kissamos, so really only an organised tour is going to do it for you, same with Hersonisos. Either way unless you are very lucky, your walk down the Samaria Gorge is going to have to be postponed to another year. Good video here to see what you’re missing.

Great site with excellent information.

My family will be spending some time in Santorini in July. Before we all meet there, my son and I would like to do some cycling on another island for about 3 days – not touring, just out-and-back each day from the same location. We’re experienced cyclists and can manage 75-80 km round trips without a problem. We would need to rent good road bikes.

It looks like Crete would be the best combination of easy access from Athens/to Santorini, provide interesting routes (to beaches and archeological sites, for example), a quality bike shop (Olympic Bike) and developed, paved roads.

I’ve also looked at Naxos. It may also work, but maybe doesn’t maximize all those things listed above.

Any thoughts?

Thanks! K.C. Jones

Crete certainly offers some extensive cycling opportunities because of its the size, but 40kms out and 40kms back won’t get you very far in Crete. For example, 40kms would get you to the next town of Kissamos. Also the best cycling territory is the north coastline which is thread by the very busy Cretan Northern Axis road and it is not that cyclist friendly. The middle of the island is dominated by mountains so crossing north to south will involve climbing and the south coast doesn’t have an obvious main highway but would be more picturesque than the north. Again, long distance dominate so bicycle touring would be the way to go, rather than out and back tours. Have a look at Hellas Bike Greece to see what’s on offer. You might find some clues.

The only other island that jumps off the page for cycling and where it is big, well organised and easy is Kos. Hundreds of people hire bicycle here and do day tours. The island is generally flat, small and accessible and there are plenty of bikes on offer. Check out Kos Bike Activities . In practice there is no reason why you can’t cycle on any island and you will always find a place to hire a bike. Most other islands have hills and if you do hills, you will be fine.

Hi Dave, I will be staying in Athens the month of March. I want to take in everything there and in the surrounding areas on the mainland. What are some of the best tours for out of the city? My interests are wineries, cooking, cultural events, and historical places, meeting people, etc.

Take a look at Best Things to Do in Athens .

We are in Crete for 4 nights after island hopping in the Greek islands. Our hotel is Galaxy Heraklion. Is that the right choice and could we do a couple of tours from there? Would love a boat day trip as one of the tour days. Noela Mckenzie

Nice hotel with a decent location as long as you don’t mind a 10/12 walk to the city center. The highlights of Heraklion are the Archaeological Museum (12 minutes from the Galaxy) and Knossos (bus stop is a short walk from the hotel).

Dave, first of all thank you so much for such a wonderful resource. This has been really helpful with planning our first trip to Greece. Wanted to get your input on a couple things. We are a couple in our early 30s going to Greece for our honeymoon. We arrive in Athens at 9:20am Saturday May 20 and fly out of Athens at 1pm on Monday May 29th, giving us 9 days and nights. We plan to fly to santorini from Athens on an early afternoon flight on the Saturday we arrive. We have a cave villa booked in Oia for 4 nights and wanted to spend the remaining 4-5 nights on another island. We love hiking, good food and beautiful beaches so Crete looks very appealing however I know spending at least a week there is generally recommended. Do you think it sounds feasible/not too crazy to take the evening ferry from santorini to Heraklion then take a bus to Chania and spend 4-5 nights there then fly from Chania to Athens for our return flight home. We realize we would not be able to see all of Crete but are mainly interested in hiking the Samaria Gorge, exploring Chania and visiting Elafossini Beach, possibly Balos Lagoon. Would you recommend that we cut Santorini to just 3 nights to spend more time on Crete? Also, do you know if the public bus is operating to the beaches in late May? How are the crowds there at that time of year? We know we are probably missing out on Athens so would consider exploring there on the Sunday before we fly back if time allows. Any suggestions or feedback on our itinerary is greatly appreciated! Mandy Miller

Yes, it’s definitely doable – you won’t have a lot of time but I think still plenty to have a great visit. Buses will be running to Elafonisi in late May and crowds will not be bad – some people for sure, but nothing crazy. I’d stick with 4 nights (3 full days) on Santorini – so much to do and see.

We will be staying in Santorini for one week and would like to make a day trip from Santorini to Crete. How would we go about arranging this? Is there a tour we can book for the ferries? We are considering staying a night on Crete – would you recommend that? We’ve heard great things about the Chania walking tour and visiting Knossos so would like to do those 2 things at least.

Thank you, Ev

Due to the schedule of the ferries a day trip is not possible from Santorini to Crete. Ferries leave Crete (for Santorini) in the early morning and leave Santorini (for Crete) in the early evening. So a one day trip is impossible and even staying over one night doesn’t do much as you’d only have the night hours on Crete. To see anything in Crete you would need to stay two nights. A better choice for a short trip from Santorini is Ios, Paros, or Naxos.

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Live the experience of a lifetime by joining boat tours around Crete, where you can immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and turquoise waters.

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• Chania | Crete
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Boat Trip to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

Live your summer myth in balos lagoon and gramvousa island on a luxury motor yacht.

Kolymvari - Balos Lagoon - Gramvousa Island - Chania

(9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Up to 14 people

More information.

Live the dream and experience the best of the Greek summer’s offerings aboard a luxury yacht.

Does the beauty of the Cretan sea captivate you? Are you perhaps enamored with the long, vivid history of the island and Greece?

We can offer you both and more with this private boat trip. Gramvousa Island and Balos beach, are top-notch destinations for nature and history lovers alike and an unmissable experience for all those who visit Crete. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, as many a traveler can attest to.

It is a chance you should not waste. Take a trip with us aboard one of our luxurious yachts, enjoy all the land and sea have to offer, and make memories that will stay with you forever.

Balos beach is truly an incredible destination to visit. The blue lagoon is a stunning place, with smooth white sand and crystal-clear waters creating a magical vision, straight out of a fairy tale. And of course, no fairy tale land is complete without a castle. Looking over the island of Gramvousa is an old Venetian fort, guardian, and watchman of the area for centuries.

So take a boat trip to Balos and discover these wonders for yourself.

Feel the sun’s kiss and the caress of the sea breeze as you lie on Balos beach, swim through its beautiful waters and tame the waves in a wild ride, snorkel to its depths and discover its reef and the shipwreck it hides or gaze at the horizon where the blue seas and skies of Greece meet. This private boat trip is not just about sailing but also about experiencing the beauty of Gramvousa firsthand.

Then travel through time as you explore the island’s monuments. Take a look at the chapel of Saint George and pay your respects at the nearby cave, where many mothers and their children, seeking shelter, found their end at the hands of the Turks. Visit the old Orthodox church by the seaside and walk along the path to the castle, headquarters of the rebels during Crete’s 1821 uprising and later pirate base.

Finish this journey through Crete’s nature and history at Gramvousa’s highest point, where you can gaze upon Balos beach and the nearby Antikythera and Wild Gramvousa islands, taking in the breathtaking vista. It is a view sure to stay with you for years to come.

Meeting point:  Kolymvari Marina

Itinerary:  The cruise starts at 9:00 AM from Kolymvari Marina Chania, and after 40 minutes of cruising we arrive at Menies beach. Next, we head south to the purple reef sea cave. Then we make a last stop at Hironisia Bay before returning back to Chania at 4:00 PM.

• Length: 55ft
• Engines: 2x680hp MAN (1360hp in total)
• Cruising speed: 25 knots
• Number of cabins: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Fully equipped kitchen
• One deck saloon
• King size bow and stern sunbeds
• Air conditioning
• Stereo system
• Crew of two: Skipper and hostess
• Light meal: Mezze platter & fruit salad
• Drinks: Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Towels and blankets (to be returned to the crew)
• Professional snorkelling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels)
• Floating island dock
• Paddle boards (2)
• VAT, port taxes, insurance and fuel cost
• Cocktails and a selection of wines and champagne
• Gourmet Greek lunch cooked onboard (*)
• Guided scuba diving tour by SSI Dive Instructor (*)
• Snorkeling guided tour by SSI Dive Instructor
• Professional onboard photo shooting, underwater (GoPro) and aerial by drone footage
• Water sports (jet skis, parasailing, water ski, wakeboard, sofa rides)
• VIP transfer to the port
• Event planning support (parties, wedding proposals etc) (*)
• Overnight on board (*)
• Restaurant dining on sunset, arrived by yacht (*)

(*) A three (3) days notice before embarkation is required.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to departure will receive a full refund.
• There are no extra fees for any changes made at least 72 hours prior to departure, but the new reservation is subject to availability. If there is no availability for the new date or tour, then a full refund is applied.
• For cancellations or changes made within 72 hours prior to departure, no refund will be issued.

The company reserves the right to change or modify the route of the scheduled cruise or to cancel due to inclement weather or for safety concerns. In case of cancellation due to safety concerns, 100% of the deposit or the full payment will be refunded.

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• best prices, • safe & comfortable trip, • handpicked tours & cruises from our team, chania by locals, akti enoseos 9, • sailing chania, • boat trips, • more activities.

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• Plaka, Crete - Greece
• +30 6977446229
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Official online boat tickets to Spinalonga and for Private Cruises

Experience our sea tours.

Spinalonga Tours with experienced captains offer high quality services. Our 5 boats ranging in various sizes, capacities and styles to satisfy even the most demanding guests.

Our boats start from the morning and every 30 minutes offering trips to the historic island of Spinalonga or delightfully and relaxed Fishing Trips. For the most demanding friends we offer and private cruises.

For an experience you will never forget trust us!!

Spinalonga, full of memories

Spinalonga... She played with the word rolling it around her tongue like an olive stone. The island lay directly ahead and as the boat approached the great Venetian fortification which fronted the sea […]. This, she speculated, might be a place where history was still warm, not stone cold, where the inhabitants were really not mythical

- as Victoria Hislop wrote in her best-selling book “The Island”

We are here to travel you among the past feeling the aura of this magnificent landscape!

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Boat Holidays in Greece

Find the right boat holiday for you in Greece. There are 34 boating trips to choose from, that range from 4 days in length, up to 17 days. The month with the most departures is July, making it the most popular time to visit Greece.

34 Boat holiday packages in Greece with 2,466 positive reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Athens to Santorini

Excellent tour with an engaged and informative tour guide!! Thank you

The Labyrinth of Crete

Everything was very well organised and the tours we made were very interesting or in beautiful nature. The guides were excellent, very kind, very helpfull and widely documented about history and special items in nature and agriculture. Darrel, the Safari driver had the real and right skills to drive on difficult paths. He was a lovely man, who told us really everything and again , he helped us with all kinds of things. My son, who is disabled , got all the help he needed, also from the passengers. The hotel was outstanding. The Sea was at our feet, the service was super and the food could’nt Be any better! For the tours we had to Be picked up in the other hotel “Creta Maris” . That was too far way for my disabled son. In the evening after a very busy day in 30° , we had to return on foot to our hotel which was really Difficult. Thomas,my son and me, we couldn’t visit the cave of Zeus. It’s far too difficult for a disabled person. I think you should have told us this, in advance. Now it was a disapointment. Our room in the hotel was too far from the dining room, again difficult for Thomas and it was quiet steep for him. But thes are little details , as we were so happy with this beautiful and relaxing journey! Congratulations Tourradar and Tui as well! Martine and Thoms

Exploring Crete

The tours were great. I really felt like I explored Crete and got my money’s worth. I did not appreciate the quality of the hotel. I upgraded to a “superior” category of hotel and the room they put me in was trash. Felt like I was sleeping on a table and the room itself was in disrepair. I talked to the tour radar rep and instead of helping me improve the situation he told me that I was told about this weeks ago and left it at that. I didn’t appreciate that at all. I ended up talking with the hotel front desk and upgraded to a better room and I was happy.

• Island Hopping
• Sightseeing

9 Day Private Tour in Santorini & Mykonos from Athens

All went great till one day there was an accidenr with the tour guide resulting me being shifted to other tours. Considering it and being flexible is fine but the crisis preparedness by your local agents can be better.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Greek Island Wanderer

This was my first time using tourradar/explore. Great 1st experience! My best friend and I decided to do a girl's trip and decided it would be much easier to have a guide tell us all about the beautiful country we were visiting along with not having to figure out any major transportation and we were so glad with our choice to join the tour after all. Greece may not be the hardest to get around but when you're going from 1 island to the next and going island hopping it definitely is WAY easier with a guide. Our hotels were mediocre and 1 of them even quite tragic but that's what you get when you're not going luxury I suppose. Our major transportation was covered but every so often we still had to pay a few dollars for bus fees which was silly to me since we already paid so much for the tour. Each day there was a hike or something like that planned and any additional activities needed to be paid for if you wanted to join. We probably spent an additional $30 on transportation and another $250 on activities. Don't think we'll ever get a better guide than our guide Peter. If it wasn't for him I might even call our trip a bit boring. Discovery tours are definitely more slow paced and leisurely. Truly mean to bring you to your destination, give you an idea of what to do, a good amount of hiking in the area and you're on you're own 60% of the time.

• Coach / Bus

Athens, Northern Greece and Greek Islands

• Christmas & New Year

11 Day Tour on the Paths of Apostle Paul, Cruise to Athos & Tour in Santorini

Amazing experience and everything was as represented. The only suggestion I have is that the weather was very hot (over 100 degrees), and the vehicle we toured in did not have sufficient AC to cool us in the back seat. Consider the weather before booking this trip as it includes outdoor activities and hiking.

Family Greek Coast Caique Cruise

A fantastic trip cruising the Aegean Sea. Our guide Thanos wowed us with his enthusiasm for Evia and Greece, its history, its coastline, its food and all it has to offer. As a family we embraced life onboard, which was cramped in the cabins, but expected in a vessel of this design and age. Great, traditional food was prepared onboard for breakfast and lunch. And dinner was always an experience on Thanos’ recommendation. We shared this trip with a wonderful group of fellow travellers. Many laughs were had and friendships made. There was a change to our planned itinerary due to high winds but it didn’t detract from the overall trip. Swimming off the boat and the views when sailing were absolutely amazing. Evia is a beautiful, untouched island and I’m so glad we took the plunge and booked this trip.

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands - 12 Days

• Ocean Cruise

Iconic Aegean with 4-Night Cruise

Iconic Aegean with 3-Night Cruise

Greece Island Hopper featuring Athens, Mykonos and Santorini (2023)

Highlights of Greece with 3 Day Cruise Moderate C (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, 8 Days, Celestyal Cruise Information)

• Walking Adventure

Complete Greece and the Beautiful Aegean Int

Exploring Greece

The tour went out very smoothly.

Greece Boat Trip Reviews

Mia our leader gets 10/10! We were lucky to have her as our guide. She made everything easy and we saw so much in a short time. This has been a memorable trip. It's my first Intrepid tour. I will definitely be doing more and will recommend them to my friends!! Thanks Intrepid

Very good tour. Accommodation and day tours were great. The major problem were the transfers. Dropped off on the side of the road and told to walk approximately 500 metres to the hotel with no directions, the tour pick-up point was a 10 minute walk from the hotel and finally after waiting for our airport transfer for over an hour at the designated pick-up location had to organise a taxi ourselves. We were refunded the allocated transfer amount not the actual cost of the taxi so out of pocket as well.

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• Mainland Greece (8)
• Athens Santorini & Mykonos (8)

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7 Amazing Boat Trips from Crete (with photos)- Balos, Santorini, Spinalonga…

Last updated on November 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

When traveling to the biggest Greek island, you can enjoy many amazing boat trips from Crete:  From short ones to an islet such as Spinalonga, to long ones taking you to neighboring island Santorini.  Below is my selection of the best Crete boat tours and excursions to consider during your holidays.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon

Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path

My favorite places to stay:

• Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
• Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
• Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel

About the boat trips from Crete

Accessing islets and wilder areas.

Crete being a large island with lots of small islets around to which you can take short boat trips. Plus, thanks to its mountainous geography, Crete has areas that have remained quite wild and cannot easily be reached by car. But you can see those amazing places by boat!

The 3 unmissable Crete Boat trips

In this article, I am listing many of the boat tours available from Crete. The 3 that I consider ‘unmissable’ are:

• Balos Lagoon
• Loutro and South Coast
• Spinalonga Island

They are all very touristic and not away from the crowds, but there is a good reason for that… the views are beautiful!

Crete Day trips to other Greek Islands

Wondering if you can to a boat excursion to another Greek island?

As you can see on the map below, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. However, compared to all the others, it is quite isolated. Therefore, it is not easy to do a simple day trip to a neighboring island. The 2 closest ones are Santorini and Karpathos. But if you want to visit any other, you would have to plan a multi-day tour.

1 – The best Crete boat trip – Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

• Where it goes – This first tour takes you to the wild peninsula at the North-West end of Crete. The first stop is Gramvousa island also referred to as the pirate island, and then the boat continues to the famous Balos Lagoon
• My rating – For the scenery: 5 stars!

• Why is it worth it? The area is wild and colorful. The island of Gramvousa has steep cliff, emerald waters and a fortification at the top! What more would you want? And Balos Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Crete . The area at the foot of mountains offers shallow warm turquoise waters protected by the island of Tigani. And you can even find some pink sand! Want to see more photos and a video? Check out my article about the Balos Lagoon Cruise .

• Departure from –  The boats depart from the port of Kissamos. Busses can take you to Kissamos from Chania or Rethymno Private yachts can depart from Chania
• How long it takes –   This is a full-day tour. The boats leave between 10 am and 12pm and you come back at the end of the afternoon.
• Type of Boat – The boats are quite big and stable, with easy embarkation and disembarkation. There are seats inside and outside, toilets and a food service.
• How to Book – Check out the tour options with or without bus on Getyourguide

2 – The most historical boat tour from Crete – Spinalonga Island

• Where it goes – This Crete Boat tour takes you to the famous Spinalonga island. It is located on the North Coast of Crete, just North of Agios Nikolaos (East from Heraklion)
• My rating –   I would give it 4 stars because of the overtourism.

• Why is it worth it? This tour combines Stunning scenery, Venetian architecture and a tumultuous history.  The islet is located in a bay that is almost enclosed. Therefore there is always something to look at around the vibrant blue water. Spinalonga is completely protected with fortifications around and at the top. It used to be a Venetian and then an Ottoman fortress. And, during its most recent history, it was a leper colony.

• Departure from & Types of Boats –  You can depart from different locations: – the village of Plaka, with small boats – the ride takes only 10 minutes – the resort town of Elounda – boats are a little bigger and you stay within the quiet bay – the ride takes 25 minutes – Agios Nikolaos – day excursions leave from the bigger town of A.N. This tour has to sail around the peninsula to reach the islet.
• How long it takes –   From Plaka and Elounda, you can just take the boat, visit on your own and take one of the later return boats. Or you can take organized tours with a guide to better understand the history of the island.
• How to Book – Check some tour options on Getyourguide

3 – The most dreamt about – Boat trip from Crete to Santorini 

• Where it goes – Santorini is probably the most famous of the Greek islands. It is located in the Cycladic island archipelago, in the middle of the Aegean see. It is the one closest to Crete.
• My rating –   I would say 5 stars if you take a 2 day trip, and only 4stars for a day trip, because your time on Santorini will be very limited (but still worth it if you are short in time!)

• Why is it worth it? Santorini is quite a unique place to see. The island was destroyed by a giant earthquake and the current towns are built at the edge of the caldera!!! It combines the magnificent landscapes of a volcano, the sea and the traditional white houses. It is very very very touristic (you sure will not be alone) but the geology is fascinating. I recommend admiring it from the sea rather than on land if you can choose your activity. Learn more on my article about visiting Santorini from Crete

• Departure from –  Heraklion (coaches can take you from other towns)
• How long it takes –   It is at least a full-day trip. But if you can, I recommend booking an overnight boat tour from Crete. The fast ferry between Heraklion and Santorini takes 2 hours
• Type of Boat –  For this type of tour, you will take the fast ferry. It is a large boat low on water, as you can see in the picture below. There are other bigger boats doing the connection, but they are twice as long so they don’t work for a day trip.
• How to Book – On this page of Getyourguide , you can find tours departing from Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno

Need to rent a car in Crete ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

4 – The wild South – Ferry from Chora Skafion to Loutro and Agia Roumeli

• Where it goes – Part of the South Coast has stayed wild with only a few small villages by the sea such as Loutro or Agia Roumeli. The region is not accessible by car
• My rating –   I loved the view from the boat and the charm of Loutro. 5 stars! (Note: but it might not be as enchanting in the middle of Summer considering how small the village is.

• Why is it worth it? Your boat departs from Chora Sfakion and follows the South coast where the mountains drop straight into the sea. You can spot very small beaches along the way but not much else. The village of Loutro is really small and the scenery is stunning: white houses, orange rocks and emerald waters… Want to see more pictures? Check out my article about the village of Loutro

• Departure from –  Chora Sfakion on the South Coast, South of Rethymno (departure may also be possible from Sougia beach at certain times)
• How long it takes –   The boat trip from Chora Sfakion to Loutro is only 20min, but you can continue further along the coast to Agia Roumeli for 40more minutes (at the end of the famous Samaria Gorge (photo above))
• Type of Boat – It depends on the time of your ferry. At certain hours it is a large ferry which can take cars, at others it is a smaller boat. You can see them in the pictures below.
• How to Book – The main company is Anendyk – timetable here there are other companies with smaller boat operating between Chora Sfakion and Loutro.

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

5 – The small boat to facilitate access – Plakias to Preveli

• Where it goes – This boat tour in Crete departs from the resort town of Plakias on the South Coast
• Why is it worth it? It takes you to one of the most unique beaches in Crete: Preveli ( see my full list of amazing Cretan beaches here ) This beach is located at the end of a gorge, where a lake has formed and palm trees have taken over.  The typical access from the paved carpark requires you to get down 400 high stairs (and therefore to go up 400 stairs when you are ready to leave). This is why the boat is a great option, since it takes you directly to the beach.

• Departure from –  Plakias
• How long it takes –   40min boat ride with stunning scenery
• Type of Boat – Small boat (you can see one in the photo below)
• How to Book – For example, you can contact Plakias Boat Tours (note: I have not done this tour, I went to the beach by car)

6 – The most beachy boat transfer from Crete – Chrysi island

• Where it goes – This boat tour in Crete, takes you 15km South of the main island, to the smaller one of Chrysi (or Chrisi)
• Why is it worth it –   This tour is more for people who enjoy beach time. The island of Chrysi is famous for its paradise-looking beaches with white sand and turquoise waters.

• Departure from –  The town of Ierapetra on the South Coast (South of Agios Nikolaos) But tours are organized from some resort town on the North shore too (bus + boat)
• How long it takes – 6 hours – departure are from 10am to 1pm and return from 4:40pm to 6pm
• Type of Boat – Quite large boats with toilets and Food service on board
• How to Book – Check out your options on Getyourguide

Where to stay in Crete?

My favorites:

• Chania , a charming town:   See best rated accommodations
• Rethymno , history, beach and central location:  See best rated options
• Heraklion , main city: See best rated options
• Palaiochora , for stunning scenery, away from crowds –  See best rated options
• Mochlos , for a very quiet area: see best rated options
• For a sandy beach and some nightlife:  Malia  or  Bali

7 – Pirate sailing experiences in Crete

Because of its central location and tumultuous history, Crete has been the home of many pirates attacking the merchant ships going to Europe or Africa. Today, you can learn more about their history and techniques on boat tours dedicated to the lives of pirates!

Check out this one from Heraklion

Or check out this option from Chania or Rethymno

Best boat tours from main towns – Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion

Boat tours from chania.

If you are staying in Chania – the best boat tours to consider are:

• Balos Lagoon is easy to do from Chania. You just take a bus to Kissamos
• You can also go to Santorini , but know that the drive to Heraklion will make the day even longer 
• You can go snorkeling in the region – Check out the program and book
• You can also enjoy a boat tour from Chania on a sailboat, admiring the scenery and stopping at beaches and caves. It goes all around the peninsula to Marathi beach before sailing back – Check out the program and book

• For something a little different that will fascinate the whole family, you can also consider a 40min ride on a  semi-submarine – Check out concept and book

Boat tours from Rethymno

Rethymno is very centrally located in Crete, so most of the Boat tours can be started in Rethymno either directly on water or but bus transfer first.

• There are direct tours to Santorini – check out options and availability
• You can head to Balos by bus and then boat –  see details and availability
• You can have fun on the Pirate boat – see details and availability

Boat tours from Heraklion 

Heraklion being the main town, it offers most of the boat excursions with a bus to reach departure or not:

• Direct tours to Santorini – check out options and availability
• Head to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island – see details & availability
• Climb on board the Black Rose pirate ship – see details & availability
• Go explore Spinalonga island – see options
• Head South to Chrisi island for a day at the beach – see options

Need help deciding where to go? Check out my article Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno? Where to go?

Boat trip to Elafonisi – Is it possible?

The pink beach of Elafonisi is worth a visit. But it is at one end of the island. There is no boat tour from Chania, Rethymno or Heraklion – you have to book a bus tour ( see details ) However, you can book a private boat tour from Palaiochora, the nearby town on the South Coast, if you are staying there. Learn more about the beach in my article.

Boat tour South of Crete

The main boat tour along the South coast of Crete are:

• The ferry from Chora Sfakion to Loutro or Agia Roumeli (#4)
• The boat transfer to Chrisi island – Check out your options  (#6)
• The short boat trip from Plakias to Preveli beach to avoid the steep path to access it (#5)

Diving in Crete – are there good options?

Crete has some great options for beginner and advanced divers from Chania or Heraklion or the Malia area – see some options

Sunset cruises around Crete

In most towns with a large enough port, you can find companies offering private or group sunset cruises or sailing adventures. For example:

• Sunset cruise from Chania – see details and availability
• Sunset on pirate boat from Rethymno – see details and availability

Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer ?

• 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) –  read article
• 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
• The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
• The most beautiful archaeological sites – read article
• The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete – read article
• The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
• Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
• Tips for driving around Crete – read article

Planning a trip to Crete?

Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:

Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide

• 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 150+ original photos to help you choose

And keep track of your own trip!

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