Crete: Coastline Snorkeling Cruise from Hersonissos Port

The best part of this short cruise is the chance to leave Hersonissos behind and swim from a boat at a quiet beach, rather than spend the afternoon on a crowded strip of sand. Saint George Beach is the main draw, with calm water suited to floating, swimming, and a little snorkeling.

I like the tidy two-hour schedule and the fact that the boat supplies snorkeling masks and inflatables. At $35, it is an easy add-on for a free afternoon. The catch is that the route depends on weather, and you may visit only one beach instead of two. Fish sightings can also be limited, and some equipment may need checking before you use it.

Key points to know before booking

• A noon departure keeps the plan simple: The cruise lasts two hours, making it easy to fit around a morning or evening in Hersonissos.
• Saint George Beach is the main swimming stop: You get about 45 minutes in calm, clear water for swimming, snorkeling, floating, or sunbathing.
• The route is weather-dependent: One or two beaches may be included, but rough conditions can change the plan.
• Snorkeling gear and inflatables are provided: This saves you from packing every piece of equipment, though you should inspect masks and snorkels before heading into the water.
• The $35 price is fair for a short boat outing: It covers the boat and equipment, but not drinks, snacks, or land transportation.
• People prone to seasickness should think twice: This is a small-boat coastline trip, not a land-based beach transfer.

Leaving Hersonissos at noon

This cruise begins from Hersonissos Port around midday and lasts two hours. That timing matters. You do not need to give up a full day, and you can still have breakfast, see more of town, or make evening plans afterward.

The trip is built around a simple rhythm: sail along the coast, reach one or two quieter beaches, spend about 45 minutes at each stop when conditions allow, then return to port. It is not a long sightseeing voyage with a packed schedule. I see it as a short taste of the coast, with the water stop doing most of the work.

The boat ride itself gives you a different angle on Crete. From the water, the shoreline becomes the view, and the trip feels more like a small escape than a standard beach afternoon. Still, keep your expectations in proportion. This is a two-hour outing, not a full-day sailing trip.

The advertised departure is noon, but you should check the available starting time when booking. The information provided does not give a meeting point beyond Hersonissos Port, so allow enough time to find the boat and arrive ready for the water.

Saint George Beach and the 45-minute swim

Saint George Beach is described as tranquil, with calm, clear water that suits a short swim. That is important because the stop is brief. You have enough time to get into the water, float, try the snorkeling gear, and dry off, but not enough time for a slow, unhurried beach day.

I would use the first few minutes to get organized. Put on sunscreen, secure your sunglasses and hat, and decide if you want to swim right away or spend time on the inflatable lilo beds. A 45-minute stop goes quickly once you account for getting in and out of the boat.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim near the boat, use a snorkeling mask to look below the surface, or simply float and enjoy the pause. The setting is better suited to a relaxed dip than to serious underwater exploration.

The route may include a second beach, also with a stop of about 45 minutes. Do not treat two beaches as guaranteed. One outing included only one beach even though two had been expected, and the conditions determine where the boat can go. That is not necessarily a flaw in the cruise, but it is a reason to judge the trip by the swimming time and boat ride, rather than by the number of coves on the schedule.

What the snorkeling is really like

The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, and masks are also available on the boat. That is useful if you did not bring your own gear. You can try snorkeling without buying or carrying a full kit for a short beach stop.

The underwater scene should be approached with modest expectations. The water may be clear, but that does not guarantee large numbers of fish. Recent feedback included disappointment about seeing very few fish, so I would book this for swimming and a quick look underwater, not for a serious snorkeling session.

Equipment quality is another practical point. Some masks and snorkels were reported to be partly faulty, and one comment noted that more snorkels were needed. If you want to use the gear, check the fit and seal as soon as it is available. If you own a comfortable mask, bringing it could make the water stop more enjoyable, though the listed inclusions do provide equipment.

The boat also carries inflatable toys and lilo beds. These suit the cruise’s relaxed mood. You can lie back on the water instead of spending the entire stop swimming. They may be especially useful for anyone who wants to enjoy the cove without snorkeling.

Boat time, comfort, and motion

The boat is included in the price, but the information does not specify its size, seating arrangement, or onboard facilities. Plan for a straightforward boat ride rather than a luxury sailing experience.

The coastline cruise is exposed to the weather. Wind and waves affect both comfort and the choice of beach. The itinerary specifically says that stops depend on conditions, so the crew has room to adjust the route when needed.

If you are prone to seasickness, this activity is not a good match. Even a short two-hour ride can feel long when the water is moving. Sit where the boat feels most stable if you do go, but the clearest advice is to choose a land-based beach plan if motion on boats usually bothers you.

The staff received strong praise in the feedback, with particular appreciation for the crew and the general boat ride. That matters on a short outing. Friendly, helpful service can make the difference when equipment needs changing or the route has to shift because of the weather.

There is a mini bar on the boat, but drinks cost extra. Snacks are not included, and snacks themselves are listed as not included. Bring what you need for a short afternoon, or budget for purchases onboard. Do not assume that the $35 price covers refreshments.

Is $35 a good value?

At $35 per person, this is reasonably priced for a two-hour boat excursion with a swimming stop and snorkeling equipment. The value comes from the combination of transport by water, access to a quieter beach, and the chance to use the boat’s inflatables and masks.

The price looks better if you already plan to spend time around Hersonissos and want a compact activity. You are not paying for a full day, a meal, or a long transfer. The cruise gives you a change of scene for the price of a casual paid activity.

The value is weaker if your main goal is exceptional snorkeling. Limited fish sightings and occasional equipment problems mean the underwater portion may not meet the hopes of an experienced snorkeler. In that case, you are mostly paying for the boat ride and beach swim.

You also need to factor in extras. Drinks at the mini bar cost more, and snacks are not included. Air-conditioned vehicle transportation is not included either, so you must arrange your own way to Hersonissos Port.

For a family or couple looking for a short, low-commitment outing, the cost is easy to justify. For anyone seeking a full sailing day, a meal, or a carefully planned two-cove tour, this package is too limited.

What to pack for the water stop

Keep your packing practical. The activity information specifically recommends:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

I would keep valuables to a minimum. You need both hands free when getting ready to swim, and a short boat trip is easier when you are not managing a large bag.

Apply sunscreen before boarding and again after swimming if possible. The noon departure puts you on the water during a sunny part of the day, and the surface reflects strong light. A hat and sunglasses are not decorative extras here.

Wear beachwear under your clothes so you can change quickly. With only 45 minutes at a beach, you do not want to lose much of the stop to changing. A towel is essential after swimming, since one is not listed among the inclusions.

If you care about snorkeling comfort, consider bringing your own mask. The boat provides gear, but reports of faulty items and limited availability make personal equipment useful. That said, do not feel you must own snorkeling gear to take the cruise.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a short break from Hersonissos, like swimming in calm water, and do not need a packed program. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who want a simple boat ride with a beach stop.

It also works well for anyone with only a free afternoon. The noon start and two-hour length leave room for other plans. You can enjoy a swim without committing to a full-day charter.

The trip is less suitable for serious snorkelers. The water may be clear, but fish sightings are not assured, and the equipment may not be perfect. It is also a poor choice if you get seasick or expect a guaranteed visit to two different beaches.

Think of it as a light coastal outing. You are buying a boat ride, a pleasant swim, and a chance to float near a quiet beach. You are not buying a marine wildlife tour or a luxury sailing experience.

Booking flexibility and weather concerns

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is helpful when your plans around Hersonissos are still shifting.

Weather is the main factor to watch. The stops depend on conditions, so the actual route may change. A planned visit to two beaches can become a one-beach outing, and the crew may select a different location for safety and comfort.

That flexibility is useful, but it means you should avoid booking this as the only important event of your day. Leave room for the route to differ from your expectation. If you mainly want time in the water, the cruise can still work well with one good stop.

Cretanholidays operates the experience. The available information does not name individual guides, so I would judge the outing by the crew’s service, the weather, and the beach conditions rather than expect a personal guided tour.

My take: should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, two-hour escape from Hersonissos with a swim at Saint George Beach or another quiet cove. I especially like it for people who value a simple schedule, calm water, and a little time on inflatables rather than a long, demanding excursion.

Go in knowing what you are getting. The cruise may stop at only one beach, snorkeling may reveal few fish, and the provided equipment deserves a quick inspection. Bring your own mask if underwater time matters to you, and budget separately for drinks.

At $35, the trip offers fair value when you treat the boat ride and swimming stop as the main event. Skip it if you are seasick, want guaranteed two-beach access, or expect a first-rate snorkeling site. For a relaxed half-afternoon on the coast, it is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the coastline cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Hersonissos Port in Crete.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed departure is at noon. You should check the available starting time when booking.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts two hours.

How many beaches will the cruise visit?

The cruise may visit one or two secluded beaches. The stops depend on weather conditions, so two beaches are not guaranteed.

Is Saint George Beach included?

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

How long do you spend at each beach?

The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Snacks are not included, and drinks from the boat’s mini bar cost extra.

Is transportation to Hersonissos Port included?

No. Air-conditioned vehicle transportation is not included.

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What happens if the weather changes?

The beach stops depend on weather conditions, so the route and number of stops may change.

Can you cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.