Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Menies Beach has an unusual mix of clear water, ancient ruins, and WWII relics. This four-hour cruise from Kolymbari takes you to a beach reached mainly by boat, then to Chironisia Bay, where you can swim near small sea caves. I like that the trip gives you two very different water stops without taking up a whole day.

I also like the practical touches: snorkeling gear is included, the boat has toilets and a small bar, and hotel pickup is available from many north Chania locations. The main caution is the large-group feel on some departures, plus a rocky beach and a swim of roughly six meters from the boat to shore.

Key points to know

• Two water stops in four hours: Menies Beach gets about 105 minutes, while Chironisia Bay gets about 40 minutes.
• WWII history underwater: Snorkel near the remains of a sunken gun and carriage at Menies.
• Ancient Diktynna: Menies is linked to an old sanctuary of Vritomartis, with Roman remains and an abandoned ninth-century monastery.
• Boat access only: Chironisia Bay is reached from the sea and includes small caves to explore with a mask and snorkel.
• Good value at $47: The price includes the cruise, guide, swim stops, and snorkeling equipment, but not food or drinks.
• Bring water shoes: Menies is a smooth-pebble beach, and you must swim from the boat to reach the shore.

Why this four-hour Crete cruise works so well

I see this trip as a focused introduction to the wilder side of northern Crete. You are not signing up for an all-day sailing marathon. Instead, you spend about four hours on the water, with roughly 40 minutes cruising out, more than two hours at the swimming locations, and a return ride along the Rodopou Peninsula.

That timing is a real strength. Families with children can enjoy a proper boat trip without committing an entire day, and you still get enough time to swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, and reach the beach at Menies. At $47 per person, the price is reasonable for a cruise that includes the boat, guide, swim stops, and equipment.

I would not book this as a quiet private excursion. Some departures carry a lot of people, and several coaches may arrive at the harbor together. The boat is described as spacious, with several seating areas, but the experience can still feel busy, especially during the transfer and boarding period.

Meeting the Smile Cruises boat in Kolymbari

The departure point is the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat. If you are driving a rental car, arrive early because parking around the harbor is limited.

The boat leaves Kolymbari at either 10:15 or 14:30, depending on the departure you select. The actual pickup time can be much earlier if you choose hotel transport. A morning departure, for example, may involve pickup around 8:40 from some locations, so check the confirmed time carefully, including your spam folder.

Pickup is offered from selected hotels and meeting points in north Chania. You wait on the main road, not necessarily right outside your hotel, and the bus carries a sign naming Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait only five minutes, so I would be ready early and watch carefully for the correct coach.

The transfer is useful if you are staying around Platanias, Agia Marina, or nearby resort areas. It can also add time, since the bus collects people from multiple locations. If you already stay in Kolymbari, meeting the boat directly is simpler.

Cruising along the Rodopou Peninsula

After a short safety briefing in Kolymbari, the boat heads around the Rodopou Peninsula. The first outward cruise takes about 40 minutes. This is part of the attraction, not just dead time: you get open views of the northern coast and the pleasure of reaching places that are not easy to access by road.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, a toilet, and a small refreshments bar. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but do not count on a full meal. The food choice is mainly simple snacks such as crisps and beverages, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial.

The upper deck is a good place for views, but it has no shade. I would bring sunscreen and choose a covered seat when you need a break from the sun. Some passengers have found the speaker system hard to hear outside, so you may miss parts of the guide’s explanation if you sit far from the central seating area.

The sea can also affect the ride. On calm days, the cruise is easy and pleasant. With high waves, the ride may feel rough, and motion sickness is possible. If you are sensitive, sit where the boat moves least, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider bringing your usual motion-sickness remedy.

Menies Beach, ancient Diktynna, and WWII remains

Menies is the main stop, with about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and time on shore. The boat anchors about six meters from the beach, so you must swim through shallow water to reach it. The crew can help with baskets and paddle boards for carrying belongings across, but you should still pack light and use a waterproof bag for anything valuable.

The beach itself is made of smooth pebbles rather than soft sand. That makes water shoes one of my strongest recommendations. The stones are not usually a major problem, but they can be uncomfortable under bare feet, especially when entering or leaving the water.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough for snorkeling, and you may see small fish and sea vegetation. Reports of sea life vary, so I would book this for the combination of swimming and scenery, not as a serious wildlife trip. Some people see plenty of fish, while others find the marine life modest.

The underwater WWII remains add a touch of mystery. With the supplied mask and snorkel, you can look for the sunken base of a cannon and its carriage. This is an unusual feature for a beach outing, and it gives your swim a little purpose beyond floating in pretty water.

Menies also has an older story above the water. The beach sits at the site of ancient Diktynna, associated with the goddess Vritomartis. You can see remains linked to a Roman temple and an abandoned monastery dedicated to St. George, dating to the ninth century. Do not expect a large archaeological complex with extensive displays. The value is in seeing modest remains in a remote coastal setting, with the sea and cliffs around you.

The long stop gives you room to choose your pace. You can spend part of the time swimming, put on the fins and search around the underwater remains, walk onto the pebbles, or stay aboard. Confident swimmers can enter from the boat, while less confident swimmers can use the ladder and the floating aids provided by the crew.

Chironisia Bay and its small sea caves

After Menies, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This is a smaller stop, with around 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. You do not necessarily walk onto a beach here. Instead, the boat anchors in the bay and you enter the water directly.

Chironisia is reached only from the sea, which gives the stop a more secluded feel. Its appeal is less about historical remains and more about the shape of the coast, the clear water, and the chance to swim into small caves with your snorkeling gear.

This stop suits confident swimmers who enjoy entering the water from a boat. The crew provides a ladder, and flotation equipment is available for people who want extra support. Families have found the calm water manageable, but you should still be comfortable in open water and able to follow the crew’s instructions.

Forty minutes passes quickly, especially if everyone wants a turn near the caves. I would put on your mask before entering and keep your belongings together on the boat. You will get a final stretch of about 30 minutes cruising back along the peninsula after this stop.

Boat size, crowding, and the guide

The exact feel of the trip depends on the departure. Some boats have been described as spacious and modern, with plenty of seating. Other departures can include several coach groups, making the boat feel crowded even when there is technically enough room for everyone.

I would set your expectations at a popular shared excursion, not a small private charter. The busy part is often the transfer, boarding, and equipment collection. Once the boat reaches the two swimming spots, the experience can feel less crowded because large boats do not always anchor at the same locations.

The crew receives strong marks for being helpful with swimming equipment, boarding, and basic safety. Maria is specifically noted for quickly helping with a replacement mask. A lifeguard is on staff, and floats are available, which matters if you are bringing children or have limited confidence in the water.

The guide speaks English and Greek. Try to sit where you can hear the announcements, especially before entering the sea. The outdoor speakers may be difficult to understand, and the guide’s comments are easier to follow near the main seating areas.

What to bring for a better day

The supplied snorkeling equipment includes masks, snorkels, and fins, although one person raised a concern about hygiene with the mask and tube equipment. If you are particular about shared gear, bringing your own mask or snorkel may make you more comfortable.

Pack the basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes for the pebble beach
• A waterproof pouch for a phone and valuables
• Light clothing for the ride back
• Motion-sickness medication if rough water bothers you

You can buy drinks and simple snacks on the boat, but food is not included. I would have breakfast or lunch before departure, especially if you choose the afternoon sailing and do not want to rely on crisps.

The upper deck has no shade, so do not plan to spend the whole trip there without protection. The boat’s seating areas give you choices, and the crew can help swimmers who need floats or a little extra assistance.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a short water excursion from the Chania resort area, especially one that combines two swim stops with a little history. It suits couples, families with older children, and first-time snorkelers who want calm, supervised opportunities to try the activity.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Kolymbari and want a simple half-day outing. The direct harbor meeting point avoids a long transfer, and the boat reaches places you cannot conveniently visit by car.

I would think twice if your ideal beach day means soft sand, a quiet boat, and a private atmosphere. Menies is pebbly, the boat may be busy, and the trip can become uncomfortable in rough conditions. It is also not the best choice if you want guaranteed abundant marine life. The snorkeling can be very good, but conditions and sightings vary.

The tour is suitable for people who can swim from the anchored boat to shore, though ladders, floats, and crew assistance make it easier for less confident swimmers. Anyone unable to enter the water should understand that the boat does not pull right up to Menies Beach.

Is the $47 price good value?

For $47, I think the value is strong. You get a four-hour cruise, two separate swim locations, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and optional hotel transportation. The Menies stop alone is long enough to feel like a proper outing rather than a rushed photo stop.

The price does not cover drinks or food, but the onboard bar keeps that extra cost manageable if you want something during the ride. The real value comes from access. Menies and Chironisia are not ordinary resort beaches, and reaching them by road would not provide the same view of the coast or the same chance to swim directly from the boat.

I would compare this with the cost of hiring a car, finding remote coastal access, and arranging your own equipment. The organized trip saves that effort. You give up privacy and flexibility, but the exchange is fair for a half-day activity.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The trip does not run in poor weather, which is sensible for an open-water cruise. If conditions change, check your messages and email before heading to the harbor.

The two departure times are 10:15 and 14:30 from Kolymbari. Hotel pickup may begin 10 minutes to an hour before the boat departure, depending on your location. Keep that extra transfer time in mind when planning lunch, naps, or other activities.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat at the harbor.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts about four hours. The schedule includes a 40-minute outward cruise, about 105 minutes at Menies Beach, around 40 minutes at Chironisia Bay, and the return cruise.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the relevant booking option from selected locations in north Chania. Pickup times can be 10 minutes to one hour before the boat departure.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included. You may still bring your own mask or snorkel if you prefer not to use shared equipment.

Can I walk directly from the boat onto Menies Beach?

No. The boat anchors about six meters from shore, so you must swim through shallow water to reach the beach. The crew can help with baskets and paddle boards for carrying belongings.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are available to buy on the boat, but they are not included in the tour price.

Should you book the Menies and Chironisia cruise?

I would book it if you want an affordable, well-organized half-day on the water with two clear-water swimming stops, basic snorkeling, and a few unusual historical details. The WWII cannon remains and ancient Diktynna connection give Menies more character than a standard beach stop, while Chironisia adds a quieter cove and small caves.

Choose a morning sailing if you want the rest of the day free, and arrive early if you are meeting at Kolymbari. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a towel. If you accept a shared boat, possible choppy water, and a pebble beach, this is a practical way to see a less accessible corner of northern Crete without spending a full day or a large sum.