Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Clear water, quiet coves, and a boat ride worth taking. This four-hour cruise from Kolymbari visits Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, two places that are difficult to reach by land. I like the generous swimming time and the chance to snorkel around WWII remains, while the $47 price makes this a sensible half-day outing. The main catch is that the boat can feel busy, and rough seas may cause motion sickness.

The trip works especially well if you want to see a wilder corner of northern Crete without giving up a full day. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, floats, toilets, and a small refreshment bar. Just bring water shoes, since Menies is a smooth-pebble beach, and arrive early if you are driving to the harbor because parking is limited.

Key points to know before you go

• Two very different swim stops: Menies offers beach time, ancient ruins, and snorkeling, while Chironisia is a small sea-access bay with caves.
• A strong four-hour format: You get a worthwhile outing without spending seven or eight hours on a boat.
• Snorkel around WWII remains: At Menies, you can look for the underwater base of a gun and carriage, with equipment supplied on board.
• Boat access means a short swim: The boat anchors about six meters from shore, so you must swim through shallow water to reach Menies Beach.
• Hotel pickup is useful but early: Pickup can begin as much as an hour before the 10:15 or 14:30 departure from Kolymbari.
• Good value, with limits: The $47 fare includes the cruise, guide, swim stops, and snorkeling gear, but snacks and drinks cost extra.

Setting out from Kolymbari toward the Rodopou Peninsula

You begin at Kolymbari harbor, looking for the Smile Cruises boat. The trip starts with a short safety briefing of about 10 minutes, followed by roughly 40 minutes on the water along the Rodopou Peninsula.

That first cruise is part of the attraction. You are not simply being carried from one beach to another. The boat gives you a broad view of the northern coast, with cliffs, sea caves, and open water creating a useful change of pace from Crete’s towns and resort strips.

You can book the boat directly at Kolymbari or select hotel pickup from certain parts of northern Chania. Pickup is available from a long list of hotels and meeting points around areas such as Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Kalamaki, and Kolymbari.

If you use the bus, read the pickup message carefully. A 10:15 boat departure may require a hotel pickup around 8:40, depending on where you stay. Drivers wait no more than five minutes, and the pickup point is usually on the main road. Look for the sign showing Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay.

If you drive yourself, arrive early. Kolymbari harbor has limited parking, and finding a space may take longer than you expect. Once aboard, the boat is described as spacious, modern, and clean, although the number of people can vary. Some departures have included several coach groups, so this is not a small private-boat experience.

Menies Beach combines clear water with ancient Crete

The first major stop is Menies Beach, where you have about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. That long stop is one of the best features of the trip. You are not rushed into a quick photo and a five-minute swim.

Menies sits on the site of ancient Diktynna, an important religious center connected with the goddess Vritomartis. You can also see remains linked to a Roman temple and the abandoned ninth-century monastery of St. George. The ruins are not presented as a large archaeological site with extensive signs and facilities. Think of them as scattered traces in a remote coastal setting, adding a bit of history to your beach stop.

The water is the real star here. It is clear, calm when conditions cooperate, and suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Several people have reported seeing small fish and sea vegetation, while others found marine life more limited. That difference is normal in open water. If you expect a major reef or a packed aquarium of fish, you may be disappointed. If you enjoy exploring clear Mediterranean water at an easy pace, the stop should satisfy you.

The boat anchors around six meters from the shore. You then swim through shallow water to reach the beach. The crew can help move belongings with baskets or paddleboards, which is useful if you have towels, cameras, or bags that you do not want to carry through the water.

Menies is a pebble beach rather than a soft-sand beach. The stones are smooth, but water shoes are still one of the smartest items to pack. They make the walk from the water much easier and protect your feet around the shoreline.

Snorkeling around the WWII gun position

The snorkeling at Menies has an unusual historical angle. You can search underwater for the base of a gun and its carriage associated with World War II. This is not a formal museum exhibit, and visibility can vary with the sea, but the remains give the swim a clear purpose beyond simply floating in pretty water.

The boat supplies masks and snorkels, and some departures also provide fins. Floats are available for less confident swimmers, and a lifeguard has been mentioned as part of the onboard support. The crew has also helped with mask changes when equipment did not fit properly.

I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant discovery rather than a guaranteed wildlife show. Some outings have produced excellent sightings, including cuttlefish and plenty of small fish. Other swims have had little marine life. The reliable part is the clear water and the chance to explore a historical object below the surface.

You can enter the water from the side of the boat or use a ladder. Some people choose to jump from the upper deck, but you should only do what feels comfortable and follow the crew’s instructions. The water at the swim stops is described as calm enough for children when weather conditions are good, and floats are available for swimmers who need extra confidence.

Chironisia Bay is smaller, quieter, and reached only by sea

After Menies, the boat cruises for around 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. You get about 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling.

Chironisia feels different from Menies. It is a small, secluded bay with no normal road access, and the boat does not necessarily pull onto a beach. Instead, you swim from the boat and explore the water around the cove. Small caves add interest, and the stop is well suited to anyone who prefers jumping into clear water over lying on a beach.

This is also the more active part of the afternoon. You can use the snorkeling equipment to look into the caves and along the rocky edges of the bay. The time is shorter than at Menies, but 40 minutes is enough for a swim, a look around, and a few jumps from the boat if conditions allow.

The two-stop design is smart. Menies gives you a proper stretch of beach time and a link to Crete’s ancient and wartime past. Chironisia gives you a more direct sea experience, with caves and a shore that can only be reached by boat.

What the boat offers during the four-hour outing

The boat has several seating areas, including an upper deck. The upper deck provides a good place to feel the wind and watch the coast, but it has no shade. For a sunny day, bring sunscreen and consider taking a seat below or in a covered area when you are not swimming.

There is a toilet on board, a bin, snorkeling equipment, and a small bar selling drinks and snacks. Do not count on a full meal. The available food has been described mainly as crisps and drinks, so eat beforehand or bring what you need if you have specific dietary requirements.

The audio system is a weak point. Announcements can be difficult to hear from outside, especially on the upper deck, and the speakers have been criticized for poor sound quality. The staff is helpful, but you may need to move closer when the guide explains safety details or the next stop.

English and Greek are the tour languages. Maria has been singled out for prompt help with snorkeling equipment and passenger questions. The broader crew is described as friendly and attentive, especially when someone feels unwell or needs help getting into the water.

How weather can change the experience

The operator does not run the tour in poor weather, but conditions can still affect the ride. On a calm day, the trip is an easy glide along the coast. On a rough day, the open-water journey can become uncomfortable, and one family reported serious seasickness during choppy conditions.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit low and toward the center of the boat, where movement is usually less noticeable. Keep your first swim stop in mind as a chance to recover if the ride feels rough. The crew can assist, but they cannot make a windy sea calm.

The conditions also affect snorkeling. Clear water and calm coves create the best visibility. High waves can shorten your swim, make the beach landing harder, and reduce the pleasure of exploring underwater. A flexible attitude matters more here than a rigid expectation of perfect conditions.

Is the $47 price good value?

At $47 per person, this is a strong-value half-day trip. The fare includes the boat ride, two swim stops, snorkeling gear, a guide, and hotel transport if you choose the pickup option. A comparable private boat would cost far more, while a full-day cruise would take much more of your holiday.

The value comes from the time at the stops. You get about 105 minutes at Menies and 40 minutes at Chironisia, rather than spending most of the outing aboard. The cruise also reaches places that are not straightforward to visit by road.

There are tradeoffs. This is a shared excursion, not an intimate sailing trip. The boat may carry a large group, and the refreshment selection is basic. Hotel transfers can also add a long collection period, especially if you are staying farther from Kolymbari.

For families, the four-hour length is a real advantage. Children can swim, use floats, and enjoy the boat without facing the fatigue of a full-day outing. The stops are also suitable for different comfort levels, since you can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat, or spend time on the beach at Menies.

What to pack for Menies and Chironisia

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and beachwear. Add water shoes if you have them. The pebble shoreline and swim from the boat make them more useful here than on a soft sandy beach.

Pack a waterproof bag for phones and valuables. The crew can help move belongings, but you should still expect some contact with water when reaching Menies.

Bring enough drinking water if you prefer not to rely on the onboard bar. Snacks and drinks are available to buy, but the selection is limited. A hat is useful on the upper deck, though you will want to secure it in the wind.

Arrive early at the harbor if meeting the boat directly. If you use hotel pickup, check your email and spam folder for the exact time. The stated departure time is from Kolymbari, not necessarily the time you leave your hotel.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want clear water, two swimming spots, and a manageable four-hour schedule. It is particularly good for families, first-time snorkelers, couples who want a simple coastal outing, and anyone staying near northern Chania.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a beach day. The remains connected with WWII, ancient Diktynna, the Roman site, and the old monastery give Menies extra character.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet private boat, a sandy beach, a full meal, or guaranteed abundant sea life. You should also think twice if rough seas affect you badly or if you dislike shared group excursions.

For most people, the balance is favorable. The organization is straightforward, the crew is helpful, and the two swim stops deliver exactly what the outing promises. Book it when the forecast looks good, bring water shoes, and treat the snorkeling as an added pleasure rather than the sole reason to go.

FAQ

Where does the Menies and Chironisia cruise depart?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The total activity lasts four hours. Departure times from Kolymbari are listed as 10:15 and 14:30, subject to availability.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the selected option from certain locations and hotels in northern Chania.

How early might hotel pickup be?

Pickup can take place from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat departure, depending on your location. Check the exact time sent by email.

Do I need to swim to Menies Beach?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and floats are available for swimmers who are less confident in the water.

What food and drinks are included?

Food and drinks are not included in the price. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on the boat, but the selection is limited.