A windy stretch of northern Crete, then two swims. This 4-hour Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay cruise balances clear-water snorkeling with real ancient-site context, all from the calm speed of a proper boat ride. I especially like the chance to snorkel over WWII-era underwater remains and the way you get access to secluded, boat-only beaches that feel a bit “no crowds, no rush.” One thing to consider: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so plan on a short swim in shallow water to reach land.

You’ll get a smooth half-day format, usually with hotel pickup in north Chania options, and a clear structure that keeps you moving without feeling herded. If you’re prone to motion sickness, keep an eye on sea conditions, since the ride up to the bays can be choppy when the water is rough.

Key things I’d prioritize on this cruise

• WWII underwater snorkeling: You get gear and time to look for the sunken base of cannons and related remnants.
• Ancient Menies setting: The Menies stop sits on the broader Diktynna area, linked to Vritomartis, plus older ruins nearby.
• Boat-only beach time: Both stops are chosen for water access, not parking-lot convenience.
• Two different water scenes: Menies is more of a swim-and-explore beach stop; Chironisia Bay adds calmer coves and cave-watching with your snorkel.
• A long-enough snorkel block: Menies gives you a bigger window to actually find your rhythm in the water.

Cruising Northern Crete for Two Boat-Only Swims

This is one of those Crete day trips that feels like it was designed for water people. You start in the Kolymbari port area, then you’re out at sea quickly enough that the whole morning or afternoon doesn’t turn into a waiting game. The payoff is a pair of stops with that signature north-coast clarity—easy to see the water color change from deck height, then even better once you’re in and moving.

What makes this cruise genuinely appealing for value is the mix: you’re not only visiting a beach. You’re also getting a guided look at where you are, including the ancient layers around Menies, and the very specific snorkeling focus at the WWII underwater site. It’s also short enough at 4 hours that it fits around lunch plans or other Chania-area activities without wrecking your day.

The group can be busy. Your boat may feel full during boarding and transfers, but the swimming windows at the coves tend to spread people out enough that it doesn’t feel like a single crowded pool. Still, I’d treat it like a popular half-day excursion: bring patience for logistics, then expect a pleasant payoff when you hit the water.

Menies Beach: WWII Remains and Ancient Diktynna

Menies Beach is the first big hook. You’re cruising from the Kolymbari side toward the Rodopou Peninsula area, then you stop and get into the water for a long stretch of time. Practically, that matters because snorkeling isn’t instant. You need a few minutes to get your mask sorted, settle into buoyancy, and then start reading the water for fish, rocks, and that “oh, that’s interesting” moment.

This is also where the storytelling gets specific. Menies is tied to the Diktynna site connected with the goddess Vritomartis, and you’ll be in an area associated with:

• remains of an ancient Roman temple, and
• a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George.

And yes, you’re there to look underwater too. Menies is described as having WWII-era underwater remnants, including a sunken base of cannons you can search for with snorkeling gear. A captain can also make small “look there” moments from the boat—on some days there’s been an extra surprise like wildlife sighting along the cliff. That kind of add-on doesn’t change the main plan, but it does make the ride feel less routine.

One real-world note: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. That means you won’t step directly onto sand. Plan on getting your things handled for the short swim, and consider wearing water shoes. The beach is described as rocky/pebbly, though the stones can be smooth enough not to feel brutal. Still, it’s the easiest comfort upgrade you can make for this stop.

Chironisia Bay: Caves, Quiet Corners, and Sea-Only Access

After Menies, you shift to the smaller, more secret-feeling scene at Chironisia Bay. The big reason to care about this stop is access: it’s only reachable by sea, not by road. That usually means fewer people on the shore and a better chance to enjoy the water itself, not just the view.

Your time here is shorter than Menies (still enough for a real swim cycle), and the vibe is different. Instead of the “big beach + snorkel hunt,” Chironisia leans into the deep-blue look and the possibility of small caves and rocky features you can examine with your snorkel.

This is also the stop where the cruise style shows its strengths. You’re not stuck trying to “keep yourself busy” while watching other boats. The plan gives you enough free time to:

• rinse off your first swim fatigue,
• get back in for another snorkel pass, and
• relax on calmer water without the pressure of a long transfer.

If you’re snorkeling for wildlife, manage expectations kindly. Some people see plenty of fish; others see fewer. The rocks and underwater structure are what often make snorkeling interesting here, even when the fish count is low.

The Boat Ride: What the 4 Hours Feels Like in Real Life

You’re on the water for a mix of cruising and anchoring. After a safety briefing at Kolymbari (about 10 minutes), the first cruise segment takes you toward the Rodopou Peninsula area. Then you get your Menies swim window, followed by shorter repositioning rides, and finally the Chironisia Bay swim.

This schedule matters because it keeps you from burning the whole trip “in transit.” The total feels like a proper half-day: enough time to feel like you did something, not so long that you become miserable in sun or saltwater.

A few comfort details are worth noting:

• The boat is described as spacious enough for a larger group, with seating areas.
• Shade can be limited in some spots, especially on the upper deck. If you’re heat-sensitive, aim for the shaded areas.
• There are toilets onboard and a place to buy refreshments. It’s not a full meal service, so plan your hunger accordingly.

Also: listening to a guide can be tricky outdoors. The audio on some days may not carry well on upper areas, which is why it helps to treat the guide as a background layer rather than expecting every word during the moments you’ll want to focus on the water.

If you’re worried about sea conditions, take the weather seriously. The cruise won’t run when conditions are poor, but even with “acceptable” weather, the route can get choppy. When people reported issues, it was the boat ride up to the bays that caused nausea for some. If you’re sensitive, plan for it. A few practical precautions—like bringing water and taking it slow when you first board—can help you ride it out.

Snorkeling Gear and WWII Sights: How to Get the Best Results

Snorkeling gear is included, including what you need to get started right away. That’s a major value point because Crete day trips often charge extra or push you to rent gear elsewhere. Here, you can show up, get your equipment, and use it within the schedule.

What you’re looking for at Menies isn’t general “maybe there’s something.” The WWII remains are a specific underwater target—described around sunken cannon bases and related remnants. That changes the snorkeling experience. Instead of roaming aimlessly, you’ve got a visual mission: find the underwater structure and spend time looking at the shapes.

At the same time, don’t expect every snorkel minute to be action-packed with fish. Some people report great sightings of fish and sea life; others say they didn’t see much. You can still have a good time by shifting your focus to:

• the underwater terrain,
• how visibility changes as you move,
• and the caves/rock features at Chironisia.

One more practical point: even when equipment is provided, fit matters. If the mask doesn’t seal well, you’ll waste time adjusting instead of enjoying the water. On at least one occasion, a staff member named Maria helped with swapping out a mask, which is a nice detail if you’re unlucky and your first fit isn’t comfortable. So if you’re picky about snorkeling gear, bring the patience to ask for help early.

Also consider comfort hygiene. Snorkel gear is provided, but one account mentioned questions about cleanliness guarantees. I’d handle this in a simple way: if you have your own mask, bring it. If not, inspect your gear on arrival and ask staff if you need adjustments.

Food, Drinks, and the “Bring Your Own” Reality

Food and drinks aren’t included in the price. You can buy snacks and drinks while cruising, which helps if you get hungry during the ride or want something cold while you’re drying off between swims.

This matters for planning. If you’re the type to snack constantly on vacation, treat this like an activity with a snack bar, not a lunch meal. You’ll likely do best if you eat before you go, or at least bring water and simple snacks depending on what’s easiest for your day.

Price and Value: Why $47 Feels Fair

At around $47 per person for a 4-hour guided cruise with two swimming stops and snorkeling equipment, this tour lands in the “good deal” category. The value comes from three places:

• Two water stops with meaningful time at each.
• Snorkeling gear included, so you’re not paying extra to participate.
• Guided context around Menies, connecting the underwater WWII theme with the ancient-site setting.

If you compare it to other ways of doing “boat + swim” in Crete, the pricing becomes easier to justify because the itinerary includes both time-on-water and structured activity. You’re not just paying for transport; you’re paying for stops that are worth stopping at.

The main tradeoff is that it’s not a private experience. Expect crowds during boarding, and the boat can feel busy. But the coves themselves are the real product here, and the schedule gives enough time that most people can enjoy the water without feeling trapped.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Skip)

This works best if you want a half-day plan that’s mainly about swimming and snorkeling, with bonus cultural context. If you enjoy active days and clear water, you’ll likely feel satisfied even in a short time window.

It also works well for families and mixed ages because the swim windows are planned and the water access is straightforward once you’re suited up. Kids often do fine because the activity isn’t an all-day slog, and there are helpers on deck to make the process easier.

I’d think twice if you:

• hate any amount of boat movement (even a short choppy ride can be rough), or
• expect a smooth sandy landing right from the gangway (the anchor-to-shore setup means you’ll swim in shallow water).

If you’re a strict “only for snorkeling” person, you might still enjoy it, but accept that fish sightings vary. If you’re there for structure-based snorkeling and the WWII remnants angle, you’re in the right place.

Should You Book This Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise?

If your ideal Crete day looks like turquoise water, two chances to snorkel, and a guided story that goes beyond beach photos, I’d book this. The pricing feels fair for what you get: snorkeling gear, two coves, and enough time to actually enjoy the water instead of rushing through it.

Before you go, do two things: pack water shoes and be ready for the short swim from the anchored boat. If you can do that, this cruise is a very solid use of a half-day in Chania’s north-coast area.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You’ll meet at the port of Kolymbari, looking for the Smile Cruises boat.

How long is the cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What time does the boat depart from Kolymbari?

Boats depart at 10:15 and 14:30 from the port of Kolymbari.

Do you step directly onto the beach from the boat?

Not exactly. The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll need to swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

Is food included?

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