Snorkelling & Sailing In Crete’s Hidden Coastal Gems

At noon, this two-hour cruise leaves Hersonissos Port for Saint George Bay, Malia, and Stalida. The setting is lovely: a traditional wooden boat, bright sea, steep coastal rock, and time for a swim. The boat may also play music and carry a parrot, which gives the trip a cheerful, slightly theatrical feel.

I like the low price of $37, especially if you want a short break on the water rather than a full-day sailing trip. I also like the chance to swim straight from the boat and see the coast from a fresh angle. The main caution is that Saint George Bay can be crowded, and cloudy water may limit what you see while snorkelling.

• A noon departure from Hersonissos Port makes this easy to fit into a beach day or an afternoon in town.
• Saint George Bay is the main water stop, with time for swimming and snorkelling.
• The traditional wooden boat gives the ride more character than a plain harbor ferry.
• Snorkel masks and tubes are supplied, but fins are not promised and equipment may run short.
• Music and a friendly crew create a lively mood, though the sound can be very loud.
• Dolphins and sea turtles are possible sightings, not part of the guaranteed itinerary.

A Short Cruise With a Clear Main Attraction

This is best understood as a scenic boat outing with a swim stop, not as a serious wildlife or snorkelling expedition. You leave Hersonissos around noon, cruise along the coast, stop in Saint George Bay, and return after two hours.

That short length is useful. I can see this working well when you want to get out on the water without giving up an entire day. It also suits families who prefer a simple activity with a clear start and finish. At the same time, two hours leaves little room for a long cruise, several swimming stops, or much time away from the harbor.

The setting does much of the work. From the deck, you see the shoreline around Malia and Stalida, with rocky cliffs, small coves, and broad views across the sea. The trip gives you a different view of Crete’s north coast, even if the boat does not travel far from Hersonissos.

Meeting the Boat at Hersonissos Port

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete. Plan to find the boat before the noon departure rather than arriving at the last minute. The information provided does not give a precise check-in time, so leaving yourself a little margin is sensible.

The boat is a traditional wooden ship. That detail matters because it shapes the mood of the outing. You are not simply being carried from one dock to another. You get an old-fashioned sailing setting, open views, and room to sit back as the coast passes by.

The trip is hosted in English, and the crew handles safety and assistance. The crew has also been praised for being friendly and entertaining. That human touch seems to be one of the stronger parts of the outing, especially for families and anyone who enjoys a more social boat ride.

One thing to know before boarding: music is part of the experience, and it may be played at a high volume. If you want a quiet morning on the sea, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, the music can add energy.

The Traditional Wooden Boat Experience

The boat itself is described as well kept rather than worn. It has toilets, drinks for sale, and some floating rings for use in the water. The onboard facilities make a two-hour trip more comfortable, particularly if you are with children.

There is only one ladder for getting into and out of the sea. That can slow things down when several people want to swim at once. You should be comfortable waiting your turn and using a boat ladder, rather than expecting a wide swim platform or several easy exits.

The floating rings are a useful extra, but they are limited. If other people take them first, you may not get one. For that reason, bring your own flotation aid if you need one, though the supplied information does not promise that personal equipment can be stored or used onboard.

The crew’s friendly manner is worth noting. This is not presented as a formal, quiet sailing lesson. It is a relaxed outing with music, conversation, scenery, and a swim stop. The right expectations make a big difference.

Saint George Bay: Swim First, Snorkel Second

Saint George Bay is the central stop. The boat anchors so you can enter the water for a swim or snorkel, with masks and tubes supplied. The bay is presented as a clear-water spot with underwater life, but conditions are not guaranteed.

Wind can stir the water, and the bay may be crowded with other boats. On some days, the water has been cloudy enough that there was little to see with a mask. This is the most important practical point in the whole outing: book it for the pleasure of swimming in a scenic bay, not for a dependable marine-life encounter.

Snorkelling gear is another weak point. Masks and tubes are included, but fins are not listed as part of the equipment. Some equipment may be limited, and faulty masks or tubes can make the activity frustrating. If snorkelling matters greatly to you, ask the crew about available gear as soon as you board and consider bringing your own mask if you have one.

The water stop can still be enjoyable. Even on a cloudy day, floating in the sea beside a wooden boat and looking back at the coast has real appeal. Children may care less about spotting fish than about jumping in, swimming, and using the rings. Strong swimmers may simply want time in the water rather than a guided underwater session.

The stop is also not especially remote. The cove is reported to be about a 15-minute walk from the departure area, and other boats may be present. The boat adds the pleasure of arriving by sea, but you should not expect an untouched cove reserved for your group.

Passing Malia and Stalida by Sea

After the swim stop, the boat continues around the coast near Malia and Stalida. This part is mainly about views. You see rocky edges, small bays, and cliffs that are difficult to appreciate from the road or beach.

I like this section because it slows the pace. You can sit on deck, listen to the music, and take photos without needing to follow a guide through a crowded site. The sea gives you a broad view of the coast, and the changing angles make familiar resort areas look more natural and rugged.

The itinerary does not promise shore landings at Malia or Stalida. You pass their bays from the water, so think of this as a coastal sightseeing cruise rather than a way to visit those towns. If you want beach time in either place, you would need to arrange that separately.

The ship may encounter lively waves, depending on the wind. That can make the ride fun, though it may be less comfortable for anyone prone to seasickness. The supplied information does not mention motion-sickness provisions, so bring whatever you normally use if the sea tends to affect you.

Dolphins and Sea Turtles: Keep Expectations Realistic

Dolphins and sea turtles are possible sightings, which adds a nice element of hope to the cruise. They are not guaranteed, and you should treat them as a bonus rather than a reason to book the trip by itself.

The more reliable reward is the coastline. You have the chance to photograph cliffs, coves, the wooden boat, and the bright water. If a dolphin appears beside the boat, wonderful. If not, the cruise still offers a simple way to spend time at sea.

This distinction matters because the outing is only two hours. A specialist wildlife trip would normally need more time and a different purpose. Here, wildlife is an appealing possibility within a short recreational cruise.

Music, Crew, and the Overall Mood

The crew is one of the most consistently positive elements. They are described as friendly, helpful, and entertaining, and that can make a basic itinerary feel more fun. A friendly crew is especially helpful when people are getting in and out of the water, borrowing equipment, or asking about the route.

The music creates a party-boat feel. Some people will enjoy that immediately. Others may find it too loud, particularly when they want to hear the sea or talk quietly with companions.

There is also a parrot onboard, an unusual detail that may delight children. It is not the reason to book the cruise, but it adds a memorable touch to the boat’s character.

The boat has clean toilets and is reported to be in good condition. Those practical details are easy to overlook when comparing excursions, but they matter on a boat with a swimming stop. You can buy drinks onboard, but food and drinks are not included in the price.

Is $37 Good Value for Two Hours?

At $37 per person, the trip is reasonably priced for a short boat ride that includes the crew, the coastal route, and a swim stop with basic snorkelling gear. You are paying for access to the water and the boat atmosphere rather than a long voyage or expert marine tour.

The value is strongest if you already plan to spend time around Hersonissos and want a modest outing. You get a traditional boat, coastal views, music, a chance to swim, and the possibility of seeing wildlife without committing most of your day.

The value is weaker if your main goal is clear underwater viewing. Cloudy water, crowding, and limited or faulty equipment can reduce the snorkelling part considerably. In that case, you may feel that much of the price went toward a scenic boat ride rather than the activity you expected.

Food and drinks cost extra, and towels are not supplied. Bring your own towel and personal items. Souvenirs are also not included, though there is no indication that buying them is a required part of the outing.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would suggest this trip to families, couples, and groups who want a short, cheerful outing on the sea. Children may enjoy the wooden ship, music, swimming, floating rings, and parrot more than they care about seeing fish.

It can also suit you if you want photos of Crete’s coast from the water and do not need a silent or private cruise. The two-hour format is convenient for a day that already includes beaches, meals, or sightseeing.

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced snorkeller, want fins, or expect an empty cove with excellent visibility. You may find the stop too crowded and the gear too basic. Anyone who dislikes loud music should also think twice.

The trip requires some flexibility. Wind may affect the water, and sea conditions can change the quality of the swim stop. The crew can provide assistance, but the information does not describe a dedicated snorkelling guide or a formal lesson.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring a towel, since one is not included. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly, though the tour information does not specify changing facilities.

If snorkelling is important, try to collect equipment early. Masks and tubes may not be available for everyone, and fins are not included. A personal mask can make the swim more enjoyable if you already own one.

Keep your phone or camera secure around the water. The trip offers good photo chances, but the boat may move with the waves and the swim ladder can become busy.

Do not count on a dolphin, turtle, or clear water. Book the outing for the boat ride, the scenery, and the chance to swim. Any wildlife or excellent underwater visibility is extra luck.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans around Hersonissos are not fixed.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you want a short, affordable boat outing with a friendly crew, a traditional wooden ship, coastal views, and a chance to swim. It is a pleasant fit for families and casual sightseers who value atmosphere more than serious snorkelling.

Skip it if your top priority is a quiet sail, uncrowded water, reliable snorkel equipment, or a full day exploring Crete’s coast. For the best experience, bring a towel, keep your expectations modest, and treat Saint George Bay as a swim stop first and a snorkelling site second.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip leave from?

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port at Pirates of Crete.

What time does the activity start?

The trip sets sail at noon. Starting times should be checked when booking.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts two hours.

Is the crew English-speaking?

Yes. The host or greeter language is English.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling masks and tubes are provided for the stop at Saint George Bay.

Are swimming fins included?

No. Fins are not listed among the included equipment.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but drinks are available to buy onboard.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The booking option allows you to reserve your place and pay later.