Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

The best part of this four-hour cruise is the contrast between the two stops. At Menies Beach, you can swim toward a rocky shore beside ancient ruins, then snorkel above the sunken base of a WWII cannon. At Chironisia Bay, the boat anchors in clear water near small sea caves that you can reach with your mask and snorkel.

I like the generous time at Menies, the friendly crew, and the fact that this trip stays short enough to fit into a busy Crete holiday. I also like the value: at $47, you get the boat ride, two swim stops, equipment, and optional hotel transport. The main catch is the group size, which can be large, and the boat ride may feel rough when the sea turns choppy.

Key points at a glance

• Two different water stops: Spend about 105 minutes at Menies Beach, then around 40 minutes swimming and snorkeling at Chironisia Bay.
• A WWII relic underwater: Snorkel near the remains of a sunken gun and carriage at Menies.
• Ancient Diktynna nearby: Menies sits on the site of an old religious center, with Roman remains and an abandoned monastery to see from shore.
• Boat access only: Chironisia Bay is reachable by sea, giving the second stop a more remote feel.
• Large, comfortable boat: You get toilets, seating areas, snorkeling gear, floats, a refreshment bar, and room to move around, though busy departures can feel crowded.
• Bring water shoes: Both swimming areas can be rocky, and the boat anchors about six meters from shore at Menies.

From Kolymbari into the open sea

Your day begins at the port of Kolymbari, where you look for the Smile Cruises boat. If you drive yourself, arrive early. Parking around the harbor is limited, and finding a space may take time.

The crew gives a safety briefing of about 10 minutes before the boat heads along the Rodopou Peninsula. The first cruise lasts roughly 40 minutes. This is not just dead time between stops. You get open views of the rugged coast, cliffs, caves, and small coves that are difficult to reach by road.

The boat is described as spacious, and that matters on a four-hour outing. You can sit in different areas, use the upper deck for a better view, or find a place closer to the water. The upper deck has no shade, so bring sunscreen and consider a hat. The lower seating areas are a better choice if you need a break from the sun.

The size of the group varies by departure. Some outings have included two or three coachloads of people, while others have felt smaller. The boat can handle the numbers, but do not book this expecting a private cruise or a quiet sail with only a handful of people.

Menies Beach, ruins, and clear water

Menies Beach is the main stop, with about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and time on shore. The boat does not pull right onto the beach. It anchors about six meters away, so you need to swim through shallow water to reach the pebbles.

That short swim is easy for confident swimmers, but it is an important detail for families and anyone carrying phones, cameras, or dry clothing. The crew can help move belongings using baskets and paddleboards, and floats are available. Still, pack your beach items in something that can handle a splash.

The beach itself is made of smooth stones rather than sand. You will want water shoes, especially when walking in and out of the water. The pebbles are not a major problem, but bare feet can become uncomfortable after some time.

The water is the star here. It is clear, blue, and generally calm enough for swimming and snorkeling when weather conditions cooperate. You might see small fish and sea vegetation, and some people have spotted cuttlefish. The amount of sea life can vary, so come for the clear water and setting first, with fish sightings as a bonus.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Masks, tubes, fins, and floats are available, making this easy for beginners and useful for children who are still building confidence in the water. If hygiene is a concern, you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel. One practical complaint has been uncertainty about how well some shared equipment was cleaned.

The underwater WWII remains add a point of interest beyond ordinary beach swimming. With your snorkel, you can look for the sunken base of a gun and its carriage. This is not a museum visit with detailed displays or a long historical talk. It is a simple underwater glimpse of the area’s wartime past, and visibility will depend on the water and where the boat anchors.

The ancient side of Menies

Menies is also linked with ancient Diktynna, where the goddess Vritomartis was worshipped. The area once held an important temple, and you can see remains of a Roman temple near the beach.

There is also an abandoned ninth-century monastery dedicated to St. George. The stop is mainly built around swimming, but these remains give the beach a stronger sense of place. I would not choose this cruise as your main archaeological tour, since the time is limited and the guide’s announcements can be hard to hear outside.

The boat’s speaker system has been a weak point on some departures. If you want the historical explanation, stand or sit close to the guide during the briefing and listen before heading into the water. Wind, engine noise, and people spread across the deck can make the commentary difficult to follow.

Even with that limitation, Menies works well because it combines three things in one stop: a pleasant swim, snorkeling, and a little ancient history. You are not simply dropped at a beach and left with nothing to do.

Cruising the Rodopou Peninsula

After Menies, the boat spends about 15 minutes moving along the peninsula toward Chironisia Bay. This short ride gives you time to dry off, buy a drink, and watch the coast from the deck.

The onboard bar sells snacks and drinks, but do not expect a meal. Pack your own food if you need something substantial, especially if you are using hotel pickup and will be away from your accommodation for several hours. The available selection has been described as mostly crisps and drinks.

The crew is a real part of the experience. Staff help with masks, floats, boarding, and safety, and they keep an eye on swimmers. Maria has been singled out for quick help with snorkeling equipment and passenger concerns. The guides speak English and Greek, though the sound system can make announcements hard to catch from the far ends of the boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the sea conditions seriously. The ride can be smooth, but choppy water along the peninsula has made some passengers ill. One rough outing included high waves and trouble anchoring, though the crew helped and extended the beach time after the delay. If the forecast looks poor, the cruise may be cancelled for safety.

Chironisia Bay and its small caves

Chironisia Bay is the second water stop, with about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Unlike Menies, the boat does not necessarily take you onto a beach. You stay in the water near the boat, which makes this stop better suited to swimming than sunbathing.

The bay is small and reached only by sea. That gives it a more isolated feel, even when your boat carries a large group. The water is deep blue, and you can use your snorkeling gear to look toward small caves along the coast.

This stop is short, so get ready before the boat arrives. If you want to snorkel, collect your equipment early and listen for the crew’s instructions. Confident swimmers can jump from the boat, while others can use the ladder. Floats help children and less confident swimmers stay comfortable.

The water is usually the reason to look forward to Chironisia, not a long visit on land. You will not have the same beach time as at Menies, but the bay provides a second chance to swim in a different setting. It also breaks up the trip nicely: first a beach and ruins, then an open-water stop near caves.

The ride back to Kolymbari

The return cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula takes about 30 minutes. You can use this time to sit in the shade, buy another drink, or take in the coastline.

The full boat program lasts about four hours, which is one of its strongest features. Many Crete boat outings take most of a day, and that can be too much if you have young children, limited time, or another activity planned. This cruise gives you a proper taste of the coast without taking over your entire day.

If you choose hotel pickup, the bus collects passengers from selected locations in north Chania and returns them afterward. Pickup can happen anywhere from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat’s departure, depending on your hotel. For a 10:15 sailing, some pickups have been as early as 8:40. Check the exact time carefully, including your spam folder if the confirmation email is missing.

Pickup is convenient, but the bus may take time to collect people from several hotels. One bus ride was reported as hot, and a large pickup group can make the morning feel longer than expected. Wait on the main road in front of your pickup point and look for a bus sign naming Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled time.

What $47 gets you

At $47 per person, this is good value if you want swimming and snorkeling without hiring a private boat. The price covers the cruise, both swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. Hotel pickup costs are built into the selected option, though transport is only available from certain locations.

The main value comes from the time in the water. You get around 105 minutes at Menies and another 40 minutes at Chironisia, rather than spending most of the outing on a boat. The equipment also saves you from packing or renting your own gear.

You should compare this with your expectations. This is not a luxury yacht, a quiet private charter, or a full food service trip. It is a practical group excursion on a comfortable boat with a refreshment bar. When the boat is busy, seating can feel tight, and the upper deck has no shade.

For families, the four-hour length is especially useful. The boat has safety staff, floats, a ladder, and equipment for swimmers with different levels of confidence. Young children can enjoy the calm stops, though parents need to be comfortable with the short swim from the boat to Menies Beach.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this outing if you want to see a less accessible part of northern Crete and spend most of your time in the water. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone looking for a half-day activity rather than a full-day boat trip.

It is also a good choice if you are staying near Kolymbari, Platanias, Agia Marina, or another listed north Chania pickup point. If you are driving, use the port meeting point and arrive early because parking is scarce.

You may want a different excursion if you dislike group activities, get seasick easily, need a sandy beach, or want a serious archaeological tour. The shore is rocky, the group can be large, and the guide’s history talk may be hard to hear from parts of the deck.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water shoes. Keep valuables secure during the swim to Menies, and take a light layer if you are sensitive to wind on the return ride.

Should you book Menies and Chironisia?

Yes, if clear water, easy snorkeling, and a short boat adventure are your priorities. The two stops offer enough variety to keep the trip interesting, and the price is fair for four hours with equipment and optional transport.

Book with realistic expectations. You are joining a busy shared cruise, not escaping civilization completely. On a calm day, the combination of Menies Beach, ancient remains, WWII relics, and Chironisia’s caves makes this one of the better-value ways to explore the Rodopou coast.

FAQ

How long is the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

The experience lasts four hours, including the boat rides and both swimming stops.

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

What time do the boats leave Kolymbari?

The listed departure times from the port are 10:15 and 14:30. Your hotel pickup time may be earlier.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the selected option from specific locations in north Chania.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and floats are also available for swimmers who want extra support.

Do I need to swim from the boat to Menies Beach?

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

Is Menies Beach sandy?

No. Menies Beach is a pebble beach with smooth stones. Water shoes are recommended.

Can I buy food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Food is not included, and the available selection may be limited, so bring extra food if needed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise does not operate in poor weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund under the stated cancellation terms.