Rethymno: Mini Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

The best part of this Rethymno pirate boat cruise is the mix of open-sea views, coastal rock formations, and a 30-minute swim straight from the boat. You’ll sail east toward Gerani Bay, pass rugged caves and the Camarola arch, then return beside Fortezza and through Rethymno’s old Venetian harbor.

I like two things here. First, the route gives you views you cannot get from the waterfront, including the cliffs near the caves and the sea-facing side of Fortezza. Second, it is an easy family outing, with snacks, water, a children-friendly crew, and even a chance for children to briefly take the wheel under the captain’s supervision.

The main thing to consider is that the swimming stop is not guaranteed in every sailing. One recent booking ended without a swim, so you should treat the stop as the plan, not an absolute promise. The snack is also simple, usually a packaged sandwich rather than a full meal.

At a glance

• A 30-minute swim from the boat: The main activity takes place in clear blue water at a bay near the pirate caves.
• A coastal route with real landmarks: You’ll pass Fortezza, the Camarola arch, rugged caves, and Rethymno’s Venetian harbor.
• A good family format: The crew is described as kind with children, and kids may get a brief turn at the wheel.
• Simple refreshments included: Expect one small bottle of water and a snack, with other drinks costing extra.
• Two and a half hours on the sea: The trip is long enough for a proper swim without taking up your whole day.
• A low-cost boat outing: At $41 per person, the trip offers a reasonable way to see the coast if the swim operates as planned.

Leaving Rethymno beside Fortezza

Your starting point is the marina port of Rethymno, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to exchange your voucher for a boat ticket. That early arrival matters because the cruise does not begin from a hotel, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The setting gives you an immediate preview of the trip. Rethymno’s port sits below the Venetian Fortezza, the large stone fortress that guards the old town from its hilltop. You will see more of it from the water later, but the first view from the marina helps you get oriented.

The boat is diesel-powered, according to one passenger account. That means this is a themed sightseeing boat, not a silent sailing vessel. If you are expecting a traditional wind-powered pirate ship, adjust your expectations. The pirate styling adds fun for families, while the engine gets you along the coast on a dependable schedule.

There is no stated group size, so you should expect a shared cruise rather than a private charter. The host or greeter can assist in English, French, or German. Bring your voucher, arrive early, and keep your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen handy rather than buried in a bag.

Along the coast toward Gerani Bay

The outward route follows Crete’s east coast from Rethymno toward the Bay of Gerani. The point is not simply to get from the harbor to a swimming area. The cruise gives you a different angle on the coast, where the water meets exposed rock and small formations that are easy to miss from land.

The pirate caves are one of the more unusual sights on the route. You will see openings and weathered rock shaped by the sea. The information provided does not promise that the boat enters the caves, so think of them as coastal sights viewed from the water.

The Camarola arch is another highlight. It was formed by the force of the sea, and its shape makes sense when seen from offshore. This is the kind of small natural feature that gives the cruise more character than a simple back-and-forth boat ride.

Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and strong sun. The best views will depend on your position on the boat, and the coastline will look different on the outbound and return legs. I would spend part of the trip looking away from the boat, since the main reward is the changing view of Crete’s shore.

The planned 30-minute swimming stop

The cruise is built around a 30-minute stop in clear blue water near the bay and caves. You swim directly from the boat, so there is no beach landing or walk to the water. That makes the stop simple, but it also means you need to be comfortable entering open water from a boat.

Bring a swimsuit and towel, as well as sunscreen. A small bottle of water is included, but you will want to drink before and after swimming, especially under the Cretan sun. Other drinks are not included, so plan to purchase them separately if you want something beyond the supplied water.

The swimming stop received some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. One couple described swimming with fish, while another passenger called the time in the water excellent. Those details suggest the stop can be a memorable part of the outing when sea conditions allow it.

Still, do not book this trip on the assumption that a swim is certain. At least one sailing reportedly had no swimming stop, despite passengers expecting one. Weather, sea conditions, or operating decisions may affect the plan, though no specific reason was provided. If swimming is the single purpose of your day, you may want a more dedicated beach or water activity as a backup.

Snacks, water, and life aboard the boat

The price includes a snack and one small bottle of water. The snack is useful, but modest. Passenger feedback describes it as a sandwich, with some disappointment about its packaged, airline-style quality and the fact that it may be handed out near the end of the trip.

That is worth knowing before you board. This is not a lunch cruise, and you should eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal. The snack works best as a light extra, not as the main reason to book.

The atmosphere is a stronger part of the experience. The boat offers a relaxed setting where you can sit back, look at the coast, and enjoy a glass of wine if you purchase drinks separately. Families may find the informal tone especially appealing. One child was allowed to speak with the captain and briefly steer the boat, which made the outing memorable for the family.

That kind of interaction is not a guaranteed scheduled activity, so do not promise it to your children in advance. The practical point is that the crew may be warm and accommodating with kids. A pirate boat also gives younger children something to watch and talk about during the longer stretches between landmarks.

Returning past Fortezza and the Venetian port

The return route brings the history of Rethymno back into view. From the sea, Fortezza appears as a large defensive structure above the town, with a much broader presence than it has from a street-level viewpoint. The boat gives you time to take in its position and the way it overlooks the harbor.

The final passage through the Venetian Port is a pleasant finish. The old harbor is lined with historic buildings and has a very different feel from the open coast. You move from natural rock formations and swimming water back into the town’s built setting.

This return through the port is one reason the cruise offers more value than a basic swimming transfer. You get a short coastal tour, a natural stop, and a look at Rethymno’s waterfront landmarks in one outing. If you are staying in town, the ending also places you close to the old center rather than leaving you at a distant beach.

The full trip lasts 150 minutes, or two and a half hours. That is a useful length for families and for anyone fitting the cruise between sightseeing plans. It is long enough to enjoy the sea without consuming an entire morning or afternoon.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, the value depends mainly on the swimming stop. If the boat reaches the bay and you get the planned 30 minutes in the water, the price covers a pirate boat cruise, coastal scenery, a snack, bottled water, and the return through the Venetian harbor. That is a fair package for a half-day outing in Rethymno.

The price is less attractive if the swim is canceled. In that case, you are paying mostly for the boat ride and views, with a simple snack as the only food inclusion. The route still has interest, especially the caves, Camarola arch, Fortezza, and Venetian Port, but the experience loses its central activity.

You should also budget for drinks if you want wine, soft drinks, or anything beyond the one included bottle of water. Since transport to the marina is not included, add your own cost and time for reaching the meeting point.

Compared with a private boat, $41 is accessible. Compared with a simple harbor ride, it is more expensive because the cruise includes a longer route and a swimming stop. I would call it good value for families and casual visitors who want several coastal experiences in one booking, but only moderate value for someone seeking a guaranteed swim or a full meal.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits families who want a light activity with scenery, water time, and a bit of theatrical fun. Children may enjoy the pirate boat design and the possibility of meeting the captain. The crew’s reported friendliness with children is an important plus, although special interactions depend on the day.

It also suits couples and friends who want an easy afternoon on the Mediterranean without organizing a private boat. You can sit with a drink, watch the shoreline, and take a swim without arranging separate transport to a beach.

The cruise is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments. The activity is not identified as accessible for people with mobility limitations, and entering the water from a boat may also be difficult for anyone who needs assistance. The available information does not provide details about ramps, lifts, or the number of steps, so ask the operator before booking if access is a concern.

Strong swimmers should get the most from the stop, but the information does not state whether flotation equipment or lifeguard supervision is provided. If you have concerns about open-water swimming, confirm the arrangements before paying.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. You must exchange your voucher for a boat ticket at the marina, and the meeting point is specifically in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if possible. The swimming stop is a central part of the plan, and changing facilities are not mentioned. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a secure bag for valuables.

Eat before departure if you are hungry. The included snack is a sandwich-sized item, not a meal, and it may be distributed late in the cruise. Carrying extra food is not addressed in the information provided, so check the operator’s rules before bringing anything aboard.

Bring a little extra money for drinks. Wine is not included, and the supplied water is only one small bottle per person.

Keep your plans flexible for the rest of the day. The cruise lasts 150 minutes, but sea conditions can affect the swimming stop. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule in Crete is still changing.

My verdict: book it if the swim is a bonus

I would book this Rethymno cruise if you want a relaxed, family-friendly boat outing that combines swimming, natural rock sights, Fortezza, and the Venetian harbor. The strongest parts are the time on the sea, the coastal views, and the friendly tone around children. At $41, it is a sensible choice when the swimming stop operates.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed swim, expect a substantial meal, or dislike motorized sightseeing boats. The snack is basic, drinks cost extra, and the swimming stop has not operated on every reported sailing.

For the best chance of enjoying it, treat the swim as a welcome part of the day rather than the entire purpose. Bring your towel, arrive early, eat beforehand, and leave room in your schedule for a simple but pleasant look at Rethymno from the water.

FAQ

Where does the pirate boat cruise leave from?

It leaves from the marina port of Rethymno, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to exchange your voucher for a boat ticket.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts 150 minutes, or two and a half hours.

Is swimming included?

A swimming stop of about 30 minutes is planned near the Bay of Gerani, but the stop may not operate on every sailing.

Where does the swimming stop take place?

The boat stops in the water near the pirate caves and the Bay of Gerani. You swim directly from the boat rather than from a beach.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is food included?

A snack is included. The snack is described as a sandwich, so it should not be treated as a full meal.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. One small bottle of water is included for each person.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks other than the included small bottle of water are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the marina meeting point.

Which languages are available?

The host or greeter can assist in English, French, and German.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.