Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay are the kind of stops that make you wonder why more people don’t do boat days like this in Chania. I love that you get two different swim/snorkel areas in one short outing, with snorkeling gear included and a guide on hand. I also like the mix of ancient land history and WWII underwater finds without turning it into a long, boring lecture.

One thing to plan for: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll be swimming in shallow water to reach the beach. Also, the day depends on conditions, since the tour won’t run when weather is poor.

Key points I’d plan around

• Two water stops with real time to swim and snorkel, not just a quick dip
• WWII underwater snorkeling at Menies, including reported sunken gun and carriage remains
• Boat-only beach access at Chironisia Bay, plus calm spots for getting in and out
• Jump-in and ladder access from the boat, depending on how you like to enter the water
• Snack-and-drink bar onboard, but food isn’t included in the price

From Kolymbari Port to Two Secluded Beaches in 4 Hours

This cruise runs from the port of Kolymbari in the Chania area, and the whole plan is built around time in the water. Expect a quick safety briefing, then a series of short boat legs along the Rodopou Peninsula before you settle into Menies Beach and later Chironisia Bay.

What makes this feel like good value is the structure. You’re not stuck traveling for hours just to be “near” the water. You get long-ish free time at Menies Beach, then another shorter but focused snorkeling swim at Chironisia Bay. For a 4-hour day, it hits a sweet spot: active enough to feel like an experience, calm enough to still relax.

One more practical note: the cruise is offered with two options—meeting at the harbor in Kolymbari or hotel pickup/drop-off from select north Chania spots. If you’re staying around the Chania beachfront area, pickup can be a huge time-saver.

The Menies Beach Stop: Crystal Water Plus WWII Finds

Menies Beach is where the snorkeling story gets interesting fast. The boat heads out from Kolymbari and then you get a full block of time on site (about 105 minutes). This longer stop matters because snorkeling is only fun when you’re not rushing.

Menies isn’t just “nice water.” You’re visiting a place tied to ancient activity on the Rodopou area—Diktynna and a temple of Vritomartis are part of the land background explained by the guide. On top of that, the underwater part is the main draw: your guide leads you to reported remains connected to WWII, including the sunken base of cannons (and a carriage) you can look for while snorkeling.

Here’s what to watch for while in the water:

• You’ll likely swim from shallow water to the shore area first, since the boat doesn’t pull up right next to the beach.
• Anchoring isn’t the same as docking, so reaching the beach is more “water entry” than “walk off the boat.”
• Menies is described as rocky, but smoother than you might expect—still, I’d treat it like a spot that rewards water shoes.

You’ll also see how the crew makes the beach-time easier. In some sessions, the crew helps move items with baskets or boards, and you can expect friendly, hands-on support when getting in and out of the water. If you like jumping in, you may get the chance to do it from the boat’s higher areas, while others use the ladder.

For photos, Menies is all about color. The water quality is repeatedly called out as clear and bright, and it shows up in the way you can spot fish and underwater shapes close to your snorkeling path.

Chironisia Bay: Boat-Only Access and Cave Snorkeling Time

After Menies, the cruise shifts you to Chironisia Bay. This stop is shorter (about 40 minutes), but it’s designed as a focused swim-and-snorkel session rather than another long beach hangout.

Chironisia Bay’s big selling point is simple: it’s accessible by sea only. That changes the vibe. Even when the boat is busy, the bay itself can feel quieter than you’d expect, because boats can’t just pull up to every corner like at a typical beach.

One of the more fun snorkeling angles here is the setting. With the snorkeling gear on, you may get a chance to explore small caves or pass along underwater features, depending on how the guide directs people. Even if you don’t see a huge variety of fish on every try, the caves and deep-blue water shape the experience.

A practical drawback: the bay stop is shorter than Menies, so you’ll want to be ready to get in quickly once the boat anchors. If you’re slow getting geared up, you’ll lose time before you even hit the water.

The Boat, Crew, and Snorkeling Gear You’re Paying For

This is a mid-budget cruise, and the value is in the included gear and the way the crew handles the water time. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat setup is made for doing this without dragging your own stuff all over Crete.

From what you can expect in real use:

• You’ll have access to snorkeling gear on board, and staff help with getting masks sorted if something doesn’t fit right.
• There are options for entering the water, including ladders and jumps from the boat, which matters if you hate the awkward moment where everyone is waiting for you to get brave.
• The boat includes restrooms and a refreshments bar with snacks and drinks you can buy.

Crowd levels can be the only letdown. The boat can be busy, and some days involve multiple coachloads arriving for a single departure. Even so, the swimming spots are set up in a way that helps keep the water time from feeling totally chaotic.

If you’re sensitive to heat during transfers, keep in mind bus rides can feel hot. You’ll be outside more once you’re on the boat, but there’s also shade and seating depending on where you choose to sit. One review also pointed out that the upper deck may be hot and that audio instructions can be harder to hear, so don’t rely on hearing every word perfectly while you’re moving around.

Timing and Transfers: Where the Day Feels Smooth (or Not)

The schedule is clean, and that’s a plus. You start with a safety briefing, then you cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula. Menies Beach is your big stop, followed by another quick repositioning leg, then Chironisia Bay, and finally the return.

The departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30. Hotel pickup (when offered) can be from about 1 hour to as little as 10 minutes before departure, depending on where you’re staying. The driver waits up to 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so don’t plan to wander back from breakfast at the last second.

If you’re driving a rental car to the port, parking can be tight at the harbor. Arrive early so you’re not doing a stress sprint with towels and sunscreen in your hands.

One more “do this right” tip: double-check your email message for your exact pickup time and read it even if it lands in spam. That small step saves a lot of confusion later.

And yes, the weather matters. The tour won’t run when conditions are poor, so if you’re planning other beach plans for the same day, don’t stack them all for one big weather-dependent moment.

What It Costs and Why It’s Worth It at $47

At about $47 per person for a 4-hour cruise, the math mostly comes down to what’s included. You’re getting transportation by boat, a live guide, snorkeling gear, and two swim stops with major time in the water. Food and drinks are extra, but you’re not paying extra for entry tickets to multiple attractions.

Where the value really shows is the mix:

• If you only care about beach time, you still get enough structured water time to feel like you did something.
• If you care about snorkeling, Menies gives you the longer window to see underwater features.
• If you care about scenery, both coves are described as vividly clear, not murky and generic.

For the money, it’s a good “single-day hit” for northern Crete. You get a taste of sea life, a chance to check out underwater WWII remains, and boat views without turning it into a full-day production.

That said, don’t go expecting a gourmet lunch included or a beach that’s easy to walk onto with no effort. This is a swim-first day.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This tour is a strong pick if you want a short, water-focused day in the Chania area. It’s also a good choice for families, since the stops are set up for easy swimming time and the waters are described as calm enough for children in many sessions.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• You want snorkeling gear included and don’t want to buy or pack your own.
• You prefer multiple swim stops to a single beach all day.
• You like history, but you don’t want a heavy museum-style experience. Here it’s more “place context” plus a hands-on underwater look.

If you hate swimming from an anchored boat (even in shallow water), or you want sandy beaches where you can walk straight off the dock, this might feel like work. It’s manageable, but it’s not the same as a resort beach transfer.

Should You Book the Chania Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a quick, affordable boat day with snorkeling gear, two swim locations, and a good chance of stunning water color. The WWII underwater find at Menies is the kind of detail that makes the trip memorable, and the overall format is perfect for people who don’t want to commit to a full-day tour.

Skip (or think twice) if you need a beach docked right next to the shoreline, or if swimming from the anchored boat sounds like a hassle you won’t enjoy. Also, if hearing instructions is important to you, remember that audio from the boat can be hard to catch in noisy outdoor conditions.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the port of Kolymbari and look for the Smile Cruises boat.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is about 4 hours.

What is included in the price?

The cruise, swim stops, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off if you choose an option that serves your area.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, via the refreshments bar.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes, it’s optional and available from select north Chania hotels. If included, you’ll be told your pickup time by email.

How do you get to the beach from the boat?

The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

When do boats depart from Kolymbari?

The departure times are 10:15 and 14:30. Pickup time varies depending on your pickup area.