The best part of this private RIB trip is the access. From Rethymno Old Harbour, you head along Crete’s north coast to caves and beaches reached from the water, far from the usual road-and-parking routine. The small boat lets your group stop for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or a quiet stretch on shore.

I like the mix of active and easygoing moments: clear water and snorkeling gear for people who want to get in, plus snacks, drinks, and a coastal view for anyone who prefers to stay aboard. Skipper Kostas is also described as flexible, warm, and good at finding photo spots. The main drawback is the price, $634 before the €40 cash fuel charge, so it makes the most sense when split among a private group.

Key points to know before booking

• Spilies comes first: Allow about 30 minutes by boat, followed by roughly 45 minutes near the caves and coves.
• The secret beach is boat-access only: Expect fine sand, pebbles, clear water, and shade from the surrounding rocks, depending on the season.
• Kamarola arch is the photo stop: The natural arch gives you one of the trip’s most memorable coastal views.
• You get a private 7-meter RIB: Only your own group participates, with a licensed skipper at the helm.
• The return route adds Rethymno history: You pass Geropotamos, then see Fortezza Castle, the lighthouse, and the Old Town shoreline from the sea.
• Budget for fuel: The €40 fuel charge is not included and must be paid in cash after the tour.

Leaving Rethymno Old Harbour on a private RIB

The trip begins at Nearchou 33, beside Rethymno’s Old Venetian Harbour. Starting here gives you an immediate change of pace. You leave the harbor, pass the town from the water, and head toward the open coast aboard a 7-meter rigid inflatable boat.

This is a private activity, so you are not sharing the boat with a larger tour group. That matters more than it might sound. You can ask for a little more time in the water, take photos without strangers in every frame, and tell the skipper what kind of day you want, within the limits of weather and safety.

The boat comes with a licensed skipper, masks and snorkels, safety equipment, a safety briefing, WiFi, and bottled water. Snacks and drinks are also provided during the trip, with the exact selection not specified. I would still bring sun protection and a towel, since much of the appeal is time spent outside on the boat or shore.

The listed duration is about two hours, though the stated timing for the route adds up to around 30 minutes out, time at the swimming stops, and 30 minutes back. Confirm the exact schedule when you book, especially if you are comparing this outing with longer private trips offered by the same provider.

Spilies caves and the first swim

The first coastal stop is Spilies Beach, about 30 minutes from the harbor. It is a natural beach framed by cliffs, with caves along the shore. The RIB stops outside the caves, and you can swim toward them with a mask and snorkel if conditions are safe.

This is an important distinction. You are not guaranteed entry into the caves. The skipper decides if it is safe to snorkel near or enter them, and wind, waves, and sea conditions can change the plan. That rule is sensible, since cave swimming is not the place to push ahead for a photograph.

The water is described as clear, and the trip can provide a good first chance to see fish close to the rocky shoreline. One family outing included several snorkeling locations, fish, garfish, and fire worms, though sea life naturally varies from day to day. Think of this as a chance to explore, not a promise of a particular underwater sight.

The scheduled time here is roughly 40 to 45 minutes. That is enough for a swim and a look around, but not a long beach day. If you prefer to float, snorkel, and take in the cliffs without rushing, tell Kostas early in the trip. His flexibility is one of the useful strengths of a private boat.

The boat-only beach and Kamarola arch

The next stop is the trip’s signature setting: a small beach accessible only by boat. It has fine sand mixed with pebbles, clear blue water, and rocks around the shore. Depending on the season and position of the sun, those rocks can offer shade.

This stop works well because it gives you several choices. You can swim from the boat, step ashore, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit in the shade and watch the water. The beach is not presented as a large resort beach with facilities. Its value is the simple feeling of reaching a quiet cove without roads, shops, or crowds.

You should wear sturdy sandals or water shoes if you have them. The beach includes pebbles, and rocky entries can be less comfortable for bare feet. That is practical advice rather than a complaint: this is a natural shoreline, not a prepared swimming pool.

Kamarola, a natural arch nearby, is the main photo feature. Your skipper can position the boat for pictures, and the arch gives the stop a clear visual focus. Several outings with Kostas have included attention to good photo angles, which is especially useful when you want a group picture rather than a quick snapshot taken while the boat is moving.

The schedule allows about 40 minutes here. That can feel short if everyone wants to swim, walk on the beach, snorkel, and take photos. On the other hand, the tour is designed as a compact coastal outing rather than a full-day cruise. If beach time is your priority, ask if a longer private booking or adjusted route is available.

Geropotamos and a relaxed ride home

After the secret beach, the boat passes Geropotamos Beach, known here for its turquoise water. This part of the route is less about a long stop and more about seeing another attractive stretch of coast while enjoying snacks and drinks aboard.

That pause helps balance the more active sections. You do not need to be in the water the whole time. You can stay seated, cool down, take photographs, and let the skipper point out coastal features. Past outings have included drinks on board and, on some longer trips, a sunset aperitif.

The information does not promise a sunset for this specific two-hour departure, so do not book it solely for that. If you are interested in a late-day trip, ask about available departure times before paying. The provider has also arranged birthday touches on private trips, but special cakes or celebrations should be requested in advance rather than assumed.

Rethymno from the sea: Fortezza and the lighthouse

The return to the harbor takes about 30 minutes. Instead of simply retracing the route, you get a different view of Rethymno’s Old Town from offshore.

Fortezza Castle is the key landmark. From the water, the Venetian fortress sits above the town with the harbor and shoreline in front of it. You also see the lighthouse and can take photographs before finishing where you began.

This closing stretch adds context to the outing. You are not only visiting swimming spots; you are also seeing Rethymno’s historic waterfront from an angle that is hard to get on foot. It makes the tour a useful choice for someone who wants a little local scenery with their swim day.

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Nearchou 33. Since no separate transport is included, plan to reach the harbor on your own. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is helpful if you are not staying in the Old Town.

What the €634 price really means

At $634, this is not a budget beach transfer. You also pay €40 for fuel in cash after the tour, so the full cost is higher than the headline price. The key question is how many people are in your group and how much you value privacy.

For a couple, the cost is a serious splurge. For a family or small group sharing the boat, the per-person figure becomes easier to justify, especially when you compare it with several separate activities, taxis, and meals. The price includes the private 7-meter RIB, skipper, safety briefing, safety equipment, masks, snorkels, WiFi, and bottled water. Snacks and drinks are provided during the outing as well.

The value comes from control and access rather than from a long list of included extras. You are paying to reach coves by boat, set your own pace within the schedule, and avoid a crowded shared excursion. If your main goal is simply to swim at a public beach, you can spend much less on a land-based day. If your group wants a private boat and a compact route with several water stops, the cost is more defensible.

The fuel fee deserves attention because it is easy to overlook. Bring €40 in cash. Also confirm the current price and total group capacity at booking, since the supplied details do not state the maximum number of passengers or whether the $634 price changes with group size.

Weather, swimming ability, and comfort

All boat plans depend on the weather. If poor conditions prevent the trip, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. An alternative program or time may also be offered when possible.

The same caution applies to snorkeling around caves. The skipper will allow it only when it can be done safely. This may mean that the exact route changes, a cave visit is skipped, or the trip is shortened. One past outing was moved to a better-weather date, and part of the cost was refunded when the resulting trip was shorter, but do not treat that as an automatic policy for every situation.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but anyone who cannot swim must wear a life jacket. Serious mobility issues are a concern, and you should notify the provider before the tour if mobility affects boarding or movement around the boat. The experience is not recommended for people with serious mobility limitations.

Sea sickness is another practical issue. The tour is not recommended if you suffer severely, unless you take motion sickness medicine before departure. A small RIB can feel lively on open water, so choose a calm-weather day when possible and avoid a heavy meal just before leaving.

Who will enjoy this Crete boat trip most

I would choose this tour for a family, couple, or small group that wants a private outing with real swimming time and a few scenic stops. It suits people who like having choices: get in the water, explore with a snorkel, sit on a boat, or walk onto a small beach.

It is also a good fit for special occasions. Kostas has arranged birthday surprises on private trips, and his approach appears to be personal rather than rigid. If you are marking a honeymoon, birthday, or family celebration, ask ahead about what can be arranged.

The trip is less suitable if you want a full-day cruise, a guaranteed cave visit, extensive time on the beach, or a low-cost excursion. It is also not the best choice for anyone with severe sea sickness or major mobility problems.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, cash for fuel, and footwear that handles pebbles. Since snacks, drinks, water, masks, and snorkels are supplied, you can pack lightly. You may want a waterproof phone case for the arch and shoreline photos.

Should you book the Secret Beach RIB tour?

Book it if your group values privacy, clear water, and access to places you cannot reach by road. The strongest parts are the boat-only beach, the chance to snorkel near Spilies, the Kamarola arch, and the return view of Fortezza. Kostas’s flexibility also makes the outing feel more personal than a fixed group cruise.

Think twice if $634 plus €40 fuel feels high for two hours, or if you need a guaranteed itinerary in every kind of weather. The trip works best when you accept that the sea sets the rules. For a small group wanting a polished, active, scenic outing from Rethymno, this is a worthwhile splurge. For a simple swim and sun day, save your money and use a beach you can reach by land.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour begin?

It begins at Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, at the Rethymno Old Venetian Harbour.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Nearchou 33.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours. The stated route includes about 30 minutes to the coast and 30 minutes back to the harbor, with time at the swimming stops.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What kind of boat is used?

The tour uses a private 7-meter RIB boat with a licensed skipper.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided, along with safety equipment and a safety briefing.

Can I enter the Spilies caves?

You may snorkel toward the caves or enter them only if the skipper decides conditions are safe. Cave access depends on the weather and sea conditions.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel costs €40 and must be paid in cash after the tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather prevents the tour. An alternative program or timing may be offered when possible.

Can people who do not swim join the tour?

Yes, but people who do not know how to swim must wear life jackets. The tour is not recommended for people with serious mobility issues or severe sea sickness.