The best part of this two-hour boat trip from Hersonissos is the chance to get off the busy shore and see Crete from the water. I like the traditional wooden boat, the friendly crew, and the stop at Saint George Bay for a swim. I also like that snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. The possible catch is that the boat may stay quite close to the harbor, and the bay can be crowded or cloudy, which may limit what you see underwater.

I like this excursion most as a simple coastal outing with music, sea views, and a refreshing swim, rather than as a serious snorkeling trip. Bring your own towel, arrive ready for a lively atmosphere, and do not count on flippers or a quiet, empty cove. The boat has clean toilets and drinks for sale, but the music can be very loud.

Key points to know before sailing

• The boat is a traditional wooden ship: The vessel gives the trip more character than a plain motorboat, with open sea views and a relaxed party feel.
• Saint George Bay is the main water stop: You have time to swim and snorkel, though cloudy water and other boats can affect the experience.
• The route may stay close to Hersonissos: One account places the swimming cove only about a 15-minute walk from the departure point.
• Snorkeling equipment may be limited: Masks and snorkels are supplied, but flippers are not listed, and equipment may run short.
• The crew is a strong point: The English-speaking staff are described as friendly and entertaining, with music adding to the mood.
• It costs $37 for two hours: That is fair for a boat ride, crew, and swimming stop, but less compelling if your main goal is clear-water snorkeling.

Sailing out from Hersonissos Port

You meet at Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete. The boat leaves at noon, so this fits neatly into a morning at the beach or a relaxed day in town. You should check the exact departure time when booking, since availability can vary.

The trip is operated by MTM Experiences, with an English-speaking host or greeter and an English-speaking crew. The staff’s friendly attitude is one of the clearest strengths of the outing. This is not presented as a quiet, formal sailing lesson. It is a social boat trip with music, swimming, and a bit of fun.

The vessel is a traditional wooden ship. That detail matters. A wooden boat gives you a more memorable setting than a standard sightseeing craft, especially when you are sitting on deck with the coast opening up around you. You can take photos, watch the cliffs and coves pass by, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean air.

The atmosphere may not suit everyone. Music is part of the experience, and it has been described as very loud. If you want a calm sail with only the sound of the water, this boat may feel more like a lively outing than a peaceful cruise. If you enjoy a cheerful group setting, the music and crew can make the short trip feel festive.

Saint George Bay and the swimming stop

Saint George Bay is the practical center of the excursion. After sailing from the harbor, the boat stops so you can enter the water, swim, and use a mask and snorkel. The bay is promoted for clear water and marine life, but conditions can change with wind, waves, and boat traffic.

This is the point where expectations matter most. On a calm day, you may enjoy a clear look below the surface and spot small sea life. On another day, the water may be cloudy, leaving little to see. Recent conditions have included murky water and a crowded bay with several other boats.

I would treat the snorkeling as an added activity, not the main reason to book. The swim itself can still be worthwhile on a warm day, even if visibility is poor. You get a chance to cool off and enjoy the sea from a different setting, but you should not expect a protected marine reserve or a remote cove reserved for your group.

Equipment is provided, though availability may be uneven. Some masks and snorkels have been reported as damaged, and the supply may not cover everyone if you wait too long. One account suggested that equipment was available mainly to the first 10 people who asked. If snorkeling matters to you, go early when gear is offered and check the mask and mouthpiece before entering the water.

Flippers are not included. That is easy to miss if you picture a full snorkeling setup. You get a mask and snorkel, but you should not expect fins, wetsuits, or specialized underwater equipment based on the information available.

There are also a few practical points once you are in the water. The boat has one ladder, so getting in and out may take time when several people want to swim at once. Some floating rings are available, but they may already be in use. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for help before entering.

The bays of Malia and Stalida

After the swimming stop, the boat continues along the coast near Malia and Stalida. The appeal here is mainly the view: rocky cliffs, small coves, open water, and the changing outline of the shore.

The route gives you a different view of this part of Crete. From land, you see beaches, roads, hotels, and town streets. From the boat, those built-up areas fall behind the shoreline, and the cliffs and coves become the main subject. It is a good chance to take photos without spending the day on a long cruise.

Still, you should keep the scale of the trip in mind. The total duration is only two hours, and one account placed the swimming cove roughly 15 minutes on foot from the departure point. That suggests this is a short coastal ride, not a full-day sailing expedition around distant parts of Crete.

The wording about hidden coves may set your expectations too high. You will see scenic coastal sections, but the route does not necessarily take you to an isolated place. Other boats may be present, particularly around the swimming bay. The value comes from combining a short sail and a swim, not from complete solitude.

Wildlife sightings are possible but never assured. Dolphins and sea turtles are mentioned as potential sightings, so keep your eyes open as the boat moves along. I would regard them as a lucky bonus rather than something to plan the trip around.

What the boat provides on board

You get a round-trip boat ride, crew assistance, and snorkeling gear as part of the $37 price. The crew’s job is to help with safety and the swimming stop, and the staff are also described as friendly and entertaining.

Food and drinks are not included, though drinks can be purchased on board. Prices have been described as reasonable, which helps keep the extra cost manageable. I would still bring a little cash or confirm the payment method before departure, since the tour price covers the boat rather than refreshments.

Towels are not supplied. Bring one from your hotel or accommodation, along with dry clothes if you plan to swim. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible for photos near the water, though it is not included.

The ship has clean toilets, a useful feature on a boat trip even though the activity lasts only two hours. There is also an unusual touch: a parrot has been seen on board. That may appeal to families, especially children, and adds some personality to the outing.

The boat appears to be kept in good condition rather than run down. Its wooden design is one of the more appealing parts of the experience. You are not paying for luxury, but the setting feels more distinctive than a basic harbor transfer.

Music, crew, and the family factor

The crew is one of the reasons I can see this working well for families and groups of friends. The staff are described as warm, amusing, and helpful, and the pirate theme gives the boat a playful feel.

Children may enjoy the wooden ship, music, swimming stop, floating rings, and parrot. The short duration is also useful for families who do not want to commit to a full-day excursion. A child who tires of boat trips after an hour or two is less likely to make the rest of the day difficult here.

The same features can be drawbacks for other passengers. Loud music can make conversation hard and may take away from the quiet of the sea. If you are hoping to read, watch birds, or listen to the water, choose your seat carefully and prepare for a lively soundtrack.

The water stop also requires some independence. There is one ladder, equipment may be limited, and the bay can be busy. Families should stay close to the crew’s instructions and avoid assuming that every passenger will have a floating ring or a full set of gear.

Is $37 a fair price?

At $37 per person, this is a reasonably priced short boat activity in Crete. The fee includes the return sailing, crew, swimming stop, and basic snorkeling equipment. For someone already staying near Hersonissos, it offers an easy way to spend two hours on the water without paying for a full-day cruise.

The price looks strongest if you value the boat itself, the coastal views, and the social mood. You are paying for a compact outing with several elements: a traditional vessel, a stop for swimming, music, staff support, and a chance to see the coast from offshore.

The value is weaker if you are booking mainly for underwater sightseeing. Cloudy water, a busy bay, limited equipment, and the lack of flippers can leave you with little snorkeling time. In that case, a dedicated snorkeling cruise with better gear and a more remote location may suit you better, though it would likely cost more.

The flexible booking terms add some practical value. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. That helps if your plans depend on weather or if you are deciding among several activities in Hersonissos.

The overall score is 3.4 out of 5 from 15 ratings. That fits the experience as described: friendly staff, good views, and a pleasant boat, balanced by loud music, a nearby and crowded swimming area, and inconsistent snorkeling conditions.

Who should book this Crete boat trip?

I would suggest this outing to you if you want a short, easy sea activity with a bit of character. It suits people staying in Hersonissos, Malia, or Stalida who want to get on a boat without losing an entire day.

It is also a good match for families. The pirate-style boat, friendly crew, music, swimming, and possible parrot encounter give children several things to enjoy. The two-hour length keeps the commitment modest.

You may also like it if you prefer scenery to serious snorkeling. The views from the water, wooden boat, and coastal ride are more reliable reasons to go than the underwater life.

I would be cautious if you want quiet sailing, an empty cove, excellent visibility, or professional-grade equipment. Loud music and other boats can shape the whole experience, and the swim stop may feel ordinary when the water is cloudy.

Practical advice for a better outing

Bring your own towel, even though snorkeling equipment is supplied. Pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, dry clothes, and a phone cover if you want to photograph the coast without risking your phone.

Ask about the snorkeling gear as soon as you board. If you have your own mask and snorkel, bringing them would remove one of the main uncertainties, though the activity does provide basic equipment.

Do not assume flippers are available. The included gear is described as masks and snorkels, and flippers are specifically not confirmed.

Prepare for loud music. If you want a quieter place, sit away from the speakers if the layout allows, but the soundtrack remains part of the boat’s character.

Keep your expectations realistic about distance. You are taking a short coastal cruise, not sailing to a far-off island. The outing can still be enjoyable, but its strength is convenience and atmosphere.

Should you book this Hersonissos sailing trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, two-hour boat ride with a swim, scenic views, and a friendly crew. Families and casual beachgoers are likely to get the most from it, especially if the wooden boat and lively music sound appealing.

Skip it if your top priority is clear water and abundant marine life. Saint George Bay can be crowded, visibility can suffer, and snorkeling equipment may not be enough for everyone.

My call: this is a pleasant short outing when you judge it as a coastal boat ride with a swimming stop. It is not the best choice for a dedicated snorkeling day, but at $37 it can be fair value for a relaxed break from Crete’s beaches and resort streets.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts two hours.

What time does the boat depart?

The stated departure time is noon. You should check availability for the exact starting time when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, with masks and snorkels provided for the stop at Saint George Bay. Flippers are not listed as included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price, but drinks are available to purchase on board.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.