Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Two quiet coves, one short cruise. This four-hour trip from Kolymbari takes you along the Rodopou Peninsula to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy parts of northern Crete that are difficult to reach by land. I like the generous time at Menies, the included snorkeling equipment, and the chance to see ancient remains beside a remote beach. The main drawback is that this is a fairly large boat trip, and the ride can feel rough when the sea turns choppy.

I also like the sensible length. You get a proper outing without giving up an entire day, and the $47 price is strong value if you want swimming time, transport on the water, gear, and a guide in one package. Just bring water shoes, and do not expect a quiet private cruise or a full meal onboard.

Key points to know before you book

• Menies Beach is reached by boat: The vessel anchors about six meters offshore, so you must swim through shallow water to reach the pebbly beach.
• Two swim stops: You get about 105 minutes at Menies and another 40 minutes at Chironisia Bay.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Masks, tubes, and fins are provided, with floats available for less confident swimmers.
• A little history comes with the beach: Menies sits near ancient Diktynna, with Roman remains and an abandoned ninth-century monastery.
• Food is limited: The onboard bar sells drinks and simple snacks such as crisps, not a full lunch.
• Pickup is optional: You can meet the Smile Cruises boat in Kolymbari or choose hotel transfers from selected north Chania locations.

Why this four-hour cruise works so well

This outing is built around two things: getting to hard-to-reach water and keeping the day manageable. The total trip lasts about four hours, with departure from Kolymbari at either 10:15 or 14:30, depending on the selected option and available schedule.

I think that timing suits you if you want a half-day on the sea rather than a long excursion. You spend roughly 40 minutes cruising out, more than an hour and a half at Menies, 15 minutes moving along the coast, 40 minutes at Chironisia, and about 30 minutes returning toward Kolymbari. Most of the useful time is spent swimming, snorkeling, or sitting on the beach, not waiting around.

The experience is not designed as a luxury yacht trip. It is a shared cruise on a spacious boat with toilets, seating areas, a refreshments bar, and upper-deck space. Some departures can be busy, with several coach groups arriving together, although the boat has enough room that the crowd does not always feel uncomfortable.

The trade-off is simple. You pay a modest price for a practical sea outing, but you give up privacy and a quiet, personal feel. If you want an exclusive boat and total freedom over the schedule, this is not the right choice. If you want attractive swimming spots without paying private-charter prices, it makes good sense.

Leaving Kolymbari and crossing the Rodopou Peninsula

The meeting point is easy to identify: look for the Smile Cruises boat in the port of Kolymbari. If you drive yourself, arrive early. Parking around the harbor is limited, and finding a place can take longer than expected.

The first part of the cruise lasts about 40 minutes. You travel along the Rodopou Peninsula, with open views of Crete’s northern coast. This is a useful time to settle in, choose a seat, and listen to the safety briefing, which lasts about 10 minutes before the boat gets underway.

You can sit inside or outside, depending on the boat and the available space. The upper deck gives you the best open-air views, but it has no shade. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and remember that the boat’s speakers can be hard to hear outside. The crew is helpful, but you may need to move closer if you want to catch every instruction from the guide.

The sea can be calm and pleasant, but conditions are not guaranteed. On rougher days, the crossing may feel uncomfortable, and some people have become seasick. The operator cancels when weather conditions are poor, but a day that is safe for sailing can still bring noticeable waves. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit near the middle of the boat, face the direction of travel, and avoid arriving with a heavy meal.

Menies Beach: swimming beside ancient Diktynna

Menies is the main stop, and the schedule gives you about 105 minutes there. That is enough time to swim, use the snorkeling gear, walk along the pebbly shore, and look at the nearby remains without feeling rushed.

The beach is reached from the boat rather than by a normal dock. The boat anchors roughly six meters from shore, and you swim through shallow water to get onto the beach. The crew can help move belongings with baskets and paddle boards, which is useful if you want to carry a phone, towel, or small bag without getting it wet.

Bring water shoes. Menies is made of smooth pebbles rather than sand. The stones are not especially harsh, but getting in and out of the water is easier with footwear, especially if you are carrying children’s equipment or are not steady on rocky shorelines.

The water is the star here. It is clear, blue, and generally inviting for swimming. You can jump from the boat or use the ladder, then spread out between the beach and the vessel. Families may appreciate the calm swimming areas on a good-weather day, while confident swimmers can spend more time farther from shore.

Menies also has an unusual historical setting. It lies near ancient Diktynna, once associated with an important temple to the goddess Vritomartis. Near the beach, you can see remains of a Roman temple and an abandoned ninth-century monastery dedicated to St. George.

Do not expect a large archaeological site with formal paths or museum displays. The ancient remains are part of the setting, not a separate guided excavation visit. Still, they add depth to what might otherwise be just a swimming stop. You can look from the bright water toward old stone remains and get a small sense of how many layers of Cretan history sit along this coast.

Snorkeling at the WWII cannon site

The snorkeling at Menies combines ordinary sea life with a more unusual underwater detail. The crew points out the sunken base of a cannon and its carriage from World War II, giving you something specific to search for beneath the surface.

The equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and tube. Fins are also available, and floats help swimmers who are less confident in open water. The boat carries life-saving equipment, and a lifeguard has been present on some departures, which can make the stop feel more comfortable for families.

Visibility depends on the day. In good conditions, you can see fish and sea vegetation, and some people have spotted cuttlefish. Other departures have produced less sea life than expected. You should book this as a pleasant snorkeling stop rather than a specialist wildlife excursion.

The boat’s large size can actually help here. You can choose between swimming from the stern, using the ladder, or jumping from the upper deck where permitted by the crew. If you prefer not to jump, there is no need to feel left out. The ladder and floats make entry easier.

Snorkeling masks are shared equipment, so hygiene standards may not meet your personal expectations. If that concerns you, pack your own mask and snorkel. The crew can replace faulty equipment, and staff members such as Maria have been particularly helpful when guests needed a different mask.

Cruising to Chironisia Bay

After Menies, the boat continues for about 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This is a much smaller stop and has a different feel from Menies. You do not necessarily go ashore. Instead, the boat anchors near the bay, and you swim from the vessel.

Chironisia is accessible only by sea, which is the point of including it. Its tucked-away position gives you a sense of reaching a coastal corner that road traffic cannot touch. The water is deep blue, and small caves near the bay can be explored with snorkeling gear.

You get about 40 minutes here. That is enough for a swim, a little snorkeling, and a look around, though you will not have the long beach time available at Menies. If you prefer staying on dry land, this stop may feel brief. If you enjoy jumping from a boat and swimming in open water, it may be your favorite part.

The bay is also where the boat’s group size is most noticeable. Several people may enter the water at once, but the crew helps organize movement and checks that swimmers are all right. The water can feel calm and friendly for children on a good day, though parents should still pay attention to the sea conditions and the distance from the boat.

The boat, crew, and onboard comforts

The boat is larger and more modern than some people expect for this price. It has multiple seating areas, toilets, a small bar, and snorkeling equipment for guests. The layout gives you a choice between sun, shade where available, and a place to sit during the coastal crossings.

There is no full meal included. You can buy drinks and simple snacks, with crisps being one known option. Eat before departure or pack anything you need within the operator’s rules. A four-hour trip is not especially long, but swimming can make you hungry.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and attentive. They help with masks, fins, ladders, floats, and the short swim to shore. They also check on people who feel unwell during rough water. The guide speaks English and Greek, though announcements can be difficult to hear on the open deck because of the speaker system.

This matters most during the safety briefing and instructions about where to swim. You can solve much of the problem by standing or sitting near the guide when information is being given. Do not rely on hearing every announcement from the far end of the upper deck.

Hotel pickup from north Chania

You can meet the boat directly in Kolymbari, or choose hotel pickup and return from selected locations in northern Chania. The listed pickup points cover many hotels and stops around areas such as Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Kalamaki, and nearby resorts.

The bus transfer is convenient, especially if you do not have a rental car. Pickup may happen from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat’s departure, depending on where you stay. Check the exact time in your confirmation email and spam folder.

Be ready at the main road and look for a bus sign showing Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Some departures involve collecting several groups, and the bus can become hot or take longer than expected. The convenience is worthwhile, but you should not treat the pickup time as the boat departure time.

If you stay in Kolymbari, meeting at the port is simpler. You avoid the bus route and can walk or drive directly to the boat. Arrive early if you need parking.

What to bring for a better day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and comfortable shoes. Water shoes are the most useful extra item because Menies is rocky and the shore entry requires a swim from the boat.

A dry bag is sensible for valuables, although the crew can help transport small belongings to the beach. Bring your own snorkeling mask if you prefer not to use shared gear. You should also carry drinking water, since the boat bar is convenient but the selection is limited and food is not included.

For the upper deck, add a hat and extra sun protection. There is no shade up there, and the sea breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, I consider this a good-value half-day excursion. The price covers the cruise, two swim stops, snorkeling gear, a guide, and hotel transfers if you select the pickup option and stay at an eligible location.

Private boats can give you more space and control, but they usually cost much more. A beach reached only by sea, a second secluded bay, ancient remains, and four hours on the water make this a strong choice for a budget-conscious day out.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet beach day or expect a full meal and extensive marine life. Menies is pebbly, the groups can be large, and snorkeling visibility varies. You are paying for access and convenience, not a polished luxury experience.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and solo visitors who want a manageable water activity. The four-hour length is friendly to children and leaves room for another plan later in the day. Floats, ladders, and crew assistance help less confident swimmers take part.

It also suits you if you are staying in north Chania and want a simple pickup. The trip is less suitable if you dislike boats, suffer badly from motion sickness, need guaranteed shade, or want a small private group.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather can cancel the outing, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Should you book Menies and Chironisia?

Book this cruise if your ideal Cretan outing means clear water, two swim stops, a little history, and a reasonable price. The best parts are the long stay at Menies, the unusual WWII underwater remains, the boat-only access to Chironisia, and a crew that works hard to keep the day running smoothly.

Skip it if you want soft sand, gourmet food, or a peaceful private boat. For most people who want a straightforward four-hour escape from the resort strip, the balance is right. Bring water shoes, arrive early at Kolymbari, check your pickup time carefully, and keep your expectations focused on swimming rather than luxury.

FAQ

How long is the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

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

Where does the boat leave from?

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

What are the departure times from Kolymbari?

The listed boat departure times are 10:15 and 14:30. Availability should be checked for your chosen date.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option and stay at one of the listed pickup locations in north Chania.

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

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy drinks and simple snacks onboard.