Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

The best part of Crete may be offshore. This five-hour wooden boat cruise from Rethymno gives you a relaxed way to see the coast from the water, with a long stop for swimming and snorkeling in Kefalas Bay. You’ll pass the Fortezza, sail by Gerani Bay, visit the caves of Kefalas, and return through Rethymno’s Venetian harbor.

I like the clear swimming water and the fact that masks and swimming tubes are provided. I also like the simple Greek salad lunch, which feels just right after an hour in the sea. The main drawback is the long ride to and from the swimming area, often about an hour and a half each way, with little commentary from the crew.

The cruise costs $62 per person and lasts five hours. That is fair value if you want a half-day on the water without arranging transport or renting equipment, but it is less appealing if you want several swim stops, a guided history lesson, or a fast-paced boat ride.

Key points to know before booking

• One main swimming stop: The cruise usually allows about an hour in Kefalas Bay for swimming and snorkeling, despite the plural wording sometimes used for swimming stops.
• A long ride each way: Plan on roughly 1.5 hours sailing to the cove and a similar journey back, with possible rocking in choppy water.
• Good equipment included: Snorkeling masks and swimming tubes are available at no extra charge.
• Simple Greek lunch: You receive Greek salad, bread, olive oil, and one glass of wine or a soft drink.
• Excellent coastal views: The route includes the Fortezza, Gerani Bay, Kefalas caves, and the Venetian harbor.
• Arrive early: Reach the marina at least 30 minutes before departure to exchange your voucher for a boat ticket.

Setting out from Rethymno Marina

Your meeting point is the marina port of Rethymnon, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, since the online voucher must be exchanged for a boat ticket.

That extra time matters. The ticket exchange point can be confusing, and some passengers have had to walk back toward the harbor entrance to find the kiosk. I would not arrive at the last minute, especially if you are traveling with children or carrying swim gear.

The boat has a wooden pirate theme, but this is not a theatrical pirate show. Think of it as a sightseeing and swimming cruise with a playful vessel. The atmosphere is casual, and the boat offers shaded areas, which are important during a long Greek summer outing.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to the marina and return to the same place at the end. The crew can communicate in English, French, and German.

The view of Fortezza from the water

The first part of the route takes you west from Rethymno. One of the best early views is the Fortezza, the large Venetian fortress above the city. From the sea, you see the fort from a different angle than you would on a land visit.

This is a good reminder that a boat trip is not just about swimming. The coastline gives you a useful sense of Rethymno’s position and history, even though the cruise does not provide a formal historical talk. If you want detailed information about the fortress, you will need to read up before you go or visit it separately.

The pace is unhurried. You have time to sit, take photographs, and watch the shoreline change as the boat moves west. The drawback is that the crew may not explain the route in much detail. Some passengers have found the lack of a welcome briefing or itinerary explanation disappointing.

I would treat the ride as scenic transport rather than a guided tour. Bring something to read, talk with your group, or simply settle into the view. If you need constant narration, this may feel quiet.

Passing Gerani Bay on the westbound route

The boat continues through the bay of Gerani before heading toward Kefalas Bay. This section is mainly about the ride itself, with open views of the Cretan coast and the chance to enjoy the boat’s shaded seating.

The trip can take about 1.5 hours before you reach the swimming area. That timing is important when you plan your day. A five-hour cruise sounds short on paper, but a large part of it is spent sailing.

The water can become choppy, and the boat rocks noticeably at times. Seasickness is possible. Crew members have provided seasickness pills on some departures, but this is not something you should rely on without asking. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy and choose a seat where you feel comfortable.

This is also why the cruise works better for people who enjoy being on a boat, rather than people who only want to reach the swimming spot. You are paying for the entire sea outing, not simply an hour in the water.

Kefalas Bay swimming stop

The main stop is Kefalas Bay, a quieter cove with clear water and plenty of fish visible while snorkeling. The boat stops for about an hour, giving you time to swim directly from the vessel.

There is no need to search for a beach or carry your belongings ashore. You enter the sea from the boat, then climb back aboard when you are ready. That makes the stop simple, though it may not suit anyone who is uncomfortable with deep-water entry or boat ladders.

The snorkeling is the strongest part of the day. Masks are supplied, and swimming tubes are available. The water is clear enough to see fish, and the cove provides a pleasant setting for both confident swimmers and people who prefer to float near the boat.

Pack your swimwear under your clothes so you can change quickly, and bring a towel, sunscreen, and any personal swimming equipment you prefer. A phone or camera can be useful, but keep it protected from splashes.

The one-hour stop passes quickly. If you expect several separate swim breaks, adjust your expectations. The practical description is one substantial swimming and snorkeling stop, followed by the return journey.

Greek salad lunch on board

After swimming, a light lunch is served. It includes Greek salad, bread, olive oil, and a glass of wine or soft drink. This is a modest meal, not a full restaurant lunch, but it suits the setting and the timing.

A fresh salad is welcome after time in the sea, especially in warm weather. It is also easy to eat on a moving boat. I would not book this cruise expecting a wide menu or a large meal.

Additional drinks and food may be available for purchase, but drinks beyond the included glass of wine or soft drink are not part of the price. If you are traveling with children, bring enough water or budget for extras rather than assuming everything is included.

The lunch adds real value to the $62 price. You receive food, a drink, snorkeling equipment, and five hours aboard the boat. Still, the value depends on how much you enjoy the sailing time. Someone focused mainly on snorkeling may find the price high for one hour in the water.

Returning past the Kefalas caves

On the return route, the boat passes the caves of Kefalas. These formations add variety after the swimming stop and give you another reason to keep your camera ready.

The caves are viewed from the boat rather than explored on foot. This is a sightseeing pass, not a cave tour. You may get better photographs from one side of the deck, so move around when it is safe and do not stay fixed in your lunch seat.

The return ride brings you back toward Rethymno and the Venetian harbor. Seeing the old harbor from the water is a fitting end to the route, especially if you plan to walk there afterward for dinner or an evening stroll.

As on the outward journey, the return can feel long. The crew is generally courteous and helpful, but the cruise does not appear to be built around detailed commentary. On some sailings, children have been allowed to help steer the pirate boat and pose for photographs with the captain. That depends on the crew and conditions, so consider it a pleasant possibility, not a promised feature.

What the crew and boat are like

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. They assist with swimming equipment and check on passengers during the ride. They have also handled seasick passengers with care.

The boat has shaded areas, which make a major difference during a five-hour trip. You can get out of direct sun between stops, though sunscreen is still essential because reflected light from the sea can be intense.

Communication is the weaker point. You may not receive a clear introduction to the captain, crew, route, or schedule. This can make the first part of the cruise feel less organized, especially if you expected a guide.

The experience is offered in English, French, and German, but language availability does not mean you will receive a full narrated tour. If you want the historical background of Fortezza, Gerani, or the Venetian harbor, plan to learn that separately.

Music may be played on board. The choice can be unpredictable, and the atmosphere is more casual than polished. That will not matter much if you are focused on the sea, but it may shape your impression during the long sailing sections.

Is $62 a fair price?

At $62, this is a mid-priced half-day activity in Rethymno. The fee covers the pirate boat cruise, the Kefalas swimming stop, snorkeling masks, swimming tubes, Greek salad, and one glass of wine or soft drink.

The value is best for you if:

• You want a ready-made boat outing from central Rethymno.
• You appreciate a scenic ride as much as the swimming.
• You would rather use supplied snorkeling equipment than rent your own.
• You like the convenience of lunch being included.
• You are traveling with children who enjoy boats and swimming.

The value is weaker if you want a speedboat, multiple coves, a full meal, or a guide explaining every landmark. You also need to accept that roughly three hours may be spent sailing.

Compared with arranging a private boat, the shared cruise is likely the simpler and less costly choice. You give up privacy and flexibility, but you get a fixed route, equipment, lunch, and crew support.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and mixed-age groups who want a relaxed day on the water. The swimming area is the main reward, and the crew’s helpful attitude makes the outing easier for people who are comfortable around boats.

Children tend to enjoy the swim, fish, pirate-style boat, and possible chance to steer. Parents should remember that the stop is from the boat, not a sandy beach, and that the ride can be long and rocky.

Strong swimmers and casual snorkelers will get the most from Kefalas Bay. If you do not swim, you can still enjoy the coastline and lunch, but the cruise is built around the water stop.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It also may not be a good fit if you suffer badly from seasickness or dislike spending long stretches seated on a moving vessel.

Canceling is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of the identification document is accepted.

Should you book the Rethymno pirate boat cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, uncomplicated half-day at sea with one genuinely enjoyable snorkeling stop. The clearest reasons to go are the fish-filled water at Kefalas Bay, the coastal views, the included equipment, and the simple lunch waiting after your swim.

Skip it if you want a fully guided sightseeing cruise, several swimming locations, or a quick ride to the water. The long outward and return journeys are part of the experience, and the commentary may be sparse.

For the right person, this is a pleasant break from Crete’s roads and ancient sites. Just arrive early at the marina, prepare for some rocking, and think of the cruise as a scenic boat day with one excellent swim, not as a packed tour of the entire coast.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno pirate boat cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours. Check the available dates and departure times when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at the marina port of Rethymnon, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. You must exchange your voucher for a boat ticket at least 30 minutes before departure.

How many swimming stops are included?

The cruise provides a main swimming and snorkeling stop at Kefalas Bay, lasting about one hour. The route description may use the plural form swimming stops, but the detailed schedule identifies one primary stop.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and swimming tubes are included in the activity price.

What food and drink are included?

You receive a Greek salad, bread, olive oil, and one glass of wine or a soft drink. Other drinks are not included, though additional food and beverages may be available for purchase.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the marina independently, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.