Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay are the kind of stops that feel built for postcards. I love how this is a short 4-hour cruise with real swim time, not a full-day slog. I also love the mix of WWII underwater features and ancient site history around Diktynna, Vritomartis, and even a monastery at Menies.

The only real drawback to plan for is practical: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll be swimming in shallow water to reach the beaches, and some spots are rocky. Bring water shoes and expect a little hopping in and out, not a perfect dock-to-lounge setup.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two swimming/snorkeling stops with enough time at each to actually enjoy them
• WWII underwater remains near Menies, including sunken cannon details you can look for
• Ancient Crete onshore at Menies, tied to Vritomartis, Roman temple remains, and a St. George monastery site
• Caves and cliffs around Chironisia Bay, explored with your snorkel gear
• Comfortable, modern boat with toilets and a small onboard refreshment setup for snacks/drinks

From Kolymbari Harbor to the Calm Side of Northern Crete

This cruise starts in Kolymbari, at the port where you look for the Smile Cruises boat. If you’re staying in north Chania, you may also have the option of hotel pickup and drop-off, and the timing is built around the boat’s departure. Either way, your day is designed around water time: you’re not spending hours in transit.

What makes this feel like good value is the rhythm. You get a safety briefing, then a cruise leg to Menies, then a long swim-and-snorkel block, another short boat hop, and then Chironisia Bay for more swimming. At the end, you’re back for drop-off without needing to commit to a whole day away from your base.

The boat ride itself is part of the experience, with chances to spot cliffs and caves along the coast. If the water is a bit choppy, you might feel it on the way out and back, so pack your sea-sickness common sense just in case.

Menies Beach: Ancient Roots and WWII Underwater Relics

Menies Beach is where this trip gets really interesting, because you’re not just snorkeling over pretty water. You’re doing it right in an area linked to Diktynna, where the temple of Vritomartis once stood. On land (even if you’re mostly swimming), you’re in the same general region as the remains of a Roman temple and a monastery of St. George that was abandoned centuries later.

When your snorkel time starts, the guide helps you look for WWII underwater remains. The big takeaway: you’re not hunting blindly. You use the provided gear and follow along as you search for items like the sunken base of cannons and what’s described as a cannon carriage—parts of a story that’s literally under the surface.

What swimming feels like here

This stop is long, giving you time to switch between floating, snorkeling, and just soaking up the water. The snorkel waters tend to be clear enough for a satisfying look around, though your exact sealife sightings can vary day to day. Some people report seeing plenty of fish and sea life, while others find it more about the underwater structures than a show of fish.

Practical note: the beach access is not a smooth stair step. Since the boat anchors around 6 meters out, you’ll need to swim in shallower water to get to the shore. You might find baskets or helpful gear for moving items, but your best friend is still proper swim footwear.

WWII Cannon Spotting: Why Snorkeling Feels More Personal Here

Plenty of snorkeling trips are just “see fish, then go home.” This one leans into a specific underwater mission: find the WWII remnants near Menies. That changes your mindset, and it’s why the snorkel stop feels more memorable than a generic reef scan.

Also, the staff and captain tend to make the trip feel interactive. I like the fact that you’re not left on your own with a snorkel and a shrug. You get directions on where to focus, and you can ask questions about what you’re seeing.

One more detail I’d plan around: if you’re on the upper deck, you may not find much shade, and outside noise can make instructions harder to hear. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s smart to position yourself close enough to the crew when you need to catch the key points.

Chironisia Bay: A Sea-Only Place With Caves to Explore

After the Menies stop, you cruise again along the Rodopou Peninsula toward Chironisia Bay. This second swimming area is described as small and only accessible by sea, which is exactly why it can feel more secluded once you’re in the water.

Chironisia is less about ancient structures you can read on land and more about the way the coastline shapes the water. The snorkeling here can include exploring small caves with your snorkel gear. That means you’re moving your eyes from open water to nooks and edges—where fish often hide and where the scenery gets more dramatic.

Time to enjoy it, not rush it

This stop is shorter than Menies, but it still gives enough room for real swimming and a second pass at snorkeling if you want it. If you prefer a calmer pace, you’ll appreciate this as a “second chance” to settle into the day rather than a sprint.

As with Menies, your underwater experience will vary. Some days you’ll see more fish activity, and other days you’ll mostly notice the water clarity and rock features. Either way, you’re still getting that Crete-to-the-bone feeling: blue water, cliffs, and a quiet bay you can reach only by boat.

Boat Comfort, Group Size, and the Practical Stuff That Matters

The boat is described as comfortable and spacious, with plenty of seating areas and onboard basics like toilets. You’ll also find a small refreshment setup where you can buy snacks and drinks, and in practice that usually means simple items like chips plus drinks rather than a full meal.

This trip can run with a lot of people. Some sessions bring multiple busloads, so the boat itself may feel busy while you’re boarding. The good news is that the water stops are timed and spaced in a way that helps avoid the worst overcrowding once you’re in the shallows.

Getting in and out of the water

A helpful detail: you may be able to jump off the boat or use a ladder, depending on your comfort level and where the crew has anchored you. If you’re traveling with kids, the trip can work because the swimming areas are generally calm enough for snorkel beginners, and the staff helps with getting set up.

If you’re the type who hates fussy logistics, you’ll like how the day is structured. You don’t need to carry snorkeling gear—it’s provided. And if you’re doing hotel pickup, drivers wait only a short window after the scheduled time, so you should stand where they can see you right away.

What I’d Pack for Menies and Chironisia

Bring what keeps the day easy. The basics are on-point: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and comfortable shoes.

My top add-on is water shoes. The beaches can be rocky, and even when the stones are smooth, you don’t want to be negotiating sharp edges in flip-flops. Also consider a light layer if you burn easily, because you can spend time outdoors on deck between stops.

If you’re prone to sea sickness, a simple plan helps. The cruise legs are not long, but waves can be choppy at times. Some people report feeling unwell during rougher conditions, and that’s not something you want to gamble on.

Who This Cruise Works Best For

This is a great fit if you want:

• A half-day outing that still feels like an escape to remote water
• A mix of swimming, snorkeling, and scenery without needing advanced skills
• A day that’s partly educational, thanks to the Menies WWII underwater focus and ancient context around the Diktynna/Vritomartis area

It’s also a strong choice for families. The stops are long enough for kids to get comfortable in the water, and the staff is set up to help people get snorkeling masks and gear sorted.

If you’re a person who expects constant marine-life action like a tropical aquarium, you might be disappointed. Underwater visibility and the number of fish can vary. But if you’re happy to enjoy clear water, structures below the surface, and the scenery, you’ll likely feel satisfied.

Should You Book This Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re staying in north Chania and you want a value-packed 4-hour water day with snorkeling gear included. Menies is the main draw thanks to the combo of crystal-clear water, ancient-site context nearby, and that WWII underwater search that turns snorkeling into something more than just swimming.

I would think twice if you’re sensitive to rough waves or you hate the idea of swimming from an anchored boat. If you bring water shoes and approach it with the right expectations, though, the overall setup is strong: guided, structured, and centered on the exact kind of day most people come to Crete for.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the boat leave Kolymbari?

Boats depart at 10:15 and 14:30.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and depend on your hotel in select north Chania locations.

How do you get to the beach at the stops?

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

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour will not take place when weather conditions are poor.

Is free cancellation offered?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.