Snorkelling & Sailing In Crete’s Hidden Coastal Gems

The best part of this trip is the chance to get on the water without giving up half a day. From Hersonissos Port, you cruise on a traditional wooden pirate ship, stop at Saint George Bay, and return after two hours. I like the easy timing and the fine coastal views, especially the cliffs and small coves around Malia and Stalida.

I also like the friendly crew, the on-board music, and the fact that snorkeling masks and tubes are supplied. The main caution is the swimming stop: Saint George Bay can be crowded, and wind may make the water cloudy. Snorkeling gear may not be available for everyone, so this is better viewed as a short boat outing with a swim than as a serious marine-life trip.

Key points at a glance

• A two-hour cruise from Hersonissos: You get a short taste of Crete from the sea without committing to a full-day excursion.
• Saint George Bay is the main stop: You can swim and snorkel, though water clarity depends on wind and boat traffic.
• Traditional wooden pirate ship: The boat gives the outing a playful, family-friendly feel, with music and a lively crew.
• Malia and Stalida from the water: The coastline brings views of cliffs, coves, and busy resort beaches from a different angle.
• Bring your own towel: Food, drinks, towels, and personal purchases are not included.
• Best for a relaxed coastal ride: The trip suits families and casual swimmers more than serious snorkelers seeking quiet reefs.

A short cruise with a clear purpose

This is a compact sea outing, not a full-day sailing adventure. The boat leaves around noon from Hersonissos Port, travels along the nearby coast, stops for swimming and snorkeling, and returns after about two hours.

That short length is useful. If you are staying in Hersonissos and want something to fill part of an afternoon, you will not lose an entire day to transport and waiting. At about $37 per person, the price is reasonable if you mainly want the boat ride, the views, and time in the water.

The value becomes less convincing if you are booking specifically for clear snorkeling. The swimming cove is close to the departure area, and the boat may not travel far from the harbor. One report placed the cove about a 15-minute walk from the port, which gives you a fair idea of how local this trip is.

That is not necessarily a flaw. A short route means less time spent reaching the activity and more time enjoying the coast. It also means you should not expect a remote bay or a long sail into open water.

Leaving Hersonissos on a wooden pirate ship

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete. The boat is a traditional wooden vessel rather than a sleek modern yacht. That gives the trip a bit of character and helps explain the pirate theme used by the operator, MTM Experiences.

I like this kind of boat for a short family outing. It feels more memorable than simply boarding a standard transfer boat, and children may enjoy the playful setting. There is even a parrot on board, according to the experience details, which adds an unusual touch.

The crew speaks English and is there to help with safety and the swimming stop. The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly, entertaining, and good at keeping the mood light. That matters on a small boat, where the atmosphere can shape the whole outing.

Music is part of the experience. Some people will enjoy the upbeat soundtrack, but the volume has been a clear issue. If you prefer a quiet sail, bring realistic expectations. This is not a silent nature cruise, and the music may be loud enough to make conversation difficult.

The boat has clean toilets, another practical plus for a short trip. Drinks are available to buy on board, with prices described as reasonable. Food is not included, and you should not assume a meal or snack is part of the fare.

Saint George Bay and the swimming stop

Saint George Bay is the main reason to pack swimwear. The boat stops here for swimming and snorkeling, giving you a chance to cool off and look below the surface.

The bay can look appealing from the boat, with clear water on calmer days and a pleasant setting for a swim. Still, water conditions are not guaranteed. Wind can stir up the sea, and the cove may have several boats sharing the same area. On busy days, the water has been described as cloudy, with little to see while snorkeling.

This is the most important point for setting expectations. The trip advertises marine life and the possibility of seeing dolphins or sea turtles, but neither sighting is promised. You might spot something interesting, but you should book for the coastal ride and swim rather than for wildlife.

Other boats can also affect the feel of the stop. A bay that looks peaceful from a distance may be quite busy once you are in the water. If you want a quiet swim, the timing and weather will make a big difference, and you have no control over how many other boats are present.

The swimming stop still has value. You can get into the sea, enjoy the sun, and see the coast from water level. For many families and casual swimmers, that is enough. For a keen snorkeler, the lack of fish and the crowded water may be disappointing.

Snorkeling equipment: bring modest expectations

Masks and snorkels are included, but flippers are not. If you want to swim with fins, you will need to make other arrangements, though no outside rental details are provided.

Equipment availability has also been uneven. On one trip, there was not enough gear for everyone, with equipment apparently going to the first people who asked. Some masks were reported as damaged, and some snorkel tubes did not attach properly.

That makes one practical tip especially useful: ask for snorkeling gear early. Do not wait until everyone else has gone into the water. If you own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bringing your own would remove one source of uncertainty, though the standard inclusion is equipment supplied by the boat.

There are some floating rings available, but they may be taken quickly. The boat has one ladder for getting into and out of the water, and this can create a wait when several people return at once.

The ladder issue is minor for confident swimmers, but it matters if you are not steady in the water or need extra time climbing back aboard. Take your turn patiently and hold on carefully. The crew provides assistance, but the setup is not designed for instant access from multiple points.

Malia and Stalida from the sea

After the swimming stop, the boat continues past the bays of Malia and Stalida. From the water, you see the coast in a different way than you do from a road or resort promenade.

The route includes rugged cliffs, small coves, and resort shorelines. You can sit on deck, take photographs, and watch the coastline change as the boat moves. The views are the strongest part of the outing on days when the water is too cloudy for good snorkeling.

The route is also fairly close to shore. Do not expect a long voyage into distant coastal areas. Instead, think of it as a moving view of the nearby coast, with a swim stop added in.

This can work well if you have already spent time around Malia, Stalida, or Hersonissos and want a different perspective. You may recognize beaches and coves from the boat, while the cliffs and shoreline shapes become easier to appreciate from offshore.

The sunlight around midday can be strong, especially on the open deck. You will want sun protection, and a hat that can stay secure in the breeze is sensible. These are general day-at-sea precautions, while a towel is specifically required because towels are not supplied.

The atmosphere on board

The mood is lively rather than peaceful. Music plays during the trip, and the pirate theme gives the outing a casual party-boat feel. Some people will find this fun, especially families with children, while others may prefer the sound of the sea.

The crew is one of the better features. They have been described as friendly and entertaining, and that can make the short trip feel more relaxed. You are not paying for a formal sailing lesson or a guided marine tour, but you do get staff on hand for safety and assistance.

The boat itself has been described as well cared for rather than run-down. Clean toilets are available, and drinks can be purchased during the ride. These small details matter because a two-hour boat trip is more comfortable when the basic facilities work properly.

At the same time, the trip is not built around privacy or quiet. You may share the cove with other boats, wait for the ladder, and listen to loud music. I would choose this outing for its easygoing social feel, not for solitude.

Who will get the most from the $37 price

At $37 per person, the experience offers fair value when you want three things: a boat ride, a swim, and coastal scenery. The short duration keeps the cost and time commitment down, and the boat, crew, and basic snorkeling equipment are included.

I would especially consider it if you are based near Hersonissos and have a spare afternoon. It can also suit families looking for an activity that does not demand a full day of walking, driving, or planning. The pirate ship, music, swimming, and parrot give it more personality than a simple harbor cruise.

The value is weaker for anyone expecting a quiet sailing trip or excellent underwater viewing. If your main goal is to see fish, reefs, or sea turtles, conditions may not deliver. The water can be cloudy, equipment may be limited, and the swimming area can be crowded.

You also pay extra for food and drinks, so add those costs if you plan to stay on board for refreshments. Bring your own towel, and consider bringing personal snorkeling equipment if underwater time is important to you.

The experience has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when your coastal plans depend on weather, though it does not guarantee calm water on the day you go.

How to prepare for the two hours

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a sea outing comfortable:

• A towel, since none is included
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Sun protection for the midday departure
• Personal snorkeling gear if you want a better fit or reliable equipment
• Money for drinks or food purchases on board
• A secure phone strap or waterproof case if you want photos near the water

Arrive ready for a boat with music and other passengers. If you want a seat with a good view, boarding early may help, though no seating arrangement is specified.

For snorkeling, ask about equipment as soon as you board. Check the mask and tube before entering the water. If the fit is poor, tell the crew rather than discovering the problem after you swim away from the boat.

Remember that the wildlife element is only a possibility. Dolphins and sea turtles may appear, but you should not treat them as part of the guaranteed itinerary. The reliable parts are the boat ride, the coastal views, the stop at Saint George Bay, and the chance to swim.

Should you book this Crete boat trip?

I would book it if you want a short, affordable outing from Hersonissos with a friendly crew, a distinctive wooden boat, and time for a swim. It is particularly suitable for families, casual swimmers, and anyone who likes a lively atmosphere.

I would skip it if quiet water, uncrowded coves, or serious snorkeling are your priorities. The nearby route, loud music, limited gear, and possible cloudy water are real considerations.

The fairest way to see this trip is as a two-hour coastal cruise with a swim, not as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. Book with that expectation, bring your own towel, ask for equipment early, and you are more likely to feel the $37 price was well spent.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port at Pirates of Crete.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts two hours.

What time does the trip start?

The stated departure is at noon, but you should check availability for the exact starting time.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The boat stops at Saint George Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels included?

Snorkeling gear is provided, but equipment may not be available for everyone, and flippers are not included.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but drinks and other purchases are available on board.

Is the trip conducted in English?

Yes. The host or greeter and the listed tour language are English.

Can I see dolphins or sea turtles?

You may have the chance to see dolphins or sea turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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