Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Menies Beach is the star here: a remote stretch of smooth stones, clear water, ancient ruins, and a submerged WWII gun carriage. I like the generous swimming time at both stops and the simple, sensible length. Four hours gives you a real outing without swallowing your whole day. The $47 price is also hard to fault when cruise time, equipment, and optional transfers are included.

The catch is the group size and the open-water ride. Several coaches may feed into the same departure, and the boat can feel busy. If the sea turns rough, the ride to Menies can be uncomfortable, and the rocky shore means water shoes are a smart idea.

Key points to know before booking

• Menies combines swimming with history: You can see ancient remains on shore and snorkel above WWII military relics.
• Chironisia is reached only by sea: The small bay offers a second swim stop, with caves to explore from the water.
• You get about 105 minutes at Menies: That is enough time for swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and a look around.
• The boat is built for a broad mix of ages: There are ladders, floats, snorkeling equipment, a toilet, shaded seating areas, and a refreshments bar.
• Pickup times can be much earlier than departure: A 10:15 boat may require a hotel pickup around 8:40, depending on location.
• The beach is not a soft-sand stop: Menies has smooth pebbles, and you must swim roughly 6 meters from the anchored boat to shore.

Why this short Chania cruise works

This is a water day with a bit of archaeology and wartime history folded in. You leave from Kolymbari, on the western side of Chania Bay, then cruise around the Rodopou Peninsula toward two places that are difficult to reach without a boat.

I like the balance. You are not trapped on board for seven or eight hours, as you can be on longer boat outings. At the same time, this is not a quick look from the rail. You get roughly 105 minutes at Menies and another 40 minutes at Chironisia, with open-water swimming at both.

The trip has a relaxed feel, but you should not mistake it for a private sailing excursion. The boat can carry a large group, sometimes including people arriving on several coaches. There is enough room to move around, but the best seats and shadier spots may go quickly.

The advertised rating is 4.4 from 429 bookings, which fits the experience well. The locations and crew earn the strongest praise, while the usual complaints concern crowding, weak loudspeaker sound, limited snack choices, and rough seas on some days.

Starting at Kolymbari harbor

If you are driving yourself, look for the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari. Parking near the harbor is limited, so I would arrive early rather than count on finding a space at the last minute.

The listed boat departures from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30. The morning trip is the natural choice if you want the rest of the day free, while the afternoon sailing can work well if you prefer a slower start.

You can also select hotel pickup and drop-off from certain locations in north Chania. The service covers a long list of hotels and meeting points around areas such as Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Kolymbari, and nearby resorts. Check the exact pickup point carefully. Pickup may be 10 minutes to an hour before the boat leaves, and the actual time is sent by email, including the spam folder.

A sign on the bus identifies the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay trip. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so you need to be standing at the stated point, usually on the main road.

Cruising around the Rodopou Peninsula

Once the boat leaves Kolymbari, allow about 40 minutes for the first cruise to Menies. This is not wasted time. You get broad views of the rugged Rodopou Peninsula and a gradual change from developed resort coast to a much wilder shoreline.

The captain may point out features along the cliffs, including a sea cave and goats clinging to the rocky slopes. These small moments add character to the ride, though the guide’s commentary can be hard to hear outside, especially on the upper deck. The loudspeakers have drawn complaints, so stay near the guide or crew when important instructions are being given.

The boat itself is one of the practical strengths. It is described as modern, clean, and spacious, with several seating areas. There is a toilet, a bar selling drinks and light snacks, and equipment for swimming. Some departures feel crowded, but the arrangement generally allows people to get into and out of the water without a long wait.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the conditions seriously. One July trip had high, choppy waves, and several people became ill. The ride can be smooth, but the open coast is not guaranteed to be calm. A seat lower in the boat may feel steadier than the upper deck, and you should avoid arriving hungry or dehydrated.

Menies Beach: stones, ruins, and WWII relics

Menies is the main stop, and you spend about 105 minutes here. The boat anchors around 6 meters from shore, so you swim through shallow water to reach the beach. Crew members can help move belongings using baskets and paddleboards, but you should still pack light and protect phones and cameras.

The shore is made of smooth pebbles rather than sand. That makes it easier on bare feet than sharp rock, but it is still uncomfortable for some swimmers. Bring water shoes, especially if you want to walk in and out of the water repeatedly.

The water is the real reward. It is clear enough for snorkeling, and the sheltered setting can make swimming feel calm and approachable. You receive masks, snorkels, and other equipment, with floats available for less confident swimmers. The crew also provides assistance, and a lifeguard has been noted on board, which is useful for families.

Underwater, the tour focuses on remains from WWII, including the base of a gun and its carriage. This is not a major museum-style site with extensive interpretation. It is a small, unusual thing to look for beneath the surface, and visibility will affect how much you see. Some people have found plenty of fish and sea vegetation, while others have seen less marine life.

Menies also has an older story. It is associated with ancient Diktynna, where an important temple to the goddess Vritomartis once stood. You can see remains linked to a Roman temple and an abandoned ninth-century monastery dedicated to St. George. The ruins are not the main event, but they give the beach more interest than a simple swim stop.

I would divide your time rather than spend all 105 minutes in the water. Start with a snorkel, walk along the pebbles, look at the historic remains, then return to the water before the boat leaves. You have enough time for a proper stop, not just a rushed photo break.

Chironisia Bay and its small sea caves

After Menies, the boat spends about 15 minutes moving along the peninsula to Chironisia Bay. This is a smaller, more enclosed stop, reached only by sea. The boat does not necessarily pull onto a beach, so you should expect to enter the water from the boat using the ladder or by jumping from a designated area.

You get about 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The bay’s main appeal is its clear blue water and the chance to swim toward small caves. This is a good second act after Menies because it changes the setting. Menies gives you a beach and historic remains, while Chironisia is more about the boat, cliffs, and water.

The crew may let confident swimmers jump from the upper deck, but you can use the ladder if that is more comfortable. Floats and snorkeling gear help people who want to stay near the boat rather than swim farther out.

You should not expect the same amount of shore time here. If walking on a beach matters to you, Menies is the important stop. If you enjoy swimming from a boat and looking into rocky gaps along the coast, Chironisia may be your favorite part.

After the bay, the return cruise around the peninsula takes about 30 minutes. That gives you time to dry off, buy a drink, and watch the coast slide past before returning to Kolymbari.

What the boat provides, and what it does not

The included snorkeling equipment is a major value point. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately, and the boat carries gear for swimmers with different levels of confidence. Still, bring your own equipment if hygiene is a concern. One complaint involved uncertainty about the cleanliness of shared masks and tubes.

The bar sells drinks and light snacks, but do not count on a full meal. Pack something small if you need more than crisps and beverages, provided it fits the operator’s rules. You should also carry water, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a change of beachwear.

There are shaded areas, though the upper deck has no shade. The upper deck is appealing for views and fresh air, but the sun is strong and the commentary may be difficult to understand there. A shaded lower spot is the more practical choice if you burn easily or want to hear the guide.

The crew is one of the trip’s strongest features. Staff members help with masks, boarding, floats, and concerns about swimming. Maria has been singled out for prompt assistance, including replacing a troublesome mask. English and Greek are spoken.

Group size, families, and swimming ability

This outing suits families because the four-hour schedule is manageable and the swimming areas can be calm. Children who are comfortable in the water can use the floats and ladder, while the shorter duration avoids the fatigue that comes with a full-day boat trip.

You do need to supervise children closely. The boat anchors offshore, the shore is reached by swimming, and one stop is entirely from the boat. The crew helps, but this is not a dry sightseeing cruise.

Confident swimmers will get the most freedom. You can snorkel around the boat, reach the beach at Menies, look for the WWII remains, and swim toward the caves at Chironisia. If you are not a strong swimmer, use the floats, stay close to the boat, and ask the crew for help.

The outing is also a good match for couples and friends who want a low-key half-day. It is less suitable if you want a quiet private boat, gourmet food, a sandy beach, or a detailed archaeological tour.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, I consider this good value for a four-hour excursion. The price includes the cruise, two swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. Hotel transportation costs more depending on the selected option, but pickup can save you the trouble of reaching Kolymbari and arranging parking.

The value comes from the access. Menies and Chironisia are not ordinary roadside beach stops, and reaching both by boat in one morning would be difficult on your own. You also get enough time at each place to swim rather than simply photograph it from the deck.

The price does not cover food or drinks, and the bar has limited choices. That is a minor cost issue, not a serious flaw, as long as you know to bring a snack and water.

I would compare this with a longer, more polished sailing trip only if you want a meal, fewer passengers, or more time on the water. For a straightforward swim-and-snorkel outing at a reasonable price, this one makes sense.

Practical advice for a better day

Bring water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a small dry bag. The stones at Menies are smooth but still hard on bare feet, and your belongings may need to travel between the boat and beach.

Arrive early at Kolymbari if you are driving. The harbor has limited parking, and arriving early also gives you a better chance of choosing a comfortable seat.

If you are using hotel pickup, check your email carefully for the exact time. Do not assume the boat departure time is your pickup time. The bus may arrive well before the boat leaves as it collects people from several locations.

Use the first few minutes on board to find the crew and ask how the snorkeling stops will work. The outdoor speakers may be difficult to hear, so do not rely on announcements from the far end of the upper deck.

Finally, keep your schedule flexible. The cruise does not operate in poor weather, and rough seas can change the feel of the ride. The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which helps if your plans are not fixed.

Should you book this Menies and Chironisia cruise?

I would book it if you want clear water, two distinct swim stops, and a short trip that leaves room for other Chania plans. It is especially good for families, first-time snorkelers, couples, and anyone staying near the north Chania resorts who values hotel pickup.

I would pause if you dislike group excursions, get seasick easily, need a sandy beach, or expect a quiet private outing. The boat may be busy, the guide’s announcements can be hard to hear, and Menies requires a short swim to shore.

For most visitors, the combination of remote access, useful equipment, friendly help, and a fair price makes this a worthwhile half-day on Crete’s western coast. Bring water shoes, arrive ready to swim, and think of it as an active coastal outing rather than a luxury cruise.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The boat departs from the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat at the harbor.

What are the departure times from Kolymbari?

The stated departure times are 10:15 and 14:30. Hotel pickup times are earlier and depend on your location.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the appropriate option from selected locations in north Chania. You will receive the pickup time by email.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about four hours, including the boat rides and swim stops.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with swim stops. You should still bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Can I reach Menies Beach directly from the boat?

The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you must swim through shallow water to reach Menies Beach. The crew can help move belongings using baskets and paddleboards.