Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

A cruise to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay is interesting because you’re mixing open-water views with real water time, plus a few unexpected underwater stops. I especially like the chance to snorkel over WWII remnants at Menies, and I like how you get two separate swim areas in just 4 hours. One thing to plan around is that the boat anchors well offshore, so you’ll need to swim in shallow water to reach the shore.

You’ll also be working with an onboard team that keeps the pace practical. The trip can run with a lot of people, so bring patience for boarding and listen with your eyes too, since on-deck audio can be hard to catch. If you’re very sensitive to waves, consider the day’s sea conditions before you commit.

Key highlights before you go

• Menies Beach WWII snorkeling: Look for the sunken base of a gun and carriage from WWII.
• Ancient site at the water’s edge: The Menies area ties into Diktynna and the temple of Vritomartis, plus Roman and St. George monastery remains.
• Two sea-only stops in one trip: Chironisia Bay is accessible by boat only, with small caves for snorkelers.
• Jump-in style access: You can typically enter by ladder or jump, depending on your comfort.
• A boat trip that fits a half-day schedule: The full outing runs about 4 hours, not an all-day grind.

Kolymbari to Menies and Chironisia, a 4-hour swim-focused cruise

This is a straightforward half-day outing built around the water. You leave from Kolymbari port, take a cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula area, and spend your time at two natural stops where swimming and snorkeling are the main event.

The route is designed for variety without fatigue. Menies gives you clear-water snorkeling with a specific underwater story to chase. Chironisia Bay shifts the feel to a smaller, calmer sea cove where you can float around, explore, and look into small cave areas with your snorkel gear.

If your ideal Cretan day includes sea time but you do not want to tie up your whole day, this fits well. It’s also great for families, since it is short enough that kids usually do not get restless, and the staff provides the basics like snorkeling equipment.

What the $47 price gets you (and what you still pay for)

At $47 per person for roughly 4 hours, you’re paying for guided transportation by boat plus the gear and the structure. What you get included is the cruise, swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. If you select it, you also get hotel pickup and drop-off in north Chania at certain hotels.

What you do not get included is food and drinks. On board, snacks and drinks are available for purchase, so you’ll want to bring cash or a card if you plan to eat during the trip. Most people seem to treat it as a snack-and-sip setup rather than a full meal.

In plain terms, you’re buying “access plus time in the water.” The snorkeling kit and two swim windows are a big part of that value. If you would otherwise have to rent snorkel gear, arrange a boat transfer, and spend all day searching for beaches, this makes the day easier.

Getting on the boat: Smile Cruises meeting point and pickup timing

Meet the group at the port of Kolymbari, and look for the Smile Cruises boat. If you opt for pickup, you’ll wait outside on the main road with a sign showing the destinations (Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay). Drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time, so do not treat pickup like a vague suggestion.

Departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30, and your hotel pickup time can range from about 1 hour to 10 minutes before departure depending on where you stay. You should receive the exact pickup time by email, and it’s smart to check spam too.

One practical tip: if you’re driving to the harbor yourself, arrive early if parking feels tight. The port area can be short on parking spots, and this tour can involve multiple coach loads, which means the meeting point can feel busy when everyone arrives together.

Safety briefing, sea legs, and the Rodopou Peninsula cruise

Before heading out, you get a short safety briefing on the way, about 10 minutes. The tone here is practical, not formal theater, and it matters because the boat anchors away from shore later.

Then you cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula area. Expect this as travel time that also sets the mood: it’s usually calmer than the snorkel work, and it’s when you can position yourself for sun protection and comfortable seating.

A heads up for people who get seasick easily: there can be chop on the open water on some days. One family experience in the group included a rough moment where someone felt sick, and the crew did what they could to help. That does not mean every trip is rough, but it is worth respecting if motion normally bothers you.

Menies Beach: ancient Diktynna, Roman and St. George remains, plus WWII snorkeling

Menies Beach is the first big “wow” stop, and it has layers above and below the water.

On land (or at least in the Menies area), this spot connects to ancient Diktynna and the temple of the goddess Vritomartis. You may also see remains tied to a Roman temple and an abandoned monastery of St. George from around the 9th century. Even if you do not go far inland, the setting adds meaning to what would otherwise just be a nice swim cove.

Underwater, this is the stop with a job to do. You’ll snorkel over WWII remnants, including the sunken base of cannons and their carriage. This is one of the reasons I like this tour more than a generic swim stop. You’re not just looking for fish, you’re also searching for a specific underwater feature.

How you actually get to shore

Here’s the key practical detail: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. That means you swim in shallow water to reach the beach. The crew often helps with gear transfer, and you can typically enter from the boat by ladder or by jumping if you feel comfortable.

Menies is not a sandy beach. It can be rocky, but the stones are smooth enough for many people if you bring the right footwear. I strongly recommend water shoes. They make the walk safer and more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Time on Menies

You get about 105 minutes at Menies. That’s enough to cover the full loop: swim, snorkel, rinse your mask, then relax and switch between activities without feeling rushed. If you want the WWII underwater sight to be more than a quick look, this longer window helps.

Chironisia Bay: sea-only access and small cave snorkeling

After Menies, you cruise again, then you reach Chironisia Bay. This bay is small and only accessible by sea, which is why it tends to feel more secluded than beaches that can be reached by road.

The main plan here is swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes. That’s shorter than Menies, so I’d treat Chironisia as your “explore and enjoy” stop rather than a deep search for one specific underwater target.

Cave opportunities with snorkel gear

Chironisia’s water includes small caves that you can check out with your snorkel gear. You do not need special gear beyond what’s provided, but you do need good buoyancy and calm breathing, because cave edges can be a little tricky to navigate while staying relaxed.

This stop also tends to produce a different kind of satisfaction. Menies is about searching. Chironisia is more about drifting, spotting movement in the water, and enjoying the view lines.

Snorkeling gear, masks, and what you might see

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent anything separately. One helpful detail from the experiences shared is that if a mask needs adjusting or replacement, the guide and staff can help promptly. That matters because a good seal on your mask is the difference between comfortable snorkeling and constantly fighting water.

As for wildlife, expect fish and sea life, but treat it as variable. Many people report seeing fish and sea vegetation, and some mention specific finds like cuttlefish. Others see less, usually because of water conditions and where the group stops.

If you’re a first-timer, focus on breathing rhythm and staying calm. Use the surface to regroup. When you feel steady, you’ll actually spend more time looking, and you’ll likely spot more.

On-board comfort: shade, sound, toilets, and how crowded it can feel

The boat used for this trip is described as comfortable and larger than people expect. That’s a big deal because big groups can still feel manageable if there’s seating and multiple decks.

That said, it can be busy. Some days involve several full coaches loading passengers, so you might feel that bustle at the harbor and during boarding. Once you’re moving, the swim stops themselves are the real relief valve. The common pattern is that even when the boat is full, you’re not all packed into the same tiny spot.

There are also practical onboard features that make the 4 hours easier: a refreshments bar with snacks and drinks for purchase, and toilets onboard. Some staff provide floats and safety support, which helps especially if you’re traveling with kids or if you only swim confidently in shallow water.

Two comfort notes to plan for:

• The upper deck has limited shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
• Audio instructions on deck can be difficult to hear over wind and crowd noise, so watch the crew and look to each other for cues when they explain timing.

What to bring for a smooth Menies and Chironisia day

This trip is simple, but you will enjoy it more if you pack like you’re actually doing a beach day plus snorkeling.

Bring:

• Swimwear and beachwear you can reuse right after changing
• A towel, since you’ll likely need it after swimming
• Sunscreen plus a hat, because you can be in strong sun while waiting for boat stops
• Comfortable shoes for the rocky shoreline, especially water shoes
• Any personal items you need for changing or keeping dry

If you’re sensitive to sun glare, consider sunglasses with a strap. Masks and fins get wet, and you do not want to waste time searching for gear.

Price, value, and who should book this cruise

This is good value if you want a structured half-day with snorkeling gear included, guided stops, and two different coves. At $47 per person, the price mainly buys convenience: you get transportation from Kolymbari, access to beaches by boat, and the snorkeling setup that makes the day feel complete.

It also matches specific travel styles:

• Families who need a short outing, not an all-day excursion
• People who like water activities but do not want to drive or rent gear
• Snorkelers who enjoy a “theme” to one stop, like the WWII underwater remnants at Menies

It might be less ideal if:

• You strongly prefer sandy beaches with easy land access, since shore entry is by swim in shallow water
• You get motion sick on choppy water
• You want a quiet, low-personality nature walk, since this is a boat tour with multiple pickup groups and a shared schedule

Should you book this Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is clear: swim time, snorkeling, and two coves in a short window. Menies adds extra meaning with ancient-site connections and a WWII snorkeling target, while Chironisia brings sea-only access and cave-style snorkel exploration.

If you’re unsure, decide based on three things. Can you handle a rocky shoreline and swim access from an offshore anchor? Can you tolerate boat motion if seas are a bit rough? Do you want snacks and drinks on board instead of a full meal? If the answers are yes, this is a solid, practical day on northern Crete.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 4 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $47 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase snacks and drinks on the boat.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available at select hotels in north Chania.

What time does the boat depart from Kolymbari?

Boats depart at 10:15 and 14:30.

Will the boat go right up to the beach?

No. The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you will need to swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

What languages is the guide?

The tour guide speaks English and Greek.