Snorkelling & Sailing In Crete’s Hidden Coastal Gems

The best part of this two-hour trip is the chance to trade Crete’s busy shore for open water, dramatic cliffs, and a swim stop at Saint George Bay. The boat is a traditional wooden ship, the crew keeps things lively, and the views are often the real reward.

I like the $37 price, which covers the boat, crew, and snorkelling equipment without turning a short outing into a major expense. I also like the easy format: you meet at Hersonissos Port, sail at noon, stop for a swim, and return the same afternoon. The main concern is the snorkelling itself. The bay can be crowded and cloudy, equipment may run short, and loud music is part of the atmosphere.

Key points before you book

• Traditional wooden boat: You sail aboard the Pirates of Crete from Hersonissos Port, not a plain transfer vessel.
• Saint George Bay stop: Swimming and snorkelling are the main water activity, though visibility depends on wind and sea conditions.
• Malia and Stalida views: The boat passes scenic coastal bays, cliffs, and coves close to the Hersonissos area.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not supplied, while food and drinks can be bought aboard.
• Snorkel early: Masks and snorkels have reportedly been limited, and fins are not included.
• Lively rather than quiet: Friendly staff, music, clean toilets, drinks for sale, and even a parrot may be part of the boat atmosphere.

Setting sail from Hersonissos Port

You meet at Hersonissos Port, at Pirates of Crete, for a noon departure. The trip lasts two hours, so this is an easy addition to a beach day, a family holiday, or a morning spent around Hersonissos.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. It is a traditional wooden ship with a characterful pirate theme, rather than a sleek sightseeing ferry. That gives the outing a playful feel, especially for children. The crew speaks English and handles safety and practical help aboard.

I would arrive early, particularly if snorkelling matters to you. Equipment is supplied, but there may not be enough masks and snorkels for everyone at once. One report put the available supply at roughly ten sets, while another noted that some masks were damaged and that the mouthpieces did not always connect well. That makes bringing your own equipment a sensible option if you already have it.

The atmosphere is not designed as a quiet sailing retreat. Music plays aboard, and it can be very loud. Some people will enjoy that festive touch, while others may prefer the sound of the sea and a calmer ride. If you are sensitive to noise, choose your seat carefully and set your expectations before boarding.

The ride along Malia and Stalida

Once the boat leaves the harbour, you get a coastal view that is difficult to appreciate from the road. The shore around Malia and Stalida mixes built-up resort areas with rocky edges, small coves, and steep coastal sections. From the water, the towns become part of a broader scene rather than the whole view.

The route is fairly local. One account noted that the swimming cove is only about a 15-minute walk from the departure point, so this is not a long open-sea cruise to a remote part of Crete. That is useful to know. You are paying for a short boat outing and a change of viewpoint, not a full-day sailing expedition.

The advertised route includes scenic bays around Malia and Stalida, with the possibility of seeing dolphins or sea turtles. Treat those animals as a lucky extra, not a promised part of the trip. The cruise is short, and wildlife sightings depend on chance, weather, and sea conditions.

I like this section best as a simple coastal ride. You can sit on deck, watch the cliffs and coves pass by, take photographs, and enjoy the breeze without needing to plan a complicated excursion. The views can be striking, especially when the water is clear and the sun catches the rocky shore.

Saint George Bay and the swimming stop

Saint George Bay is the main event. The boat stops so you can enter the water, swim, and use the supplied mask and snorkel. On a calm, clear day, the bay offers a refreshing break and a chance to look for small sea life near the rocks.

Conditions are the key variable. Wind can stir the water, and several reports describe cloudy visibility that made snorkelling disappointing. The stop may also be busy, with other boats using the same cove. That means you should think of this as a shared swimming stop rather than a private visit to an untouched bay.

The water may look clear from the boat and still offer limited visibility below the surface. If your main goal is to see fish, this trip carries some risk. If your main goal is to swim in the sea, enjoy the coastline, and spend time on a boat, the same conditions matter less.

There is also only one ladder for getting in and out of the water. When several people want to swim, the queue can take time. A few floating rings may be available, but they are not guaranteed for everyone. You should be comfortable waiting your turn and managing your own swim safely.

The lack of fins is another practical point. The supplied kit consists of masks and snorkels, not a complete set of fins and flotation equipment. If you are not a confident swimmer, check what support is available from the crew before entering the water. The crew is there to assist, but the trip does not promise a full lesson or guided snorkelling session.

What the crew and boat add

The crew receives some of the strongest praise for this outing. They are described as friendly, entertaining, and good at creating a social mood. That matters on a short boat ride, because a warm crew can make the trip feel relaxed even when the water stop is less impressive than hoped.

The pirate theme gives the boat extra character. Families may enjoy the playful setting, and one unusual onboard feature is a parrot. It is a small detail, but it helps distinguish this boat ride from a standard coastal cruise.

The vessel has toilets, and the boat has been described as well maintained rather than worn out. Drinks are available for purchase, with prices considered reasonable. Food is not included, and no meal is promised, so bring money if you want something from the onboard service.

Music remains a matter of taste. It can help create a party-like mood and keep the short cruise from feeling formal. It can also overpower conversation and make the ride less restful. I would not choose this trip if your ideal sailing day involves silence, reading, or a slow, peaceful sail.

How much value do you get for $37?

At $37 per person, the trip offers a reasonably priced way to get on the water. You receive a round-trip boat ride, crew assistance, a stop for swimming, and access to snorkelling gear. For a two-hour activity, that is fair if you value the boat ride and coastal views as much as the underwater part.

The value drops if you are booking mainly for serious snorkelling. The bay can be crowded, visibility can be poor, and equipment may not be available for everyone. In that case, you could pay for a swim stop that does not deliver much marine life.

I would compare the price with what you want from the afternoon. For a family looking for a short, cheerful boat trip, the traditional ship, music, staff, and pirate theme may make the cost worthwhile. For someone seeking a quiet sail or a remote snorkelling site, the same $37 may be better spent on a more focused water activity.

The short duration is both a benefit and a limitation. You do not lose a full day if the conditions are poor, and you can fit the trip around other plans in Malia, Stalida, or Hersonissos. On the other hand, the boat may spend much of the outing near the harbour and the swim stop, so you should not expect a long voyage along the wider Cretan coast.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Bring your own towel. It is not included, and you will need something dry after the swim.

If you have a personal mask and snorkel, pack them. The boat supplies equipment, but availability and condition may vary. Do not assume fins will be provided.

Use sun protection and carry any personal items you need for a few hours at sea. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy refreshments aboard.

Arrive at Hersonissos Port with enough time to find Pirates of Crete and collect equipment before departure. The host and crew speak English, which makes basic instructions and safety information straightforward.

Keep your phone or camera secure around the water. The coastline makes good photo material, but the boat can move, and the swimming stop involves climbing through a single ladder.

If you want a calmer ride, ask where the quieter seating is before the music begins. You may not be able to avoid the sound entirely, but your position on the boat can affect how comfortable the trip feels.

Most important, watch the sea conditions. The quality of the snorkelling can change with wind and water movement. A clear morning does not guarantee clear water at the bay later in the day.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it most to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a simple taste of Crete from the sea. The pirate-style wooden boat, friendly crew, swimming stop, and short schedule create an easy outing with some adventure but little planning.

Children may especially enjoy the boat’s theme, music, swimming, and playful touches such as the parrot. Parents should still keep in mind that snorkel gear may be limited, there is only one water ladder, and the bay can be crowded.

It also suits anyone staying near Hersonissos, Malia, or Stalida who wants a change from the beach. You do not need to commit a full day, and the boat gives you a different view of nearby shorelines.

I would be more cautious if you are a serious snorkeller. The trip does not promise a guide in the water, fins, private access, or reliable visibility. You may see marine life, but you may also find cloudy water and little to look at.

It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes loud music or prefers a quiet, uncrowded cove. The boat has a social, upbeat mood, and the swimming stop may include several other boats.

Should you book the Pirates of Crete?

Book this trip if you want an affordable two-hour boat ride with a friendly crew, a traditional wooden ship, a swim stop, and pleasant views near Hersonissos. The best parts are the easy format, lively atmosphere, and chance to enjoy Crete from the water without spending a whole day or a large sum.

Skip it if clear snorkelling is your top priority. The water may be cloudy, the cove may be crowded, gear can be limited, and the route stays close to shore. Bring your own snorkel set if possible, carry a towel, and treat dolphins, turtles, and excellent underwater visibility as lucky bonuses rather than guarantees.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip leave from?

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port at Pirates of Crete.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts two hours and departs at noon according to the provided schedule information. You should check availability for the exact starting time when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the round-trip boat ride, professional crew assistance, a stop at Saint George Bay for swimming and snorkelling, and snorkelling gear.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but refreshments are available to purchase on board.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so bring your own for the swimming stop.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.