Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Menies Beach is the star of this four-hour cruise from Kolymbari, with clear water, a rocky shore, and traces of Crete’s past both above and below the surface. You can snorkel near a sunken WWII gun base and carriage, then swim ashore to see ancient remains and an abandoned monastery.

I like the generous swim time at Menies, roughly 105 minutes, and the second stop at Chironisia Bay, where you can snorkel near small sea caves. I also like the sensible half-day length and the low price of $47, which makes this a strong choice if you want a boat outing without giving up an entire day.

The main catch is that this is not a small private cruise. Boats can be busy, the onboard speakers are hard to hear, and the ride may be rough in poor conditions. Bring water shoes, arrive early if driving, and check your pickup details carefully.

At a glance

• Menies Beach gives you the longest swim stop: You have about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a short walk ashore.
• WWII remains sit underwater: Provided snorkeling gear lets you look for a sunken gun base and carriage near Menies.
• Chironisia Bay is reached only by sea: This smaller stop offers another 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling near little caves.
• The boat is comfortable but may be busy: Reports describe a spacious, clean vessel with toilets, seating areas, floats, and a small refreshments bar.
• Hotel pickup covers selected north Chania areas: Transfers are available from many hotels, but pickup may begin up to an hour before departure.
• Water shoes are a smart addition: Menies has smooth stones rather than soft sand, and the boat anchors about six meters from shore.

Why Menies Beach is the main event

The cruise leaves Kolymbari and follows the rugged coast of the Rodopou Peninsula. The ride to Menies takes about 40 minutes, giving you time to settle in, watch the cliffs, and choose a place on deck.

Menies is more than a swimming stop. The beach sits near ancient Diktynna, once home to an important temple dedicated to the goddess Vritomartis. You can see remains of a Roman temple and the abandoned ninth-century monastery of St. George. These are modest ruins, not a full archaeological site with extensive interpretation, but they add a useful sense of place to what could otherwise be only a water-and-sun outing.

The shore is made of smooth pebbles. I would not call it Crete’s most beautiful beach, but the setting is secluded and the water is the real prize. Since the beach can only be reached by boat on this outing, it feels quieter and more remote than a roadside beach.

You have about 105 minutes here, which is enough time to do more than one thing. You can swim from the boat, use the ladder, or make the short swim to shore. The crew may help move belongings with baskets or paddleboards, but you should still pack light and keep valuables secure.

The boat anchors around six meters from the beach. That means you must swim through shallow water to reach land. Confident swimmers will find this easy, but children and anyone who is not comfortable in open water should use the available floats and ask the crew for help.

Snorkeling over WWII remains

The underwater WWII remains give Menies its most unusual feature. With the supplied mask and snorkel, you can look for the base of a sunken gun and its carriage. This is not a formal museum visit, and visibility and marine life can vary, but the chance to combine history with a swim makes the stop more interesting.

Some outings produce plenty of fish and sea vegetation. Other times, you may see less marine life. I would book this for the clear water, swimming, and unusual underwater objects first, with fish sightings as a welcome extra.

The snorkeling equipment includes masks, tubes, and fins. The crew can help with changing equipment, and one report specifically praised Maria for quickly replacing a mask. If hygiene is a concern, inspect the gear before using it and bring your own mask if you prefer.

The water is generally calm at the swimming locations, and floats are available for less confident swimmers. The crew has been described as attentive and helpful, including on outings with children. Still, this is open-water swimming, so you should follow the instructions and stay near the boat or beach area.

The boat ride along the Rodopou Peninsula

The cruise includes about 40 minutes from Kolymbari to Menies, 15 minutes between Menies and Chironisia, and 30 minutes back toward the port. These stretches are part of the outing, not wasted time. They give you views of the northern coast and a chance to rest between swims.

The boat is described as modern, clean, and larger than some people expect. It has several seating areas, a toilet, a refreshments bar, snorkeling equipment, and space for floats. The upper deck offers better views, but it has no shade. If you sit there, bring sunscreen and a hat.

The size is both a strength and a limitation. A larger vessel feels stable and gives you room to move around, but several buses may arrive for the same departure. Some outings have carried two busloads, and one report described about three full coaches arriving around the same time. The stops themselves can still feel uncrowded if other large boats are not present, but do not book this expecting an intimate sailing trip.

Audio is another weak point. The guide may explain the route, safety details, and sights, but people sitting outside have found the speakers difficult to understand. I would pay attention during the safety briefing, stay near the crew if you need instructions, and ask questions directly rather than relying on the loudspeaker.

The captain may pause near a cave or point out goats on the cliffs. These small moments give the ride a bit of character, though the main focus remains swimming and snorkeling.

Chironisia Bay and its small caves

After Menies, the boat continues for roughly 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This is a smaller, secluded bay reachable only from the water. The stop lasts about 40 minutes, so it is shorter than Menies but long enough for another swim and snorkel.

The boat does not necessarily pull onto a beach here. You usually enter from the boat by ladder or jump from a suitable deck area, depending on the crew’s instructions and sea conditions. You can look toward the small caves along the shore while snorkeling in the clear water.

This stop works well as a second act. Menies gives you a beach, ancient remains, and the WWII objects. Chironisia gives you a compact swim in a more enclosed setting. If you love being in the water, the two stops provide good variety without stretching the outing into a tiring full-day cruise.

Conditions matter here. On a calm day, the bay can be an easy place for children and first-time snorkelers. On a rough day, getting in and out of the water may feel less comfortable. The company may cancel when weather is poor, but sea conditions can still affect how enjoyable the ride and swimming feel.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, this is one of the better-value boat outings around Chania if you want a short trip with equipment and two swim stops. The price includes the cruise, guide, swimming stops, and snorkeling gear. Hotel pickup and return are included only if you select that option and stay at one of the covered locations.

The value comes from the time in the water. You get roughly 105 minutes at Menies and 40 minutes at Chironisia, rather than spending most of the four hours sitting on a boat. The optional transfer can add real convenience if you are staying in Platanias, Agia Marina, or another covered area and do not want to arrange transport to Kolymbari.

Food is not included. The onboard bar sells drinks and simple snacks, mainly crisps and similar light items. I would eat before pickup and bring anything important for your day, while checking the operator’s rules about outside food and drink. Do not expect a meal.

For a family, the four-hour length is a strong point. It is long enough to feel like a real excursion but short enough to fit around another activity. The available floats, calm swimming areas, helpful crew, and onboard toilet make it easier for families than a long open-sea trip.

Meeting in Kolymbari or taking the bus

If you drive, look for the Smile Cruises boat at Kolymbari port. Parking is limited, so I would arrive early rather than trying to pull in just before departure. The listed departure times are 10:15 and 14:30.

The hotel transfer option serves selected locations in north Chania. Pickup can be anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour before the boat leaves, depending on where you stay. Check the exact time in your confirmation email and your spam folder.

Pickup takes place on the main road, not necessarily directly at your hotel entrance. Look for the bus sign showing Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup, so be outside early.

A practical warning: several coaches may be operating at the same time. If a bus passes without stopping, do not assume the pickup has been missed. Check the sign and wait briefly, since another coach may be assigned to your group. The bus can become hot while collecting passengers, and the ride may take longer from hotels farther from Kolymbari.

What to pack for a smoother outing

Pack lightly, since you may need to swim from the anchored boat to shore. I would bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes
• Comfortable clothing for the boat
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables
• Motion sickness medication if boat rides affect you

Water shoes are particularly useful at Menies. The stones are smooth, but bare feet can still be uncomfortable, especially when entering or leaving the water.

The upper deck has no shade, while lower seating may provide more shelter. If you want the best views, use the upper deck for part of the ride, then move to shade before the sun becomes tiring.

The activity is offered in English and Greek. Since the speakers may be hard to hear, sit near the guide during important announcements. The crew can help with equipment and water entry, but you remain responsible for choosing the swimming conditions that suit you.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• Two clear-water swimming stops
• A short boat outing rather than a seven or eight-hour trip
• A mix of beach time, snorkeling, caves, and historic remains
• A family-friendly activity with floats and an onboard toilet
• A reasonably priced way to see the Rodopou Peninsula from the sea
• Optional transportation from a covered hotel area

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private boat, soft sand, a full meal, or a serious archaeological tour. You should think twice if you get seasick, especially when the forecast calls for choppy water. One trip had high waves that caused several people to feel ill, including a child, even though the crew worked hard to help.

The excursion has a 4.4 rating from 429 ratings, and the strongest pattern is clear: people value the friendly crew, beautiful water, generous swim time, and price. The recurring complaints are equally useful: crowded departures, weak audio, limited snacks, and rough conditions on some days.

Should you book the Menies and Chironisia cruise?

I would book it if your idea of a good morning or afternoon is simple: get on a boat, swim in clear water, snorkel for a while, see a few unusual coastal sights, and return before the day disappears.

The best reason to choose this outing is the combination of Menies and Chironisia. You get a beach stop with ancient remains and WWII objects, followed by a smaller bay with caves. At $47, the two swim locations and included equipment make the price fair.

Choose a different trip if you need a small group or a polished guided history tour. For the best experience, select hotel pickup only if convenience matters to you, arrive early at the port if driving, bring water shoes and sunscreen, and check the sea forecast before setting out.

FAQ

How long is the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

The cruise lasts four hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat.

What departure times are available?

The listed boat departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and return are available with the selected option and from certain hotels in north Chania.

How early might hotel pickup be?

Pickup may take place from 10 minutes to one hour before the boat departure, depending on your hotel’s location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise.

How long do you spend at Menies Beach?

The Menies Beach stop lasts about 105 minutes and includes free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

How long is the Chironisia Bay stop?

The Chironisia Bay stop lasts about 40 minutes and includes free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

Do you need to swim to reach Menies Beach?

Yes. The boat anchors about six meters from shore, so you must swim through shallow water to reach the beach.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and drinks are available to buy on the boat.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Greek.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise does not operate when weather conditions are poor.