Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

A boat trip to two quiet bays keeps this from feeling like a checkbox tour. I like the two secluded swimming stops and the fact that snorkeling gear is included, so you can spend your time in the water instead of shopping for equipment. One thing to plan for: the boat anchors offshore (about 6 meters), so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

You’ll sail out of Kolymbari (near Chania) with a live guide and get guided time at both locations—Menies Beach for WWII underwater remains and ancient-area scenery, then Chironisia Bay for more calm water exploring and snorkel-friendly caves. It’s a great length at 4 hours, but if you’re sensitive to boat audio or crowds, aim for calm expectations: the boat can be busy, and sound quality can be tricky from some spots.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two swim-and-snorkel coves with plenty of time in each place
• WWII underwater remains at Menies Beach you can spot while snorkeling
• Ancient-site context around Menies, including Roman temple and a 9th-century monastery
• Only-boat-access beach time at Chironisia Bay (you feel away from the roads)
• Snorkel-friendly caves at Chironisia, where you can move slowly and explore
• Practical boat setup: gear onboard, a refreshment bar, and toilets

Menies and Chironisia: a short cruise with big-water rewards

This is the kind of trip that’s easy to justify, even on a packed Crete itinerary. In just 4 hours, you get two separate water environments—Menies Beach plus Chironisia Bay—so you’re not stuck doing the same swim twice.

I like that the day is built around time in the sea: you’re not spending half the day driving from one viewpoint to another. You’re cruising, then you’re in the water. And because snorkeling equipment is included, you can jump in with minimal fuss.

The “WWII part” is one of the main draws. Menies Beach is tied to WWII underwater remains (including a sunken gun and carriage), and that adds a twist beyond the usual “look at fish” snorkeling. You get the sense you’re swimming over a story, not just scenery.

Price and value: why $47 feels fair

At around $47 per person for a guided 4-hour cruise with snorkeling gear included, this is good value—especially if you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat outing or snorkel rental. The main “value engine” here is time: you’re not paying for a long bus ride plus a quick dip. You get meaningful swim windows.

A key detail for value: food isn’t included. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but it’s not a full meal situation. If you’re the type who likes a proper lunch before a swim, plan to eat beforehand or bring extra snacks of your own (the tour provides gear and cruise time, not a picnic).

Also keep in mind the vibe: it’s popular enough to run with multiple pickup groups, so it can be busy on the boat. The good news is that you’re spending most of your time at the water stops, and those are set up so you can still find your own rhythm in the swimming areas.

Getting to the port: Smile Cruises meeting point and pickup choices

Your anchor point is simple: find the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari.

There are two ways to get on board:

• Option A: meet at the harbor and board from there.
• Option B: hotel pickup/drop-off from select locations in north Chania, depending on where you’re staying.

If you go with pickup, you’ll wait on the main road at the scheduled pickup time. You’ll see a bus sign with Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay on it. The driver won’t wait more than about 5 minutes after the scheduled time, so don’t wander too far to “grab one last thing.”

From your perspective, this matters. If you’re staying in a convenient pickup zone, you lose less time to logistics and you start relaxing sooner. If you’re driving yourself, it’s smart to arrive a little early; the harbor can have limited parking spots.

Sailing the Rodopou Peninsula: the in-between time matters

Before you reach the first water stop, you cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula. The timing is about 40 minutes early in the itinerary, then shorter cruise segments between stops.

This part is underrated because it sets expectations for the day. You’re not immediately anchored. You’re moving across that northern Crete feel—open sea, salt air, wind, and the kind of views you can’t recreate from shore.

If you’re thinking about motion sensitivity, do yourself a favor and keep an eye on sea conditions. One downside you might not notice until you’re on the water: if the sea is choppy, the ride can feel rough, and some people get sick. The crew will do their best, but it’s still a sea day, not a floating living room.

Menies Beach: WWII snorkeling and ancient-site atmosphere

Menies Beach is where the tour turns from pretty-coast cruise into something more specific and memorable.

You’ll get around 105 minutes at Menies for free time plus swimming and snorkeling. That’s long enough to do a real snorkel loop (put the gear on, check the water, swim out, look around, then return to shore and relax).

Here’s what makes Menies special:

• Crystal-clear water that makes snorkeling feel worth it
• WWII underwater remains, including a sunken gun and carriage, that you can try to spot with your snorkel gear
• Ancient-area context above the water: Menies sits on the site of ancient Diktynna, associated with the most important temple of Vritomartis
• Visible remnants tied to different time periods, including remains of a Roman temple and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George

There’s also a practical reality: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you swim in shallow water to get to the beach. The good side is that this keeps the stop flexible and low-effort once you’re in the water. The not-so-fun side is that you’ll want the right footwear if the bottom or shoreline is rocky.

From what I’ve gathered from past experiences on this kind of stop, you should treat Menies like a snorkeling destination first and a lounging beach second. People often love the water and the underwater finds, while the shore itself can be more rock than sand.

One extra detail worth noting: captains sometimes point out nearby features during the cruise—some trips include cool cave sightings and even wildlife seen from the boat (like goats on the cliffside). It’s not guaranteed, but it’s the kind of moment that makes the day feel alive.

Chironisia Bay: boat-only access and snorkel caves

After Menies, you sail toward Chironisia Bay with another cruise segment (about 15 minutes between the earlier route parts, then more cruising time built into the schedule).

At Chironisia, you get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a shorter window than Menies, but the payoff is that Chironisia feels more “only by sea” than “drive-by beach.”

Chironisia Bay is described as:

• A small hidden bay accessible only by boat
• Calm enough for snorkeling, with the option to explore small caves using your snorkel gear
• A deep-blue water feeling that makes it easy to keep looking down and around

Expect the beach experience to be more about water time than beach comfort. You’ll likely spend your best moments floating, slowly swimming, and checking out cave openings. If you’re the kind of person who likes to snorkel like a surveyor—steady pace, check corners, repeat—you’ll probably love this stop.

If you’re traveling with kids or beginners, the layout can work well too. The waters at these stops tend to be manageable compared to rougher open-sea snorkeling, and you’re guided through the basics once you’re on board.

Snorkeling reality check: gear, fish, and hearing the guide

This trip gives you snorkeling gear, so you don’t have to worry about renting masks or flippers last-minute. That’s a big deal in Crete summer, when gear availability can be hit-or-miss.

But I want you to have a realistic plan for what snorkeling will feel like:

• You’ll almost certainly get clear visibility in these coves.
• You may or may not see a lot of fish at every exact moment. Some people report lots of fish and sea vegetation; others see less. Water clarity and calm conditions still make snorkeling fun even when the fish are quiet.
• Your comfort matters more than your gear brand. Bring the right swimwear and consider water shoes if the shoreline is rocky. Several people specifically recommend it.

Hearing the guide can be tricky. On busy boats, sound quality from upper decks and windy conditions can make instructions hard to catch. The good news is that once you’re in the water, the key steps are fairly simple: put on gear, follow crew cues, don’t rush, and keep an eye on time so you’re back before the swim window ends.

There’s also a helpful-human angle. One guide name that comes up in support requests is Maria, especially when snorkel masks needed a quick fix or replacement.

Boat size, crowds, and comfort (the “busy but okay” factor)

The cruise is set up for real capacity. Some days include several busloads of passengers. It can feel busy while everyone lines up and boards.

Once you’re moving, it generally feels manageable because:

• You have breaks at the water stops
• The stops are separated (so you’re not snorkeling in the same exact patch for the whole trip)
• You still get time to swim without every person trying to cram into one tiny spot

On the boat itself, expect:

• Seating in different areas
• A refreshments bar with snacks and drinks for purchase
• Toilets onboard
• A bin (so you can keep things tidy)

If you’re thinking about shade, it can be limited in some areas. Some people report little shade on upper decks, which matters in peak sun. If you want sun protection, bring sunscreen and plan to rotate between deck shade and cooler seating spots.

What to bring: make the day smoother

You don’t need a packing list the size of a suitcase, but bring what helps you enjoy the water time.

Plan on:

• Comfortable shoes for getting from the boat to shoreline areas
• Swimwear plus something dry for after
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear basics

One extra tip: bring a way to protect yourself from wind and sun on the boat. Even when the water is refreshing, the deck can dry you out fast.

And for snorkeling comfort: keep your expectations flexible. If you’re brand-new to snorkeling, this tour format is usually easier than big open-water trips because you’re working within anchored coves and short guided windows.

Who should book this cruise?

This is a strong match if you want:

• A half-day activity (not an all-day production)
• Real swimming time in two different spots
• A guided day with snorkel gear included
• A mix of nature + a specific underwater story (WWII remains at Menies)

It’s also a good choice for families looking for something active but not exhausting. People have noted it works well for children because you get frequent swim opportunities and calm-ish snorkeling areas.

It’s less ideal if:

• You get motion sick easily on boats (choppy days can be rough)
• You hate crowds and loud instructions
• You want a beach that’s all smooth sand and no rocks

Should you book the Chania Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay cruise?

Yes—if you’re prioritizing time in clear water and want a guided snorkel-and-swim format that doesn’t eat your whole day. At about $47 with gear included, it’s a practical way to cover two coves that feel remote compared with most shore-accessible beaches.

I’d book it if you’re excited by the WWII snorkeling angle at Menies and you like the idea of snorkel caves at Chironisia. I’d also go into it knowing the boat anchors offshore, so you should be comfortable with a swim in shallow water.

Skip this one if you’re expecting a dockside beach chair experience or if you’re very sensitive to choppy rides. Otherwise, it’s a solid, easy win for a Chania-area sea day.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs for 4 hours.

What is the meeting point?

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

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, available for select locations in north Chania. If you choose pickup, you’ll be told your pickup time by email.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment (and you’ll also have time to swim and snorkel at both stops).

When does the boat leave Kolymbari?

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

Will the boat dock at the beaches?

Not exactly. The boat anchors about 6 meters from the shore, so you’ll need to swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

Where are the two main swim/snorkel stops?

You visit Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase snacks and drinks onboard.

What should I bring for the tour?

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