Private RIB Boat Tour to the Secret Beach from Rethymno

Secret beaches start with a Rethymno boat ride.

This private 7m RIB tour takes you from the Old Harbour out to Spilies for cave snorkeling (when conditions allow) and then to a boat-only sandy stop you can’t reach any other way. You’re with a licensed skipper, plus masks, snorkels, safety gear, WiFi, and bottled water, so you can focus on sea time.

My favorite part is how the route mixes active water moments with easy lounging. I also love the photo-ready scenery: the Kamarola natural arch at the Secret Beach and the Fortezza Castle coast view on the way back. The only real catch is the sea itself: this trip is weather dependent, and cave snorkeling is decided based on safety.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Private RIB for just your group with a licensed skipper guiding the timing and stops
• Spilies Beach caves area for snorkeling off the boat (only when it’s safe)
• Boat-only Secret Beach with fine sand and pebbles plus natural shade from surrounding rocks
• Kamarola natural arch photo stop built into the Secret Beach time
• Geropotamos Beach views on the way back with snacks and drinks onboard
• Fortezza Castle seen from the sea, including a lighthouse viewpoint

How This Private 7m RIB Tour Runs From Rethymno

You meet at Nearchou 33, Rethymno, and the vibe is simple: you’re not crammed into a big group. It’s just your party on a 7-meter inflatable RIB with a licensed skipper, running about 2 hours total on the water (give or take with conditions).

Before you head out, you get a safety briefing and safety equipment, and you’re provided with masks and snorkels. There’s also WiFi onboard and bottled water, which sounds small, but it’s the kind of comfort that helps when you’re out doing water time instead of constantly searching for services.

One logistics point you should plan for: fuel is not included. You’ll pay €40 in cash after the tour. So if you’re budgeting, use $634 as the base and assume there’s an extra cash top-up.

What “Private” Means in Real Life

This isn’t just marketing. Private means:

• your skipper can adjust how much time you spend swimming vs. snorkeling
• you aren’t stuck watching people who don’t want the water part
• your group’s pace drives the stops

And if your group wants a more relaxed tour, that’s usually where private boats shine. You’re not negotiating with ten other agendas.

Spilies Beach: Cliffs, Caves, and Snorkeling When It’s Safe

The first leg takes about 30 minutes to reach the Spilies area. The setting is dramatic: Spilies is surrounded by cliffs, and there are caves nearby. The boat stops outside the caves, and you snorkel from there.

Plan on about 45 minutes for snorkeling time. But here’s the important nuance: cave snorkeling is subject to weather conditions. Your skipper will only allow snorkeling and entering the caves if it’s a safe experience. That’s not a buzzkill. It’s the reason the tour stays worth it, because caves can get tricky when the water chops up.

How to Think About the Snorkeling

You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but you do need to be honest about comfort in open water. The tour notes that if you don’t know how to swim, you’re obliged to wear life jackets.

Also, there’s a difference between:

• snorkeling over clear water near the boat
• trying to move into cave areas

The tour handles cave time like a conditional bonus. If it’s good, you get it. If not, you still have a beautiful cove and snorkeling options close to the stop.

A Practical Note on Timing

Spilies is where you’ll likely spend your energy: mask on, water confident, then back to relax. If you’re the type who gets cold easily, consider how long you’ll actually stay in the water. The tour gives enough time to enjoy it without turning it into a marathon.

The Boat-Only Secret Beach Stop: Fine Sand, Shade, and Kamarola

Next comes the star: the Secret Beach, the one you can reach only by boat. This stop is about 40 minutes.

What you’re looking at:

• fine sand and pebbles
• crystal clear blue water
• rocks around the beach that can provide shade during the day, depending on season

This is the kind of place where you stop moving and just let the water do its job. You can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe from the beach. There’s also a natural showpiece nearby: a beautiful arch called Kamarola. It’s built for photos because it frames the sea and helps break up long beach shots.

Small Beach, Big Payoff

Because it’s small and private, the Secret Beach tends to feel more “yours” than a typical crowded shoreline. And since the boat is part of the experience, you get that sense of arriving where land tours can’t go.

One thing to consider: a short stop means you’ll want a quick plan. I’d keep it simple:

• a swim first
• a snorkel second (if you want it)
• then beach time and photos

If you try to do everything at once, 40 minutes disappears fast. This stop works best when you pick your priority.

Shade Isn’t Guaranteed Year-Round

The rocks provide shade depending on season. That means if you’re booking in hotter months, you’ll probably find at least some relief. Still, I suggest thinking about sun protection, because the water and sky together can make you forget you’re burning until you’re back onboard.

Geropotamos Beach Views and Snacks on the Way Back

On the return route, the tour includes a look at Geropotamos Beach and its turquoise waters. While you enjoy the view, there are snacks and drinks onboard.

This is a smart pacing choice. After Spilies and the Secret Beach, you’ve usually had enough time in the water for the day. The Geropotamos segment lets you slow down and enjoy the coast from the sea, with food and drinks to keep things comfortable.

Even if you love snorkeling, I’d treat this part as your recovery window. The sea can feel like fun—until you realize how much wind and sun you’ve taken. Snacks help you keep enjoying, not just surviving.

Fortezza Castle From the Sea: The “Wait, That’s Close” Moment

The final scenic bonus comes as you head back to port. On the way, you’ll see Fortezza Castle and the coastline of Rethymno Old Town from the water.

There’s also a lighthouse viewpoint where you can grab pictures before the tour ends at the meeting point. It’s the kind of sight that feels better from a boat than from street level because you see the whole coastal line in one glance.

This stop is also why the tour is more than just beach time. You get sea views that connect Rethymno’s modern harbor life with the old fortress vibe, without the effort of climbing around for the best angle.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Paying For

The listed price is $634 for a private tour, plus €40 cash fuel after. That’s not cheap, but private RIB tours rarely are. So the value is really about what you get with that money.

Here’s what you’re buying:

• a licensed skipper who controls the safe route and snorkel conditions
• a small private boat setup instead of a packed group
• gear included (masks and snorkels)
• comfort bits included onboard: WiFi and bottled water
• time at places that are either hard to reach or impossible without a boat (Secret Beach)

In other words, you’re paying for access and control. If you’re traveling as a family or as a couple who wants the day to feel personal, the cost can start making sense quickly.

And based on guest feedback, the skipper’s approach matters. People talk about a skipper—Kostas—who’s flexible with what the group wants and good at getting the group positioned for photos. Some also mention weather-related changes, like shifting the date to chase better conditions, which is exactly what you want from a captain running a sea-dependent experience.

What About Food?

The tour description includes snacks and drinks on board during the return. That’s a helpful detail because you can enjoy the ride back without needing to stop somewhere else right afterward.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is marked as suitable for most people, but you should match your expectations to the realities of a boat day.

Best fit:

• couples and families who want a private outing
• people who like swimming and want a guided setup with masks and snorkels
• anyone who wants sea views plus two distinct water stops (Spilies + Secret Beach)

You should be cautious if:

• you have serious mobility issues (the tour is not recommended)
• you have severe sea sickness (also not recommended; you’d need motion sickness medicine if advised)
• you don’t swim confidently (you’ll be required to wear life jackets if you don’t know swimming)

If you have mobility concerns, the key move is simple: notify the provider prior to the tour so they can advise on whether it’ll work for you.

And if you’re bringing a service animal, the tour allows it.

Tips to Make Your 2 Hours Go Smoothly

You only get about two hours, so the smart strategy is to treat this like a “greatest hits” day, not a full-day excursion.

• Use the masks and snorkels provided. Don’t waste time hunting for yours once you’re on the water.
• Be honest about comfort in the caves plan. If the skipper doesn’t allow cave entry, you can still enjoy the water around the stop.
• Plan for weather. Even on a perfect day, the skipper’s call affects snorkeling access. If the sea is rough, the tour may reschedule instead of forcing it.
• Bring your swim-ready mindset. Wear what you can swim in comfortably because you’re doing multiple water segments.
• Ask for photo positioning if you care about it. Guests often highlight that the skipper sets up good photo angles, especially around landmarks like the lighthouse and the arch.

One more practical note: you’ll likely want to keep your phone protected, since sea spray happens, and the boat is open and moving.

Should You Book Blue Fin’s Secret Beach RIB Tour?

I’d book it if you want a true Cretan sea day without the hassle of transfers, schedules, and crowded beaches. The combination of Spilies caves-area snorkeling (weather permitting) plus a boat-only Secret Beach plus the Fortezza Castle sea view is a strong mix for the time.

Skip it (or ask extra questions first) if you’re highly prone to sea sickness or you need a tour that’s very easy on mobility. Also, if you hate uncertainty around weather, remember this experience is built around water conditions, so the plan can shift.

If you can handle the sea and you like swimming, this is the kind of outing that turns into a real memory fast: salt air, clear water, and a beach you can’t get any other way.

FAQ

How long is the private RIB boat tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour or shared with other people?

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are the 7m private rib boat with a licensed skipper, masks and snorkels, safety equipment and safety briefing, WiFi on board, and bottled water.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is €40, paid in cash after the tour.

Will we be able to snorkel in the caves at Spilies?

You can snorkel around the cave area, but snorkeling and entering the caves depend on weather conditions. The skipper will only allow it if it’s safe.

What if I can’t swim well?

People who do not know swimming are obliged to wear life jackets.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

It is not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues. If you have mobility concerns, you should notify the provider prior to the tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The tour is affected by weather conditions. If it can’t operate, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.