Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay make a simple boat day feel like a real escape. You get two swim-focused stops with clear water and time to snorkel, plus a guide-led look at WWII-era gear underwater. I like the way the route balances history on land with water you actually want to spend time in.

My favorite part is that you go to spots that feel secluded, not just a quick splash. Menies Beach sits on the ancient site of Diktynna, and you can also look for WWII cannon parts while you snorkel. The only thing to plan around is that the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• WWII underwater snorkeling at Menies Beach, where you look for sunken cannon parts.
• Two swim stops in about 4 hours, which is perfect when you do not want a full-day tour.
• Chironisia Bay is sea-only access, and snorkel gear helps you explore small caves.
• Modern, spacious boat with toilets and a refreshments bar onboard.
• Transfers can be easy, since pickup and drop-off run across many north Chania hotels.

Why This Cruise Works: Two Quiet Coves, Not Just One Pretty Stop

If you’re staying in Chania, you’ve probably seen enough photos to know the water can be stunning. What I like about this cruise is how it turns that into a timed plan that actually gets you in the water. You’re not racing from one viewpoint to another. You’re cruising, then swimming, then snorkeling, then swimming again.

The overall vibe is sporty-but-not-intense. Menies Beach gives you a longer stretch of time, and Chironisia Bay adds a shorter but still satisfying swim window. You also get a real guide component, with the WWII snorkeling angle and the local story behind where you’re swimming.

Getting There the Simple Way: Kolymbari Port and Smile Cruises

You’ll either meet at the port or use the optional hotel pickup, depending on what you book. The meeting point is straightforward: look for the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari.

If you choose pickup, you’ll wait on the main road outside your accommodation for a bus with signs listing Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so it’s worth being ready and not drifting toward the bus stop like it’s a leisurely café chat. Your actual pickup time can be from about 1 hour to 10 minutes before the 10:15 or 14:30 departure, and you’ll get the exact time by email, so check spam too.

From Rodopou Peninsula to Your First Swim: How the Timing Feels

After you board, there’s a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes). Then you cruise toward the Rodopou Peninsula area. This is not just transportation time. It helps you get settled, get your swim gear ready, and start enjoying the sea before you lock into the water schedule.

Expect roughly:

• 40 minutes cruising toward Rodopou Peninsula
• A longer first stop at Menies Beach
• A quick cruise segment to the next bay
• Another swim-focused stop at Chironisia Bay
• Then the return cruise and drop-offs across north Chania

That structure is one reason this tour is good value. You get enough time at the water to feel like you made a day of it, without it turning into an all-day slog.

Menies Beach: Ancient Diktynna Meets WWII Snorkeling

Menies Beach is where this trip earns its reputation. The water looks clean and calm enough for snorkeling, and the stop duration is long, giving you space to do your own thing instead of being herded through in a hurry.

The onshore story you’re swimming near

Menies Beach sits on the site of ancient Diktynna, tied to the goddess Vritomartis. There’s mention of an important temple of Vritomartis, plus the remains of an ancient Roman temple and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George. Even if you do not go far from the waterline, it’s a fascinating context for why this area has always mattered.

WWII snorkeling stops: what to look for

The practical highlight is the underwater history. With the snorkeling gear provided, you’ll have a chance to look for sunken WWII parts, including the base of cannons and related items like a gun carriage. This is the kind of snorkeling where you’re not just chasing fish. You’re looking for shapes and textures that tell a story from a different era.

Getting onto the beach

One important detail: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. That means you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach. For some people, that’s easy. For others, it’s a reason to show up with the right footwear.

Also, the beach can be rocky. Smooth stones are an option, but I strongly recommend water shoes. They make the short swim-and-shuffle phase way less annoying, and you’ll be grateful if the stones feel slick.

How the snorkeling time usually feels

At Menies, you’re there for about 105 minutes. That’s long enough to:

• snorkel once at a relaxed pace
• swim a second time when you spot something interesting
• take a break on the shore and actually dry off

Some people report lots of fish and sea vegetation. Others say they did not see as much wildlife. Either way, the underwater WWII theme gives you something concrete to look for.

Chironisia Bay: A Boat-Only Hidden Bay and Small Cave Snorkeling

After the first stop, you cruise again, then you arrive at Chironisia Bay. This is described as a small hidden bay that’s only accessible by sea, which is exactly why it feels quieter than many easy-access beaches.

You get about 40 minutes here. It’s a shorter window than Menies, so use it well:

• Put your snorkel on early
• Scan the water and the edges where caves might open
• If you want to explore, do it first, then return to swimming once you’ve checked the interesting spots

Chironisia is also where the small cave idea comes in. With snorkel gear, you can head into those tighter blue pockets, as long as you stay calm and do not force it.

The Boat Ride Experience: Comfort, Jump-Off Moments, and Onboard Snacks

The boat is a big part of why the tour feels smooth. It’s described as comfortable and spacious, with seating areas both inside and outside. Even when the boat is busy, people say the swim areas do not feel overcrowded because you’re visiting two separate coves.

What you can do from the boat

You’ll have options once you’re anchored. People report being able to jump from the boat or use a ladder into the water. If you’re not into jumping, use the ladder. If you are into it, just make sure you’re jumping where the crew expects safe depth.

Shade and sound

One practical caution: the upper deck can have little shade. Bring a cap, and consider moving if you get warm. Also, the speaker audio can be hard to hear from certain spots on the boat, so do not rely on hearing every word while you’re looking at the water. The guide still helps, and staff can be approachable if you have a question.

Toilets and what’s for sale

This cruise includes onboard toilets and a refreshments bar. Food and drinks are not included in the price, but snacks and drinks are available to purchase. So if you hate decision-making at sea, grab water or a drink early and stay ahead of thirst.

Price and Value: What $47 Gets You in Real Terms

At about $47 per person for a 4-hour cruise, you’re paying for a bundle. You’re getting:

• a boat ride to two locations
• two swimming and snorkeling stops
• snorkeling equipment
• a guide
• and optional hotel pickup and drop-off across north Chania

The value is not just the price tag. It’s the structure. Many boat days fail because you spend half the time traveling and the other half queuing. Here, the day is built around time in the water, including the longer Menies stop.

It’s also a good pick if you want a morning or afternoon activity without committing to a full-day tour. That matters in Chania, where you might also want time for beaches, harbor wandering, or an evening meal.

Practical Tips That Make the Day Go Better

A few things can make or break the experience, especially since this is a water-first trip.

Bring this to avoid the common annoyances

• Swimwear (obvious, but people still show up unprepared)
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes that can handle rocks
• A lightweight layer for after swimming, just in case you feel chilled while boarding

Plan for the anchor swim

Because the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, you’ll swim in shallow water to get to the beach. If you’re not comfortable with that, be realistic about your confidence level and consider sticking with snorkeling from where you can handle the water entry easily.

If you’re sensitive to motion

One review mentions choppy conditions affecting some people, even leading to vomiting for a child. You might not experience that, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider packing something you trust and keep an eye on the sea conditions.

Who This Tour Is For, and Who Might Want Another Option

This cruise is ideal if you want:

• snorkeling without doing a full scuba day
• a half-day boat plan that still feels like an event
• an activity that works for families and mixed ages (people mention it can work well with kids)

It’s also a great match if you like combining water time with a bit of history. Menies brings ancient-site context, and the WWII snorkeling angle gives you a reason to pay attention underwater.

If you mainly want a long sandy beach day, this might not be your best fit. The beach can be rocky, and you spend part of the day in transfer and anchoring time. Also, if you need lots of deep-water marine life sightings, the snorkeling may feel better as an “experience” than a guaranteed fish party.

Should You Book This Chania Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, good-value way to enjoy northern Crete from the water, with snorkeling time at two different coves. Menies Beach is the star stop, with the WWII look underwater and the longer time to swim. Chironisia Bay adds a sea-only setting and small cave snorkeling, and that combination is hard to beat in just 4 hours.

Skip it or think twice if you’re not comfortable with the boat anchoring about 6 meters out and doing a shallow-water swim to reach the beach. Also, if you hate rocky shorelines, come prepared with water shoes.

If your goal is clear water, two swims, and a guided story while you’re at it, this is one of those tours that actually matches the promise. And with Smile Cruises running departures at 10:15 and 14:30, you can usually fit it into your Chania schedule without losing the rest of the day.

FAQ

How long is the Chania Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour meet if I do not choose hotel pickup?

You meet at the port of Kolymbari, looking for the Smile Cruises boat.

Are snorkeling equipment and a guide included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have a live guide during the cruise.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, and they apply to select locations in north Chania. If you book pickup, you’ll be told your pickup time by email.

What times do the boats depart from Kolymbari?

Boats depart at 10:15 and 14:30.

Do I need to swim to reach the beaches?

Yes. The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you swim in shallow water to get to the beach.

How much time is spent at each swimming and snorkeling stop?

Menies Beach is about 105 minutes. Chironisia Bay is about 40 minutes.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What should I bring?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour will not take place when weather conditions are poor.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.