Two coves, one easy boat day. This Chania cruise turns Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay into a simple, guide-led swim-and-snorkel outing from Kolymbari, with crystal-blue water and chances to jump from the boat. I liked how quickly it all starts and how the captain keeps things moving.

My other favorite part is the WWII snorkeling—you use provided gear to look over the sunken base of cannons and other wrecky bits near ancient Diktynna, with major historic echoes around the coastline too. One catch: the boat anchors about 6 meters offshore, so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• Two separate swim stops: Menies Beach first, then the sea-only Chironisia Bay
• Snorkel with a story: WWII remnants near Menies Beach
• Boat energy, not a full-day grind: about 4 hours total
• Ancient sites above water: Diktynna, a Roman temple area, and a St. George monastery presence
• Caves at the second stop: you can use snorkel gear to check small cave areas at Chironisia Bay
• Real value for a guided day on the sea: cruise + equipment + guide, with food/drinks extra

Menies and Chironisia: the north-crete swim that feels like a shortcut

If you want Crete’s coast without committing to an all-day boat charter, this one is a smart fit. You’re based out of Kolymbari, then you get two targeted water stops on the northern side: Menies Beach for a longer swim/snorkel session and Chironisia Bay for a second, more secluded feel.

What I like most is that the trip is built for water time. You don’t just “see” the coast from a distance. You’re in it—often with the option to jump from the boat or use a ladder into the water. And the snorkel focus at Menies makes it more interesting than a basic beach-and-back cruise.

The Menies area also has that rare combo: archaeology energy on shore (ancient Diktynna, Roman temple remains, and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George nearby), plus WWII remnants underwater. That mix gives your day a little extra meaning without turning it into a museum visit.

Price and what makes it feel fair at $47

At $47 per person for a roughly 4-hour cruise with snorkeling equipment and a guide, the value comes down to a few practical things.

First, you’re paying for the boat time plus two swim windows. A lot of tours sell “snorkeling” but deliver it in the form of one short stop. Here you get two distinct locations with real time in each.

Second, equipment and instruction are handled. You don’t need to rent snorkels last-minute or figure out what to do once you’re in the water. The guide and the crew help you make the most of it, and you have gear onboard.

Third, the “hidden-by-water” nature of Chironisia Bay helps justify the boat. The bay is described as accessible only by sea, which is exactly why you can’t recreate this easily from shore.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget a bit for snacks if you’re hungry on the water. But overall, this is the kind of day trip where you’re paying for the main event: swimming in clear water with a guided approach.

Kolymbari meetup: Smile Cruises and the easy reality of harbor timing

Your meeting point is straightforward: look for the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari. That matters because parking can be tight and timing matters once you’re near the harbor.

If you’re driving, I’d give yourself a little cushion to park and walk in. The tour runs on scheduled departures, so arriving early helps you avoid that mild travel-stress spiral.

Hotel pickup is optional, and only for select hotels in north Chania. If you choose pickup, you’ll wait at the pickup point on the main road. The bus will have a sign listing the destinations (Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay). Drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes past the scheduled pickup time, so don’t treat it like a casual stroll.

Also note this timing quirk: for a 10:15 or 14:30 boat departure, your pickup can be from about 1 hour to 10 minutes before departure depending on where you’re staying. I recommend double-checking your email for the pickup time so you’re not surprised.

The 4 hours on the water: what the timing feels like

This is not a long, exhausting day. It’s a loop built around movement, two stops, then drop-off.

After you meet up, you’ll have a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes). Then you cruise toward the Rodopou Peninsula area for about 40 minutes. This is the “getting there” segment, but it’s still time on the water, and you’ll see the coastline shift as you head north.

Menies Beach is where you get your longer chunk of water time: about 105 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. After that, there’s another short cruise (about 15 minutes), then you reach Chironisia Bay for about 40 minutes of swimming/snorkeling. The return includes additional cruising time before your drop-off.

In real terms, the schedule is best if you’re trying to balance sun, water, and a normal dinner later that evening. You’re not committing your whole day to transit.

One practical note: the boat anchors roughly 6 meters from shore. That means it’s not a dock-and-walk-on situation. You’ll swim in shallow water to get to the beach, so plan for that when you think about shoes and comfort.

Menies Beach: ancient Diktynna above, WWII snorkeling below

Menies Beach is the star stop. It’s where you spend the most time, and where the snorkeling story is strongest.

On shore, the area is tied to ancient Diktynna, linked to the worship of the goddess Vritomartis. You also have Roman temple remains and the presence of a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George in the broader Menies site area. You don’t need to memorize dates. The point is: the coast here isn’t random. It’s been meaningful for a very long time.

Then you go underwater. The snorkeling equipment is provided, and the idea is to look for underwater WWII remnants—specifically the sunken base of cannons and related wreck details near the Menies area.

This is the kind of snorkeling where you’re not only chasing fish. You’re also scanning for structures and shapes, using the snorkel to inspect the seabed. It can be a fun way to make snorkeling feel a little more like discovery than just floating.

In the water, the crew may show you features. One thing I’d keep in mind from experience with boat crews is they often point out landmarks you might otherwise miss—whether it’s a cave along the rock face or interesting wildlife along the cliff line. Even if you don’t catch every detail, the stop is long enough for you to reset and try again.

What to expect at Menies Beach itself

The beach approach is rocky, and multiple people have recommended water shoes. Even if stones feel smooth underfoot, you’ll be happier with protection because you’ll be shifting between boat and shoreline and possibly standing before you swim.

The other important detail: since the boat anchors offshore, you’ll likely move through shallow water with your stuff. The crew may use gear like baskets or boards to help get your items over, which helps if you don’t want to carry wet bags.

WWII snorkeling: what you’re looking for (and how to make it work)

The snorkeling focus is the WWII remnants, including the sunken base of cannons and a carriage-related wreck area. That’s not a vague “maybe there’s something.” The experience is designed around it.

Still, your underwater results depend on visibility and how the area is affected by waves. In clear conditions, you’ll get a good view of shapes on the seabed and more chances to spot fish and sea vegetation around structures.

A few practical tips that make the snorkeling more rewarding:

• Keep your snorkel mask clean before you go in. Small smudges can ruin your view fast.
• Move slowly. If you rush, you’ll miss details near the seabed.
• When you see structure, pause. The longer you stay still, the more your eyes adjust and you’ll spot small movement around it.

If you’re new to snorkeling, Menies can still be a good introduction because the activity is supported by a guided crew and you get plenty of time to get comfortable.

If you’re advanced, you may enjoy the “target searching” feel—examining specific features rather than just drifting over open sand.

Chironisia Bay: the sea-only stop and the cave-scanner mindset

Chironisia Bay is smaller and more secluded, and it’s described as only accessible by sea. That’s why it works as a second stop: it doesn’t feel like the same beach twice.

You get about 40 minutes here. It’s long enough to do a swim, do a careful snorkel pass, and still have time to relax on the water.

The standout feature is that you can use snorkel gear to venture into small caves within the bay area. You’re not doing anything dramatic. Think of it as checking rock pockets and sheltered areas where fish like to linger.

This stop is also a good “second try” for anyone who didn’t feel fully confident in the first snorkeling session. If Menies had you a little tense, Chironisia can feel more forgiving simply because it’s the second window and you know the rhythm of the day.

Boat comfort, onboard extras, and how crowds really feel

The boat used for this cruise is described as comfortable and spacious, with seating areas. It’s designed for multiple hotel groups, so yes, it can feel busy at boarding.

What surprised me in the vibe of this kind of tour is that crowds often matter less in the water than you’d expect. Even when the boat is full, the two swimming spots tend to feel calmer once you’re in the water and doing your own snorkel routes.

Onboard, there’s usually a refreshments bar where you can buy snacks and drinks. Some people have noted it’s more limited than they expected, often described as more snacks and drinks rather than a full meal.

There are also toilets onboard and a bin, which is a small thing that makes the day easier—especially when you’re out for a few hours in sun.

Sound quality from the upper deck can be tricky if you’re far from the speaker. If you want the guide commentary, try to be closer to where the audio is clearer or just accept that the main action is visual and in the water.

If you’re with kids, this can work well because the snorkeling areas are calm enough for a family-friendly pace, and the crew supports safe water time.

What to bring (so the day stays fun, not fiddly)

This is a swim-first trip. Pack like it’s a beach day plus snorkeling.

Bring:

• Swimwear (obvious, but still: don’t plan to change on the fly)
• Towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Comfortable shoes, and I strongly suggest water shoes if you’re prone to discomfort on rocky shorelines
• Comfortable basics for sun and wind—boat days can cool you off after you’ve baked

If you get cold easily after swimming, bring a light layer too. The wind on the return can feel different than the sun at the stops.

Is this right for you?

This cruise is best if you want:

• A half-day boat outing instead of a long day trip
• Two swim/snorkel stops with guided WWII-themed exploration at Menies
• Clear-water swimming without the hassle of planning your own boat route
• A day that works for couples, families, and first-time snorkelers who want structure

It might be less ideal if you:

• Strongly dislike swimming from the boat (because the boat anchors about 6 meters out)
• Want a long, continuous beach stay with zero movement
• Expect food to be included (snacks and drinks are available to purchase)

Should you book this Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

I think you should book it if your priority is simple, guided water time in northern Crete. Menies brings the “story” with WWII underwater remnants plus ancient-site energy nearby. Chironisia Bay adds a second, calmer stop with the bonus of cave-snorkel exploring, and it’s reachable only by sea, which keeps it feeling special without turning the day into a mega-tour.

Skip it only if swimming from an anchored boat sounds like a hassle for you. Otherwise, it’s a strong value pick for people who want a clear-water cruise with real snorkel moments and a clean, 4-hour rhythm.