Two swim stops in clear Crete water. This Hersonissos boat cruise pairs easy onboard relaxation with real time in the sea at St. George Bay and Stalis, plus a proper grilled lunch you can eat while the boat is still in motion. I like that it’s run by a welcoming crew with a relaxed, not-in-your-face vibe. One thing to keep in mind: lunch is included for a large group (up to 100), so the food is good and filling, but it won’t feel like a quiet, gourmet restaurant meal.

The boat itself is a new-built traditional wooden vessel (about 19 meters / 62 feet), sized for comfort even with a crowd. From Captain Panos, to George, to Leftheris, the crew’s Greek hospitality is part of the charm, especially when you’re switching from sunbathing to jumping off to swim.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Two swim-and-snorkel stops in St. George Bay and around Stalis, not just one quick photo stop
• On-board lunch is included: grilled meal with bread, salad, and a fruit-based dessert
• Snorkeling gear included, with masks provided and no snorkel pipe due to Covid restrictions
• Cozy wooden-boat feel on a 19-meter vessel with a total capacity of 100
• Music on board keeps the mood easy while you wait for the next jump-in window
• No hotel pickup, so you’ll start at the port meeting point and arrive on your own

A 4-Hour Wooden-Boat Escape from Limenas Chersonisou

This is a straightforward boat day in Crete, designed for people who want sea time without planning a whole bus-and-boat combo. The trip runs about 4 hours, and the pacing feels intentionally simple: sail out, swim, eat, swim again, then cruise back.

You’ll board at Eleni Traditional Wooden Boat at the Port of Hersonissos, moored opposite the Hersonissos Port Authority / Hellenic Coast Guard Station. That port location matters because it keeps things easy. You’re not hunting down a random marina on a side road.

The boat is described as new-built and traditional-wood style, and that shows in how the trip feels: less like a big party barge, more like a friendly floating family outing. With up to 100 people onboard, you’ll still find spots to sit, sunbathe, and switch between shade and sun as needed.

How the Cruise Works: Two Swim Stops at St. George Bay and Stalis

The core of this experience is the two swimming stops. The first one is at St. George Bay, and it happens about one hour after sailing. Based on what people report, you get a shorter first swim window (around 20 minutes)—enough for a quick reset, a jump-in, and some snorkeling attempts if conditions are right.

Then the boat moves to the Stalis area. This is where the schedule gives you more time, roughly 1.5 hours in the second swim window. You’re not only swimming off the boat here—you’re also swimming toward shore for a more complete break from being on board. If your idea of a boat day is moving around and being in the water more than posing on the deck, this second stop is the one you’ll remember.

One practical note: the trip is timed around swimming. You’ll feel it in the flow. Don’t plan to spend your whole time reading or working on a tan and expect the crew to wait for you to change your mind. If you want to snorkel, bring your energy early and get ready at the start of each swim stop.

What Makes the Swim Time Feel Worth It

This cruise isn’t all about watching the coastline. The structure is built for action. People highlight the best part as jumping off and swimming around the boat and to shore. That matches what you should expect from a cruise that includes swimming stops plus snorkeling gear.

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll love the freedom. If you’re less confident, you can still enjoy it—just keep close to the boat and take your time getting in.

Snorkeling Gear: Masks Included, No Snorkel Pipe

Snorkeling is included, but it comes with one specific rule: you’ll receive snorkeling gear with a mask, and there’s no snorkel pipe provided due to Covid restrictions.

That detail matters more than it sounds. With no snorkel tube, you’ll likely have a different snorkeling rhythm than you’re used to, and you may spend more time holding your breath or using short, controlled swims. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can change what you expect to see underwater.

Still, for a casual snorkeling attempt, masks alone can be enough—especially if the water is clear and you’re swimming near shore. And even if snorkeling isn’t your thing, the gear inclusion is a small value boost. It means you don’t have to buy or pack your own set for a half-day.

On-Board Lunch and Drinks: What You Actually Get

Lunch is included, and it’s served on the boat at the second stop—when you’re already in that water-and-sun mode and ready for a break.

The meal is described as a grilled lunch with bread and salad, followed by dessert—either fruit platter style or fresh fruit (including watermelon in at least one reported meal). In one detailed account, lunch is marinated chicken breast, salad, bread, then watermelon.

Here’s the balanced take: on a trip with 100 people onboard, lunch can’t be a slow, chef-driven experience. People do note the food is filling, but at this scale, some portions or flavors may feel basic compared to a smaller meal. If your standard is a fine-dining lunch, set your expectations accordingly and treat it as fueling up for swimming.

Drinks: Plan for Purchases

Bottled water and soft drinks are not included. Drinks are available to purchase onboard, and one report lists prices around 2.50 to 3 euros. That’s not outrageous for a boat setting, but it is still an added cost—so it’s smart to budget a bit if you want something beyond plain water.

If you like variety, also remember that the lunch setup is pretty fixed. One report mentions a veg option, which is good news if you don’t eat meat. If you need something more specific than that (allergies, strict dietary needs), the data here doesn’t cover it—so you’d want to check directly before booking.

The Crew Vibe: Captain Panos, George, and Leftheris

The tone of this trip is friendly and calm. The crew is listed as Captain Panos plus George and Leftheris, and the overall experience is built around Greek hospitality—welcome, help when you need it, and then let you enjoy your day.

You’ll also see how that plays out in onboard behavior:

• The mood is described as chilled out, not pushy.
• Music is part of the ride, which keeps it from feeling silent and awkward.
• Service is set up for a steady flow with a big group, not for lots of customized storytelling.

One consideration is that you might want more guided commentary about Crete itself. If you’re the type who loves history narration, you may find the focus is more on the boat day than on detailed cultural explanations. For most people, though, that’s exactly why they book: they want the sea, not a lecture.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Lose Time)

This trip is simple, but you’ll feel prepared if you pack smart. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You’ll also want to wear something you can dry or rinse quickly. The day is built around repeated water contact—getting in, climbing around the boat, then drying off between the swim windows.

And if you’re bringing a camera or phone, consider a small waterproof pouch or simple protection. You don’t want to spend your swim time worrying.

Booking Smart: Who This Cruise Is For

This boat day is a good match for:

• People who want two swim chances in a short 4-hour window
• Anyone traveling with family or friends who want a shared, easy plan
• Swimmers who like the feeling of being close to the action (jumping off, swimming around)

It’s less ideal if:

• You have mobility impairments (it’s listed as not suitable)
• You expect a museum-style guided tour or deep narration
• You want hotel convenience (there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off)

Group Size Reality

With a maximum of 100 onboard, you’ll feel the group energy. That’s not automatically bad. It can actually make the trip feel lively, especially with music onboard. Just know that resources like lunch seating and getting attention from staff will be designed for a flow, not one-on-one.

Price and Value: Is $50.82 a Good Deal?

At about $50.82 per person for roughly four hours, the value mostly comes from what you don’t have to do yourself:

• You get transport by boat (included)
• You get two swim stop experiences
• You get snorkeling gear
• You get an included lunch
• You get a live guide and music

Where value can feel better or worse depends on your priorities. If your dream day is water time plus food without extra planning, this tends to deliver. If your priority is premium food quality or quiet intimacy, the cost can feel less justified.

Also remember what’s not included: bottled water and soft drinks. Those add-ons are normal, but they can creep up if you’re thirsty all afternoon.

My practical advice: treat this as a sea-and-lunch “reset button” for your Crete week. It’s the kind of activity that breaks up beach time with a change of scenery and a little more movement.

Should You Book This Hersonissos Boat Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a relaxed half-day that’s built around swimming. The combo of two swim stops, included lunch, and a traditional wooden boat with a friendly crew is a solid formula, especially for couples and small groups who don’t want to overthink logistics.

Skip it (or at least temper expectations) if you care most about a high-end meal, lots of cultural storytelling, or hotel pickup convenience. This is a practical sea day. It delivers on that job.

If you do book, go with swimwear ready, sunscreen on, and a mindset that lunch is for fueling—not for judging. Then you’ll enjoy the part that matters: the clear water, the jumping off, and the second swim stretch toward shore.

FAQ

Where does this boat cruise start?

It starts at Eleni Traditional Wooden Boat at the Port of Hersonissos, moored opposite the Hersonissos Port Authority / Hellenic Coast Guard Station.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 4 hours.

What swim stops are included?

There are two stops for swimming and snorkelling: St. George bay and the Stalis area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a grilled meal with bread, salad, and fruit platter as dessert.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and soft drinks are not included, but drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What snorkeling gear do I get?

Snorkelling gear is provided, including a mask. There is no mask pipe/snorkel pipe due to Covid restrictions.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. There is no hotel pick-up or drop-off.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What language is the guide?

The host or greeter / live guide is available in English and Greek.

What’s the cancellation policy?

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