Two hours of Rethymno sea time. I love the private 7-meter RIB and the chance to snorkel around the caves before you land at a true boat-only secret beach. My main consideration: the whole plan hinges on weather, and there’s an extra fuel payment due in cash after the tour.

The experience runs with a real skipper, and you can feel how much effort goes into timing the stops for safety and photos. In many trips, the guide is the difference between just riding along and actually seeing the good angles, and here the captain-led approach shows—especially with guide Kostas, who’s known for flexibility and making the trip feel special.

If you’re prone to sea sickness or you can’t swim, this is still doable, but you’ll want to plan smart. This is a water-based outing with optional cave snorkeling, and you may need to rely on life jackets if you don’t swim comfortably.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private RIB comfort: 7 meters, licensed skipper, safety gear, and bottled water onboard
• Spilies caves nearby: boat stops outside; the skipper decides if cave entry is safe
• Boat-only secret beach time: small shoreline with fine sand and pebbles, plus shade from surrounding rocks
• Kamarola natural arch photos: a standout view when you’re on the beach area
• Snacks and drinks onboard: breaks up swimming with something easy in hand
• Fortezza Castle from the sea: return route gives a different look at Rethymno Old Town

Private RIB ride from Rethymno Old Harbour: what it really buys you

This tour is built around time on the water, not check-the-box sightseeing. You start at Nearchou 33 in Rethymno (right by the Old Venetian Harbour area), and you’ll quickly feel the advantage of a private RIB: you don’t wait in a crowd, and the skipper can shape the day around conditions.

The boat itself is small enough to feel personal, but set up for a comfortable outing. You get a safety briefing and safety equipment, plus masks and snorkels so you’re not scrambling for gear once you’re out there. There’s also WiFi onboard and bottled water, which sounds minor until you’re out on the water and want your phone to actually work.

At $634 for a private booking, this isn’t the cheapest way to get a Crete boat day. But it can feel like good value if you’re a family, a couple, or a small group that wants control: your own timing, your own swimming pace, and a skipper who’s guiding you to the best moments rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.

Spilies Beach and the cave area: how snorkeling works when it depends on weather

Spilies Beach is the first big target, reached after roughly 30 minutes on the water. It’s a cliff-framed setting with cave formations in the area, and the boat stops outside the caves rather than dropping you at a dock.

Here’s the practical part: cave snorkeling isn’t something you should assume is guaranteed. You can snorkel toward the caves, and the skipper also decides whether entering the caves is safe based on the day’s weather and sea conditions. That means you should think of this stop as flexible water time—some days you’ll be able to go closer and explore more, and other days you might mostly enjoy open-water snorkeling with a lookout for the cave openings.

The time on this stop is designed for actual water activity, not just standing around. You’ll have around 45 minutes for snorkeling and exploring in the area, which is just enough to get comfortable, see what’s there, and still have energy for the next swim. If you’re hoping for a perfect cave experience every time, adjust expectations: the skipper’s safety call is part of what keeps the day smooth.

The boat-only secret beach: fine sand, shade timing, and Kamarola arch photos

After Spilies, you get the payoff stop: the secret beach that’s accessible only by boat. It’s small and private-feeling, with crystal-clear water and a mix of fine sand and pebbles underfoot. That texture matters. Sand gives you comfort for relaxing, while pebbles can be great for people who like a more natural, less plush shoreline.

One of the smartest details here is shade. The beach sits in a pocket surrounded by rocks, so depending on the season you can find shade during parts of the day. If you burn easily, this is the kind of planning that makes a big difference. You’ll want to pay attention when you arrive and position yourself so you’re not hunting for relief later.

There’s also the photo moment everyone remembers: a natural arch called Kamarola. You can frame it from the shoreline and from the general beach area, which makes it easier than trying to catch the right angle from a moving boat.

This stop is where you’ll likely spend most of your energy: you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and you can even jump from the boat when conditions are right. If you don’t swim, you can still enjoy the beach—but be ready to use the life jacket provided if needed.

Geropotamos Beach and onboard snacks: the calm stretch between swims

After your beach and snorkeling time, the tour shifts from action to something more relaxed. You’ll look toward Geropotamos Beach as the turquoise waters catch the light. The ride there and the viewing time aren’t just filler; they give you a breather and a change of scenery without another long scramble.

This is also when snacks and drinks come into play onboard. Having something simple during the tour matters because it keeps the day from feeling like nonstop exertion. You’re still out at sea, still enjoying the view, but now you can refuel before the return trip.

I like this pacing because it makes the tour feel like a real day out, not a quick transfer between “attractions.” If you’ve been traveling for days and you’re tired of rushing, this mid-tour shift is a real plus.

Return route past Fortezza Castle: why the sea view is different

On the way back, you don’t just head straight home. You pass the Fortezza Castle and get views of the Rethymno Old Town coastline from the water. From the harbor and streets, Fortezza is impressive. From the sea, it feels more layered, and you get a sense of how the city relates to the coast.

This return portion also works as a wind-down. You’ve already had your swims, your photo stops, and your beach time. Now it’s about cruising, watching the shoreline, and snapping pictures without the pressure of getting in one more swim before the tour ends.

The trip back takes about 30 minutes, and it’s a good length for most people. It’s long enough to enjoy the views, but not so long that it drags if you’re ready to get back on land.

What’s included, what costs extra, and the real value at $634

Here’s what you get as part of the private package:

• Use of the 7m private RIB boat and licensed skipper
• Masks and snorkels
• Safety equipment and a safety briefing
• WiFi on board
• Bottled water

And you can expect snacks and drinks onboard during the outing.

What costs extra:

• Fuel: 40 euro, paid in cash after the tour

That fuel note is worth factoring into your budget, because it turns the price from a simple online number into a slightly larger total. Even with that, the value can still make sense if you care about privacy and want a skipper who can adjust stops based on real sea conditions.

One more practical value point: this isn’t a huge boat and it isn’t a long, exhausting day. If you want a half-day vibe—two-ish hours on the water—this is the kind of outing that fits well between beach time and dinner plans.

Safety and comfort: the stuff to think about before you go

This tour is a boat day, so safety and comfort come first.

Swimming and life jackets: If you don’t know swimming, you’re obliged to wear life jackets. That’s straightforward and normal for this kind of outing, but it’s good to be honest with yourself about your comfort in open water.

Sea sickness: It’s not recommended for travelers with severe sea sickness. If you’re on the fence, you might need motion sickness medicine prior to the tour—this is explicitly noted as a requirement in that case. Don’t tough it out. A bad sea-sickness day can ruin the best swimming stops.

Mobility: People with serious mobility issues should not book this. If mobility needs are mild or specific, notify the operator prior to the tour so they can tell you what’s possible.

Cave snorkeling safety: The skipper allows snorkeling and entering caves only if it looks safe that day. Weather and sea conditions drive the call, so plan to enjoy the whole stop even if the cave plan gets adjusted.

Dogs and animals: Service animals are allowed, which is useful if you travel with one.

How to get the best day: small choices that matter

A boat tour can feel effortless when everything goes right, but you’ll enjoy it more if you show up ready.

• Bring swimwear you don’t mind getting sandy or pebbly. The secret beach has both fine sand and stones, so comfort matters.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat. Shade is available depending on the season, but it’s not guaranteed everywhere at every moment.
• Have a realistic plan for cave time. If conditions aren’t ideal, the skipper may keep you to safer areas. Treat the caves as a bonus.
• If you’re the kind of traveler who wants specific photo angles, tell the skipper early. A good captain will time stops for good light and positioning, and that’s where this kind of private outing pays off.
• Charge your phone before you go, then use the onboard WiFi if you want to stay connected while you’re out.

Should you book this private RIB to the secret beach from Rethymno?

Book it if you want a classic Crete sea day with real swimming time, private pacing, and a skipper-led approach that prioritizes safety and the best moments. It’s especially worth it if you like snorkeling and you want access to a beach that you can’t reach any other way.

Skip it or think twice if you get strong sea sickness or you’re dealing with serious mobility limits. Also, if you’re only looking for land sightseeing, this is the wrong format: it’s a water-first outing, and the day is built around time in and around the sea.

FAQ

How long is the private RIB tour?

It runs for about 2 hours, approximately.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece.

Do we get snorkeling masks and snorkels?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Is snorkeling inside the caves guaranteed?

No. Cave snorkeling and entering caves depend on weather conditions, and the skipper allows it only if it’s safe.

What is the secret beach stop like?

It’s a beach only accessible by boat, with fine sand and pebbles and shade from surrounding rocks depending on the season.

Can you swim or snorkel during the stops?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities, plus time on the beach for sunbathing.

Will we see Fortezza Castle?

Yes. Fortezza Castle and the Rethymno Old Town coastline are viewed from the sea on the way back.

Are snacks and drinks included?

The tour includes snacks and drinks onboard, and bottled water is also included.

Is there any extra payment during the tour?

Yes. Fuel is not included and must be paid in cash after the tour (40 euro).

What if I don’t know swimming or I feel unwell at sea?

If you don’t know swimming, you are obliged to wear life jackets. If you have severe sea sickness, the tour is not recommended, and motion sickness medicine is noted as required in that case.