Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Two cove swims, one compact boat day. I like that this Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise packs ancient ruins and WWII snorkeling into a tight 4-hour outing from Kolymbari. You get real time in the water, plus snorkel gear, but there’s one catch: the boat anchors about 6 meters out, so reaching the beach means a short swim.

I especially like the two-stop format because it keeps the day from dragging. Menies Beach gives you time to swim and snorkel while you’re looking at underwater WWII remains, and Chironisia Bay shifts the mood to a quieter, boat-only cove with clear water and small caves. The tour guide (English and Greek) helps you make sense of what you’re seeing, from wreck-like details to the coastline’s ancient layers.

One possible downside is that this can be a busy boat day. Some sessions run with multiple coachloads, so the boat can feel crowded at times, and the upper deck can be hot with limited shade. Add in slightly tough audio at points, and you’ll want to listen when the guide calls out key safety and snorkeling moments.

Key highlights at a glance

• Menies Beach’s underwater WWII finds including remains of a gun and carriage base you can spot with snorkel gear
• Chironisia Bay’s sea-only access, plus the chance to swim near small caves
• Two focused swim sessions, about 105 minutes at Menies and 40 minutes at Chironisia
• WWII and ancient sites in the same trip, from WWII relics underwater to temple and monastery context above water
• A simple meeting point at the port of Kolymbari for the Smile Cruises boat

A 4-hour Crete day that feels efficient and real

For the price point, I like how this tour respects your time. At around $47 per person for a 4-hour experience, you’re not paying for a full-day travel marathon. You’re paying for transport, a guided format, a cruise, two water stops, and snorkeling equipment provided for you.

What makes it feel like good value is the combination of variety and time. Menies isn’t just a quick dip, you get a proper window to swim and snorkel. Then you switch location to Chironisia Bay, where you get another focused swim stop without losing your energy to long travel segments.

The practical win for you: you can do this even if you only have a small block of time in Chania. It’s also a good “first snorkeling try” option because the stops are built around calm, swim-friendly access rather than technical diving.

Getting to Smile Cruises at Kolymbari, without the stress spiral

This one starts simply. The meeting point is at the port of Kolymbari, and you look for the boat branded as Smile Cruises.

You also have options to reduce friction. You can meet at the harbor, or choose hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in north Chania. If you do pickup, you’ll wait on the main road at the spot where you’re told, and drivers won’t wait longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. That matters because parking and curb-side routines in busy resort zones can be chaotic.

Once you’re on board, expect a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes). It’s not the kind of lecture that eats your time. It’s more like the essentials: where to hold on, how to use the ladder or entry points, and what to do when you’re heading in or out of the water.

The cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula: the “in-between” time matters

Between swim stops, you’re cruising along the Rodopou Peninsula area. From Kolymbari, the boat takes you for about 40 minutes before Menies Beach. Then there’s another 15-minute cruise segment that moves you over to Chironisia Bay, followed by a final 30-minute cruise back toward the drop-off stage.

Those travel chunks do two useful jobs. First, they let you enjoy the coast without having to plan anything. Second, they give you time to settle in, sunscreen up, and get your snorkel gear ready before you’re asked to hop in.

And yes, water conditions matter. A few people note that boat rides can feel choppy at times, so if you’re sensitive to motion, plan to take it seriously. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it is part of the real experience of cruising open water.

Menies Beach: ancient Diktynna layers plus WWII snorkeling

Menies Beach is the longer stop, and it’s where the tour leans hardest into “wow, that’s what I came for.”

You swim and snorkel for about 105 minutes, which is enough time to do both without rushing. You’ll also be in an area with striking context above water. This site is tied to ancient Diktynna, including the temple of the goddess Vritomartis. On top of that, there are remains of a Roman temple and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George.

Now for the underwater reason people book this. With the gear provided, you’re looking for remains connected to WWII, including the sunken base of cannons. The snorkeling focus is on finding underwater features like a WWII gun and carriage base, not just generic fish spotting. Even if you don’t see dramatic “wreck scenes,” the chance to look for specific underwater objects gives this snorkel stop more meaning than a standard beach dip.

The practical catch at Menies

The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, and you swim in shallow water to reach the beach. That’s manageable for most people, but it’s not a “step down onto sand and go” situation.

Also, the beach can be rocky. The stones are described as smooth, but you’ll still want to protect your feet. If you care about comfort, pack water shoes or sandals with grip.

What I’d do with your Menies time

Use the longer window smartly:

• Start with a quick swim to warm up and check your entry.
• Snorkel first while the water is easiest, then save time for sunbathing.
• If you’re new to snorkeling, prioritize staying calm and breathing evenly. This isn’t a race.

Chironisia Bay: a smaller, sea-only feeling with cave-snorkel potential

Chironisia Bay is shorter but feels like a change of pace. You get about 40 minutes of free time to swim and snorkel there.

This bay has one big advantage: it’s only accessible by sea. That alone helps it feel more private than the more public stretches around Chania. The tour style matches that idea too. You cruise over, get your swim window, and then leave before the whole experience becomes “tourist time.”

The snorkeling here leans into exploration. With your snorkel gear on, you can venture toward small caves and swim near rocky edges. You’re not looking for a perfectly staged show, you’re looking for pockets of underwater structure where fish like to hang around.

Timing and expectations

Because the stop is shorter, you should treat it like a “grab your best swim now” moment. Don’t spend it walking around on land for ages. If you’re there for snorkeling, commit to water time.

And keep your energy in mind. Between Menies and Chironisia, the boat moves you fast enough that you don’t fully reset, so plan for a second swim without expecting a long break.

Snorkeling gear, entry options, and the boat reality check

This cruise provides snorkeling equipment, and people also describe having access to things like ladders or entry points from the boat. Some boats are set up so you can jump off the boat or use the ladder into the water, depending on how the crew handles your safety and water conditions.

The boat experience itself tends to be positive. Expect space on board, and a modern feel. Some guests also mention onboard basics like toilets and an onboard area for refreshments.

But here’s what you should plan for:

• The boat can run with a lot of people, especially if multiple coachloads arrive.
• The upper deck can be hot with limited shade.
• Instructions can be hard to hear outdoors at times, so listen early during the briefing and when the crew calls you back.

One small gear tip that saves headaches

Even though gear is provided, fit issues can happen. If you’re picky about masks, bring your own if possible. If you forget, you may find help from the crew if a mask needs adjusting, including support from staff such as Maria, who is mentioned for quick help with snorkeling gear.

Food, drinks, and onboard “what you should budget”

Food and drinks are not included in the base price. You can buy snacks and drinks onboard while you’re cruising. Descriptions point to items like crisps and drinks, so don’t expect a full meal plan included.

My advice is simple: bring a small snack if you need one, or plan to buy light items onboard. Also, bring cash or a card if you prefer, since the tour states purchases are available but doesn’t promise every kind of payment method.

Price and value: is $47 a fair deal?

At $47 per person, this is priced like a practical half-day water activity, not a luxury outing. The “value” comes from what you don’t have to organize yourself: boat transport from Kolymbari, two swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a guide to point out what matters both on land and underwater.

If you try to do this independently, the hardest parts to replicate cheaply are:

• getting a boat to two specific coves
• providing snorkel gear
• making sure you have local guidance for the WWII finds and the site context

That’s why this feels like a decent deal for most people who want to swim and snorkel without turning the day into a logistics puzzle.

Who this Menies and Chironisia cruise is for

I think this tour fits best when you want:

• A short day (about 4 hours total)
• Two water stops with real time to swim
• Guided help to make the snorkeling feel purposeful, not random
• A mix of above-water sights and underwater WWII curiosity

It’s also family-friendly in the sense that the time commitment is manageable and the swim windows are built into the schedule. That said, not everyone loves boat days. If you get motion sickness easily, consider bringing something for that and plan to sit where you feel most stable.

And if you’re hoping for “empty beach serenity,” you should know the tour can be busy. The upside is that even with many people on board, the stops can still feel manageable because they’re spread across two coves and the water access moves you quickly in and out.

Should you book this cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a half-day snorkeling outing in northern Crete that mixes history context with actual water time. The two-stop format is the selling point, and the WWII snorkeling angle makes it more interesting than a generic swim cruise.

Skip it or think twice if you hate boat movement, need easy step-on beach access, or dislike rocky entry. The “anchor in shallow water, swim in” detail is not a footnote, it’s the main practical reality of the Menies and Chironisia experience.

If you’re in Chania and you’re deciding between “one beach” and “two coves with gear and guidance,” this one leans strongly toward the second option.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 4 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the port of Kolymbari, and look for the Smile Cruises boat.

What time does the boat depart from Kolymbari?

The boat departure times are 10:15 and 14:30.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is optional and available from select hotels in north Chania. If you choose pickup, you wait at the pickup point on the main road where you are instructed.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are the cruise, swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option.

What should I bring for Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay?

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

How do you get from the boat to the beach?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What languages is the guide?

The tour guide speaks English and Greek.

Is the tour ever canceled?

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