From Ierapetra: Cruise to Chrissi Island with Swimming

Chrissi Island is best seen from the water these days. The boat anchors near shore, and you can swim through clear emerald water toward the beach, snorkel nearby, or stay aboard with a drink and wide views of the sand and cedar-covered island. I like the relaxed six-hour pace and the chance to use the included masks, fins, boards, and other water gear.

I also like the easy departure from Ierapetra and the fact that the self-service bar stays open for coffee, soft drinks, wine, salads, snacks, and ice cream. The main catch is simple: you cannot walk into Chrissi’s interior, and the shore may require a swim without a proper dock or ladder. Take water shoes, waterproof storage, and strong sun protection.

Key points

• Swimming replaces a normal island landing: The boat anchors close to a selected beach, and you can swim from the ship toward shore.
• About 3.5 hours near Chrissi: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and views of the golden beaches.
• The cedar forest stays protected: You may use the beaches, but the island interior and juniper shade are off-limits.
• The 70-minute crossing can be rough: Sea conditions may cause motion sickness, so prepare before leaving Ierapetra.
• Water equipment is included: Masks, snorkels, flippers, boards, balls, and life jackets are available on board.
• The $47 price is reasonable for a full day: It covers the boat, skipper, swimming stop, and equipment, but not food, drinks, or hotel transport.

Leaving Ierapetra for the Libyan Sea

The trip begins at the Port of Ierapetra, on Crete’s southeastern coast. Look for the ship ARISTOVOULOS at the stated meeting point, near GPS coordinates 35°00’26.7″N 25°44’24.5″E. The port has free parking, and you can also reach it by public bus from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos.

I would arrive early enough to find the ship without rushing. The port area can involve some waiting and confusion about tickets or boarding arrangements, so keep your booking details ready and confirm that you are at the ARISTOVOULOS. The tour is conducted in English, with a skipper and crew on board.

Once the ship leaves, you have about 70 minutes before reaching the Chrissi area. This is not a quick shuttle. It is a proper sea crossing, with time to sit outside, watch the coast recede, and take in the open water.

The crossing can be calm, but it can also be rough. A few people have found the return journey uncomfortable in choppy conditions, and sitting down after eating may not suit anyone prone to seasickness. If that is you, eat lightly before departure, choose a steady seat, and bring any usual motion sickness remedy. The crew does not control the sea, but you should know this is a day on open water rather than a sheltered coastal cruise.

What you actually see at Chrissi Island

Chrissi is known for its pale sand, clear water, colorful rocks, and protected cedar forest. The forest covers about 350,000 square meters in the center of the island, though you will view much of it from the boat or from the permitted beach areas.

The island appears in changing shades of blue and green as you approach. From the deck, you can see golden sand and the low shoreline spread around the anchorage. The scenery is the main reason to book this trip, and it is particularly rewarding if you enjoy swimming more than organized sightseeing.

This is not a guided walk around Chrissi. There are no island monuments, museum stops, or long explanations built into the day. The appeal is natural: warm water, open sea, rock formations, sand, and a quiet stretch of time away from Crete’s roads.

The restrictions matter. To protect the island’s ecosystem, you cannot get off and walk through the interior. The juniper shade is not available for picnics or shelter, and access to the island’s interior is prohibited. Beach use is allowed, but you need to follow the crew’s instructions and remain within permitted areas.

Swimming from the boat to the beach

The central part of the excursion is the swim stop. The ship anchors in a leeward spot near a selected beach, chosen to offer calmer conditions and easier access. You can jump into the water from the boat, swim, snorkel, or simply float near the ship.

If you want to reach the beach, expect to swim a short distance rather than step onto a pier. This is the detail that can change the whole experience for you. Strong swimmers will likely see it as part of the fun, while anyone carrying a phone, towel, camera, or bag needs a plan for keeping belongings dry.

Some passengers have used a small boat service to move items toward shore, but you should not count on a convenient dock. Reports also mention a rope rather than a proper ladder at the shore access point. Bring a waterproof bag if you have one. Buying one on board can be costly, with one account putting the price at €20.

I would also pack water shoes. The beach and seabed can include stones, and bare feet may be uncomfortable when getting out of the water. Water shoes are more useful here than a second pair of casual sandals.

The water is the strongest part of the outing. It is clear enough for snorkeling, and the included masks, snorkels, and flippers remove the need to bring all your own equipment. If you already own snorkeling gear, pack it anyway if you prefer a familiar fit. The boat also carries boards, balls, and other water equipment, giving children and less serious swimmers something to do close to the ship.

Three and a half hours to set your own pace

The schedule allows roughly 3.5 hours around Chrissi Island. That is enough time to swim more than once, snorkel, dry off, visit the beach area, and return to the ship for a drink or snack.

I like this flexible structure. You are not hurried from one lookout to another, and you do not need to follow a guide along a fixed path. You can spend the first hour in the water, eat lunch on board, then swim again. Or you can remain on deck and enjoy the view if swimming is not your priority.

The trade-off is the lack of shade. The island has protected trees, but you cannot use the interior or rely on the junipers for shelter. The boat may offer some shaded areas, but the information provided does not guarantee a specific amount of shade or seating. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and enough personal water for the day.

There are also no beach facilities described at the swimming area. Treat the stop as a natural beach visit, not a fully serviced resort beach. Take your own towel, sun protection, and anything you need between swims.

Food and drinks on the ARISTOVOULOS

Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price. The ship’s bar and restaurant remain open during the cruise, with salads, light meals, wine, soft drinks, coffee, ice cream, and water available to buy.

Payment is by credit or debit card only. Cash is not accepted at the onboard bar, so check that your card works before departure. I would also carry a small personal snack if you tend to get hungry, since the available menu may not suit every taste or dietary need.

Food is served during the trip, and timing can matter if you feel seasick. Eating a full meal early in a rough crossing may make the journey harder. A light breakfast before boarding, then a small purchase once the sea feels comfortable, is a sensible plan.

The paid menu does add some value to the day because you do not need to pack a full picnic. Still, do not mistake the bar for a restaurant-focused cruise. You are paying for the boat ride and swimming stop, not a food tour. One menu option has included items such as stuffed tomatoes, potatoes, Greek salad, and bottled water, while chicken has also been available, but choices and quality can vary.

Is $47 good value for six hours?

At $47 per person, this is a fair price for a six-hour boat outing from Ierapetra. The cost includes the cruise, skipper, life jackets, the Chrissi swimming stop, and use of water activity equipment. That is useful value if you would otherwise need to rent snorkeling gear or organize transport and a separate boat.

The price does not include hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, or personal beach supplies. If you are staying in Ierapetra and can reach the port easily, the value improves. If you need a taxi from another part of Crete, add that cost before comparing it with other excursions.

The trip also gives you a long block of time at the island. You are not paying for a brief photo stop. The 70-minute outward crossing, about 3.5 hours near Chrissi, and roughly one-hour return crossing fill most of the day.

I would book it for the swimming and scenery, not for luxury. The ship can feel crowded, especially on a popular summer departure, and there is little structured commentary. If you want a quiet private boat, a catered sailing trip, or a guided island walk, this is not that kind of outing.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This cruise suits you if you like open water, swimming, snorkeling, and unstructured beach time. Families with older children may appreciate the boards, balls, fins, and masks, provided everyone is comfortable entering the water from a boat.

It also works well for anyone based in or near Ierapetra who wants a full day on the Libyan Sea without planning a private charter. The English-speaking crew, included safety equipment, and straightforward route keep the day simple.

You should think twice if you cannot swim, dislike boats in rough water, or need step-free access. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. Reaching the beach involves water access, and the shore may not have a standard ladder or easy landing point.

The trip is also less suitable if your dream is to hike across Chrissi or sit under the island’s cedar trees. Those areas are protected, and access is not allowed. You will see the island and use the permitted beach area, but this is a water-based visit.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card. A copy of your ID is accepted. Add water shoes, a waterproof phone pouch, and a dry bag if you have them.

I would also bring a spare layer for the return crossing. The supplied information does not promise cold conditions, but six hours on a boat can feel different from six hours on land. Keep your belongings compact because you may need to move between the deck, the swimming area, and the shore access.

Do not forget that the bar accepts cards only. If you plan to buy lunch, coffee, or drinks, bring a working credit or debit card rather than relying on cash.

Free parking at the port makes this easier for drivers. If you come by public bus from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos, check your connection times carefully so you arrive before boarding and can return without a long wait.

Should you book the Chrissi Island cruise?

Book this cruise if you want clear water, a long swim stop, and a simple full-day boat trip for a reasonable price. The scenery around Chrissi is excellent, and the included snorkeling and water equipment make the $47 fare easier to justify.

Skip it if you expect to walk around the island, find plenty of natural shade, or step directly onto a developed beach. The experience now depends on swimming from the anchored ship, and rough seas can affect both comfort and enjoyment.

My practical advice is to book on a calm-weather day, bring water shoes and waterproof storage, and treat the boat as your base for the entire outing. With those expectations, this is a good way to spend a day from Ierapetra, especially for swimmers who value clear water more than guided sightseeing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from the Port of Ierapetra. The meeting point is the ship ARISTOVOULOS, at GPS coordinates 35°00’26.7″N 25°44’24.5″E.

How long does the trip take?

The activity lasts six hours. The outward ferry ride takes about 70 minutes, the Chrissi Island stop lasts about 3.5 hours, and the return ferry takes about one hour.

Can I get off the boat on Chrissi Island?

You cannot disembark for access to the island’s interior. The ship anchors near a permitted beach, and you may swim toward the shore. Beach use is allowed, but the interior and juniper shade are protected.

Do I need to swim to reach the beach?

Yes, the boat anchors a short distance from the shore to allow passengers to swim to the beach. You should be comfortable entering the water and carrying your belongings in waterproof storage.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Equipment includes masks with snorkels, flippers, boards, balls, and other water activity items. Life jackets are also included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks cost extra. The onboard bar and restaurant sell light meals, salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, ice cream, and water throughout the cruise.

Can I pay cash on the boat?

No. The onboard bar accepts credit or debit cards only, not cash.

How do I reach the Port of Ierapetra?

The port is accessible by car and by public bus from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. Free parking is available at the port.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. It also involves swimming from the ship toward the beach, so you should consider your comfort in open water before booking.