The 12 Best Boat Trips in Crete

1.Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,031 reviews · 4h 30m · from $29Our pick

Spend five hours cruising Mirabello Bay from Agios Nikolaos, with a 30-minute swim stop in clear Kolokitha Bay and 90 minutes on Spinalonga. An English or Dutch guide leads the island visit, while French and German audio guides are available. The boat has a bar, restaurant, lounge, and toilets. Bring €20 for island entry.

“Lovely day trip to Spinalonga! Lots of facilities on the boat, bar, restaurant, 12 toilets, lifejackets and even a lifeguard when we stopped for a swim. And how LOVELY the swim was. Stopped outside Kolokitha beach with the boat for a swim in the CLEAREST, BLUEST and SALTIEST waters! Once we arrived to Spinalonga we had an English guide explaining the history of the island. The walk around the island took 15 minutes and consists of ruins and lovely views of surrounding Cretan villages. Just note that the entrance to the island is 20€ and in retrospect we would’ve much rather stayed outside and gone for a swim. We didn’t…”

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2.Chania/Rethymno: Balos & Gramvousa With Pickup & Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,703 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $50

You’ll ride an air-conditioned bus from a selected pickup point to Kissamos, then board a large boat for Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. Expect a 20-minute castle hike, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and food for sale onboard. Guides such as Donia keep departure times clear, while the shared boat can carry more than 100 people.

“Best trip in the whole island. From beginning with the pick up , friendly guide and driver. The whole trip was amazing and I highly recommend when visiting Crete !”

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3.Sailboat Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,405 reviews · 1 hour - 390 minutes · from $35

Sail from Heraklion to Dia Island on a shared yacht trip with lunch, local wine, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and optional fishing. You get about four to six hours on the water, with crew such as Stavroula, Dennis, or Mido. Private and one-hour coastal options are also available.

“The activity was very well organised (10/10) as well as the pick up and drop off service.”

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4.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 992 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $23Best value

Travel from Chania, Kalyves, or nearby resorts to Kissamos, then sail to Gramvousa and Balos. You get time to swim, hike to the Venetian fortress, and enjoy the sea from a large ferry. Guides such as Stella keep the day moving, while food and drinks are available on board. Boat fees may cost extra, depending on your pickup option.

“Really nice guide and welcoming, was a comfy ride to the port and back. Our guide was really friendly and kept us informed and updated with the itinerary and what to expect. The Gramvousa Island was amazing, definitely recommend walking up to the Fortress first and then spending the rest of the time on the beach. Note there are no cafes or food on the island, only one small souvenir shop. Spent 2.75 hours which was a good amount of time to do both. It’s worth noting that you can’t actually go into the Balos beach due to the new conservation rules unless you swim to it from the boat.…”

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5.From Ag. Nikolaos: Spinalonga & Kolokytha Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 735 reviews · 5h 30m · from $35

Set out from Agios Nikolaos at 10:00 for a half-day cruise across Mirabello Bay. Explore Spinalonga independently with a map and booklet, then swim at Kolokytha Beach while the crew prepares pork, salad, bread, fruit, and wine or juice. Bring cash, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and your ID.

“Well organized. Nice big boat. The day we took the trip it was busy but not over crowded. You are given an informative book which i kept as a souvenir. The announcements on the boat were clear. The day trip itself was very nice. You were given enough time at each location. The 'BBQ' really wasn't what we expected. Whilst you were at the last stop, the swim at the beach stop, they cook a piece of meat each on the boat. You could then collect your meal which was the meat, a bit of shredded red cabbage salad and a couple of pieces of bread. A piece of fruit…”

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6.Private Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 466 reviews · 4.5 hours

You’ll sail from Heraklion with a two-person English or Greek-speaking crew to Dia Island’s Gulf of Saint George, once explored by Jacques Yves Cousteau. Expect a private boat for up to eight, clear water for swimming and snorkeling, fishing gear, paddleboards, fruit, wine, soft drinks, and about 2.5 hours at anchor. Hotel transfers and full meals cost extra.

“Sailing trip was great, guides gave a lot of explanation concerning the boat, island and history.”

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7.Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 327 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $37

Spend a full day along Crete’s Mirabello Bay, with a guided visit to Spinalonga, swimming at Kolokytha Beach, a boat BBQ, olive oil tasting, and free time in Agios Nikolaos. Guides may speak English, German, Russian, Italian, French, or Polish, with guides such as Mary, Olga, and Pavlos praised for clear storytelling.

“Super boot trip to the eiland with fort and with swimming activity and bbq lunch. Only the location of departure was wrong, we had to ask around the port for the departure boot etc. Next time please name the boot (name of the boot) to board, will make it much easier for all!!!”

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8.Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 257 reviews · 7.5 hours · from $229

Sail from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island aboard a small shared or private boat with an experienced skipper. Swim, snorkel, hike to Gramvousa Castle, and enjoy a fresh Cretan lunch with drinks, fruit, and shaded deck seating. Guides such as Vasilis, Katarina, Jo, and Luis help make the day personal and relaxed.

“Vasilis and Katarina were amazing and we loved it! Delicious lunch and gorgeous views. We felt safe and enjoyed the ride. Definitely would recommend.”

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9.Luxury Catamaran Cruise, Dia Island –Open Bar & Lunch -Top Rated!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $145Top rated

You sail from Cafe Marina in Heraklion to Dia Island aboard an EOS Yachts catamaran, with a certified English-speaking crew, fresh seafood lunch, local wine and beer, snorkeling gear, SUPs, fishing equipment, and a quiet three-hour stop in a turquoise bay. The group is limited to 25 people.

“What a day Amazing food as a first Amazing boat Amazing staff Amazing day and amazing trip 20/10 thanks again . Check out my page for some photos also @seriouslyscrumptiouseats”

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10.Dia Island Catamaran – Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $181

Set out from Heraklion at 9:30 a.m. aboard a luxury catamaran for Dia Island. The English-speaking crew serves brunch, a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch, dessert, and selected unlimited drinks. You get about four hours to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, or relax, with space for no more than 14 people.

“It was a very nice trip with very nice guys! The island of Dia is worth a sailing tour. Thanks to the team!”

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11.Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise from Kissamos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $235

Sail from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa on a small catamaran limited to 22 people. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and enjoy Greek snacks, a Mediterranean lunch, drinks, and attentive crew such as Dimitri, Yannis, and Jessica. The early start helps you reach both stops before the large ferries arrive.

“Dimitri, Yanni and Jessica were amazing during our tour. It was an amazing day with my husband and two teens. Thank you!!”

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12.Panormo: Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Panormo Port for about six and a half hours on a modern catamaran with a maximum of 20 people. You’ll get a light breakfast, gourmet snacks, a fresh Cretan lunch, beer, wine, soft drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and shaded or sunny seating. The English-speaking crew also caters to children and special occasions.

“We had a amazing experience we were a group of 16 and the staff were so helpful, attentive and supplied amazing food. The cruise takes you on a lovely journey allowing for lots of time for swimming, paddle boarding and snorkelling. We would 100% do this again”

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