ON THE WATER · CRETE DINNER CRUISES
Good crete dinner cruises fill their window tables weeks ahead. Below: the 15 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ once you are on board.
Set sail from Agios Nikolaos at 10:00 for Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress and former leper colony, then swim at Kolokytha Beach while the crew prepares pork, salad, bread, fruit, and wine or juice. Bring cash, swimwear, sturdy shoes, and your ID.
“Nice sailing to Spinalonga, but a bit too many people on the boat.”
Sail from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island on a small shared or private boat with an experienced skipper. Swim, snorkel, hike to a Venetian castle, and eat a traditional Cretan lunch cooked onboard. Captains such as Vasilis and crew members including Jo, Katarina, and Luis are often part of the friendly team.
“An Unforgettable Experience! We booked a sailing boat tour in Crete while traveling with my husband and our 4-year-old daughter. From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect. The crew was incredibly friendly, kind, and welcoming and taking time to explain things we were curious about and made us feel completely at ease, especially with a young child on board. They were so accommodating, and our daughter truly had the time of her life: she still talks about it! Every part of the journey was fantastic. They prepared an incredible traditional Cretan lunch cooked right on the boat (we honestly couldn’t get enough of it!) and later served fresh fruit,…”
From Panormo Port, sail Crete’s rugged coast on a modern catamaran with an English-speaking crew. Enjoy breakfast, gourmet snacks, swimming, SUPs, snorkeling, fishing, fresh Cretan lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
“Great Experience. Crew was amazing. Had a really fun time. Couldn't fault the experience. The crew were great with the kids in the family too.”
Set sail from Rethymno at 9:30 am aboard a modern catamaran for Georgioupoli Bay. You’ll have a light brunch, organic Cretan lunch, open bar, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, shaded lounges, and sunbeds. The English-speaking crew keeps the day relaxed, social, and well organized.
“Wonderful scenery, good food, drinks, and music. Opportunity to swim in calm, crystal blue waters. Highly recommend”
Set out from Agios Nikolaos for about five hours on a modern catamaran through Mirabello Gulf. You get Spinalonga views, swimming, snorkeling, SUP, a slide, sea scooter, fishing, dinner, and an open bar. The English-speaking crew serves a small group of up to 20.
“This was an amazing tour/cruise. The crew of three were outstanding from the moment we started and ensured every passenger was safe and well looked after. The catamaran Artemis is a beautiful boat and provided us with a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The lunch was well prepared and delicious. There was plenty to drink and plenty of spots to relax. The two stops were fantastic, particularly Spinalonga of course. Great value for an exceptional experience”
Set out from Heraklion at 9:00 am aboard the area’s largest catamaran for a 5.5-hour cruise to Dia Island. Enjoy breakfast, snorkeling, SUP, fishing, a floating pool, and a Mediterranean lunch by Top-50 Greek chef Giorgos Chronakis, with wine, beer, and soft drinks included.
“We got the operators to help sort out transfers which were on time. We were helped onto the catamaran. Rules for safety were given, the food was amazing really nice, ample food and dessert. We were treated really nicely the two in charge. Would definitely go with them again.”
Spend about five hours aboard a modern catamaran from Agios Nikolaos, cruising past Spinalonga and the Cave of Barbarossa before stopping near Kolokithia Beach. You get a nutritionist-designed lunch, open drinks, shaded seating, and water toys including a slide, SUPs, kayak, sea scooter, and snorkeling gear.
“Awesome adventure on this catamaran cruise. The boat had plenty of room for those that wanted sun or shade and the crew did a fantastic job hosting us with plenty to drink and a yummy lunch. We stopped twice to swim in the beautiful blue waters. Highly recommend !”
Sail to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island aboard a modern 25-meter catamaran with shaded lounges, sunbeds, meals, drinks, SUPs, and snorkeling gear. The English-speaking crew, including Dimitar and Jessica, keeps the day organized, while you swim, hike, or relax at sea.
“I had hesitated to book due to the cost, but we felt our experience couldn't have been a more complete professional package that was worth every penny. The 25 metre catamaran was only launched this year, the crew were super friendly, professional and helpful, the itinerary was comprehensive with plenty of down time to swim, snorkel, paddle board, be shuttled ashore, or simply relax aboard the luxurious boat with comfy sun lounges. There was complimentary drinks all day ( tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drink and water.) The food was plentiful all day, and of outstanding quality. We were lucky enough to have calm seas and brilliant sunshine that complimented…”
Sail from Heraklion toward Dia Island with Captain Nikos and Helen, swim and snorkel in sheltered Agios Georgios Bay, then enjoy a Mediterranean lunch aboard a private boat. Magda can arrange pickup, and the crew supplies drinks, snorkeling gear, and water.
“Amazing day cruise to Dia Island. Magda, her captain and staff were great. Food was delicious. Definitely would book again.”
Spend seven private hours aboard BE HAPPY with skipper Nikos and crew, sailing east from Souda Bay to Ai Giannis, Karga, and quiet coves near Marathi. Swim, snorkel, help sail the boat, and enjoy a fresh three-course Cretan lunch with wine, beer, and local ingredients.
“Our guide Nikkos was very friendly and informative. Food was excellent!!!”
Join DanEri Yachts at 9:30 am for a 6.5-hour private catamaran cruise from Rethymno. Swim and snorkel near Georgioupoli, try SUP or fishing, enjoy a fresh Mediterranean lunch, and relax with unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, WiFi, and attentive crew member Rena.
“It was exceptional! The captain, first mate and chef worked beautifully to make sure our trip was first rate and perfect!! Rena even took pictures of the family in the water…so grateful for her capturing the moments! The welcome snack and lunch was perfect! My adult kids were talking about it being a highlight of our trip to Crete!! Maybe one tweak…it would’ve been nice to go more than one location just for a different view and experience.”
Spend about five and a half hours sailing from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island, with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, seafood pasta, Greek salad, Cretan appetizers, fruit, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Pickup is available across southeastern Crete, and the boat carries up to 20 people.
“Crew that takes care of the details and offers you an experience at sea to remember. Easy to recommend.Auto-translated”
Sail from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island, stroll its white-sand beaches, then use the yacht’s snorkeling and fishing gear in a quiet bay. A fresh local lunch is served onboard before a final swim and return to Crete. The five-hour trip suits active beach lovers, but check the departure time carefully.
“The contact beforehand was great. We were able to ask all our questions via WhatsApp. Unfortunately, we were informed via WhatsApp that the departure time was wrong, which meant we were almost late and we were called to say that they would not wait for us if we were even just a little late. Luckily, we were just on time. When we got there, we were on a rather small yacht where everything was very narrow, including the paths to the berth area, etc. There were a few too many people there for the size of the yacht. Since we arrived just in time, we were not given any instructions…”
Spend about seven hours on a private catamaran from Kissamos to Balos and Gramvousa. Captain Panos, Giorgios, John, George, Nena, or Konstantinos may lead the day, with swimming, snorkeling, a homemade Mediterranean lunch, and an optional walk to Gramvousa Fortress.
“We had the absolute pleasure of taking a private catamaran sailing trip to Balos and Gramvousa yesterday, and it was truly one of the highlights of our time in Greece. From start to finish, everything about the experience was flawless.”
Set out from Agios Nikolaos on a private catamaran for about five hours around Mirabello Gulf and Spinalonga Island. You get swimming, snorkeling, fishing, SUP boards, unlimited drinks, onboard Wi-Fi, music, and a Mediterranean meal for your group of up to 15.
“We had a private charter on the Artemis out of Agios Nicholos for a group of 7 adults. I can’t say enough good things about it! The boat was lovely…very spacious with separate dining and sunbathing areas. Plenty of room to spread out. The service was great and the lunch that is included was delicious! They made extra effort to accommodate our special dietary needs and did a great job!”
Pick a river, a harbour or a kind of evening.
