Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

A five-hour cruise on a wooden pirate boat from Rethymno Marina offers a fun, relaxed way to see some of Crete’s beautiful coastlines. For a modest $65 per person, you’ll sail westward, visiting the tranquil Kefalas Bay, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters. This experience combines a playful pirate theme with authentic Greek scenery, making it a favorite for families, couples, and anyone craving time on the water.

What we love most are the stunning coastal views—especially the sight of the imposing Fortezza Fortress from the boat—and the excellent snorkeling spot that consistently surprises visitors with abundant marine life. The light Greek salad lunch served on board is simple but refreshing after a swim, and the friendly crew makes the trip smoother and more enjoyable.

A potential consideration is the length of the journey to the snorkeling spot, which can take around two hours each way. This means you’ll spend a good amount of time on the water, with only about an hour of swimming, so it’s worth considering if your main goal is swimming or exploring.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy boat trips, scenic views, and snorkeling, especially those seeking a laid-back, family-friendly adventure that offers authentic experiences without over-the-top luxury. If you’re okay with a little time on the water and want a taste of Crete’s coastline, this cruise might be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning coastline views with sights of Fortezza Fortress and Venetian harbor.
• Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Kefalas Bay, with complimentary masks and tubes.
• Friendly crew that makes the experience engaging, including opportunities for children to drive the boat.
• Affordable price that offers good value for the length and activities included.
• Light Greek salad meal perfect for replenishing after swimming.
• Two-hour cruise to the snorkeling spot means plenty of scenic time, but limited swimming.

Why You Might Like This Experience

This cruise offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, playful themes, and authentic Greek flavors. The pirate boat theme, complete with a crew that’s friendly and engaging, adds a layer of fun that appeals especially to families or groups looking for something different from the usual sightseeing. The snorkeling spot, praised for its abundance of fish and peaceful waters, provides a memorable underwater experience without needing advanced skills.

Many reviews highlight the value for money, with guests noting that the crew’s friendliness, the quality of the swim spot, and the simple meal make this a worthwhile outing. The views of Crete’s coast are consistently described as beautiful, making it a relaxing way to enjoy the island from a different perspective.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting at the marina of Rethymno, the cruise heads westward, giving you a panoramic view of the Fortezza Fortress—a striking reminder of Rethymno’s history that’s visible from the water. As the boat glides past the bay of Gerani, the landscape transitions into more tranquil, less developed shores.

Once you arrive at the Kefalas Bay, approximately an hour is set aside for swimming and snorkeling. Here, you can float in clear, calm waters, with complimentary masks and tubes provided. Several guests, such as Florent, note that the snorkeling was “incredible,” with plenty of fish and a peaceful creek environment, perfect for those wanting to see underwater life without a boatload of other travelers.

The return journey offers more scenic views, including the caves of Kefalas and the historic Venetian harbor. Many find this part of the trip relaxing, with some guests mentioning that the captain is kind and allows passengers to take photos or even drive the boat, adding a memorable personal touch.

The lunch of Greek salad is served during or after the swim, providing a light, refreshing meal. Guests appreciate that it’s “a good idea after one hour of swim,” as Florent mentions. The beverage of choice—either a glass of wine or a soft drink—is included, rounding out the experience.

What the Experience Feels Like

On this cruise, the atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly. The crew’s friendliness and willingness to involve passengers—like letting kids drive the pirate boat—add a personal touch that many reviews highlight. The views of Crete’s coast are truly the star here, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the caves, the Venetian harbor, and the rugged shoreline.

While the two-hour cruise to the snorkeling spot might seem lengthy, it’s part of the appeal for those who enjoy scenic sailing. The boat’s pirate theme adds a touch of whimsy, especially for children or those young at heart. The light lunch is sufficient, but don’t expect a full meal—this is more about the experience than gourmet dining.

Some travelers, like Hannah, express a small disappointment that they only had 30 minutes of actual swimming, but overall, the consensus is that the views, the water activity, and the crew’s friendliness compensate well for the limited swim time.

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Practical Details for Your Trip

The meeting point is at the marina, right in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat, and arriving at least 30 minutes early is recommended to exchange vouchers for tickets and avoid rushing. The activity lasts about five hours, making it a perfect half-day outing.

You’ll want to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID—a copy is fine—to ensure a smooth check-in. The tour operates in multiple languages, including English, French, and German, so language barriers are unlikely.

Note that hotel pickup and drinks outside the included wine or soft drink are not included, so plan accordingly if you want extra beverages.

The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as boarding and moving around the boat might be challenging.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, fun-filled day on the water with some picturesque scenery, this cruise delivers. The friendly crew, scenic coastline, and snorkeling make it especially appealing for families, couples, or groups looking for a bit of adventure and plenty of photo opportunities. The value for money is good, considering the included amenities and the scenic journey.

This experience is well-suited for those who appreciate authentic, laid-back excursions over high-end luxury. It’s ideal if you want to combine a bit of history (viewing the fortress and harbor) with an easygoing swim in the Mediterranean. Keep in mind the travel time to the snorkeling spot, and if you’re keen primarily on swimming, you might prefer shorter or closer options.

This pirate-themed boat cruise offers a memorable and authentic slice of Crete’s coastal charm—a great way to spend part of your day soaking up the sun, sea, and stunning scenery.

FAQs

How long is the cruise?
The entire trip lasts about five hours, including sailing, swimming, and lunch.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the marina port of Rethymno, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID copy for check-in.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoying the boat ride and swimming stops, especially since kids can even drive the pirate boat.

What is included in the price?
The cruise, swimming stop, Greek salad lunch, a glass of wine or soft drink, snorkeling masks, and swimming tubes are included.

Are drinks available on board?
You get the included soft drink or wine, but additional drinks are not provided or included in the price.

How long is the snorkeling stop?
You can expect about an hour for swimming and snorkeling, although the journey to the spot takes around two hours each way.

Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any language barrier?
The tour operates in English, French, and German, so language should not be a problem.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, due to the nature of boat boarding.

Enjoy this playful, scenic cruise that combines authentic Greek coastal views with a splash of pirate fun—perfect for a laid-back day on Crete’s waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: