Black Rose Pirate Boat: 5-Hour Trip from Hersonissos

Black Rose Pirate Boat: 5-Hour Trip from Hersonissos – A Fun and Authentic Crete Water Adventure

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day on the water while exploring some of Crete’s beautiful coastlines, the Black Rose Pirate Boat tour offers a lively, family-friendly experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and a delicious meal. For around $68 per person, you get roughly five hours of onboard fun, two swimming stops, and convenient pickup from several key locations in Crete.

What we love most about this trip is the informal, fun atmosphere, especially if you’re traveling with kids. They’ll enjoy face painting and games, while adults can relax during the cruise, soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenic views. Plus, the included lunch is surprisingly tasty, providing good value for the price and making this a worthwhile day out for families or groups wanting a mix of adventure and leisure.

One potential consideration is the condition of the ladders used for sea access, as some reviews mention rusty or share bits that could pose a safety concern. It’s worth being cautious when getting in and out of the water. Also, the transfer service isn’t included for all areas, so if you’re staying outside the specified pickup zones, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

This cruise suits those who enjoy casual, boat-based experiences with opportunities to swim, relax, and enjoy Crete’s coastlines without breaking the bank. It’s particularly good for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a fun, social day on the water.

Key Points

• Family-friendly with onboard activities like face painting and games for children
• Two swimming stops provide ample time for snorkeling, sunbathing, and cooling off
• Inclusive lunch offers good value and a tasty break during the cruise
• Pickup included from select areas makes logistics easier
• Rusty ladders may require caution for sea access
• A relaxed, informal atmosphere perfect for those seeking a fun day out in Crete

Exploring the Crete Experience on the Black Rose Pirate Boat

When considering a boat trip on Crete, the Black Rose Pirate Boat from Hersonissos offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to enjoy the island’s stunning coastline. This roughly five-hour journey is designed to be relaxing and engaging, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends looking for a mix of adventure and leisure.

Departure & Duration
Starting at 11:00 am, the cruise lasts about four hours (plus pickup and drop-off time), giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the scenery and activities. The tour begins with a convenient pickup service from areas like Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Analipsi, and others, making it relatively hassle-free. We appreciate that this added service simplifies logistics, especially after a morning of travel or sightseeing.

The Itinerary in Detail
The route takes you along the coast of Crete, passing by some notable bays, with the first stop at Agios Georgios Beach. Here, you’re free to swim, snorkel, or just lounge in the sun. The shallow waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot to cool off and enjoy the sea life. The 1 hour 30 minutes allocated for this stop gives enough time for a dip or a quick snorkel to see what’s beneath the surface.

Next, the boat cruises past the coast of Malia, providing a chance to take in the views, and then makes a second stop at Stalis Beach. This offers a shorter 45-minute window for swimming and relaxing on the sand. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility to choose how they spend their time at each stop, with some quoting the experience as “worth the money” for the chance to enjoy two separate swims in beautiful locations.

Onboard Experience
The onboard atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with children enjoying face painting and other activities. The crew is typically described as “great,” contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable vibe. The lunch, included in the ticket price, is often highlighted as surprisingly delicious, offering a good break for refueling after swimming and sunbathing.

What’s Included & What’s Not
Included in the package are lunch, a tour host, and round-trip transfers from specific areas, which simplifies planning. However, drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own water or purchase beverages onboard. Also, the transfer service isn’t available from all parts of Crete, which might require arranging your own transport if you’re outside designated pickup zones.

The Experience and Real Traveler Feedback

The positive reviews give a good sense of what to expect. One traveler, Sam, described it as a “fantastic trip,” praising the great staff and delicious food. However, they also pointed out a safety concern about the rusty ladders used for sea access, which could be tricky or dangerous—something worth noting if you’re considering swimming in the water.

Many travelers mention the value for money as a standout feature, especially given the included lunch and activities for children. The opportunity to swim twice in different scenic locations is a highlight, and the casual, social environment makes it a relaxing way to experience part of Crete’s coastline.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This cruise is ideal for families with children seeking a fun day on the water, as well as solo travelers or couples looking for a casual, social experience. If you enjoy water-based activities and want to avoid the expense of private tours, this trip offers a good balance of value and entertainment. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a laid-back atmosphere rather than a formal or structured sightseeing experience.

However, if you’re particularly safety-conscious or have mobility issues, the rusty ladders and the need for caution when entering and exiting the water are factors to keep in mind. Also, travelers staying outside the designated pickup zones should plan their transportation separately.

The Sum Up

The Black Rose Pirate Boat trip from Hersonissos offers a relaxed, family-friendly adventure with two opportunities to swim in Crete’s beautiful waters, combined with a tasty included lunch and onboard activities that keep children entertained. Its value for the price, especially considering the multiple stops and amenities, makes it a solid choice for those wanting a fun, social day on the water without a stiff schedule.

It’s best suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone seeking a casual way to enjoy Crete’s coastlines. With a friendly crew and scenic views, you’ll leave with good memories, a few new stories to tell, and perhaps a bit of sunshine to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the trip?
The cruise lasts approximately four hours, starting at 11:00 am, with additional time for pickup and drop-off.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, including children, as it includes kid-friendly activities like face painting. Most travelers can participate.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from select areas such as Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Analipsi, and others are included. If you’re outside these areas, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps some snacks or drinks (although drinks are not included). Be cautious when using the ladders for sea access, as some reviews mention rusty or share bits.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the weather a concern?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the food like?
The included lunch is generally described as delicious and good value, with some reviews highlighting it as a pleasant surprise amid the casual atmosphere.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included and must be purchased separately onboard or brought with you.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 70 travelers, fostering a lively and social environment.

If you’re after a relaxing, family-friendly day with scenic swims, good food, and a touch of nautical fun, the Black Rose Pirate Boat provides a delightful experience—simple, authentic, and worth considering for your Crete itinerary.