From Hersonissos: Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch

This experience made our article of Which Malia Tours To Choose? We Rank The 10 Best.

A Practical, Authentic Pirate Adventure from Hersonissos

If you’re after a fun half-day on the water that combines scenic views, family-friendly activities, and a taste of local hospitality, this Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch might just be what you’re looking for. Departing from Hersonissos, this 4-hour excursion takes you past the stunning bays and coastlines of the area, including Saint George’s Bay, Malia, and Stalis, all with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and relax.

The tour, priced at $69 per person, is led by a professional crew dedicated to making your time on the sea both safe and memorable. While the itinerary is flexible depending on weather, it generally includes a 20-minute scenic ride, a 1.5-hour swim stop, a delicious onboard meal, and a 45-minute exploration of nearby coastlines. This experience is especially suited to families, couples, or groups wanting an active, light-hearted day in Crete without the hassle of planning.

Two things we particularly like are the well-organized stops at beautiful bays, where you can cool off in clear waters, and the inclusive meal that features local flavors like pork steak, baked potatoes, and fresh salad. Plus, the lively, pirate-themed entertainment keeps kids engaged and adds a playful touch. One potential consideration is the depth of water at the swimming stops—some reviews note it’s too deep for little kids, so if you’re traveling with very young children, this might be a factor to keep in mind.

This tour is best suited for families with children, first-time visitors eager for a relaxed sea adventure, or anyone looking for a lively, well-reviewed half-day activity that offers good value and authentic fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Family-Friendly: Activities like face painting, pirate diplomas, and boat steering make it perfect for kids.
• Beautiful Stops: Crystal-clear waters at Saint George’s Bay and scenic coastline views.
• Delicious Food: A generous onboard meal featuring local Greek dishes.
• Flexible & Relaxed: The itinerary adapts to weather, with enough time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
• Professional Crew: Known for friendly, competent staff that keep guests entertained and safe.
• Great Value: At $69, it includes the boat trip, swimming gear, meal, plus entertainment.

An In-Depth Look at the Pirate Boat Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This half-day tour begins with a scenic 20-minute ride past the bays of Anissaras, setting the tone with captivating views of the coastline. The boat then arrives at Saint George’s Bay, a highlight of the trip. Here, you’ll have 1.5 hours to swim in clear waters, snorkel, or simply lounge on deck with a cool drink. This stop is praised for its beauty, with one reviewer noting, “The water and the landscape are beautiful, always a pleasure.” The shallow or deep quality of water at these stops varies; some mention that the swimming spots might be too deep for very young children, so if you’re traveling with toddlers or small kids, consider that.

While anchored, a delicious meal is served aboard, including pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread. Kids get a simpler pasta option with tomato sauce—an appreciated detail that makes mealtime smoother for families. Reviews praise the generous portions and tasty dishes, with one traveler describing the food as “really good and there was plenty of it.” A bottle of water or soft drink is included, adding to the value.

Next, the boat continues along the coastlines of Malia and Stalis, where you can take a 45-minute stop for exploration or just relax and enjoy the scenery. The crew often sails close to the shoreline on the return journey, giving everyone a chance to see water sports, bustling beaches, and picturesque bays, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Entertainment and Family Activities

What truly makes this tour popular are the pirate-themed activities designed to entertain children. Kids are treated to face painting, music, dancing, and the chance to steer the boat—a highlight for many families. One reviewer mentioned, “Every child receives an official pirate diploma and the chance to steer the boat for a perfect photo.” The lively atmosphere is often complemented by upbeat music, although some suggest that music can be a bit loud for little ears—something to consider if traveling with very young children.

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Practical Considerations and Tips

The tour departs at 11:00 am and returns around 3:00 pm, a timing that works well for those who prefer a relaxed morning or want to avoid midday heat. You will need to arrive at the port of Hersonissos 30 minutes early, so plan your transfers accordingly.

Bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Cash is recommended for any personal expenses or souvenirs. The program’s flexibility means weather conditions may cause slight changes, but the crew is experienced at handling such situations.

The Value and Booking Flexibility

For $69, this experience offers solid value—covering transportation, a meal, snorkeling equipment, and entertainment. The ability to reserve and pay later adds flexibility, especially if your plans are not yet finalized. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, providing peace of mind.

What the Reviews Reveal

The most common praise centers on the friendly, competent crew and the quality of the scenery and food. One guest described the day as “a great day for our family,” highlighting its suitability for all ages. The lively atmosphere and beautiful views are consistently mentioned, making it clear that this trip offers more than just a boat ride; it’s an engaging experience filled with fun and authentic Greek hospitality.

Drawbacks to Consider

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention that the swimming spots might be too deep for young children, which could limit the enjoyment for families with very small kids. Also, the loud music might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a quieter experience. The tour does not include transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to and from the port.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This half-day pirate adventure is an excellent choice for families with children, given the playful activities and inclusive environment. It also suits first-time visitors eager to combine sightseeing with fun water activities without the hassle of planning individual outings. If you’re looking for a lively, well-reviewed experience that emphasizes scenery, good food, and family entertainment, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you prefer a more tranquil or silent experience, or are traveling with very young children who might find the deep water or loud music challenging, you may want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This Hersonissos Pirate Boat Trip offers a delightful combination of scenic beauty, engaging entertainment, and tasty local cuisine, all within a manageable four-hour window. The professionalism of the crew, the quality of the stops, and the family-centered activities make it a standout choice for travelers seeking a lively, authentic Crete experience on the water.

It’s especially valuable for families looking to keep children entertained with pirate-themed fun, while adults can relax and enjoy stunning views and delicious food. The value for money is clear when considering everything included—beach stops, snorkeling gear, and a hearty Greek meal—making it a practical option for a memorable half-day.

This tour balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity, perfect for anyone wanting a taste of Crete’s coastline with a splash of playful maritime magic.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, the tour does not include transfers to and from the port. You will need to arrange your own transportation to arrive 30 minutes early.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and cash for personal expenses.

How long is the boat trip?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours, with a departure at 11:00 am and return around 3:00 pm.

Are there activities for children?
Yes, children can enjoy face painting, pirate diplomas, music, dancing, and even steering the boat for fun photos.

Is the water suitable for young children?
Some reviews mention that the swimming spots might be too deep for very small children, so plan accordingly if traveling with toddlers.

What food is served onboard?
A hearty meal includes pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread. Kids get pasta with tomato sauce.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Enjoy your Crete adventure, whether you choose to embrace the pirate spirit or just soak up the sun and scenery. This trip promises a lively, authentic taste of the island’s coastal charm, perfect for creating lasting family memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: