From Ierapetra: Cruise to Chrissi Island with Swimming

Experience a relaxing day on the water with a boat cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island. For just over $45 per person, you’ll spend around six hours exploring the Libyan Sea’s sparkling waters, swimming in emerald-green waters, and taking in the stunning scenery of a protected cedar forest on this island. The tour includes a 70-minute ferry ride to the island, a generous 3.5-hour stop for swimming and sightseeing, and a return trip with views of golden beaches and turquoise waters.

What we love about this experience is the chance to swim right off the boat in crystal-clear waters — perfect for those who love a quick refreshing dip. Plus, the panoramic views of Chrissi’s diverse landscapes, from golden sands to lush cedar forests, make this a visually stunning day. A minor consideration is that disembarkation on the island itself is not permitted during this summer season to protect the ecosystem, which might disappoint those hoping for land exploration.

This tour suits travelers looking for a straightforward, hassle-free way to experience Chrissi Island’s natural beauty without the need for a full-day hike or expensive yacht trip. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy swimming, relaxed scenery, and a comfortable boat ride.

This experience made our article of The Top 10 Ierapetra Tours.

Key Points

• Duration & Pricing: About 6 hours, costing around $45, offering good value for the experience.
• Highlights: Swimming in crystal waters, scenic views of the island, and a comfortable boat cruise.
• Restrictions: No disembarking on Chrissi Island itself during summer to protect the environment.
• Included & Not Included: Water equipment provided, but food and drinks are extra, and hotel transfers are not included.
• Ease & Access: Easy to reach from Ierapetra with free parking available.
• Reviews: Generally positive with a 4.1/5 rating, praised for friendly staff and stunning scenery, but some mention the food is poor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Chrissi Island Cruise

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Port of Ierapetra — a straightforward location accessible by car, with free parking, or public bus from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. The meeting point is the ship “ARISTOVOULOS”, and from there, you’re soon underway. The boat cruise itself lasts around 70 minutes to reach the vicinity of Chrissi, giving you a gentle introduction to the Libyan Sea’s gentle waves and occasional dolphin sightings, as some reviews hint at.

The Scenic Voyage

The journey is part of the charm. We loved the way the boat cruise offers panoramic views of the island’s coastline, with plenty of room to relax or snap photos. The self-service bar stays open during the trip, with options to buy light snacks, salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and ice cream. While some reviews found the food lacking, the availability of drinks and light fare adds comfort after a morning of travel.

The Swimming and Beach Experience

Once anchored near Chrissi’s coast, the highlight is undoubtedly swimming in the transparent waters, often just a short swim from the boat. Many travelers, including a reviewer, appreciated swimming just a few meters from the vessel, describing the experience as “refreshing” and “perfect for cooling off.” You’ll find equipment like masks, snorkels, and flippers, which adds to the fun if you want to explore underwater life.

A lot of guests mention that the main beaches can be crowded, so walking further along the coast might reward you with more secluded beaches where you can relax away from the crowds. You’ll love the opportunity to float in waters that many describe as “out of this world,” with the island’s turquoise hues providing a stunning backdrop.

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What Makes Chrissi Special

The island’s golden sands and protected cedar forest, which covers 350,000 square meters in its interior, add a unique touch. The colors of the rocks and sands are vivid, and the views of the green cedar trees against the blue waters create an almost surreal scenery. However, it’s important to note that disembarkation onto the island’s interior is prohibited during the summer period to preserve its fragile ecosystem. You can, however, enjoy the beaches and the surrounding scenery from the boat.

Staff and Service

Reviewers frequently praised the crew for their hard work and professionalism. One noted that the boat’s skipper was “very nice,” and the staff, in general, kept the atmosphere friendly and accommodating. Even if the sea was rough on the return trip, the crew’s efforts kept the journey smooth and safe.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The trip offers good value for money, especially considering the included water activities and scenery. Travelers have noted the ease of logistics—no need for complicated land transfers or expensive day trips. That said, some reviews pointed out poor organization or lack of communication during docking and a disappointing lunch menu, which wasn’t a focus of this tour but affects overall experience if you’re expecting a full meal.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This cruise is perfect for those who love swimming in clear waters and want a relaxed day of sightseeing without the hustle. It’s also suitable for travelers who value a simple, straightforward trip and aren’t seeking extensive land exploration or disembarkation. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Chrissi from the comfort of a boat will find it rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a relaxing day with excellent photo opportunities, swimming, and scenic views of Chrissi Island, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The friendly staff and well-organized cruise make it a stress-free way to enjoy Crete’s natural splendors without the hassle of planning multiple transport legs. Just keep in mind the summer restriction on disembarking and the fact that food options onboard are limited and possibly disappointing.

For travelers who value natural beauty, ease of access, and a laid-back atmosphere, this cruise ticks all those boxes. It’s ideal if you’re happy to spend most of the day on the water, soaking up the sun, and enjoying a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Chrissi.

FAQs

• How long is the cruise?
  It lasts about 6 hours, including the ferry rides and time on the island.

• Is food included?
  No, food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but they are not included in the price.

• Can I disembark on Chrissi Island?
  During the summer, disembarkation onto the island’s interior is not permitted. You can, however, swim near the shore.

• What do I need to bring?
  Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID. You may also want to bring extra snacks or drinks.

• Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
  It’s suitable for most ages, but consider mobility issues since disembarkation isn’t allowed and swimming is involved.

• How accessible is the port of Ierapetra?
  Very accessible, with free parking and public transportation options from nearby towns.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

To sum it up, this boat cruise to Chrissi Island offers an enjoyable and nature-focused day for those looking to relax, swim, and take in stunning views. It’s a great value for the price, especially if you enjoy water activities and scenic cruising. Perfect for travelers who want an easy, low-stress way to experience one of Crete’s most beautiful spots without the need for extensive land excursions.

You can check availability for your dates here: