The 15 Best Crete Boat Tours

1.Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,031 reviews · 4h 30m · from $29Our pick

Join Nostos Cruises at Agios Nikolaos for a 4.5-hour afternoon boat trip to Spinalonga. Swim from the boat in Kolokitha Bay, hear about Olous, Barbarosa’s cave, and Kri-Kri island, then take a guided island walk with free time to explore. English and Dutch guides lead the tour, with French and German audio guides available.

“Communication leading up to the booking time was clear and precise. It was well organised from the moment you arrive at the meeting point. The swim was beautiful. Please note the boat does not go to land for the swim but they drop anchor in the bay and you swim off the boat. Good historic information from the guides on the island while there with plenty of time to look around. The boat trip was very smooth and enjoyable. The food on the boat has limited selection but nice tasting food at reasonable prices. Recommend this tour as it’s a great price for a full afternoon.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Chania/Rethymno: Balos & Gramvousa With Pickup & Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,703 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $50

Spend a full day cruising from Kissamos to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. You get hotel-area pickup, an air-conditioned bus, boat tickets, multilingual guides, swimming time, and an optional lunch. Guides such as Donia keep the schedule clear, while the boat offers food, drinks, and an open deck.

“We lived in the center of Hania, so we boarded the shuttle bus at the old market square that took us to the port of Kissamos. In the meantime, it stopped at a few places to pick up passengers. The tour guide provided information in English about the excursion and the history of the island. We boarded the boat that collected passengers from the buses of various organizing companies. (more than 100 people) We had about 2.5 hours in the Balos lagoon, then we landed at the island of Gramvousa (about 20 minutes by boat). Food and drinks can be purchased on the boat. There were 2 choices on the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Heraklion: Sailboat Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,405 reviews · 1 hour - 390 minutes · from $35

Set out from Heraklion on a luxury sailing yacht with an English or Greek-speaking crew. The shared half-day trip reaches Dia Island for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, lunch, wine, and soft drinks. Private cruises offer meal choices, while the one-hour coastal sail skips Dia, lunch, and water activities. Crew members may include Stavroula, Dennis, Miso, or Mido.

“A very choppy crossing to the island. Very well handled by the skipper though The boat was comfortable and safety was well looked after Food was very good. Would have been nice to have beer as an option perhaps Time went very quickly”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 992 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $23

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Chania, Kalyves, or nearby resorts to Kissamos, then sail to Gramvousa and Balos. You get free time for swimming and the Venetian fortress, with guides such as Stella keeping the day on track. The €34 adult boat ticket is usually extra, and Balos may require swimming from the ferry to shore.

“Really nice guide and welcoming, was a comfy ride to the port and back. Our guide was really friendly and kept us informed and updated with the itinerary and what to expect. The Gramvousa Island was amazing, definitely recommend walking up to the Fortress first and then spending the rest of the time on the beach. Note there are no cafes or food on the island, only one small souvenir shop. Spent 2.75 hours which was a good amount of time to do both. It’s worth noting that you can’t actually go into the Balos beach due to the new conservation rules unless you swim to it from the boat.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.From Ag. Nikolaos: Spinalonga & Kolokytha Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 735 reviews · 5h 30m · from $35

Cruise from Agios Nikolaos across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga, where you have 90 minutes for a self-guided visit with a map and booklet. Then swim at Kolokytha Beach while the crew prepares pork, salad, bread, fruit, and wine or juice. Bring cash for the €20 island entrance fee and onboard drinks.

“The boat trip was fine, as well as the food, but they dont have enough tables , we had to eat on our knees... Per total it was alright we had fun”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Agios Nikolaos: Semi-Submarine Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 670 reviews · from $18Best value

Board an air-conditioned semi-submarine at Agios Nikolaos port for a close look at fish around Agioi Pantes Island. A multilingual audio guide explains the marine life, while the crew feeds fish near the vessel. Later, move to the main deck for bay views. Turtles, dolphins, and seals are possible but never assured.

“Really lovely way to spend a few hours; and the air conditioned boat helped tremendously. The tour is given in English, French and German and is worth listening to. We got to see lots of fish, sadly missed the turtles :( one fish was huge, looked to be just under 1m long! The guides were friendly. There is a snacks and drinks dispenser machine onboard but be aware that it takes coins only.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 594 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $20

Spend a full day traveling from Rethymno to western Crete, then cruise from Kissamos to Gramvousa and Balos. You get time to swim, relax, and climb to the Venetian fortress. English, German, and French guides may accompany the trip, with pickup included from selected resorts. The boat ticket costs extra.

“Gramavousa, difficult to travel at the end of the day, I suggest changing the order of the objectives. Attentive guide, very interesting route, Balos is wow, worth it, the Crete is fabulous!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Rethymno: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Pirate Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 581 reviews · 1 hour · from $29

Board the wooden pirate boat Captain Hook at Rethymno port for a one-hour sunset cruise. You will pass views of Fortezza Castle, the Venetian Port, lighthouse, city, and Cretan mountains, then return as Rethymno lights up. Your ticket includes one beer or soft drink, with German, English, and French assistance.

“It was a great experience and one my husband and I will not forget . The sunset was amazing and the views from the boat was amazing”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Heraklion: Private Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 466 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $459 per boat, seats 8 Top rated

You’ll spend 4.5 hours on a private sailing boat from Heraklion to Dia Island, with a two-person crew, snorkeling gear, fishing rods, paddleboards, wine, soft drinks, and fruit. Anchor in Saint George Bay for swimming and lunch. Hotel transfers and a full meal cost extra.

“Communication with the provider was excellent from point of booking to the day of the event. They answered my many questions and was helpful with facilitating a cake delivery for my daughters birthday. The round trip taxi service was fairly priced, the driver arrived in time & was very friendly and accommodating. The boat was lovely & the crew Ilias & Nikiforas were fantastic. Really friendly& welcoming guys. Dia Island was beautiful & the journey to and from the island was equally as enjoyable. All round a perfect excursion and well worth the money. Thank you”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 429 reviews · 4 hours · from $47

Cruise from Kolymbari to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, with about two hours at Menies and 40 minutes at Chironisia. You can swim from the boat, use the included snorkeling gear, see WWII cannon remains, and visit ancient sites near Menies. Hotel pickup is available from selected north Chania locations.

“The tour guide was incredibly nice and informative! Great experience and the guide did more then we could ask for.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 363 reviews · 3 hours · from $100

Travel from Chania to Almyrida for a three-hour boat trip with guided snorkeling, stand-up paddling, fruit, water, and free photos. Instructors such as Adriana, Simone, and Lucca help first-timers feel safe, while optional Yamaha sea scooters add extra fun for ages 12 and up.

“The snorkeling activity was awesome! Lucca our instructor was great and knowledgeable about the area. When in Chania I recommend the activity 100%.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 327 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $37

Spend 9 to 10 hours visiting Elounda, swimming at Kolokytha Beach, touring Spinalonga with a guide, and exploring Agios Nikolaos. The boat BBQ costs extra, as does Spinalonga admission. Guides may speak English, French, German, Italian, Polish, or Russian, with guides such as Mary, Olga, and Dagmara praised for their clear, engaging explanations.

“I just give 5 stars because I cannot give more. Everything was amazing. Manuela, one of the guide, was fantastic. She was always clear and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 293 reviews · 5 hours · from $64

Spend five hours on a pirate-themed boat from Rethymno Marina, sailing past Fortezza and Gerani Bay to Kefalas Bay. You get roughly an hour for swimming and snorkeling, plus Greek salad, bread, a drink, masks, and swimming tubes. Expect a scenic but sometimes choppy ride, with no hotel transfer and limited commentary.

“Really enjoyable trip. Lots of shade on board to protect from sun. Great swimming at quiet bay and snorkelling with equipment provided. Lovely fresh lunch and drink included My son had chance to steer the boat. Booked online and excellent communication with company.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.From Rethymno: Full-Day Trip to Santorini by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 279 reviews · 13 hours · from $243

Travel from Rethymno to Santorini by high-speed boat, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus. You get guided sightseeing, free time for photos, shopping, lunch, and caldera views. Hotel pickup is optional, and the €20 volcano boat trip depends on availability. Bring your passport or ID.

“We had a really nice experience with Get Your Guide. Our tour guide and driver were AMAZING!! We were so happy with all that they shared with us, how they communicated about timelines, and more. However the day was exhausting, with traveling over 3.5 hours one way and only having around 2.5 hours total to explore the two stops, it made for a quick trip around Santorini. We knew this going in, but weren’t sure we will make it back to Greece and wanted to squeeze the stop in. For that I would say it was worth it. However, be ready for a SUPER long day, lots of heat, walking,…”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Heraklion: Santorini Day Trip with Boat Transfer & Oia Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 269 reviews · 11 hours · from $199

Take a high-speed SeaJets ferry from Heraklion to Santorini, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus with a multilingual escort. You’ll see Caldera views, hear island history, and get free time in Fira. An optional €20 wooden-boat trip to the volcano and hot springs is available from mid-May, but it reduces time on the island.

“Onze gids kon Nederlands en was heel aardig en vertelde enthousiast veel over het eiland. Oia zelf was heel erg druk zoals verwacht. De 2e stad vonden wij persoonlijk veel gezelliger en leuker om te winkelen. Jammer was wel dat de optie voor vulkaan bezoek van de tijd zou gaan dus hierom hebben wij er niet voor gekozen omdat de tijd al niet erg veel was. Verder mooie dag gehad.”

Check availability →Read our full review