Heraklion:Cruise to Chrissi island natural park with pick up

Exploring Chrissi Island from Heraklion: A Practical and Authentic Day Trip

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Crete’s mainland and experience a piece of unspoiled Greek nature, a cruise to Chrissi Island Natural Park might be just what you need. This full-day tour offers a mix of scenic drives, boat adventures, and beach relaxation, all wrapped up in a package that’s practical, well-organized, and suitable for most travelers.

What we particularly like about this tour is the attentiveness to both comfort and authenticity. The professional guides add a layer of local insight that makes the whole day more meaningful, and the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters on an uninhabited island is genuinely special. The downside? It’s a long day, spanning roughly 10 to 12 hours, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy full days of activity and don’t mind early starts. This experience is perfect for nature lovers, curious explorers, and anyone wanting a break from typical tourist spots—especially those who value a good mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation.

Key Points

• Scenic transportation: Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride through Crete’s east coast, setting the tone for a relaxed day.
• Authentic island experience: Swim and explore on a completely uninhabited Greek island with pristine beaches and clear waters.
• Expert-guided tour: Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the area’s natural beauty and history.
• Flexible options: Optional on-board lunch and drinks allow customization, emphasizing value.
• All-included convenience: Pickup, drop-off, entrance fees, and liability insurance are part of the package.
• Timing: A full-day adventure with multiple stops, suitable for travelers comfortable with long hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Crete’s Coastal Charm and Chrissi’s Natural Beauty

This tour combines the best of Crete’s east coast scenery with the untouched peace of Chrissi Island. We loved the way it balances organized logistics with authentic natural immersion. Starting with a scenic drive from Heraklion, the journey itself is a pleasant introduction to Crete’s landscape, giving you a glimpse of local towns and the lush countryside before reaching Ierapetra.

Once in Ierapetra, the tour slows down for about 30 minutes, giving you just enough time to walk around a city that’s often overlooked compared to Heraklion or Chania. It’s a charming stop where you can soak in southern European vibes, browse local shops, or simply enjoy a quick coffee before heading to the boat.

The Boat Cruise: A Highlight of the Day

The boat cruise is the core of this experience, lasting about 4.5 hours and taking you along the Libyan Sea. The crew welcomes you aboard with a friendly attitude, and the perspectives from the deck are fantastic, especially if the weather is clear. You’ll pass by exotic bays, including Belegrina Beach—also called Golden Beach—and Vougiou Mati Beach, which are perfect spots for photos or a quick swim.

The highlight? Anchoring near Belegrina Beach, which is only about 50 meters from the shore. You can dive into the turquoise waters directly from the boat—a real treat for lovers of swimming and sunbathing. The waters are calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkeling or just floating around.

A Perfect Spot for a Swim and Relaxation

One of the comments from previous travelers is that being the only boat at the island heightened the feeling of privacy and tranquility. As Lilia mentioned, “We were the only boat at the island, which I thought was great! You definitely need water shoes/flip-flops on the island (hot sand, sharp rocks, and small cacti that you can step on). Otherwise, the trip was awesome :)”. This highlights how the natural environment is largely untouched, making it a perfect escape for those wanting a peaceful beach day.

Food and Refreshments

The tour offers an optional on-board lunch for 9 euros, which includes salads, sandwiches, and beverages. The self-service bar is open throughout the cruise, offering a variety of snacks, drinks, ice cream, and even pizza or wine for those interested. We think this adds good value, especially considering the length of the trip, but it’s also easy to bring your own refreshments if you prefer.

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Returning to Crete

After spending roughly 6 hours exploring the beaches and swimming, the boat heads back to Ierapetra, and from there, the bus takes you back along the coast to your pickup points. The return journey is just as scenic, with many travelers remarking on how the day’s experiences stay with them long after.

The Itinerary In Detail: What to Expect

The day begins early with pickup from a choice of 12 locations around Heraklion, Malia, Stalida, and nearby areas. The bus ride to Ierapetra takes approximately two hours, giving you time to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Upon arrival at Ierapetra, you’ll have about 30 minutes of free time—an opportunity to explore a less crowded part of Crete, admire its seaside charm, or snap some photos. This quick stop offers a taste of the local vibe before the real adventure begins.

The boat cruise itself lasts around 4.5 hours, during which you’ll visit several beaches, including Belegrina, Vougiou Mati, and the northern coast of Chrissi Island. The boat anchors near pristine beaches, giving you ample time to swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun. Many reviews highlight how peaceful and secluded these spots are—“You definitely need water shoes/flip-flops,” as Lilia pointed out.

After the cruise, you return to Ierapetra for a brief ferry ride and then a bus back to your starting points. The timing is designed so that you can maximize your day without feeling rushed, though it is a full schedule.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip is well-suited for nature lovers and anyone interested in authentic beach experiences. It’s particularly good for travelers who enjoy guided excursions with knowledgeable guides—the reviews commend the guide’s insight and friendliness. It’s also ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers comfortable with long durations and outdoor activities.

If you’re not keen on early mornings or long days, you might find the schedule a bit demanding. However, the value for money—given that transportation, entrance fees, and guided commentary are included—makes it worthwhile for most who want a full immersion in Crete’s natural beauty.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic, and relaxing day out, this cruise to Chrissi Island ticks many boxes. The combination of a scenic drive, expert-guided commentary, and pristine beaches offers a well-rounded experience. The fact that you get to swim in untouched waters and enjoy the natural landscape without crowded tourist spots makes this tour stand out.

The value is enhanced by the inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and the friendly guidance, leaving you free to focus on enjoying the experience. While it’s a long day, the peaceful beaches and the chance to see a truly wild part of Greece make it worthwhile.

This tour would best suit those who appreciate authentic natural environments, aren’t bothered by a full schedule, and want to add a memorable adventure to their Crete holiday.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transportation by air-conditioned bus from a selection of pickup points.

How long is the boat cruise?
The cruise lasts about 4.5 hours, with stops at several beaches including Belegrina and Vougiou Mati.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own, but there’s also an optional onboard lunch for 9 euros, plus a bar with snacks and beverages.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear are recommended for the day.

Are there any restrictions or considerations?
The tour is quite full and involves a long day of travel and outdoor activities, so it’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a lengthy schedule.

Is the island crowded?
No, travelers have noted it’s often the only boat there, which enhances the feeling of privacy and peace.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children who are comfortable with outdoor activities and long days should find it enjoyable.

To sum it up, this tour offers a compelling blend of scenic travel, expert guidance, and untouched natural beauty. It’s a thoughtful choice for those wanting to experience Crete beyond the usual tourist spots, emphasizing genuine environment and relaxation. While it demands a full day’s commitment, the payoff is a memorable, authentic slice of Greek nature that will linger long after the trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: