Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Crete, Hersonisos offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its stunning waters with a delightful boat cruise. Aboard a traditional wooden vessel, guests embark on a 4-hour journey, seeing the serene beauty of St. George Bay and Stalis. From scenic vistas to captivating marine life, this family-friendly experience promises a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Complemented by a delicious grilled lunch and refreshing beverages, the cruise’s friendly crew sets the stage for an unforgettable day filled with enchanting discoveries. With so much to see and savor, one can’t help but wonder what other wonders await on this alluring Cretan adventure.
Key Points
- A 4-hour boat cruise priced at Kč1,127 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
- Highlights include swimming and snorkeling in St. George Bay and Stalis, along with a grilled lunch featuring salad, bread, and fruit platter.
- Includes a scenic boat ride on a 19-meter traditional wooden boat with a capacity of 100 people, live guide commentary, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Provides opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, with snorkeling gear provided (masks only).
- Overall customer rating of 4.1 out of 5, with praise for crew friendliness and enjoyable swimming stops, but mixed feedback regarding the lunch quality.
Activity Overview
The 4-hour Hersonisos: Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Lunch is a popular activity among visitors to the area, with a high likelihood of selling out.
Priced from Kč1,127 per person, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, allowing for a convenient booking process.
The 19-meter (62 feet) traditional wooden boat can accommodate up to 100 people, providing a family-friendly environment with music onboard.
Highlights include swimming and snorkeling in St. George bay and Stalis, as well as a grilled lunch with salad, bread, and a fruit platter.
Experience Highlights
A key highlight of the boat cruise is the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the pristine waters of St. George bay and Stalis.
Guests can enjoy sunbathing on the 19-meter traditional wooden boat, taking in the scenic coastal views.
The lunch menu features a grilled meal with salad, bread, and a fruit platter, providing a satisfying dining experience.
Music onboard adds to the lively atmosphere, creating a family-friendly environment.
With a total capacity of 100 people, the cruise offers an intimate and personalized experience for all guests.
Inclusions
Included in the boat cruise are the scenic boat ride, a grilled lunch with a side salad, bread, and a fruit platter, as well as two opportunities to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of St. George bay and Stalis.
The package also includes:
- Snorkeling gear (masks only due to COVID-19 restrictions)
- Live guide commentary in English and Greek
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and other beverages
- A family-friendly environment with a total capacity of 100 people
These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for guests, allowing them to make the most of their time on the boat.
Important Information
Guests are required to meet at the Eleni Traditional Wooden Boat in the Port of Hersonissos to board the cruise.
They’ll need to bring their swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. The boat cruise isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.
All guests must present electronic or hard copies of their tickets before boarding. The crew provides snorkeling gear, excluding mask pipes, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Bottled water, soft drinks, and other beverages are included in the package.
The four-hour experience provides two swimming stops at St. George Bay and Stalis, allowing guests to enjoy sunbathing and snorkeling on the 19-meter traditional wooden boat.
Customer Reviews
Regarding customer reviews, the boat cruise has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 140 reviews.
While guests praised the friendliness of the crew and enjoyed the swimming stops, some had mixed feedback on the quality of the lunch, which was described as dry.
Plus, a few guests experienced seasickness, but the crew provided remedies to assist them.
The consensus seems to be that the experience was worthwhile, despite these minor issues.
The positive reviews highlight the highlights of the cruise, such as:
- Enjoyment of the swimming and snorkeling
- Sunbathing on the traditional wooden boat
- Family-friendly environment
Boat Cruise Details
The 4-hour Hersonisos: Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Lunch takes guests aboard a 19-meter (62 feet) traditional wooden boat to explore the picturesque coastline.
Passengers can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of St. George bay and Stalis, while also enjoying sunbathing on the boat.
The grilled lunch includes a salad, bread, and a fruit platter, complemented by music onboard.
With a total capacity of 100 people, the family-friendly cruise provides snorkeling gear, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and bottled water, soft drinks, and other beverages.
The cruise isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, and all guests must present their tickets.
Lunch and Refreshments
During the cruise, passengers are served a grilled lunch accompanied by a salad, bread, and a fruit platter. The meal provides a satisfying midday refuel while taking in the scenic coastal views.
Along With the lunch, the following refreshments are available:
- Bottled water
- Soft drinks
- Juices
- Hot coffee and tea
- Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
The variety of refreshments ensures there’s something to quench everyone’s thirst throughout the 4-hour boat tour.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Throughout the cruise, passengers have ample opportunities to swim and snorkel in the stunning turquoise waters. The boat makes two stops, allowing guests to explore the underwater world of St. George Bay and Stalis. Snorkeling gear, including masks, is provided, enabling passengers to fully enjoy the marine environment.
| Location | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| St. George Bay | Clear, calm waters with a variety of marine life | 1 hour |
| Stalis | Picturesque cove with vibrant coral formations | 1 hour |
The swimming and snorkeling experiences offer a refreshing break from sunbathing and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the Cretan coastline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Boat Cruise?
Yes, life jackets are provided for the boat cruise. The [KNOWLEDGE] mentions that safety equipment is included, stating "Inclusions: Boat cruise" and that the experience is "[f]amily-friendly" suggesting appropriate safety precautions are taken.
Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat is not wheelchair accessible, as it is noted that the activity is "Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments." Guests will need to be able to board and move around the boat comfortably.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat cruise. The tour includes a grilled lunch, dessert, and beverages. Outside food and drinks are not permitted due to the catering provided.
What Languages Do the Crew Speak?
The crew speaks English and Greek, according to the "Inclusions" section which states that the live guide is provided in both English and Greek.
How Long Is the Boat Ride Between Each Swimming Stop?
The boat ride between each swimming stop is approximately 30-40 minutes. The crew provides a live guide who narrates the journey in both English and Greek during the transitions between stops.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Hersonissos: Troy Dinner-Show Theatre Experience Tickets
- Crete: Quad Safari With Monastery, Malia Palace and Lunch
- Hersonissos: Sunset Catamaran Trip With Finger Food & Drinks
- Hersonissos: Alar Spectacular Dinner Show
- Heraklion/Chania Airport: Shared One-Way Hersnissos Transfer
- Full Day Trip to Spinalonga and Lasithi Plateau Zeus Cave
- Catamaran Cruise to Dia Island and Transfer Service
- Hersonissos: Sunset Private Catamaran to St George Bay
Recap
This 4-hour boat cruise provides a delightful way to experience the stunning coastal scenery and vibrant marine life around Hersonisos. Guests can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and a tasty grilled lunch, all while being entertained by the friendly crew. With scenic views, ample opportunities for relaxation, and an immersive cultural experience, this boat tour promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.