In a nutshell
- A boat tour on Crete lets you discover the island from a completely different angle — swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear Mediterranean included.
- We’ve rounded up the 12 best Crete boat tours — from budget picks under €25 to luxury catamaran cruises with all-inclusive drinks and fresh-cooked lunch.
- All tours are organized by departure port, so you can quickly find the best option near your base — whether that’s Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, or anywhere in between.
The Most Beautiful Boat Tours from Chania on Crete
Boat Trip to Agioi Theodoroi and the Island of Lazaretta
- Departure point: Chania
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Cost: Adults €25, children ages 13–17 €22, children ages 4–12 €17, under 3 free
If you don’t need anything fancy, our budget pick is the one to go for. For just €25, you get to cruise the Mediterranean for half a day — you honestly can’t beat that.
On this boat tour from Chania, you’ll also learn a ton about the Venetian occupation of Crete. You’ll visit two islands off the coast — always with views of Agia Marina Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete.
You can get off at both islands. First up is Agioi Theodoroi, which was historically used to defend Crete — and today, adorable Cretan wild goats roam freely there. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some up close.
Near the island, there’s another stop where you can snorkel and discover an old German aircraft wreck from World War II — seriously cool! Then at the second island, Lazaretta, you can swim and chill on the beach.
Our tip: Even if you’re not into history, this is a really great Crete boat tour — especially for the price. You even get a few snacks and a drink included.
Book boat tour to Agioi Theodoroi & Lazaretta
Great Boat Tours from Rethymnon on Crete
Cool Boat Tour on a Glass-Bottom Boat
- Departure point: Chania
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Cost: €27 for adults and children ages 4 and up, toddlers under 3 are free
If you’re on Crete with kids, the glass-bottom boat tour from Chania is an absolute must. The little ones will love it, and nobody is going to get bored.
Through the glass bottom, you can watch the colorful marine life glide by beneath you. We’re keeping our fingers crossed you’ll spot plenty of fish — maybe even some dolphins if you’re lucky.
There are also two stops along the way. One is on the island of Thodorou, where you can see the Cretan wild goats. The second stop is at Lazaretta, where you can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach.
Catamaran Sailing Trip with Lunch and Drinks
- Departure point: Rethymnon
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Cost: Adults €145, children €75
Staying at a hotel on Crete in the northwest of the island and in the mood for a more luxurious day on the water? Then a sailing trip on a catamaran from Rethymnon is exactly what you’re looking for.
You’ll sail along the northern coast of Crete and drop anchor in the beautiful bay of Georgioupoli, one of the most beautiful places on Crete.
Here you’ll have plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or fish. You can even try stand-up paddleboarding — or just lie back on the boat’s net and soak it all in.
The tour comes with an all-inclusive drinks package — beer, wine, coffee, soft drinks, as much as you like. And at lunchtime, you’ll be served a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Book catamaran sailing trip with lunch
Romantic Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Wine and Cheese
- Departure point: Rethymnon
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Cost: €85, children under 4 €45
The catamaran sailing tour gets really romantic when you do it in the evening. The standout moment is definitely the sunset enjoyed out on the open water — it’s seriously gorgeous.
On this Crete boat trip too, you’ll cruise along the northern coast, just heading in the other direction. In the bay of Panormos, you’ll stop to snorkel and try stand-up paddleboarding.
Throughout the entire cruise, you can enjoy unlimited wine, beer, fresh fruit, and cheese. A truly lovely evening excursion for couples.
The Best Boat Tours from Heraklion on Crete
Sailing to the Island of Dia with Lunch
- Departure point: Heraklion
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Cost: €80 for adults and children
Instead of a catamaran, you can also explore Crete by sailboat during your Crete vacation. A sailboat moves at a more relaxed pace, and honestly, we think it looks a bit cooler too.
This sailing tour from Heraklion heads to the uninhabited Greek island of Dia. Once there, you can explore the island at your own pace and swim or snorkel in the clear water — or just relax.
All drinks are included, and you’ll also be treated to a really delicious lunch. You can choose to do this Crete sailing tour in the morning or afternoon, whichever suits you.
Book sailing trip with food & drinks
Day Trip from Crete to Santorini
- Departure point: Heraklion
- Duration: 11–15 hours
- Cost: Adults €170, children ages 3–11 €85, under 3 free
For something a little different, a day trip to Santorini from Heraklion is one of the best excursions you can do — Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in all of Greece.
Admittedly, the highlight here isn’t the boat ride itself, since it’s just a speedboat transfer. The real star is the island of Santorini.
You’ll get to photograph the iconic white houses with blue-domed rooftops and wander through charming, narrow alleyways.
The excursion covers two destinations: the stunning village of Oia with its famous blue rooftops, and Fira, the island’s main town — a great spot for shopping and soaking up the atmosphere.
Book guided day trip to Santorini
In a dedicated article, we’ve written up even more information and tips for your boat trip to Santorini.
Beautiful Boat Tours from Agios Nikolaos on Crete
Beautiful Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
- Departure point: Agios Nikolaos
- Duration: 5 hours
- Cost: €140 for adults and children ages 5 and up, €75 for children under 4
We’re also big fans of a morning catamaran cruise. This fantastic Crete boat tour departs from Agios Nikolaos — perfect if your accommodations are in the eastern part of the island.
The trip takes you out into the stunning Mirabello Bay. During the stop, you can swim, snorkel, or try stand-up paddleboarding to your heart’s content.
On board, all drinks — soft drinks, beer, wine, and coffee — are included. At lunchtime, you’ll be served a freshly prepared meal featuring fish or mussels.
Book catamaran cruise with food & drinks
Boat Trip to Spinalonga with a Swimming Stop
- Departure point: Agios Nikolaos
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Cost: Adults €20, children ages 4–10 €10, children under 3 free
The island of Spinalonga is one of the top sights on Crete and one of the most popular day trips on Crete you can take during your vacation.
And that’s exactly where this boat tour heads. Spinalonga is the main focus of the trip, and you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the island.
But the tour also takes you through the beautiful Mirabello Bay, past the cave of the legendary pirate Barbarosa, and gives you a chance to swim and snorkel along the way.
Our tip: If you’re planning to visit Spinalonga anyway and 1.5 hours there is enough for you, this boat tour is a no-brainer. The price is really great, and there’s even a guide on board.
Note: Admission to Spinalonga costs €8; children pay €4. This is an additional charge you’ll need to pay separately on-site.
Book boat tour to Spinalonga Island
The Best Boat Tours on Crete from Hersonissos
Cool Jet Boat Tour with Snorkeling
- Departure point: Hersonissos
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: €45 for adults, €25 for children under 10
Want a Crete boat trip that’s packed with pure adrenaline? Hersonissos in northeastern Crete has exactly what you need.
On a jet boat, you’ll race across the Mediterranean at up to 90 kilometers per hour. Pretty wild, right? In between the action, you’ll make a stop for snorkeling.
Admittedly, the jet boat ride isn’t quite a traditional boat excursion — it’s more of a thrilling activity on Crete. But kids especially will have an absolute blast.
Book jet boat tour with snorkeling
Relaxing Catamaran Sunset Cruise
- Departure point: Hersonissos
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Cost: Adults €80, children €45
A romantic evening catamaran cruise isn’t just for the northwest — you can enjoy one in the northeast too. A beautiful sunset sailing tour departs right from Hersonissos.
The sunset out on the open water is the absolute highlight, of course. But Agios Georgios Bay, which you’ll visit on this tour, is also genuinely stunning — well worth the trip on its own.
Here you can swim and snorkel, enjoy drinks at the all-inclusive bar, and dig into delicious finger food. A lovely evening for couples who want to get out and explore beyond their adults-only hotel on Crete.
Great Boat Tours in Southern Crete
Beautiful Boat Tour on the Libyan Sea
- Departure point: Agia Galini
- Duration: 7 hours
- Cost: Adults €74, children ages 6–17 €52, children under 5 free
Want to explore Crete by boat away from the tourist crowds? Then a boat tour along the southern coast is absolutely the way to go.
This beautiful southern Crete boat trip departs from Agia Galini and heads to two small, idyllic, uninhabited islands in the Libyan Sea. You can explore the islands on foot or simply relax on the gorgeous beach.
The boat makes a second stop in a secluded cove where you can swim or snorkel once more. Afterward, a really delicious lunch is served on board.
Our tip: This southern Crete sailing tour pairs really well with a visit to Matala or the Agia Marina Donkey Rescue. The latter is a truly lovely animal experience where you can discover Crete in a completely different way.
Note: The boat reportedly departs late fairly often, so be prepared for that. Even so, we think a tour down in the south is a refreshing change of pace from the busier northern ports.
Book boat tour on the Libyan Sea
Relaxed Boat Tour to the Village of Loutro and the Freshwater Beach at Glyka Nera
- Departure point: From Rethymnon by bus
- Duration: 11 hours
- Cost: Adults €30, children ages 4–12 €20, under 3 free
Loutro is only accessible on foot or by boat. This small fishing village in southern Crete has no roads — none at all lead to it.
And that’s exactly where this Crete boat tour takes you. Let’s start from the beginning though. The trip begins in Rethymnon by bus. In Sfakia on the southern side of the island, you’ll board the boat.
The first stop is Glyka Nera, a freshwater beach with crystal-clear turquoise water. After about two hours, you’ll continue on to Loutro. Here you can swim, grab a bite to eat, or just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
Our tip: If long stretches on a boat aren’t your thing, this is the perfect excursion for you. The boat rides between stops are short, so you get more time to actually explore each place.
Note: The price listed on GetYourGuide does not yet include the boat trip itself — we know, that’s a bit misleading. You’ll need to pay an additional €15 on-site for the boat ride.
