REVIEW · CHANIA
Kolimvari: Sailing Cruise with Meal & Water Activities
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A yacht day on Crete beats the beach routine, mixing small-group sailing with a swim stop on Agioi Theodoroi and an included meal with unlimited drinks.
I love the way the crew turns anchor time into real fun: swimming in clear water plus optional snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding. I also love the food setup—Greek salad and Cretan starters, then shrimp linguine onboard (with vegetarian and gluten-free options if you ask).
One consideration: this trip isn’t for everyone if you’re prone to seasickness, since you’ll be out on open water.
In This Review
- Key points I’d plan around
- Kolimvari to Agioi Theodoroi: the sailing cruise in plain terms
- Getting there and getting on board (without turning it into a chore)
- Cruising the north coast of Chania: views that feel earned
- Agioi Theodoroi swim stop: swimming, snorkeling, and SUP time
- Kri-Kri goats and marine life: what the island adds
- The onboard meal and unlimited drinks: good food, not just fuel
- Sunset timing and how to choose morning vs afternoon
- Group size, comfort, and sea conditions: the stuff that changes your day
- Price and value at $129: what you’re really paying for
- Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it
- Should you book the Kolimvari sailing cruise to Agioi Theodoroi?
- FAQ
- Where does the cruise depart from?
- How long is the cruise?
- What can I do when we reach Agioi Theodoroi?
- What’s included in the meal?
- Are drinks included?
- Do they provide snorkeling and SUP equipment?
- What should I bring?
- Is pickup and drop-off included, and where?
Key points I’d plan around
- Agioi Theodoroi swim time with snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding gear provided
- Kri-Kri island context: Agioi Theodoroi is known for the famous Kri-Kri goats
- Loukas and Jason run the vibe with friendly hosting and real teamwork onboard
- Unlimited drinks paired with a full Mediterranean meal, not just snacks
- Morning or afternoon options so you can aim for a sunset return
Kolimvari to Agioi Theodoroi: the sailing cruise in plain terms
This is a straightforward, high-payoff day on the water: you sail from Kolimvari, cruise along the Chania coastline, then spend your main chunk of time at Agioi Theodoroi. The whole point is simple—scenery on the move, crystal water to cool off, and food and drinks when you’re ready to slow down.
The trip usually runs as a small-group experience on a comfortable sailing yacht, with crew members doing both safety and hosting. Guides and crew names come up often in feedback—Loukas and Jason are frequently mentioned as the captain/crew duo that keeps the day running smoothly.
The vibe is relaxed but organized. You get a safety briefing, you get equipment if you want it, and meals arrive on a predictable timeline so you’re not waiting around hungry.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Chania
Getting there and getting on board (without turning it into a chore)
Your departure point is the Bus stop of Kolimvari Port. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, because they’re timing the sailing and the rest of the day isn’t designed for late starts.
If you select hotel pickup, you may ride in a van for about an hour first. Pickup areas listed include Kolimvari and a long stretch around Chania—things like Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Galatas, Daratso, Chania town, Nea Chora, Souda, and spots in between. Then you’ll get a second segment on the water and later return the same way to drop you off in Platanias and at the KTEL Kolymbari bus stop for connections back toward Chania.
Practical tip: if you’re staying in Chania and you want to keep costs down, public buses via KTEL are often reliable. People also mention taking the bus from Chania to Kolimvari instead of a taxi when planning their own timing.
Cruising the north coast of Chania: views that feel earned
The sailing portion starts after a short safety briefing (about 15 minutes). Then you ease out and spend roughly an hour sailing along the north coast of Chania.
What I like about this setup is that it’s not just transportation to the swim spot. You get actual sailing time to enjoy the shoreline views from the water—coastline angles, the way light hits the sea, and that sense of distance you don’t get from a land viewpoint.
If conditions are a bit choppy, expect the yacht to move—part of the experience is the real sea, not a glassy postcard. I’d treat it like a fun sailing day, not a calm cruise on a lake.
Agioi Theodoroi swim stop: swimming, snorkeling, and SUP time
About one hour after setting out, the cruise reaches the swim area at Agioi Theodoroi. This is the core of the trip, with about 3 hours anchored so you can take your time.
Once you’re anchored, the crew makes it easy to join in:
- You can swim right off the yacht.
- You can snorkel if you want to look around.
- You can try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) using the provided equipment (you just need to ask).
The water here is repeatedly described as crystal clear, and that matters because snorkeling and floating feel much better when visibility is good. If you’re new to snorkeling or SUP, this is one of those days where the staff can get you set up without turning it into a test.
Timing-wise, you don’t feel rushed. You can spend longer in the water if that’s your priority, or you can take breaks in the sun between swims. The yacht also runs music onboard, which helps the whole thing feel like a day out rather than a tour with switches.
Kri-Kri goats and marine life: what the island adds
Agioi Theodoroi is known as the home of the Kri-Kri goats, and you’ll have time during the stop to visit and look around the island area. Even if you don’t go full-on hiking, the presence of the island itself changes the feel of the swim stop—it’s not just a random cove.
You also get a chance at marine life viewing. People mention seeing plenty of sea life during snorkeling, and there are even stories of wildlife sightings while sailing out (one example that comes up is a sea turtle).
Here’s the value of including this: the island isn’t an afterthought. The day mixes water time with a sense of place, so you come away with more than just a tan and photos.
The onboard meal and unlimited drinks: good food, not just fuel
If you’re debating whether the added meal is worth it, I’d say yes—because it’s more than a sandwich lunch. When the crew serves food, it’s set up as a proper Mediterranean meal.
You’ll get:
- Greek salad
- Cretan appetizers, including tzatziki, olive paste, and fruits
- A main course of shrimp linguine
- Vegetarian and gluten-free versions available upon request
For dessert, expect a special fruit mix combining local and tropical fruits.
And the drinks are part of the deal: you get unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, iced tea, and water throughout the cruise. That changes how the day feels. It’s not the stress of spacing your budget—more like a steady, easy flow where you can drink when you want and focus on the water.
One small reality check: a few people found the meal simpler than what they hoped for in taste variety. The good news is the food still gets described as plentiful and cooked well, and the overall experience tends to be the main event.
Sunset timing and how to choose morning vs afternoon
You can choose between a morning or afternoon cruise. The afternoon option is built for that sunset view on the return.
This is worth planning around because sunset affects mood more than you’d expect. When you come back with the light changing over the coastline, the sailing section feels like the finish line—not just the commute back.
If you’re the type who likes swimming earlier so the rest of the day feels free, go morning. If you want the day’s pacing to peak at the end with those late-day tones, pick afternoon.
Group size, comfort, and sea conditions: the stuff that changes your day
This isn’t designed as a giant party boat. Feedback often points to small groups—some days with around 10 or 11 people onboard and the yacht being about a 44-foot sailing boat.
That size matters. You move around the boat more easily, you can find space to relax between swims, and the crew can actually spend time helping people with snorkeling or SUP.
Sea condition note: the trip involves sailing and open-water movement, and a few people mention it can get a bit rough at times. If you’re sensitive, I’d take the health guidance seriously because the activity is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.
If you do go, a simple tactic that comes up in practical advice is to keep your eyes on the horizon and don’t fight the motion. Also, bring a towel—your own—not everything is covered.
Price and value at $129: what you’re really paying for
At $129 per person for a 5-hour day, the real question is whether you’re getting more than you could piece together yourself.
You are getting bundled value:
- Sailing time along the Chania coast (not just a short transfer)
- A dedicated swim stop with snorkeling and SUP gear included
- A full 3-course Mediterranean meal
- Unlimited drinks during the cruise
If you’ve ever priced out boat access plus a guided swim plus lunch and drinks in Crete, you’ll usually find that the “small extra” add-ons add up fast. Here, the package stays simple: one price, one timeline, and staff handling food, gear, and safety.
Where your money shines most is if you want a low-effort way to combine sea activities with a real meal. If you only want to look at boats and you don’t swim, the value drops.
Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it
This cruise fits best if you want:
- A relaxed sailing day with actual time to swim
- Clear-water conditions for snorkeling and SUP
- A meal that’s included and served onboard—Greek salad, appetizers, main, dessert
- A smaller-group feel where the crew can help you
It may not fit you if you:
- Are pregnant, need wheelchair access, or are prone to seasickness
- Expect a luxury resort-style itinerary with lots of long shore stops (this is built around the water time)
Should you book the Kolimvari sailing cruise to Agioi Theodoroi?
I’d book it if you’re staying near Chania and you want one day that feels like a vacation inside your vacation. The combination of sailing scenery, a high-focus swim stop, and a real onboard meal with unlimited drinks is exactly the kind of Crete activity that pays off quickly.
Skip it if you’re seasickness-prone or you’re looking for a land-heavy cultural day. For everyone else—especially couples and small groups who like water sports—this is one of the most efficient ways to enjoy the north coast without turning your schedule into a jigsaw puzzle.
FAQ
Where does the cruise depart from?
You meet at the Bus stop of Kolimvari Port. There are parking spots right at the dock area, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes early.
How long is the cruise?
The activity duration is 5 hours. You’ll typically have about 1 hour sailing each way and around 3 hours at the Agioi Theodoroi stop.
What can I do when we reach Agioi Theodoroi?
At the swim stop you’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, marine life viewing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), plus a chance to visit the island area.
What’s included in the meal?
The meal includes a Mediterranean-style 3-course setup: Greek salad plus appetizers such as tzatziki and olive paste, then shrimp linguine (with vegetarian tomato-sauce pasta available). Gluten-free options are available upon request.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Drinks are unlimited and include wine, beer, soft drinks, iced tea, and water.
Do they provide snorkeling and SUP equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling and SUP boarding equipment are included, and you need to request it from the crew.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel (not included) and your passport or ID card. A copy is accepted.
Is pickup and drop-off included, and where?
Pickup is optional. The listed pickup areas include locations in and around Chania (such as Chania town, Nea Chora, Agia Marina, Stalos, Galatas, Daratso, Souda, and other areas between). Drop-off includes Platanias and the KTEL Kolymbari bus stop toward Chania.
