Short trip, big sea.

This traditional wooden boat cruise out of Hersonissos is built around easy, scenic time on the water, with two swim-and-snorkel stops at St. George bay and Stalis. You’ll be welcomed by the crew, including Cpt. Panos, George, and Leftheris, and you’ll get a proper on-board meal in the middle of it all.

I especially like the simple, included BBQ lunch (grilled chicken or pork, plus a vegetarian burger) and the fact that snorkeling gear is part of the deal. The one real consideration is crowding in peak season, and the snorkeling setup isn’t always the full snorkel-pipe style some people expect.

Key Points Before You Go

• Two swim-and-snorkel stops in one 4-hour outing: St. George bay first, then the Stalis area.
• Included BBQ lunch + fruit: grilled main, salad and bread, then fresh fruit platter.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: life jackets too, plus extra buoyancy can help you feel confident.
• High season can mean a busier deck: the boat runs at a limited portion of capacity, but it can still feel packed.
• It’s not a daily all-sail sailing show: sails may not be running all the time close to shore.

A Traditional Wooden Boat Cruise From Hersonissos

This is the kind of trip that makes sense if you want Crete’s coastline without dealing with gear rentals, long logistics, or a full-day schedule. You board an 18-meter (61 feet) traditional wooden boat, and the size is big enough to feel like a real outing, but still cozy enough for good service.

The vibe is very Greek in the practical sense: friendly crew, clear help when you’re getting in and out of the water, and a focus on letting you enjoy the sea. The company highlights a hospitality-first approach, with Cpt. Panos, George, and Leftheris as part of the onboard team.

You should also know what this is not. This isn’t a bare-boat charter where you control everything. Think of it as a structured cruise: you sail between two special swimming spots, and the main entertainment is water time plus food.

Timing and What the 4 Hours Really Feel Like

The trip runs about 4 hours and starts at 11:30 am, with the activity ending back where you started. That timing matters because it’s late enough to avoid the early-morning scramble, but early enough that you’re back before evening plans.

On board, the schedule is built around the sea: you head out, then you get your first swim-and-snorkel stop about an hour after sailing, and you return afterward for a clean, straightforward half-day experience. With that structure, you’re not spending the whole day seated and waiting for something to happen.

In practical terms: you should show up ready to swim. Bring swimwear and something easy to change into afterward, and plan to spend most of the trip on deck and in the water.

The First Big Stop: St. George Bay and the BBQ Moment

Your first stop is St. George bay, timed so you get a real chunk of time to swim and snorkel before lunch hits. The crew prepares the meal onboard at this point—this is when the trip turns from just sightseeing into something genuinely satisfying.

What you’re eating is simple and familiar Greek-meets-cruise style:

• Grilled chicken fillet or pork steak, or a vegetarian burger
• Served with fresh salad and bread
• Then the meal focuses on getting you back in the water feeling human again

Why this stop works so well: it gives you a clear break in the day. You’re not just jumping in and out with dry snacks. You’re eating something warm, filling, and included, which makes the trip feel like a real value compared with boat outings that charge extra for lunch.

One more practical detail: there’s snorkeling equipment provided, and the boat includes life jackets. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you should still be able to participate, and the crew has been known to provide extra support like floaties in real-world use.

The Second Swim Stop Near Stalis: Fruit, Snorkel Time, and Fish-Spotting

After lunch, you head to the Stalis area for a second swim. This is where many people choose to focus on snorkeling, especially if they want to see fish up close.

The food pattern changes here. Instead of grilling again, you get a fruit platter afterward. It’s light on purpose, since you’ll likely want to keep your momentum in the water rather than feel heavy.

Here’s the key snorkeling reality: the trip provides snorkeling gear, but the exact kit can vary from person to person. Some people have reported that they got goggles/masks without a full snorkel pipe, while others were able to see plenty of fish anyway. Translation for you: if fish viewing is your top goal, don’t assume you’ll get the exact gear setup you’re used to at home. Ask the crew what you’ll be using once you’re on board, and come prepared to make the best of what’s provided.

Also, boat comfort matters here. If the boat is crowded, you can lose some quality time getting into the water and staying comfortable in your spot. The crew aims to keep things reasonable by limiting how full the boat runs, but peak season can still feel tight.

Food on Board: Included BBQ Lunch and What You Get for the Money

Let’s talk value, because this trip sits in that mid-range price zone where it either feels fair or not, depending on expectations.

At about $54.22 per person, the headline value is that you’re not just paying for water views. You’re paying for:

• On-board BBQ lunch
• Fresh salad and bread
• Fruit platter
• Snacks
• Water
• Use of snorkeling equipment

What’s not included: alcohol (beer/soft drinks) and bottled water. So if you plan to drink, budget extra. If you don’t, you’ll probably feel like the meal is a big part of why the price works.

Is the lunch fancy? No. It’s solid and satisfying, not gourmet. But it’s also not the empty-snack model. Some people loved the grilled chicken and found the portions just right for a swim-heavy morning. Others felt the lunch didn’t match the cost. That difference usually comes down to expectations: this is a water-focused cruise with included food, not a culinary event.

My practical takeaway: if you want a boat trip where lunch is handled without paying extra, this works. If you’re treating the meal as the main reason to go, you may be disappointed.

Sailing vs. Floating: How Much Actual Sailing to Expect

One thing to be aware of: this isn’t guaranteed daily full-on sailing close to shore. The trip notes that sails are not operated on daily trips close to shore, and weather conditions matter. High winds can also affect what the crew does for safety.

So what should you expect instead? A mix of sailing and cruising between two swimming locations. The fun isn’t the sailing fantasy of a tall-ship marathon. The fun is the stop-and-swim format plus the scenery you see along the way.

If you want the most “boat motion” possible, you can’t control wind or sea state. What you can control is your mindset: show up for the swims and snorkel breaks, not for a constant sail show.

Crowds, Comfort, and Snorkeling Gear Notes That Matter

This is where you should calibrate your expectations.

The boat can carry up to 97 travelers. In high season, some people have experienced it as crowded, even though the operator aims to run at up to about 70% of capacity to keep things comfortable. That means you’re likely to be fine, but you might not have that wide-open-deck feeling you get on smaller private charters.

A few practical tips:

• Come with the assumption you’ll be sharing the deck space during boarding, lunch, and between stops.
• If you want easier water access, position yourself early around the time you’ll go in.
• For snorkeling, be ready for gear that may be more mask-and-goggles than a full snorkel-pipe setup.

Also, the crew does take safety seriously. Life jackets are provided, and safety announcements are made when needed due to wind conditions. That’s a good sign for peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling with someone who’s a cautious swimmer.

Finally, the boat ends where it started and runs in a tight window. That keeps the experience simple, but it also means you won’t have hours to stretch out or drift in and out all day.

Who This Cruise Suits (and Who Should Consider Private Options)

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• A half-day outing from Hersonissos
• Two swim stops without needing to drive or plan
• Included snorkeling gear
• A straightforward BBQ lunch that’s part of the ticket

It’s also a solid choice for groups where nobody wants to be the trip organizer. You show up, hop aboard, swim twice, eat included lunch, and you’re back on land with minimal stress.

If you’re someone who hates crowds, hates sharing, or you’re dead-set on a particular snorkeling setup, you might want to look at the private boat option. The operator notes you can book the vessel for a private trip and personalize it to your group needs. Private charter isn’t mentioned with pricing here, but the option itself tells you what this shared trip can’t fully guarantee: space, timing, and gear customization.

Price and Logistics: Getting the Best Deal Possible

At roughly $54.22, the value hinges on one thing: you actually use the water time.

If you’re happy to swim, snorkel (even with simple gear), and enjoy the included meal, you’ll likely feel the ticket is in the right ballpark for Crete. If you’re mostly looking for long sailing, a quiet deck, or a more elaborate dining experience, you may feel the cost is high.

Logistics are pretty easy here:

• Mobile ticket is part of the experience
• Confirmation is typically received within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability)
• It operates in English
• It’s near public transportation
• Service animals are allowed

One last cost note: there’s no mention of bottled water being included, even though water is. That’s a small difference, but it matters if you’re the type who always wants a bottle in hand.

Should You Book Sailing Trips With Cretan Sailing?

Book it if your goal is a simple, water-first Crete outing: two swim-and-snorkel stops, included BBQ lunch, and a friendly crew in a traditional wooden boat. The names matter because this company leans into personal service, and the meal being included is a real practical bonus for the price.

Skip (or consider private) if you’re sensitive to crowding or you’re expecting a guaranteed full snorkel-pipe kit and lots of uninterrupted sailing. Peak season can feel busy, and sailing may not be the main event.

If you’re deciding between spending your time on a shared cruise versus a smaller private charter, ask yourself one question: do you want convenience and included food more than you want maximum space and exact gear setup? For many people, that’s an easy yes here.

FAQ

How long is the sailing trip?

The trip lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start, and what time does it run?

It starts at Panoramic view, El. Venizelou 51, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece, at 11:30 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included for swimming and snorkeling?

The standard trip includes two swim-and-snorkel stops: St. George bay and the Stalis area.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, the trip includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

What food is included on board?

Lunch includes grilled options such as chicken fillet or pork steak, plus a vegetarian burger, served with fresh salad and bread. Dessert is a fresh fruit platter.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages, beer, and soft drinks are not included.

Is bottled water included?

Water is included, but bottled water is not listed as included.

Are sails operated every day?

The trip notes that sails are not operated on daily trips close to shore, so you should expect that it may not be a constant sailing experience.

Can I book the boat for a private trip?

Yes. There is an option to book the vessel for a private trip and personalize the experience based on your group needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.

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