From Hersonissos: Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch

This half-day pirate boat trip from Hersonissos offers a lively mix of swimming, snorkeling, scenic coastlines, and pirate-themed entertainment. Priced at around $70 per person, the experience lasts about 4 hours and is suitable for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed yet engaging day at sea. The crew, blending professionalism with a playful vibe, makes for a memorable outing, especially if you enjoy a bit of sun, water fun, and good food.

One of the best features we love is the variety of stops, particularly the stunning waters of Saint George’s Bay, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The onboard meal, a generous spread including pork steak or kid-friendly pasta, adds real value, making this an all-in-one package. However, a point to consider is that the loud music and party atmosphere might not appeal to very young children or those seeking a quiet, peaceful cruise. This trip is best suited for families with older kids, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a lively, engaging sea adventure in Greece.

Key Points

• Family-friendly fun with pirate-themed entertainment and kids’ diplomas
• Beautiful swimming and snorkeling in Saint George’s Bay
• Scenic stops at Malia and Stalis coastlines with ample time to relax
• Delicious on-board meal included in the price, with options for kids
• Lively atmosphere with music, dancing, and face painting
• Professional crew ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience

An In-Depth Look at the Pirate Boat Trip from Hersonissos

What the Trip Entails

This 4-hour experience kicks off with a scenic 20-minute cruise along the bays of Anissaras before reaching the highlight — Saint George’s Bay. Here, you’ll be invited to jump into the clear waters for swimming, snorkel among colorful fish, or simply relax on deck and soak up the sun. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, making it easy for everyone to explore the underwater world.

The first stop, lasting about 1.5 hours, is perfect for families or solo travelers wanting a combination of activity and relaxation. The crystal-clear waters and gentle waves make swimming and sunbathing especially enjoyable. Reviewers highlight the beauty of this spot, with one noting the swimming stops as “really beautiful,” while another mentions the water as “crystal-clear,” ideal for snorkeling.

The On-Board Lunch Experience

After the initial swim, a tasty meal is served on the boat. The set menu includes pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread — a hearty and satisfying offering that works well for most tastes. Kids have a dedicated option of pasta with tomato sauce, which reviewers say is plentiful enough to satisfy young appetites. One traveler appreciated the “really good” food and the “plenty of it,” which is a nice touch for those who value good-quality meals included in tour prices.

Exploring Malia and Stalis

Next, the boat moves along the coast to Malia and Stalis, where you’ll stop for about 45 minutes. This gives you a chance to explore the picturesque coastline, take photos, or just relax on the deck. The scenery here is often described as “beautiful,” and it offers a different perspective of the area’s charming beaches and rocky coves.

Water Sports and Water-Watching

As the boat heads back, it travels close to the shoreline, providing a chance to observe water sports and busy bays. This part of the trip appeals to those who enjoy watching activity on the water or want to take quick photos of the coast.

Entertainment and Family Fun

Pirate-themed activities are a big hit with kids, who receive official diplomas and even get a chance to steer the boat for a memorable photo. The crew, often praised for being “funny,” “kind,” and “really competent,” keeps everyone entertained with face painting, lively music, and dancing. One reviewer pointed out that the “staff was super friendly and accommodating,” which makes a big difference in creating a relaxed atmosphere.

However, some reviews mention that the loud music might be a bit much for very young children. A German traveler noted that “the music was really loud,” and suggested it might be better for older kids or teenagers who enjoy the party vibe.

Overall Atmosphere and Experience

This trip is best described as lively and fun, with a friendly crew that knows how to keep the energy up. The boat’s size tends to be moderate, so groups can expect a more intimate, personal feel, though it can also get lively with music and dancing. As one guest beautifully put it, “Great music and a good vibe,” making it ideal for travelers wanting a festive atmosphere.

Practical Details and Tips

Departure and Duration

The trip departs from Hersonissos at 11:00 am and returns by 3:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. To ensure smooth boarding, arrive at the port 30 minutes early.

What to Bring

Pack sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Remember that cash might be needed for optional extras like photographs, as some reviewers noted they were disappointed by the €15 charge for pictures.

Dietary Considerations

The included meal is hearty, featuring pork steak or pasta for kids. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s worth checking in advance, especially since meal prep for children is based on reservation data, including infants.

Weather and Program Changes

The schedule may shift depending on weather conditions, which could affect stops or the route. Always check the weather forecast beforehand and be prepared for potential adjustments.

Additional Info

The trip is conducted in English, and cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

From reviews, we learn that the crew is described as “super friendly and competent,” which makes a difference in how relaxed and enjoyable the experience feels. The scenery is consistently praised, with many highlighting the crystal-clear waters and beautiful coastlines. The food receives positive remarks, with many appreciating the generous portions and tasty menu.

Some travelers mention the trip being more suitable for older children due to the loud music and lively environment. The pirate-themed activities—such as face painting and diplomas—add a playful element that kids love, while adults enjoy the relaxed vibe and scenic views.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Trip Best For?

This Pirate Boat Trip from Hersonissos offers a lively, family-friendly day at sea, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of water activities, scenic coastlines, and playful entertainment. It’s especially well suited for families with children old enough to appreciate the pirate theme, groups of friends seeking a fun party atmosphere, or anyone looking to combine a scenic cruise with a hearty meal and some water-based fun.

While the music and party vibe might not suit everyone—particularly those seeking peace and quiet—the overall experience delivers excellent value, friendly staff, and picturesque views, making it a popular choice for a memorable day in Crete.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children? It can be, but keep in mind some reviews mention the loud music and deeper swimming spots that might be less ideal for very young or inexperienced swimmers. The pirate activities and diplomas do appeal to kids, but the lively atmosphere may be better suited for older children.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the port? Yes, transfers are not included, so you should arrive at the port of Hersonissos 30 minutes prior to departure.

What is included in the price? The tour includes the boat trip, swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, a meal (pork steak or pasta for kids), and entertainment such as face painting and music.

Can I cancel the trip if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long are the stops? The first swimming stop is 1.5 hours, and the stop at Malia and Stalis is approximately 45 minutes.

What should I bring? Pack essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash for optional extras.

Is the crew multilingual? The activity is conducted in English, and the crew is known for being friendly and accommodating.

What about the weather? The trip’s itinerary may change based on weather conditions, so check the forecast and be prepared for possible adjustments.

In summary, this half-day pirate boat tour offers a lively, scenic, and family-friendly way to enjoy the waters around Hersonissos. It combines playful entertainment with beautiful spots for swimming and snorkeling, making it a reliable choice for those wanting a fun, active outing with good food and friendly staff. Sure, the loud music may not appeal to everyone, but if you’re after a memorable, energetic day at sea with opportunities for photos, relaxed lounging, and some pirate-themed antics, this trip hits the mark.