From Ierapetra: Cruise to Chrissi Island with Swimming

Exploring a Day on the Water: The Ierapetra to Chrissi Island Cruise

If you’re seeking a quick escape to one of Crete’s most visually stunning spots, a boat trip to Chrissi Island might just be what you need. From the bustling port of Ierapetra, this six-hour adventure offers a chance to relax on deck, admire crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. While the tour is generally well-rated and offers good value, it’s worth noting some practical details that can help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we particularly like about this cruise is the way it balances scenic sailing, fun water activities, and time to soak up the island’s natural beauty. The highlight is definitely the swimming stop near the island’s emerald waters, allowing travelers to cool off and snorkel in calm, inviting waters. However, a potential concern is that the ship doesn’t disembark on the island itself this summer, which might disappoint those hoping for inland exploration. This tour suits travelers who love open-water experiences and scenic views more than inland adventures, and who are happy to spend a few hours on the water with like-minded explorers.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The cruise offers panoramic vistas of Chrissi’s beaches, cedar forest, and the surrounding sea.
• Excellent Water Activities: Swimming and snorkeling are included, with equipment provided.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The cruise is casual with a self-service bar and plenty of space to unwind.
• Value for Money: At around $45, it’s an affordable way to see Chrissi without big extra costs.
• Natural Beauty: The island’s golden sands and lush cedar forest are breathtaking, even from a distance.
• Limited Inland Access: Disembarkation on the island interior is not permitted this season, so plan accordingly.

The Experience: A Closer Look at the Cruise

This cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island spans about 6 hours, making it an ideal half-day trip that packs in plenty of scenic and aquatic enjoyment. Departing from the port, you’ll board the vessel named “ARISTOVOULOS”, which features a spacious deck, a self-service bar, and water activity gear. The vessel’s crew, led by a knowledgeable skipper, keeps the atmosphere friendly and relaxed, often punctuated by the cheerful chatter of fellow travelers and the calls of seagulls overhead.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Ierapetra Port: The journey kicks off here, with some quick logistical details—free parking is available, and the port is accessible by car or public bus from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. The departure time varies, so checking ahead ensures a smooth start.

Ferry to Chrissi (about 70 minutes): The first leg is a pleasant sail across the Libyan Sea. As we moved away from the coast, we loved watching the coastline shrink into the distance, creating a sense of anticipation. The boat often encounters dolphins and seagulls, which adds to the charm. The crew keeps everyone informed, and the boat’s open bar is available for drinks and snacks—note that all payments are card-only, so don’t forget your credit or debit card.

Approaching Chrissi Island (3.5 hours on-site): Once near the island, the boat anchors at a safe, sheltered spot close to a popular beach—this is where the magic happens. Travelers have approximately 3.5 hours to swim, snorkel, relax, and explore the surroundings.

Swimming and Snorkeling: The highlight for many is jumping into the emerald waters. The shallow, calm sea makes it ideal for swimming, and snorkel gear is provided to see the vibrant underwater life. One reviewer noted that “you have to swim a few meters to the beach,” but found it manageable and worth it for the view.

Views and Exploration: While no inland disembarkation is permitted this summer (due to ecological protections), the boat stays close enough to the shore for guests to reach the beach easily for a dip. The island’s golden sands and blue-green waters are picturesque from the boat. Reviewers have mentioned walking away from the main beaches to find quieter spots, especially if you prefer solitude.

Return Journey: After around 1 hour back on the boat, the cruise heads to the second stop—another short ferry ride back to Ierapetra. The return journey offers more chances to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and chat with fellow travelers.

Onboard Comfort and Amenities

The vessel offers a self-service bar, which remained open throughout the trip. Light snacks, salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and ice cream are available for purchase with cards—a nice touch to keep you refreshed without additional hassle. The crew, including the dedicated skipper, is attentive and friendly, often ensuring everyone feels comfortable and informed.

Water Gear and Safety: Life jackets and water equipment—such as masks, snorkels, flippers, and floating balls—are provided, making water activities accessible for all levels. The crew is helpful with equipment and safety instructions.

The Limitations and Considerations

It’s important to note that disembarkation on Chrissi’s interior is not allowed this summer to protect the island’s ecosystem. Instead, the boat anchors offshore, and you swim to the beach if you want to step onto the sands. Reviewers have appreciated the effort to preserve Chrissi’s natural beauty, but some may find this limiting if they hoped for inland exploration.

On top of that, the tour doesn’t include lunch or drinks, so you should bring your own snacks—though the onboard bar offers a decent selection of drinks and light bites for purchase. The trip’s duration and the fact that it’s primarily about scenic sailing and swimming make it a good choice for travelers who want a relaxed, water-based experience.

The Shoreline and Why It Matters

Chrissi Island’s claim to fame is its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and ancient cedar forest. From the boat, you’ll get spectacular views of the island’s coastline, which is dotted with beach coves and lush greenery. Although visitors can’t explore the interior freely during this season, the views from the deck are still impressive—and some reviewers suggest walking around the shoreline to find more secluded spots.

The cedar forest, covering about 350,000 square meters, is a lush feature that’s off-limits for now to protect its ecological integrity, but its presence adds a sense of wilderness and tranquility to the landscape.

Authentic Traveler Insights: What People Are Saying

Multiple reviews paint a realistic picture of what to expect. One guest praised the crew, mentioning that the “hard-working man” took good care of everyone, even with the sometimes rough sea conditions. Others appreciated the stunning beauty of the island’s beaches, with one reviewer noting, “you need to swim a few meters to the beach, but it was ok,” and that “many people on the boat, but it doesn’t matter because on the beach you can find a lonely place.”

Food options, however, received mixed feedback. While some found the onboard snacks tasty enough, others were disappointed with the limited menu, describing it as “horrible” and not enough to satisfy their hunger. So if you’re a foodie, consider bringing your own picnic to maximize your experience.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The trip typically involves a sizable group, but the boat’s spacious deck helps prevent it from feeling crowded. It’s a social experience but still relaxed enough to enjoy peaceful moments on your own. The crew’s friendly attitude, especially the skipper, adds to the positive vibe, and many travelers noted the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff.

Practical Tips for Your Chrissi Island Cruise

• Bring essentials: Hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a camera. The sun can be strong, and there’s little shade on the boat.
• Card payments only: Make sure your credit/debit card is ready for onboard purchases.
• Timing: Check the departure times ahead of your trip to align with your plans—availability may vary.
• Arrive early: To avoid last-minute stress, arrive at the port a little before your scheduled departure.
• Prepare for a swim: Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, the shallow waters and provided gear make it accessible.
• Take a walk: If you want a quieter spot, walk away from the main beaches to find more secluded places on the shoreline.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who love scenic boat rides, swimming, and relaxing on a beautiful beach. It’s well-suited for those who want an affordable way to experience Chrissi’s natural beauty without the hassle of managing transportation or planning inland excursions. If you’re a water enthusiast, the included snorkeling gear enhances the aquatic fun.

However, it may not be perfect if you’re looking for inland exploration or island activities—as access to the island interior is off-limits this season. Also, if you prefer a gourmet dining experience, you’ll need to bring your own food, as onboard options are limited.

Final Thoughts

A cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island offers a relaxing day filled with stunning views, refreshing swims, and the chance to unwind in Crete’s clear waters. The boat’s friendly crew, good value, and beautiful scenery make it a compelling option for those wanting a straightforward, scenic escape. It’s especially suitable for water lovers and those eager to enjoy the island’s famous beaches from a comfortable vessel.

While the inability to disembark inland might be a drawback for some, the boat’s proximity to the shore means you still get plenty of beach time and spectacular photo opportunities. Just remember to pack your essentials, bring some snacks, and set your expectations for a calm, water-focused adventure.

FAQ Section

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak season, to secure availability and preferred departure times.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
While the experience is generally family-friendly, water activities and boat conditions should be considered for younger children. Always check if your children are comfortable with boat rides and swimming.

Are there options for vegetarian or special diets?
The tour does not include meal options, only drinks and snacks available for purchase. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to bring your own food.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, passport or ID, and a credit/debit card. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for a boat trip and swimming.

Can I swim off the boat?
Yes, the boat anchors close enough to shore for you to swim in the crystal waters. Water gear is provided, and shallow waters make it accessible for most.

Is there any onboard entertainment?
No, the focus is on the scenery and water activities. The crew keeps the atmosphere friendly and informative but does not provide entertainment.

How long does the whole trip last?
Approximately 6 hours, including sailing, swimming, and time spent near the island.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
Accessibility details aren’t specified, but the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users according to the information.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation process allows for flexibility.

Can I buy drinks and snacks onboard?
Yes, the onboard bar offers light meals, salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and ice cream, all payable by card only.

This boat cruise to Chrissi Island balances scenic beauty, relaxing water activities, and affordability. Perfect for travelers seeking a memorable day on Crete’s waters with the chance to enjoy some of the island’s most picturesque beaches.