Rethymno Barbarossa Pirate Ship Cruise

If you’re looking to add a dash of adventure and a splash of fun to your time in Crete, the Rethymno Barbarossa Pirate Ship Cruise might just do the trick. This five-hour maritime escapade offers a chance to sail along Crete’s northern coast aboard a replica Spanish galleon, complete with pirate costumes, snorkeling gear, and lively commentary. It’s a family-friendly outing that combines scenic views, water fun, and a playful pirate theme that kids and adults alike seem to enjoy.

What we like most about this cruise is its lively, interactive vibe. From the moment you step onto the ship, you’re transported into a swashbuckling world, with opportunities to dress up, learn about pirate caves, and swim in inviting waters. However, one thing to keep in mind is that drinks at the onboard bar are at your own expense, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers. This tour is especially suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a relaxed, playful day on Crete’s coast.

Key Points

• Pirate-themed experience: Perfect for families or those young at heart.
• Scenic water views: Sail past the Venetian fortress and visit pirate caves.
• Snorkeling fun: Use included gear to explore Geropotamus Bay’s waters.
• Interactive elements: Pirate costumes and live commentary add to the fun.
• Value for money: Around $66 per person, includes snorkeling equipment and Greek salad wine.
• Limited extras: No hotel transfers included, so plan transportation accordingly.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure from Rethymno Marina

Your adventure begins at the Dolphin Cruises meeting point in Rethymno at 9:30 am. As the ship sets sail, you’ll get a fantastic view of the historic Fortezza fortress—an imposing Venetian-era landmark that adds a touch of history to your scenic cruise. The ship itself is a replica Spanish galleon, which makes the whole experience feel a bit like stepping into a pirate movie, especially if you don the provided pirate costumes.

Sailing West Toward Gerani Beach and Beyond

The route takes you along the coast, passing by Gerani Bay, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Aegean. The captain and crew are friendly and engaging, often making the experience lively with onboard commentary that explains the sights and pirate lore. You’ll also pass Kefalas Bay, where the boat stops for about an hour to swim and snorkel.

Swim and Snorkel at Geropotamus Bay

This is arguably the highlight for water lovers. The bay offers calm waters ideal for swimming, with snorkel masks provided so you can explore beneath the surface. One reviewer highlighted their positive experience here: “Masks are included, and it was a great chance to see underwater life.” The shallow, clear waters make it suitable for kids and beginners, adding a relaxed element to the day.

Discover the Pirate Caves and Camarola Arch

After swimming, the cruise continues past the caves of Kefalas and the Camarola rock arch—two striking natural formations that are best appreciated from the water. These sights add a sense of adventure, especially for those interested in the pirate theme, as the caves are often associated with pirate legends.

Return Past Rethymno’s Venetian Fortress

As the cruise winds down, you’ll sail back past the Venetian fortress, giving you a different perspective on the historic site. This is a great photo opportunity, especially if the weather is clear and the cruise is smooth.

What Makes This Tour Special

Pirate-Themed Fun

The inclusion of pirate costumes and an onboard lively commentary really brings the pirate fantasy to life. Kids especially love dressing up and pretending to be pirates, while adults can enjoy the playful atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “The crew was friendly, and the captain let kids steer the boat if they wanted—a memorable experience for the little ones.”

Scenic and Cultural Sightseeing

While the main appeal is the water-based fun, the views of Rethymno’s Venetian fortress and the pirate caves add a cultural and natural element to the day. Sailing past these historic landmarks offers a different perspective that beach or land-based tours can’t provide.

Water Activities

Swimmers and snorkelers get a dedicated hour at Geropotamus Bay, which is often appreciated by those wanting to cool off and explore underwater life. The snorkeling equipment is included, making it easy for beginners to participate.

Relaxed Pace and Family-Friendly Environment

The tour’s five-hour duration strikes a good balance—enough time to enjoy the scenery, swim, and have fun without feeling rushed. The fact that children are welcome and the crew is accommodating makes this a suitable outing for families.

Practical Details and Value

Price and What You Get

At around $66 per person, the tour offers a fairly reasonable price for its length and inclusions. The package covers use of snorkeling gear, a Greek salad wine for adults, and a soft drink for children—adding a touch of local flavor and refreshment to the day. Drinks at the onboard bar are at your own expense, so if you’re planning to indulge, budget accordingly.

Duration and Meeting Point

Starting at 9:30 am from Dolphin Cruises in Rethymno, the cruise lasts approximately five hours. Since transportation isn’t included, make sure to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point or arrive early.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 100 travelers, the group tends to be lively but not overcrowded. The reviews suggest a friendly, relaxed vibe, with crew members like the captain and staff actively engaging with guests.

Considerations

• No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, so plan transportation.
• Confirmations are quick, and most travelers can participate.
• Bring your ID or passport for the outing—it’s required for check-in.
• Good weather is essential; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Authentic Experiences and Review Highlights

One reviewer, Fouzia, shared her positive experience, highlighting the friendly crew and the well-organized vegetarian meal. She also appreciated the opportunity for kids to steer the boat, describing it as “very well organized” and fun. However, she did note that the only downside was the absence of a proper beach, pointing out that the swimming stop is at a bay with no sandy shoreline.

Another point that stood out from reviews is the value of the scenic water views combined with the playful pirate atmosphere. Guests consistently mention the engaging commentary—often lively and educational—and the fun costumes which add an extra layer of enjoyment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for families with children, thanks to its playful theme and kid-friendly activities. It’s also great for groups of friends or couples who want a relaxed, scenic day with a bit of adventure. If you’re after a luxurious, quiet cruise, this might not be the best fit, but for those seeking a lively, interactive experience that combines sightseeing with water fun, it hits the spot.

The tour’s focus on scenery, pirate play, and snorkeling makes it a versatile choice for travelers looking for a balance between natural beauty and playful entertainment. Those on a budget should consider the value of the included snorkeling gear and Greek salad wine, which adds a nice touch of local flavor.

Final Thoughts

This pirate-themed cruise from Rethymno offers a lively, family-friendly way to see Crete’s north coast from the water. It combines scenic views of Venetian fortresses and pirate caves with the chance to swim and snorkel in calm waters, all wrapped in a fun, interactive package. The inclusion of pirate costumes and live commentary gives it a playful edge that appeals especially to kids and those young at heart.

While it lacks hotel transfer and has drinks at your own expense, the overall value is good considering the duration and inclusions, especially the snorkeling gear and local wine. If you enjoy water-based activities, scenic views, and a bit of playful pretending, this cruise makes a great addition to your Crete itinerary.

This tour is best suited for families, groups, or anyone wanting a relaxed, fun day on the water with a lively pirate theme. It’s a memorable way to see some of Crete’s natural and historic highlights without the fuss of a more formal sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this cruise?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point in Rethymno.

What should I bring for the cruise?
Bring your passport or ID for check-in, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing. Don’t forget your towel and swimsuit if you plan to swim. A camera or phone for photos is also recommended.

Are children allowed on this cruise?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Kids particularly enjoy dressing up as pirates and steering the boat.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling gear and a Greek salad with wine for adults or a soft drink for children are included. The drinks at the onboard bar are at your own expense.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about five hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to the meeting point in Rethymno.

What are the main sights seen from the boat?
You’ll get views of the Venetian fortress, pirate caves, Camarola rock arch, and the scenic coastline.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, but note that swimming and snorkeling are optional activities. The bay is calm, making it suitable for beginners, but always exercise caution in the water.

If you’re after a lively, scenic, and family-friendly adventure on Crete’s waters, the Rethymno Barbarossa Pirate Ship Cruise offers a playful day that combines history, water fun, and stunning views—all at a reasonable price.