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Crete Boat Trips: Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga and Santorini

Crete Boat Trips

Crete provides diverse activities in Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga, and Santorini. Private boat rentals range from €50 ($54.40, £44) for motorboats to €1,500 ($1,630, £1,323) for yachts with skippers. Popular day trips include Knossos Palace, Heraklion City tours, and Samaria Gorge hikes, costing €35 ($38.10, £30.80) to €50 ($54.40, £44) per person. Crete is accessible by ferries from Athens and nearby islands, with tickets starting at €36 ($39.20, £31.70). Snorkeling and paddleboarding are favored at Elafonissi Beach and Agia Pelagia. Combo packages for car rentals and boat trips are available, with reliable services like Rental Center Crete.

Find below a list with the Crete Boat Trips.

1. Hersonissos Boat Trips

Hersonissos offers a variety of boat trips, each providing experiences for tourists and locals. The boat trips typically depart from the Hersonissos Port. The duration of these Hersonissos boat trips ranges from 3 to 6.5 hours, depending on the specific tour. Departure times vary, with morning, mid-day, and evening options available. The types of boats used include luxury catamarans, sailing yachts, and even jet boats, catering to a range of preferences from comfort to adventure. Ticket prices also vary widely, starting at €10 ($10.85, £8.80) for basic coastal trips and reaching up to €145 ($157.35, £127.60) for premium experiences such as full-day catamaran cruises.

Hersonissos Boat Trips

For those looking to plan their maritime adventure, here are some popular boat trips in Hersonissos:

2. Heraklion Boat Trips

Heraklion offers a wide range of boat trips, primarily departing from the Old Venetian Port of Heraklion. The duration of these trips varies depending on the type of experience, ranging from 3.5 to 8.5 hours, with options for both morning and sunset departures. For instance, morning cruises often begin around 9:30 AM, while sunset trips typically start at 4:30 PM or later. The types of boats used include luxury catamarans, sailing yachts, and smaller private vessels, ensuring options for both group and private experiences. Ticket prices range widely, starting from € 10 ($10.90, £8.80) for basic excursions to €145 ($157.75, £127.65) for premium luxury tours featuring meals, drinks, and water activities.

Sailing Boats in Island of Dia

Find below a list with the Heraklion boat trips and where to book them:

3. Chania Boat Trips

Chania offers diverse boat trips departing from the Old Venetian Port, with options ranging from short sightseeing tours to full-day adventures. The boat trips last between 1 and 8 hours, with morning departures starting at 9:30 AM and sunset cruises at 6:30 PM during the high season. Boats include glass-bottom boats, catamarans, traditional fishing boats, and luxury yachts, ensuring both casual and premium experiences. Ticket prices start at €12 ($13.05, £10.55) per person for basic tours and go up to €1,650 ($1,796.25, £1,459.50) for private yacht charters.

Find below a list with Chania boat trips and where to book them:

4. Balos Boat Trip

The Balos Boat Trip is one of Crete’s most popular excursions, offering visits to the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. The boat trip is departing primarily from Kissamos Port, located 41 kilometers (25.48 miles) from Chania. The trips range from 5 to 10 hours in duration and include options for shared ferries, semi-private motorboats, and private yachts. Departure times vary, with shared ferries leaving at 10:50 AM and semi-private boats starting as early as 8:30 AM. Ticket prices range from €24 ($26.10, £21.10) to €40 ($43.50, £35.20) per person for standard ferry services, while private tours cost between €650 ($707, £571) to €1,450 ($1,579, £1,275) per group.

Boat Trip to Balos

Find below a list with Balos boat trips and where to book them:

5. Malia Boat Trips

Malia offers a wide range of boat trips, departing from Malia Port to explore Crete’s coastline. The boat trips excursions cater to various preferences, including lively parties, snorkeling, and family-friendly adventures. Trip durations range from 1 to 5.5 hours, with morning, afternoon, and sunset departures. Boats include party vessels, snorkeling boats, and pirate-themed ships, providing unique experiences for all. Ticket prices range from €12 ($13.05, £10.55) for basic tours to €69+ ($75.05+, £61.10+) for premium trips with meals and drinks.

Malia at Sunset

Find below a list with Malia boat trips and where to book them:

6. Panormo Boat Trips

Panormo, a coastal village in Crete, offers a variety of boat trips and departs from the Panormo Port, a convenient starting point for maritime adventures. The duration of these trips ranges from 3.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the type of experience chosen. Departure times vary, with morning cruises typically starting at 9:30 AM and sunset cruises departing 4:30 PM or later. The types of boats used include luxury catamarans, sailing yachts, and smaller private vessels, providing options for both group and private experiences. Ticket prices range widely, starting from €22 ($23.95, £19.35) per person for sightseeing trips to €145 ($157.75, £127.65) or more for premium luxury cruises with meals and drinks included.

Coastal Village of Panormo

Find below a list with Panormo boat trips and where to book them:

7. Santorini Boat Trips

Santorini boat trips depart from popular ports such as the Old Port (Fira), Ammoudi Bay, or Vlychada Marina, depending on the itinerary. The duration of these trips ranges from 3 to 10 hours, with options for half-day, full-day, and sunset cruises. Departure times vary: morning tours often start at 9:30 AM, while sunset cruises typically begin at 2:30 PM to ensure guests enjoy the caldera views as the sun sets. The types of boats used include luxury catamarans, traditional wooden boats, and modern yachts, catering to different group sizes and preferences. Ticket prices range widely, starting from as low as €30 ($32.70, £26.40) per person for basic volcano tours to over €1,300 ($1,417, £1,141) for private luxury yacht charters, offering options for every budget.

Heraklion to Santorini with Hellenic Seaways

Find below a list with Santorini boat trips and where to book them:

8. Loutro Boat Trips

Loutro, a village on Crete’s southern coast, is accessible only by boat and most boat trips to Loutro depart from Chora Sfakion, with a journey of 15 to 20 minutes. These boat trip options include regular ferry services, private taxi boats, and organized tours, catering to both group and private preferences. Ferries typically operate at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM during winter schedules, while private boats and tours offer flexible departure times based on prior arrangements. Boats used range from ferries to RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) and motorboats. Ferry tickets are affordable, starting at €10 ($10.90, £8.80) per person, while private taxi boats cost between €200 ($218, £176) and €270 ($294.30, £237.90) per group, depending on passenger numbers.

Loutro Boat Trips

Find below a list with the Loutro boat trips:

9. Chrissi Island Boat Trips

Chrissi Island boat trips offer an incredible opportunity to explore one of Crete. Most of these boat trips depart from the Port of Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe, providing easy access to the island located 16.7 kilometers (10.38 miles) away. The duration of these trips typically ranges from 4 to 7 hours, depending on the type of tour. Departure times vary, with ferries and cruises usually leaving between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, while private options allow for more flexibility. The types of vessels include ferries, luxury yachts, and RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boats), catering to both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a premium experience. Ticket prices range from €19 ($20.70, £16.70) to €40 ($43.60, £35.20) per person for standard ferries, while semi-private or private cruises can cost between €80 ($87.20, £70.40) to €1,600 (1,744, £1,408) depending on the level of luxury and services provided.

Boat trip to Chrissi

Find below a list with the Chrissi Island boat trips.

11. Gavdos Island Boat Trips

Gavdos Island, the southernmost point of Europe, is a must-visit destination for those seeking untouched natural beauty and beaches. Boat trips to Gavdos typically depart from Chora Sfakion or Paleochora, with journey durations ranging from 1.5 to 5 hours, depending on the type of boat and route. Departure times vary: ferries often leave in the morning at 9:00 AM, while private charters offer more flexibility. The boats used include ferries, private RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), and luxury yachts, catering to different preferences and group sizes. Ticket prices range from €28 ($30.50, £24.60) per person for standard ferry rides to €1,300 ($1,413, £1,149) to €3,650 ($3,968, £3,226) per group for private luxury charters.

Chair of Gavdos

Find below a list with the Gavdos boat trips and where to book them:

12. Sissi Boat Trips

Sissi, a seaside village in Crete, offers a range of boat trips that allow visitors to explore the coastline, hidden coves, and beaches of the area. Most boat trips depart from Sissi Port, a harbor that serves as the starting point for these maritime adventures. The duration of trips ranges from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the type of excursion chosen. Departure times vary, with morning trips typically starting at 9:00 AM and sunset cruises departing at 6:00 PM. The types of boats available include motorboats, luxury yachts, and RIB boats, catering to both independent travelers and those seeking guided tours. Ticket prices range from €50 ($54.40, £44) per person for shared tours to €430 ($467.80, £379.40) for private full-day rentals, with additional fuel costs of €2 per mile ($2.20, £1.76).

Rocky show near Sissi Harbour

Find below a list with Sissi Island boat trips and where to book them:

Can you hire a boat in Crete?

Yes, you can hire a private boat in Crete. Many companies provide boats that do not require a license to operate, typically with engines under 30 horsepower, making them accessible for beginners. For those seeking luxury or larger vessels, yachts and motorboats with professional skippers are also available. Prices range from €50 ($54.40, £44) per day for small boats to €1,500 ($1,630, £1,323) or more for luxury yachts, depending on the type of boat and duration of the rental.

Recommended vendors for private boat rentals in Crete include Manousakis Marine in Rethymno, which offers motorboats that can be rented without a license, equipped with GPS and safety gear, +30 6908990525, Boat Rentals Crete in Agia Pelagia, specializing in safe and fully equipped boats for beginners or experienced boaters, info@boatrentalscrete.com, and Seaze The Day in Chania, providing RIB boats, motorboats, and yachts with or without a skipper from Chania, Kolimbari, and Kissamos, +30 694 748 2447). Another option is Click&Boat, an online platform offering a wide selection of boats, including sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats, with prices starting at €150 ($163.20, £132.30) per day.

What are the best Crete day trips?

Crete offers many day trips that allow visitors to explore its history, topography, and culture. One of the most popular excursions is the Knossos Palace and Heraklion City Tour, which takes through the legendary Minoan palace and the capital of Crete. This tour typically lasts 4–6 hours and costs around €35.92 ($39.10, £31.60) per person, including transportation and entrance fees. Another must-see is the Full-Day West Crete Tour, which includes visits to Chania, Rethymnon Old Town, and Kournas Lake, lasting 8–10 hours at an average cost of €49.50 ($53.90, £43.60) per person. For nature lovers, the Samaria Gorge Walking Tour offers a challenging yet rewarding 16-kilometer (9.94 miles) hike through one of Europe’s longest gorges, lasting 8–10 hours with prices starting at €41.08 ($44.70, £36.10) per person.

Find below a list with the companies that offerCrete Day Trips:

What are the ferry options to get to Crete?

Crete is well-connected by ferries, making it an accessible destination from Athens and various Aegean islands. The main ferry routes to Crete operate year-round from Piraeus Port (Athens) to the island’s major ports: Heraklion, Chania, and occasionally Sitia and Rethymno. Standard ferries take 8–10 hours, while high-speed options, such as the Speedrunner Jet 2, reduce travel time to as little as 5 hours during the summer months. Seasonal routes also connect Crete with popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros, with travel times ranging from 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on the vessel. Ferries to Crete ticket prices vary widely, starting at €36 ($39.20, £31.70) for standard ferries and up to €100 ($108.90, £88.10) for high-speed services. Major operators include Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, and Seajets, offering both day and overnight options with cabin upgrades for added comfort.

Yes, snorkeling is incredibly popular in Crete due to its crystal-clear waters, marine life, and diverse underwater topography. The island often exceeds 30 meters (98.4 feet), making it ideal for observing fish, octopuses, sea turtles, and even the rare Mediterranean monk seal. The best snorkeling season runs from May to October, when water temperatures range from 20 ℃ (68 ℉) to 27 ℃ (80.6 ℉). Popular snorkeling in Crete spots include Elafonissi Beach, known for its pink sand and turquoise waters; Chrissi Island, with its shallow, warm seas; and Skinaria Beach, famous for its rocky seabeds and marine diversity. Guided snorkeling tours are available at locations like Agios Nikolaos Bay and Chania, offering equipment and expert guidance for beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Are SUP rentals available in Crete?

Yes, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) rentals are widely available across Crete. SUP is a popular activity for its accessibility for all skill levels and the calm seas that make Crete ideal for paddling. Rentals are offered at many beaches, with equipment available for beginners and advanced paddlers. Many rental providers include basic instructions, safety tips, and recommendations for the best spots to explore. Popular SUP locations include Rethymno Beach for calm waters ideal for beginners, Elounda Bay for exploring small islands and coves, Chania’s Nea Chora Beach for views of Lazareta islet and the Venetian Harbor, and Agia Pelagia with its crystal-clear sheltered bay.

Are combo packages available for boat trips and car rentals in Crete?

Yes, combo packages for boat trips and car rentals are available in Crete. Companies like Cretopia in Kissamos specialize in combining car hire with boat rentals or cruises, allowing visitors to seamlessly enjoy Crete’s coastline and interior topography. Their services include flexible packages that cater to both short-term and long-term needs, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees..

The most popular car rental locations in Crete include Heraklion Airport, Chania Airport, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos, as these are key entry points and tourist hubs. Rental services are also widely available in resort areas like Elounda, Hersonissos, and Malia. Companies such as Rental Center Crete provide extensive coverage across these locations with free delivery and pick-up options at airports, ports, and hotels.

Why is Rental Center Crete the best car hire company in Crete?

Rental Center Crete stands out as the best car hire company in Crete due to its exceptional customer service, transparent pricing, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Rental Center Crete was established in 1975 and has built a reputation for reliability and professionalism. Rental Center Crete offer Risk Insurance with no excess, unlimited mileage, free cancellations up to 48 hours before pick-up, and no hidden fees. Their fleet is composed of new and well-maintained vehicles ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury models. Rental Center Crete provides free extras like baby seats and an additional driver at no extra cost.

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