Hersonissos Traditional Wooden Boat Trip with Lunch

Hersonissos harbour

Hersonissos is one of the busiest resorts on Crete, about 25 kilometres east of Heraklion, but its small harbour has a long history. In antiquity it was the port of the inland city of Lyttos, and remains of Roman harbour works can still be seen in the water nearby, along with a Roman-era mosaic fountain on the seafront. Today fishing boats and excursion boats share the quay below a lively promenade of cafés and shops.

Your cruise starts at the port on Agias Paraskevis Street, where you show your ticket and board the wooden boat before the 11:30 departure. The traditional design, with wide wooden decks, a shaded lower deck and an upper sun deck, makes it a comfortable and stable way to see the coast. Hotel transfer is not included, but we can arrange a car from Heraklion, Anissaras or Malia on request.

Swim stop near Stalis

About half an hour east of Hersonissos, the boat reaches the coast near Stalis, a neighbouring resort known for its long sandy beach and shallow, calm water. From the sea you see the low hills behind the resort and the line of the coast stretching towards Malia.

The crew drops anchor for the first swim stop. Jump in from the boat, use the snorkelling masks to look at the fish over the sandy bottom, float on a pool noodle or stay on deck in the sun. Life jackets are on board for children and less confident swimmers. Is a Hersonissos boat trip worth it? On a hot day, swimming in open water away from the busy beaches is the best reason to go.

Agios Georgios Bay and its sea cave

Around 35 minutes further along the coast lies Agios Georgios Bay, one of the most scenic spots on this stretch of Crete. A small white chapel stands on the cliffs above the bay, and at the water's edge a sea cave opens into the rock. The water here is especially clear, shading from turquoise to deep blue.

This is the main swim stop. You can swim to the entrance of the sea cave, snorkel along the rocks, jump from the upper deck or relax by the cliffside chapel view while the crew prepares lunch. The exact route and number of stops depend on the sea; in July and August the meltemi wind can make the north coast choppy, and the captain always chooses the safest anchorage.

Lunch on board and the Anissaras coast

While you swim, the crew fires up the grill on board and prepares a freshly grilled chicken lunch served with Greek salad and bread, followed by a fruit platter of melon and watermelon in summer. A vegetarian option is available; Halal meals are limited on Crete, so tell us your needs when booking. Bottled water and soft drinks can be bought on board.

On the way back the boat cruises west past Hersonissos and along the coast of Anissaras, a quieter area of golden beaches and small coves, with a small rocky islet visible offshore. Music plays on deck as you dry off in the sun, and the boat returns to Hersonissos port about four hours after departure, leaving the afternoon free for the beach or the old village of Koutouloufari above the resort.