Dreamy Boat Trips in Crete: Discover Crete by Sea!

Boat Trips in Crete - Loutro

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Traveling around the Greek islands is a great experience, especially when you can also take unique boat trips to visit unreachable coasts or small islets.

When it comes to Crete, there are many boat trips you can take to make the best of your vacation.


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Amazing Boat Trips in Crete That You Shouldn’t Miss

Boat trips in Crete that you shouldn't miss

ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CRETE LAST MINUTE?

Be sure to book accommodation and tours in Crete ahead of time to ensure availability!

📍 Top tours I recommend on the island:
Full-day Samaria Gorge trek (#1 tour in Crete!)
Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa (top-selling tour!)
Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site (top tour in Heraklion)

🛌 These are three convenient hotels in Crete:
Lyttos Beach (beachfront in Hersonissos, near Heraklion)
SanSal Boutique Hotel (near Chania Old Town with a pool!)
Grecotel Lux Me White Palace (beachfront in Rethymnon)

Remember that the best way to get around Crete is by car. Check rental car rates for Crete here.

When thinking about traveling around the Greek Islands, boat trips and sailing easily come to your mind as a great way to move around from one island to another.

Island hopping is a popular way to visit more than one island during your vacation.

Crete, however, is quite an isolated destination, and reaching other Greek Islands is not as simple as it might seem unless you have plenty of time ahead.

You can certainly reach Santorini with a boat tour, or a regular ferry, as well as other Cycladic Islands. 

Boat Trips Crete - Balos
Boats in Balos Lagoon.

There’s a ferry boat from Heraklion (and on some days from Rethymnon too) to go to Naxos, Paros, Ios, and Mykonos.

But it’s also possible to take boat tours within the Cretan territory, either sailing trips to reach small islets off the coast of Crete or boat trips that allow you to overcome the somewhat difficult rugged terrain on the southern coast. 

Boat Trip to Balos Lagoon

sea, beach, sand, Crete
Day Cruise to Balos.

Arguably the most popular boat trip in Crete is the day cruise to Balos Lagoon in the region of Chania.

This trip represents the most comfortable alternative to reach the magical Balos Beach if you’re not up to driving the dirt road and hiking down to the lagoon.

Although the boat can be a crowded experience, it is very convenient in terms of price, and it’s a great opportunity to also visit the beautiful Imeri Gramvousa, a small island not far from Balos, where the boat stops for at least an hour for you to explore, or just swim.

Once in Balos, you’ll have about 2-3 hours to enjoy this unique beach.

But remember, if you come to Balos intending to take pictures of the beach from above, you need about 45 minutes to hike up and down the mountain. Take that into account!

Booking your Balos Cruise

Since most people tend to buy the ticket at the port on the day of the tour, you risk not finding a place, especially in busy months. The best you can do is to book this tour online.

Boats depart from the small port of Kavonisi, about 2,5 km from the center of Kissamos, there are also more exclusive yacht alternatives departing from the port of Chania (New Marina, next to the old port).

There are daily departures from April or May until October, weather permitting at 10.20, 10.40, and 12.30, returning to Kavonisi at 17.45, 18.00, or 19.30.

The 12.30 departure is available from June to September. The trip is a full-day excursion.

Boat Trip to Loutro

boat trips in crete
The Daskalogiannis Boat takes you from Chora Sfakion to other villages on the southern coast of Crete.

The most comfortable way to get to Loutro is to travel from Chania to Chora Sfakion and take a boat in this coastal town. There’re different ways to reach Chora Sfakion, you can either drive yourself there or use the bus.

Once you’ve reached Chora Sfakion, you can either hike to the small fishing village or get there by boat.

From the port of Chora Sfakion, there are daily departures from May to October (10.30, 12.00, 13.00, 16.30, 17.30, and 18.30).

The trip takes 20 minutes and the ticket is €6. Loutro is the first port of call on the ferry line that connects other southern villages, including Agia Roumeli, Paleochora, and Gavdos Island. So if you’re staying in Paleochora, you can reach Loutro from there too. 
This is the official webpage of the ferry company 

Read everything about Loutro here.

Boat Trip to Chrissi Island

boat trips in crete
The pristine coast of Chrissi island.

You can reach Chrissi by sea from the port of Ierapetra as well as from the smaller port of the nearby beaches of Mirtos and Makrigialos, if you depart from these two small beaches, be ready to pay a higher fee.

There are several different ferry companies as well as a few private ships that, between May and October, reach the coast of Chrissi Island.

Boat tours from Ierapetra are an easy way to visit Chrissi and are very convenient. I recommend this tour to Chrissi as well as this boat activity with a swim stop that leaves from Agios Nikolaos and makes an excellent day trip.

I always suggest booking the trip in advance, especially if you’re traveling in the high season.

Departing from Ierapetra: The trip is about an hour and it’s always better to buy the ticket a few days in advance in one of the offices by the port of Ierapetra.

The return ticket is €29. Boats depart daily (weather conditions permitting) every morning, from 10.00 until midday. Trips back to Ierapetra are usually between 4 and 5 pm.

Private tours: It’s also a great idea, if your budget allows, to reach Ierapetra with a private tour. Some of them also include an onboard grill or a lavish Cretan lunch.

Upon arrival, your boat will be docking on the southern coast, and it will be necessary for you to reach the northern coast on foot.

You will walk a well-marked path but don’t forget to bring walking shoes or sandals, other than your flip-flops.

Boat Trip to Gavdos Island

GREECE - CRETE - GAVDOS - KARABE port
Port of Karabe, Gavdos island.

One of the best boat trips in Crete is the one that takes you to the lonely island of Gavdos, the southernmost point in Europe.

The departure points are Chora Sfakion or the coastal seaside villages of Paleochora and Sougia. Sometimes it’s also possible to leave from Agia Roumeli or Loutro.

All of them are on the southern coast of Chania. It’s always a must to check the departure schedules because they tend to change often.

Please, do so before booking accommodation, a sudden change in the ferry schedule can make your trip to Gavdos difficult or impossible during the high season, forcing you to change destination or dates or even leaving you battling for a hotel refund.

The best place where to check the schedules is the official site of the local ferry line ANENDYK. (Keep also their phone number at hand in case of need: +30 (28210) 95 511).

The most common point of departure is Chora Sfakion because it is the port with more scheduled weekly trips to Gavdos. The roads are fairly easy by car and the panoramas are unique.

Buses from Chania’s Central Station reach Chora Sfakion daily. Check their website for an updated schedule. Buses also reach Paleochora, another departure point for Gavdos.

Although we recommend staying in Gavdos at least for 3-4 days, this private day trip is great to see the highlights of the island.

Boat Trip from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion

GREECE - CRETE - PALEOCHORA FERRY
The Samaria ferry sails the southern coast of Crete, here in the port of Paleochora.

This is a common boat route for those who, after hiking the imposing Samaria Gorge, need to get back to the north coast of Crete. Agia Roumeli is a small coastal town that can only be reached by boat.

From here you can either sail to Paleochora, Loutro, and Chora Sfakia or take the ferry boat to Sougia and from there a boat or a taxi to Chania.

Boat Trips Crete - Port Agia Roumeli
The small port of Agia Roumeli.

If you’re hiking Samaria with a tour company, check beforehand if your hiking tour also includes the ferry ticket back to Chora Sfakion or to Sougia, or if you need to buy it once you reach Agia Roumeli.

If that’s the case with you and you’re traveling in the peak of the season, head directly to the port and get your ticket early. The last boat from Agia Roumeli usually departs at 5 pm.

Boat Trip from Paleochora to Elafonisi

Boat Trip Crete - Wooden Mole in Elafonisi.
Wooden mole in Elafonisi.

The only place from where you can take a boat trip to Elafonisi is the southern town of Paleochora.

The service is worth considering if you’re staying in Paleochora as the road connecting both towns is quite difficult for cars, although there’s a stunning coastal path that is perfect for hiking!

Bear in mind that there is no port in Elafonisi, the boat will leave you at a nearby docking area, a small wooden mole about a 10-minute walk from the beach.

It’s also a good idea to check the prices with several boatmen before buying your ticket.

Booking your Boat from Paleochora

boat trips in crete

Boats usually leave at about 9 am or 10 am, but it’s always better to confirm with the local boatmen. It’s also a common practice to agree on the price if you’re traveling in a large group.

The boat usually returns at about 5 pm. You can get tickets close to the jetty in Paleochora or from the local taxi boats.

Some boats can also take you to Kedrodasos, not far from Elafonisi. If you’re interested in learning more about these two great beaches, check out this article.

Remember that the boat from Paleochora to Elafonisi operates between May and October. Check prices here.

Boat Trip from Plakias Beach to Preveli

boat trips in crete
Coast of Preveli.

Not a tour, this trip is a great idea for those staying in Plakias, one of the prettiest beaches on the southern coast of Rethymnon, who do not want to drive to Preveli, nor plan to hike down Kourtaliotiko Gorge to reach the stunning beach of Preveli.

There’s a simpler way to reach Preveli Beach, from the car park, but it needs you to walk down (and up!) about 400 steps to the beach.

Although the views are breathtaking, especially admiring the Megalo Potamos (or Big River) flowing into the sea, the trail is not really for everyone, so this trip is a very helpful resource.

The ride takes from 45 minutes to an hour, and it can be booked here or here. Some boats can also take you to Triopetra Beach and Ligres Beach.

Don’t miss a visit to Preveli Monastery when discovering the area!

Boat Trip to Spinalonga Island

Fortified island, Crete
Approaching Spinalonga.

There are different options to reach Spinalonga. Some boats depart from the small village of Plaka, but also from the port of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

Let’s see them in detail.

Boat from Plaka to Spinalonga

Departing from Plaka is probably the fastest and cheapest way to reach Spinalonga.

Plaka is a small fishing village located opposite Spinalonga, under one kilometer away, and the ride is about 10 minutes. Remember, however, that this option is not available from October to March.

The price of the ticket from Plaka is about €12 per person. It’s a good idea to talk with the boat owners of Plaka if you’re part of a big group to discuss a better price or to stay on the island longer.

Check the Plaka Boat cooperation for more details and an official timetable. Alternatively, this Boat Trip to Spinalonga with a swim stop is an affordable option and you get to swim in the Mirabello Bay too.

Boat trip to Spinalonga Island from Elounda

The most convenient way to reach Spinalonga is from Elounda. Get to the main square of the village, right in front of the port, and choose one of the many available Spinalonga boat operators on the shore.

We booked our tour with this company and I was happy to see that the boat navigates close around Spinalonga.

This offers great photo opportunities and shows you a different perspective of the island which you would otherwise miss once on land. Check booking info and availability here.

The price of the ticket from Elounda is about €14 per person. When departing from Elounda off the season, it’s fairly easy to discuss how much time you want to spend on the island since many are the boats that cover this route. The trip lasts about 30 minutes.

Boat trip to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos

Bigger ships cover the route Agios Nikolaos – Spinalonga every day. This means that you’ll be traveling with more people, but also that you won’t find this trip available off-season.

These organized trips normally last several hours, they are more expensive, and usually include a swim and BBQ on the beautiful beach of Kolokitha (Spinalonga peninsula). Check the prices here.

Alternatively, this Boat Trip to Spinalonga with a swim stop is an affordable option and you get to swim in the Mirabello Bay too.

There are also super convenient whole-day trips that also include a visit to Agios Nikolaos and allow you to forget about everything, check it here.

Boat Trip for Adventurers and Explorers

Want to discover the top spots for scuba diving in Crete? Read on!
Loggerhead turtles are easy to spot in Crete.

There are unique experiences you can live at sea in Crete. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving in different areas of the island and even get your PADI certificate too.

In this article, I explain more about this possibility and also discuss some of the best scuba diving spots in Crete.

Crete has many diving centers to choose from, so no matter where you are staying, you will find a suitable center that will fit your needs and your budget. Here are just a few to check out around the island:

  • Divers Club Crete offers two locations in the north of Crete, one in Agia Pelagia, and since 2016 also in Hersonissos.
  • AquaDive in Agia Pelagia offers experiences both on the northern and the southern coasts and even night dives!
  • Omega Divers-located in Chania, in the NW of Crete, has great courses for all ages
  • There are different diving experiences for beginners in Heraklion too.
  • Royal Blue Diving Centre-Rethymnon.
  • Sea-Dream Divers-Located in Plakias.

Boat Trip to Dia Island

boat trips in crete

If you’re interested in discovering a lesser-visited place off the coast of Crete, then you can plan a trip to Dia Island, in Heraklion.

Choose this tour and set sail from the Venetian port of Heraklion to the uninhabited island of Dia.

Formerly a Minoan port during the Bronze Age, Dia was the main port of Crete for centuries.

Among the things you can do during your day at Dia, you can fish, swim, and snorkel in the same spot where Jacques Cousteau found the remains of the ancient port.

The organized tour includes a freshly cooked meal and local wine.

Boat Trips in Crete for the Family

boat trips in crete
Captain Hook, off the coast of Rethymnon.

There are different fun boat trips for all the family that you can take in Crete. One of the most popular options is the Pirate Trips that kids love… and parents too!

One of the most popular pirate boat trips in Crete is the one departing from the Old Port of Rethymnon. This sunset cruise on Captain Hook’s wooden pirate boat lasts about 2 hours and lets you enjoy the glorious views of the city and the Cretan mountains while the sun sets on the horizon. One refreshing drink is included in the already convenient price.

Another pirate boat trip departs from the south of Crete and takes you to discover the beautiful Koufonissi.

This fantastic, secluded island is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Libyan Sea and the whole experience is just perfect for all the family.

Little explorers can also have fun with this semi-submarine boat underwater experience, departing from the port of Chania.

This modern version of a glass-bottom boat can accommodate up to 12 passengers and is great to enjoy the views of the sea bottom including loggerhead sea turtles and a variety of fish. The trip is about 35 minutes and very convenient for the whole family.

Boat Trip to Santorini

boat trips in crete

A day trip to Santorini can be a superb romantic escape if you’re on a budget and cannot afford a whole week or a honeymoon in Santorini.

Several companies sell one-day trips to Santorini from Crete, and some of these packages are real value for money.

Some of them depart from Agios Nikolaos (comfortable if you’re staying in Elounda) or from Heraklion. There are also departures from the port of Rethymnon. Other tours include the transfer to Rethymno’s port from Chania.

Still, if your budget limits you a bit, you can easily book a ferry ticket from Heraklion (in Summer, also from Rethymnon), and enjoy your self-made romantic Santorini escape.

From April until late September, both Minoan Lines and Sea Jet Ferries have daily departures from Heraklion.

Sea Jet also departs from Rethymnon as of April 18th, 2020, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

You can also contact a ferry ticket company to take care of all your ferry tickets in Greece. Check prices with FerryHopper.

Boat Trip to Kythera Island

boat trips in crete
The port of Kythera and the beautiful landscape of the island.

Kythira island is a small Greek island belonging to the Peloponnese region, it’s not far from the coast of Crete, and it’s easy to reach from the port of Kavonisi in Kissamos, about thirty minutes from Chania.

Although this is not a trip that can be done in one day, you can easily spend 2 or 3 nights in Kythira if you have enough time to do so.

The island offers unique landscapes, imposing hiking trails, and amazing beaches to enjoy some quiet time too.

The island has very few inhabitants during winter and reaches a population of up to 500 in summer. For information about the ferry from Kissamos to Kythera, check this official schedule.

Read more about Crete

More Resources to Enhance Your Crete Adventure

I’ve got some excellent travel resources to make your adventure unforgettable! Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Remember to explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.

Once you’re ready to pack, use this comprehensive Crete packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic vacation. Explore the best places on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches, and check out the best times to visit.

If you are exploring specific regions, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania.

Suggested Accommodation in Crete

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:

More Useful Travel Resources

  • Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
  • Look for cheap flights with CheapOAir or find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
  • Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
  • Need cash? I’ve been using Wise in Crete for ages! It’s one of the best cards for overseas travel.
  • Finally, to book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I always recommend Get Your Guide.

Don’t Leave Without Pinning! Pin this Guide to the Most Amazing Boat Trips in Crete For Your Next Adventure!

boat trips in crete

Read more articles about Crete:


About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned so much about the island! In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media. I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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