Private Heraklion Private Beaches & Hidden Caves

Imagining the perfect day on the water in Crete? This private sailing trip around Heraklion promises just that — a chance to explore secluded beaches, discover hidden caves, and enjoy the calmness of the Cretan Sea with your own private vessel. We’ve taken a close look at what this tour offers, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

This experience stands out for its private nature, allowing you to tailor your day to your group’s pace. We love the way it combines romantic scenery, crystal-clear swimming spots, and hidden gems along Crete’s northern coastline. The relaxed itinerary offers ample swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities — perfect for water lovers. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so accessibility might be limited for some.

This trip is ideal for families, friends, or couples seeking a peaceful escape from crowded beaches. If you’re after a personalized, scenic day on the water with plenty of opportunities to relax and explore, this is a solid choice.

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Key Points

Private sailing experience offers exclusivity and flexibility
Secluded beaches and caves inaccessible by land create unique photo and swimming opportunities
Calm, turquoise waters provide excellent snorkeling and swimming conditions
Multiple pickup options make it convenient for various locations across Crete
The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues
Light snacks and soft drinks are included, adding comfort during your cruise

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Crete Coast by Private Boat

Traveling by boat along Crete’s northern coast unlocks a whole new perspective on the island’s natural beauty. Unlike crowded beach resorts, this experience emphasizes privacy and serenity, letting you enjoy the landscape without the noise of crowds. From the deck, you’ll see striking rock formations and sheltered bays that are difficult to access by land, making this trip especially appealing for those who love discovering quiet spots.

We loved the way this tour balances sailing time with free time for swimming and snorkeling. It’s designed to give you maximum flexibility, whether you want to relax onboard, paddle around, or explore underwater life. The calm waters surrounding Agia Pelagia provide excellent visibility, making snorkeling particularly rewarding.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-Up and Departure

Your day begins with a pickup at one of 19 locations across Crete, including popular spots like Heraklion, Rethymno, Hersonissos, and Agia Pelagia. This wide range of options makes logistics easier — just wait at your hotel entrance for the Explor.gr vehicle with their logo, and you’re on your way to the marina.

The trip kicks off with a sailing segment of about 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the views and get comfortable aboard the private sailboat. This initial sail sets the tone for the relaxed pace of the day.

Stop 1 & 2: Agia Pelagia

The first stop is at Agia Pelagia, a charming seaside village with a reputation for clear waters and scenic coastlines. Here, you’ll spend approximately two hours enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. This is your chance to take in the tranquil atmosphere, explore underwater life, or simply lounge on the boat.

Multiple reviewers mention how peaceful and uncrowded the water is, making it ideal for families or beginners. One guest noted, “It was the perfect way to cool off after a morning of sightseeing. The water was so calm, and I saw some lovely fish while snorkeling.”

Stop 3: Return Sailing

After your relaxing swim, the boat will sail again for about 45 minutes, offering another chance to enjoy the scenery or snap photos of the rocky coastlines and natural formations.

Final Drop-Off

Your day concludes with a return to your original departure point, having experienced the best of Crete’s hidden beaches and caves in full privacy. The flexible itinerary means you can tailor your time at each stop if desired.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Private and personalized: Unlike group tours, this experience is exclusive to your party, making it perfect for intimate celebrations or family outings. It’s also suitable for groups of friends who want to escape the crowds.

Access to secluded spots: The boat’s ability to reach hidden caves and uncrowded beaches is a major plus. Many reviews point out how these spots are inaccessible from land, offering unique photo ops and peaceful swimming.

Water activities: Snorkeling and paddleboarding are included, making this a great choice for water enthusiasts. The calm waters provide excellent conditions for beginners and children, while more experienced swimmers will appreciate the clarity.

Flexibility: The itinerary is designed to be adaptable. If your group prefers more time swimming or lounging, the skipper can adjust accordingly.

Comfort and convenience: Snacks and soft drinks are included, so you won’t need to pack a lot of extra supplies. Plus, the pickup and drop-off from multiple locations make logistics straightforward.

Practical Aspects

Duration and timing: The tour lasts 5 hours, with availability depending on your chosen date. You’ll want to check specific start times, but most trips start in the morning or early afternoon.

Price and value: While the exact price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of a private boat, skipper, assistant, snacks, and drinks suggests a good value for a personalized experience. The exclusivity and access to private beaches add to its appeal.

Group size: As a private trip, your group will enjoy a tailored experience without strangers onboard. This is ideal for travelers seeking intimacy and flexibility.

Transportation: The pickup service is included, making it easy to start your day hassle-free. Just be ready at your hotel entrance at the designated time.

Limitations: The tour does not accommodate wheelchair users, and alcohol and drugs are not permitted onboard. It’s also worth noting that the experience is best suited for those comfortable with water activities.

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The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private sailing trip around Heraklion is perfect for those who value privacy, scenic beauty, and flexible schedules. It’s well-suited for families with children, couples seeking a romantic day, or groups of friends who want to enjoy Crete’s coastline without the crowds. The chance to explore hidden caves and secluded beaches adds a sense of discovery that many travelers crave.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience that balances sightseeing with leisure, this tour delivers. The professional crew ensures safety and comfort, while the itinerary’s flexibility means you can customize your day to match your interests. Just keep in mind that if you need accessible options, this particular trip might not be suitable.

This experience offers a wonderful way to see Crete from the water, enjoy calm swimming spots, and snorkel in crystal waters — making it a memorable highlight of any trip to the island.

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FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Where do I get picked up?
You can choose from 19 pickup locations across Crete, including Heraklion, Rethymno, and Agia Pelagia. The excursion provider’s vehicle will meet you at your hotel entrance.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private sailboat, a personal skipper and assistant, as well as light snacks and soft drinks for the group.

Are there activities onboard?
Yes, you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding during the free time at the stops.

Can I bring extra drinks or personal expenses?
Additional drinks and personal expenses are not included in the package, so plan to bring any extras you might want.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the water activities and that the tour is best suited for those comfortable with swimming. It’s not specifically mentioned if children are allowed, but it’s generally family-friendly.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the boat and dock access limitations.

What should I wear?
Light, comfortable clothing suitable for water activities, along with swimwear under your clothes. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy is a nice perk.

This private boat tour offers a fantastic combination of tranquility, discovery, and personalized service — an excellent way to experience Crete’s hidden seascapes away from the crowds. Whether you’re seeking a romantic day, family fun, or simply a peaceful escape, this trip can deliver memorable moments on the water.