Private boat trip Chania – Thodorou – Lazaretta (price per group-up to 9 people)

Taking a boat trip around Crete offers a refreshing way to see the island’s natural charm and hidden spots. This particular private boat tour from Chania is designed for small groups, making it an intimate, tailored experience—perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting a personalized adventure at sea.

What we love about this trip is how flexible and friendly it appears, with knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife spotting. The trip’s pricing seems reasonable considering it’s exclusive to your group and includes all the essentials like snorkeling gear and a private skipper.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, so if you’re after a longer, more in-depth day on the water, this might feel a bit brief. Still, it’s ideal for those looking for a quick, quality escape with a focus on comfort and authentic experiences.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a personalized, relaxed vibe, want to explore scenic spots away from crowds, and love the idea of boat trips enriched with local insights. It’s also a good pick for small groups who want to maximize value without sharing the experience with strangers.

Key Points

• Private & Personalized: Only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed, exclusive experience.
• Expert Skipper: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing stories and island insights.
• Snorkeling & Wildlife: Free gear available, with the chance to see turtles and explore underwater wrecks.
• Multiple Scenic Stops: Visits to Thodorou Island and Lazaretta Island for wildlife, swimming, and sunbathing.
• Convenient & Flexible: Mobile tickets and close meeting points make planning easy.
• Good Value: For up to nine guests at around $617, it’s a cost-effective way to explore Crete’s coast with friends or family.

A Look at the Experience: What’s in Store?

This private boat trip sets out from the Venetian Lighthouse in Chania, a popular starting point offering easy access and picturesque views. The journey begins with a cruise to Agioi Theodoroi (Thodorou Island), a protected reserve inhabited mostly by goats. As the boat approaches, you’ll notice the island’s rugged charm and the natural habitat protected from development, making it a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

Stop at Thodorou Island lasts about an hour, and it’s free to explore. Expect to see goats roaming freely—something reviewers especially loved, with one mentioning that the island is home only to goats and a guard. The guides often share stories and facts about the island’s protected status, adding a touch of local knowledge that enhances the experience.

Following this, the boat heads to Lazaretta Island for around 30 minutes. Here, you can jump into the clear waters and swim to a sandy beach, an ideal spot for relaxing, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The reviews point out how beautiful and inviting the waters are, with one reviewer noting it was a “very nice sandy beach” perfect for a quick dip. Snorkeling gear is provided, and several reviewers mentioned seeing amazing marine life, including turtles and even WW2 wrecks.

The boat itself is described as accommodating and relaxing, with many reviews praising the helpfulness of the crew. One reviewer noted, “The boat is accommodating and very relaxing. They had everything we needed and more—great drinks and food on board, floats, and the locations they chose were perfect.” It’s clear that comfort and service quality are priorities.

The Stops in Detail

Thodorou Island: Expect a peaceful visit to a protected island where goats are the main residents. It’s a brief stop with no admission fee, but the scenery and animal sightings are a highlight. Reviewers have expressed how much they enjoyed watching the goats and learning about the island’s conservation efforts.

Lazaretta Island: A short swim from the boat leads to a sandy beach that’s perfect for a quick break. According to one reviewer, “We swam into incredible waters,” reinforcing how clear and inviting the sea is. It’s ideal for families or groups looking to snorkel and relax in a less crowded environment.

The Experience on Board

The crew’s friendliness and expertise stand out, with guides often sharing the history and stories behind the islands, caves, and local wildlife. One reviewer praised Captain Nicolas for his storytelling and patience, making the trip educational and engaging. Another mentioned how the crew adjusted the schedule on a windy day to ensure everyone still had a fun, safe experience.

Snorkeling equipment is included at no extra cost, which is a great bonus—especially given the high praise from travelers who’ve seen turtles, WW2 wrecks, and vibrant fish. Some guests even mentioned exploring caves and swimming into hidden spots that are inaccessible by land, making this trip a real treasure for adventure lovers.

The boat has snacks and drinks available, with reviews highlighting the quality of the food—some even mention a freshly grilled meal during the trip. It’s a simple yet thoughtful touch that elevates the experience from just a boat ride to a memorable outing.

Practical Details & What You Should Know

Duration & Timing: The trip lasts around 2.5 hours, which is perfect for a quick escape. The schedule is flexible enough to fit into a morning or early afternoon plan.

Price & Value: At $617.15 per group (up to nine people), it offers good value, especially considering the private, tailored nature of the experience. If you’re traveling with friends or family, the cost per person becomes quite reasonable, and the exclusivity adds significant value.

Booking & Availability: Most travelers book this trip about 4 months in advance—highlighting its popularity. The activity is available with mobile tickets for easy access.

Meeting Point: The tour departs from Defkalionos 14 in Chania, close to public transportation, making it accessible without needing a car.

Weather & Cancellation: The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered, which adds peace of mind when booking.

Special Considerations: Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers. The boat is described as accommodating, relaxing, and equipped with everything needed for a comfortable trip.

What the Reviewers Say

With a perfect 5-star rating from 14 reviews, traveler feedback consistently highlights the crew’s friendliness, the stunning locations visited, and the value for money. Many mention the knowledgeable guides, especially Captain Nicolas and Sotiris, who go above and beyond to make guests comfortable and informed.

Reviewers also emphasize the memorable experiences—like snorkeling over WWII wrecks, spotting wild goats (kri-kri), and watching sunsets from the boat. The chance to swim in clear waters and explore caves in such a small, private setting is compared favorably to wider, more crowded tours.

A few notable quotes include: “Lots of memories, including exhilarating rides, snorkeling above and down to WW2 wrecks, watching the sunset,” and “The boat is accommodating and very relaxing, with great drinks and food on board.” Such feedback underscores how this trip balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This private boat trip from Chania offers a fantastic way to enjoy Crete’s coastline without the hassle of large group tours. It’s ideal for small groups seeking a personalized experience packed with wildlife, scenic views, and snorkeling opportunities.

If you’re comfortable with a short trip (about 2.5 hours) and want a flexible, relaxed outing tailored to your party, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or friends who value good service, local insights, and the chance to explore secret spots inaccessible by land.

The combination of knowledgeable guides, pristine waters, and a comfortable boat makes this a memorable and worthwhile addition to your Crete itinerary, particularly if you love wildlife sightings, snorkeling, and scenic sunsets.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group of up to nine people, meaning no strangers will join your trip.

How long does the tour last?
The trip lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, giving you enough time to visit multiple spots without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment is provided at no extra charge, and the price covers the entire boat rental, the skipper, and the stops at Thodorou and Lazaretta islands.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a full refund or a reschedule.

Where do we meet?
The tour departs from Defkalionos 14 in Chania, which is easy to reach by public transport.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the friendly crew makes it suitable for families; just check your kids’ comfort with boat rides and snorkeling.

Are there any additional costs?
No, everything necessary for snorkeling and sightseeing is included in the price. Extra food or drinks beyond what’s provided may be paid for separately.

This private boat trip from Chania offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and personalized service. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a flexible, memorable day out on the water with their loved ones or friends.