Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet fun way to experience Crete’s stunning coastline, a pirate-themed boat cruise from Rethymno offers a delightful mix of scenic views, refreshing swims, and a touch of adventure. This five-hour journey has garnered a solid 4.1 out of 5 from hundreds of reviews, and it’s easy to see why — especially for travelers seeking value, memorable moments, and a taste of authentic Greek hospitality.

What we love about this cruise is the friendly crew, the beautiful swim spots, and the charming pirate vibe. You’ll get to float in crystal-clear waters, enjoy a light Greek salad lunch, and marvel at Crete’s rugged coastline, all packed into a laid-back half-day outing. That said, it’s worth noting that drinks aren’t included, and the snorkeling time may be shorter than some would hope. Still, this experience suits families, groups of friends, or solo travelers craving a taste of the sea in a fun, informal setting.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Crete or a seasoned island explorer, this cruise provides an accessible, affordable way to see some of Rethymno’s highlights without the fuss of complicated arrangements. It’s a straightforward outing with lots of genuine touches that make it more than just a boat trip — it’s a chance to relax, snorkel, and soak up Greek island life.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal views and historical sights like Fortezza and Venetian harbor
• Swim and snorkel in beautiful, transparent waters with free masks provided
• Relaxed half-day itinerary ideal for families and first-time visitors
• Light Greek salad lunch paired with a glass of wine or a soft drink
• Friendly, accommodating crew that makes the experience memorable
• Affordable price point offers excellent value compared to more elaborate excursions

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Pirate Boat Cruise

This cruise kicks off at Rethymno Marina, where you meet the crew in front of the iconic Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. The first thing you’ll notice is the pirate theme — from the wooden ship to the playful atmosphere that appeals to all ages. The vessel itself is a sturdy, traditional wooden pirate boat, offering a nostalgic maritime vibe that instantly puts you in a relaxed mood.

Departure and Scenic Sailing

The journey heads westward, providing a stunning view of the Fortezza fortress, which dominates the city’s skyline. As the boat slips through the harbor, you’ll enjoy glimpses of Rethymno’s old town and the Venetian-era buildings. The captain and crew, including a notably friendly captain who sometimes lets kids drive the boat, set a lively tone, making everyone feel comfortable and included.

The route takes you along the coastline past the serene bay of Gerani before reaching Kefalas Bay. This area is praised for its tranquility and scenic beauty, with reviews mentioning that the views of the coast and caves are truly enchanting. Expect to be enchanted by the rugged cliffs, caves, and the chance to spot local wildlife.

The Swimming and Snorkeling Stop

Once at Kefalas Bay, the crew anchors the boat for about an hour, giving you ample time to jump into the crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling masks and floating tubes are provided so you can explore the underwater world, which reviewers say is teeming with fish and marine life. Several guests, like Janett, mentioned how their kids loved spotting all the fish during this stop, making it a highlight of the trip.

Reviewers also appreciated the well-organized and safe swimming stop, with one describing it as a “fabulous swim spot” that exceeded expectations. The water is described as refreshingly clean and inviting — perfect for a quick dip after a warm morning on deck.

The Cave and Coastal Views on Return

On the way back, you’ll cruise past some of Kefalas’ famous caves, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a good chance to appreciate Crete’s geological features. The boat then heads toward the Venetian harbor, where the crew often shares stories or points out notable landmarks, adding a bit of local color and history.

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Food and Drink

A simple yet satisfying Greek salad lunch is included, served on deck during the trip. Reviewers find the meal to be light and refreshing, ideal after a swim. The salad is complemented by a glass of wine or a soft drink, with some guests noting that drinks are not included in the price, so bringing your own or purchasing extras on board might be wise.

While the cruise includes snorkeling masks and floating tubes, drinks outside the included soft drinks or wine are not provided, so you might want to bring water or purchase beverages at the marina beforehand if you prefer more variety.

Crew and Atmosphere

The crew earns high praise for their friendly, accommodating attitude. Several reviews highlight how the captain allowed children to take photos or even drive the boat — a fun, memorable touch that elevates the experience. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with many guests mentioning how helpful and cheerful the staff are, making it suitable for families, solo travelers, or groups of friends.

The boat’s pirate theme adds an element of fun, especially for kids or those young at heart. The crew’s humor and openness make the trip feel less like a formal tour and more like a day out with friends.

Duration and Practicalities

The cruise lasts approximately five hours, including travel, swimming, and sightseeing. It departs from Rethymno Marina, and travelers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early to exchange vouchers for tickets. The activity concludes back at the meeting point, with no hotel pickup or drop-off included.

Weather considerations are important; with no shade on the boat, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel are must-haves. If you’re prone to sunburn, packing extra sunscreen and a cover-up is wise. The boat isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, so keep that in mind if traveling with limited mobility.

Pricing at $65 per person offers good value, especially considering the included snorkeling gear, lunch, and scenic stops. While drinks aren’t included, the overall cost remains accessible for most travelers seeking a fun, casual day on the water.

Review Highlights from Past Guests

• Many travelers, like Elizabeth and Florent, appreciated the friendly crew and the fantastic swim spots.
• Family groups or those traveling with children loved how kids could drive the boat and enjoyed the fishing activity.
• Several reviewers praised the beautiful landscapes and the quality of snorkeling, with many noting that they saw a good variety of fish and marine life.
• Some noted that the timing of the snorkeling stop was a bit short, around 30-45 minutes, which might feel brief for avid snorkelers.
• A few mentioned that there was no guided commentary onboard, so you might find yourself wishing for a bit more info about the sights or marine life.

The Sum Up

This pirate-themed boat cruise from Rethymno offers a relaxed, family-friendly outing filled with scenic views, swimming, and informal fun. It provides great value for the price, especially for travelers who love spending time on the water and exploring Crete’s coastline in a laid-back setting. The friendly crew, beautiful swim spots, and authentic Greek food make it a compelling choice for those looking to combine relaxation with a bit of adventure.

While it’s not a detailed historical tour or a luxury experience, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates simple pleasures — sun, sea, and good company. It’s especially well-suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager for a playful day out on Crete’s beautiful waters.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to the marina?
No, the cruise starts at the marina port of Rethymno. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes early to exchange your voucher for a ticket.

How long is the cruise?
The total duration is around five hours, including the sailing, swimming stop, and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID. It’s also wise to have water and possibly some extra snacks if you want more than the included lunch.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You get a glass of wine or a soft drink with your lunch, but additional beverages need to be bought separately.

Can I drive the boat?
Yes, the captain sometimes allows children and guests to drive the boat and take photos, which adds a fun and memorable touch.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoyed the swimming and the chance to drive the boat, though the activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect views of Crete’s coastline, caves, the Venetian harbor, and the fortress of Fortezza. The scenery is picturesque and perfect for photos.

Is snorkeling safe and worthwhile?
Absolutely. The waters are clear and lively with fish, making it a highlight for many guests who loved spotting marine life.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option if your plans change.

This pirate boat cruise provides an easygoing, scenic, and genuinely fun way to experience Crete’s coast. Perfect for those wanting a mix of relaxation, adventure, and a touch of pirate fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: