Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

The best part of this cruise is the long stop in Kefalas Bay, where you swim straight from the wooden pirate boat into clear Mediterranean water. I like the easy, no-fuss setup: masks and swimming tubes are supplied, and a Greek salad with a drink gives you a simple lunch after the water. I also like the views of Rethymno’s Fortezza, Gerani Bay, the Kefalas caves, and the Venetian harbor from the sea.

The main thing to know is that this is a scenic boat ride with one main swimming stop, not a fast-moving series of beaches. The sailing takes about an hour and a half each way, and the boat can rock in choppy water. If you get seasick, ask the crew about the available motion-sickness pills before the boat gets underway.

Key points to know before you book

• One beautiful swimming stop: You get about an hour at Kefalas Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
• A long ride in both directions: Plan on roughly three hours of sailing during the five-hour outing.
• Snorkel gear is provided: Masks and swimming tubes are included, so you do not need to bring your own.
• Lunch is simple and Greek: Expect Greek salad, bread, olive oil, and a glass of wine or soft drink.
• Shade is available onboard: You can get out of the sun during the long ride, though sunscreen is still essential.
• You must handle the ticket exchange: Arrive at least 30 minutes early at Rethymno Marina to exchange your voucher for a boat ticket.

Setting sail from Rethymno Marina

The cruise begins at the marina port of Rethymno, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, not just because of boarding, but because your voucher must be exchanged for a boat ticket.

That extra time matters. The instructions for finding the exact ticket-exchange point can be unclear, and the exchange may take place at a kiosk near the harbor entrance rather than directly beside the boat. I would arrive early, find the kiosk first, then make your way to the vessel. This is especially useful if you are traveling with children, carrying swim gear, or trying to avoid a rushed start in the sun.

The boat is wooden and pirate-themed, giving the outing a playful character without turning it into a full theatrical show. Children may enjoy the look of the vessel, and on some sailings the captain has allowed children and adults to take photos at the wheel. That depends on the crew and conditions, so treat it as a pleasant extra, not a promised part of the program.

The onboard host or greeter may speak English, French, or German. Still, communication about the day’s schedule can be limited. I would listen carefully for departure instructions and ask early about the swimming time, lunch, and return schedule.

The view of Rethymno’s Fortezza from the water

As the boat leaves the marina, you get a fine sea-level view of Rethymno’s Fortezza. From shore, the fortress dominates the city’s western edge. From the boat, you see how its walls sit above the harbor and how strongly the old defensive site shapes the city’s profile.

This opening stretch works best as a slow sightseeing ride. You are not being taken straight to a beach, and the boat does not provide a constant stream of formal commentary. One weakness of the cruise is the lack of a regular guide presentation. You may hear little or nothing about the captain, crew, or places along the coast.

That makes the experience more relaxed, but it also means you should not book it expecting a narrated history tour. Bring your own interest in the views. Sit where you can see the coast, take photos while leaving the harbor, and settle in for the ride west.

Passing Gerani Bay on the way west

The boat continues along the coast toward Gerani Bay. This is part of the scenic sailing section, not a separate stop where you get off the boat. The water and shore provide a pleasant change from the marina, and the route gives you a broader look at Crete’s northern coast.

The trip takes around an hour and a half to reach the swimming area, though exact timing can vary. That is a key point when judging the value. You are paying for a half-day on the water, but only about an hour is set aside for swimming. The rest is the cruise itself, with views, conversation, music, and time under the shaded parts of the boat.

Music has been part of the atmosphere on some departures. Do not expect a traditional Greek soundtrack every time. The selection may be ordinary pop music, which some people will enjoy and others may find slightly odd for a pirate boat on the Cretan coast.

The boat provides shaded areas, a welcome feature during the long ride. You should still bring sunscreen, a hat, and water if you want it, since the included drink is limited and additional drinks are not part of the base price.

Swimming and snorkeling at Kefalas Bay

Kefalas Bay is the heart of the outing. The boat stops in a quiet cove, and you can enter the sea directly from the vessel rather than walking onto a beach. You get about one hour here, enough time for a proper swim and a look below the surface.

The water is clear, and the cove has plenty of fish to see. The snorkeling is not presented as a guided marine-life tour, so you are exploring on your own. That is fine for confident swimmers who want freedom, but less useful if you need instruction or a detailed explanation of what you are seeing.

Masks and swimming tubes are supplied. Bring your own equipment if you have a favorite mask or want a better personal fit, but the provided gear is a helpful inclusion, especially for families trying to pack light. You will need your own swimwear and towel.

The boat’s position gives you a simple and enjoyable swimming setup: climb down, swim in the cove, and return when lunch is ready. Children can enjoy the water, but parents should keep in mind that this is open-water swimming from a boat. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and anyone uneasy with ladders, boat movement, or getting in and out of the sea should consider that carefully.

Do not expect two separate swimming stops. The schedule centers on one main stop at Kefalas Bay. Some descriptions of the trip can create the impression of several water breaks, but the practical plan is one substantial swim, followed by the return cruise.

Greek salad and a simple lunch at sea

After the water, lunch is served onboard. The meal is a Greek salad with bread and olive oil, along with either a glass of wine or a soft drink. It is light, fresh, and well suited to a day when you have just been swimming.

This is not a full restaurant meal, so set your expectations accordingly. If you are traveling with hungry children or anyone who needs more than salad, consider bringing a small snack. Food and additional drinks may also be available for purchase, but those extras are not included in the $62 price.

The timing of the meal makes sense. A heavy lunch would not be ideal on a moving boat, especially for anyone prone to seasickness. The salad gives you something cool and easy to eat before the return ride.

The included drink is a useful touch, but the information about what is included can be easy to misunderstand. The package covers a glass of wine or soft drink, while other drinks are not included. If you want more to drink during five hours in the sun, bring money for purchases and ask the crew what is available.

Returning past the Kefalas caves

The return route offers another view of Kefalas, including its caves. You do not enter the caves as part of the stated program, but seeing them from the water adds interest to the trip back.

This is also when the length of the cruise becomes most noticeable. After swimming and lunch, you still have roughly an hour and a half at sea. Some people will enjoy the quiet ride and the coastline. Others may find it slow, especially if the crew gives little commentary.

I would choose a comfortable shaded place for the return and keep your towel nearby. The boat may rock, and the motion can affect people who felt fine earlier in the day. Seasickness pills have been available from the crew, but you may need to ask rather than wait for a general announcement.

The boat then returns toward Rethymno and passes the Venetian harbor. This gives you a final view of the old harbor from a different angle, with the waterfront and fortress area making a strong closing scene before you return to the marina.

What the $62 price really includes

At $62 per person, the cruise is reasonably priced if you want a half-day on the sea rather than a packed sightseeing program. The price includes the pirate boat, the swimming stop, snorkeling masks, swimming tubes, Greek salad, and one glass of wine or soft drink.

You are also paying for the coastal views and the novelty of seeing Rethymno from the water. For families, the included equipment can save you the trouble of renting or packing snorkeling gear. For couples and friends, the boat provides an easy shared activity with little planning once you are onboard.

The value is weaker if you measure the price only by time spent in the water. The actual swim lasts about an hour, while the sailing occupies much of the five-hour schedule. I would book this for the full boat experience, not simply as a way to reach a swimming cove.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Rethymno Marina, and the cruise ends at the same place. Build in time for the ticket exchange and do not assume you can walk up just before departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times can vary, so check the current schedule before you plan the rest of your day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, and friends who like being on boats and want a relaxed swim in clear water. Children may especially enjoy the pirate design, the chance to look for fish, and the possibility of taking photos at the wheel when the crew allows it.

It also suits you if you want a break from the heat and streets of Rethymno. The shaded sections of the boat help, and the stop at Kefalas gives the day a clear purpose. You get a mix of sightseeing, swimming, lunch, and fresh air without needing to organize several separate activities.

I would be more cautious if you dislike long boat rides, need constant commentary, or are prone to seasickness. The boat can rock, and the route includes a long ride out and back. This is not a guided coastal lecture, and the lack of regular information may leave you bored during the sailing sections.

It is also not a good fit for anyone with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the vessel, and entering the sea require a reasonable level of physical ease.

Practical packing advice for five hours at sea

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your identification is accepted. I would also add a hat, sunglasses, a small amount of cash for extra drinks, and a light snack if you are traveling with children.

Keep your towel and dry clothes where you can reach them. The swimming stop comes well into the trip, and you will want something dry for the ride back. A waterproof pouch can help protect your phone while you swim, though this is a general packing suggestion rather than an included service.

Arrive 30 minutes early for the voucher exchange. The start point is at Rethymno Marina, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat, and the activity returns to that same meeting point.

Should you book the Rethymno pirate boat cruise?

Book it if you want a pleasant half-day on the water, a good swim in Kefalas Bay, and an easy Greek lunch with the scenery doing most of the work. The clear water, fish, helpful crew, shaded seating, and supplied snorkeling gear make the central part of the day worthwhile.

Skip it if you want several swimming stops, a detailed guide, or a short transfer to the sea. The long sailing sections and occasional lack of communication are real drawbacks. For the right person, though, this is a simple and enjoyable way to see Rethymno from offshore and spend an hour in one of Crete’s attractive coastal coves.

FAQ

Where does the pirate boat cruise start?

The cruise starts at Rethymno Marina, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure so you have time to exchange your voucher for a boat ticket.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts five hours. Check availability for the current starting times.

How long is the swimming stop?

The main swimming and snorkeling stop at Kefalas Bay lasts about one hour.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and swimming tubes are included.

What food and drink are included?

You receive Greek salad, bread, olive oil, and either a glass of wine or a soft drink.

Are additional drinks included?

No. Additional drinks are not included, though food and drinks may be available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Rethymno Marina, and the cruise ends back at the marina.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.