Traditional Boat, Two Islands

Traditional Boat, Two Islands, 4.5 hours, rated 4.9 across 828 traveller reviews.

Overview

A white wooden boat with yellow masts, the Ferryman, leaves from Chania's old harbor and spends about four and a half hours visiting two islands just off the coast. The trip is run by Manos Cruises and is aimed at people who like a bit of history with their swimming. Crew talk in Greek and English about the Venetian occupation, the role these islands played in defending Crete, and the East Mediterranean trade that passed through the port.

The first stop is Agioi Theodoroi, a protected island that once helped guard the coast and is now a refuge for the kri-kri, an endangered Cretan goat. Here the boat anchors near the wreck of a German airplane from the Second World War, and swimmers can get into the water to look at it. After roughly 20 minutes the boat moves to a small gulf on the same island for a stop of about 30 minutes, with good odds of spotting the goats on shore.

The final stop is Lazaretta, opposite Nea Chora, with clear water, marine life and two sandy beaches where you can swim or relax before the ride home. The return leg gives a sea-level view of the Venetian lighthouse and the fortress walls. A sandwich, juice, homemade raki and swimming gear are provided, though not towels, and hotel transfer is not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the old harborFind the Ferryman near the Porto Veneziano hotel. It is the only wooden traditional boat in Chania's old harbor.
2. Sail west to Agioi TheodoroiThe boat heads out of the Old Port toward the first island, with commentary on Venetian history and coastal defense along the way.
3. Airplane wreck swim stopThe boat anchors near a destroyed German airplane wreck from WWII. This stop is only for swimmers, and the group stays about 20 minutes.
4. Small gulf on Agioi TheodoroiThe second stop on the same island, inside a gulf with a beach reachable by swimming or tender boat. There is a good chance of seeing kri-kri goats. The stop lasts about 30 minutes.
5. Lazaretta IslandClear waters, marine life and two sandy beaches. Swim, snorkel or relax on the sand before boarding for the return.
6. Return to ChaniaPanoramic views of the Old Venetian Harbour, its lighthouse and walled fortresses on the way back, with raki offered on board.

What To Expect From The Tour

This is a swimming-heavy day on a traditional wooden boat, so a few practical things shape how it goes.

• Be swim-ready. The first stop is for swimmers only, and reviewers describe the trip as really focused on swimming and snorkeling. The beach at the second stop is reached by swimming or the tender boat.
• Crew and pace. Reviewers repeatedly mention friendly, attentive guides who explain each stop and take good care of passengers. Several also describe the crew as safety conscious.
• Food and drink. A sandwich, juice and homemade raki are included. One reviewer suggests bringing extra snacks, and the review summary notes water can run short, so bring your own.
• What to pack. Swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat and comfortable shoes are listed as things to bring. Towels are not provided, and large bags or luggage are not allowed on board.
• Getting there. There is no hotel transfer, so make your own way to the old harbor and find the Ferryman near the Porto Veneziano hotel. It is a white wooden boat with yellow masts.
• Bring a camera. Reviewers call the scenery stunning and the water crystal clear, and the return trip gives a sea-level panorama of the lighthouse and fortress walls worth photographing.

Common issues. The lunch is basic and some travelers say water can run short, so extra snacks and a bottle of water are a good idea. A few reviewers would also like clearer information about the stops before the day. The first stop is only for swimmers, and the second stop's beach requires swimming or the tender boat, so non-swimmers will mostly stay on the boat. Oversize luggage and large bags are not permitted, and towels are not provided.

Common Questions