75-Minute Guided Sunset Cruise

75-Minute Guided Sunset Cruise, 75 minutes, rated 4.8 across 1,001 traveller reviews.

Overview

This 75-minute cruise with Manos Cruises leaves from the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania and heads out onto the Gulf of Chania aboard the Ferryman boat. A guide runs commentary the whole way, covering the harbor, the lighthouse and the story of Lazaretta Island. The route passes the Venetian-built lighthouse, altered by the Egyptians in 1839, then continues west toward Lazaretta, a small island close to the city where the boat stops for the sunset.

From that spot the sun drops behind the Kissamos Mountains, and there is time to swim off the boat if you want to. Several travelers mention the optional swim as a highlight of the trip. A glass of wine is included, and the return leg brings you back past the harbor lights reflecting on the water as night settles in.

It works as a short outing rather than a full-day trip, and one reviewer specifically called it a good activity to do with the family. Reviewers repeatedly describe the crew as friendly and the commentary as informative. The meeting point is at Chania boat rentals, Akti Enoseos 3, and the boat is easy to find there, according to feedback on the listing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the harborMake your own way to Chania boat rentals at Akti Enoseos 3, Chania 731 32. No pickup or transfer is included.
2. Depart the Old Venetian HarborThe boat leaves the harbor and heads out onto the Gulf of Chania.
3. Pass the Chania lighthouseYou sail past the famous lighthouse, built by the Venetians in the 16th century and modified by the Egyptians in 1839.
4. Cruise west to LazarettaThe boat continues toward Lazaretta Island while the guide talks about the island's history and its former inhabitants.
5. Sunset stop and optional swimThe boat moors by the island for the sunset, with the option to swim. You can stay on deck and watch the sky change color instead.
6. Return to ChaniaOn the way back you see the harbor lights on the water as the sky darkens.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this short cruise.

• Bring swimwear and a towel. Swimming at Lazaretta is optional but popular, and towels and bathing suits are not included, so bring your own. Wear comfortable shoes or flip-flops for boarding.
• It is short and easy. The whole outing runs 75 minutes, with no demanding activity beyond an optional swim. One reviewer called it a lovely experience to have with the family.
• Guides carry the trip. Reviewers often mention friendly crew and entertaining, informative stories about the island and the port. The guides also know the best photo angles and have taken photos for guests.
• One glass of wine. A glass of wine and the guided commentary are included. Some travelers would prefer higher quality wine or clearer drink choices, so treat the drink as a pleasant extra rather than the reason to book.
• Sunset is the payoff. The boat positions itself where the sunset falls behind the Kissamos Mountains. Several travelers called the sunset the best part of the trip, so have your camera ready at the Lazaretta stop.
• Finding the boat. There is no pickup, so allow time to reach Akti Enoseos 3 yourself. Multiple reviewers said the boat was easy to find with the directions provided.

Common issues. The swim stop is optional so you may simply stay on deck. Some travelers felt the wine was low quality or that drink options were unclear. Towels and swimwear are not provided. Pets, oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board, and transport to the meeting point is not included.

Common Questions