From Hersonissos: Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch

Experience Review: From Hersonissos — Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch

Imagine setting out on a lively boat adventure with a crew dressed as pirates, exploring crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastlines—this is exactly what the Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip from Hersonissos offers. This trip, priced at around $70 per person, combines leisure, excitement, and a touch of pirate-themed fun for families and travelers seeking a memorable day at sea.

We love the friendly, professional crew who make the whole experience smooth and engaging, the chance to swim and snorkel in Saint George’s Bay, and the delicious onboard meal that feels like a proper treat. A potential consideration? The loud music and active atmosphere might not suit very young children or those looking for a tranquil escape.

This tour is perfect for families with older kids, groups who enjoy lively entertainment, or anyone wanting a mix of adventure, scenery, and good food during their time in Crete.

Good To Know

• Family-friendly with pirate-themed activities and diplomas for kids
• Multiple swimming and snorkelling stops in clear, inviting waters
• A scenic cruise along the coastlines of Malia and Stalis
• An authentic onboard meal that satisfies all ages
• Varying review experiences highlight the lively atmosphere and potential noise levels
• Flexible booking options with free cancellations up to 24 hours

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: A Balance of Fun and Scenic Highlights

This four-hour cruise departs from Hersonissos around 11:00 AM, giving travelers a solid half-day of exploration and entertainment. The journey begins with a 20-minute scenic sail across the bays of Anissaras, providing picturesque views before reaching the main swimming spot in Saint George’s Bay.

Saint George’s Bay — The Heart of the Trip

Here, the waters are crystal-clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or just relaxing on the boat. The reviews mention that the water is stunning and that the crew is attentive, making sure everyone has the gear and instructions needed. Guests can leap from the boat, snorkel, or soak up the sun on deck.

Midday Stop & Lunch

After about 1.5 hours, everyone hops back on board for a delicious meal. The menu includes pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread—a hearty, satisfying combination that showcases local flavors. For kids, there’s a pasta option with tomato sauce, salad, and bread, ensuring the little ones are well catered to.

Exploring Malia & Stalis Coastlines

Next, the boat heads to the scenic coasts of Malia and Stalis, where travelers have another 45-minute window to explore the shoreline, take photos, or just relax. This part offers a chance to see famous beaches and coastline scenery from the water, with reviews highlighting the beauty and tranquility of these spots.

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Return Journey & Water Sports

On the way back, the boat stays close to the coast, giving guests a chance to see locals engaging in water sports and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bays. It’s a fun way to end the trip, watching the area’s water activities unfold.

What Makes This Tour Worth It

Professional Crew & Authentic Pirate Theme
The crew, highlighted in reviews as being kind, funny, and competent, really help set the tone for a fun, relaxed day. Kids get their pirate diplomas and even the chance to steer the boat, which makes the experience memorable. The lively music, face painting, and dancing amplify the pirate theme, making it particularly appealing for families with children over 5.

Stunning Water & Coastal Views
Guests consistently praise the crystal-clear waters and the opportunity to swim in beautiful spots, often described as perfect for snorkelling. The boat’s proximity to the coast also offers scenic views of Crete’s rugged shoreline.

Tasty, Satisfying Meal
The onboard food is more than just a snack—it’s a generous, local-style meal that many reviewers find delicious and filling. The inclusion of water or soft drinks adds to the value, making this a good all-in-one package.

Entertainment & Family-Friendly Activities
From face painting to pirate show-offs and dancing, kids and adults alike enjoy the energetic atmosphere. The pirate-themed activities add a playful element that differentiates this trip from more sedate boat cruises.

Practical Details & Tips for Booking

The tour departs at 11:00 AM and returns around 3:00 PM, offering a straightforward four-hour escape from the land. Arriving 30 minutes early at the Hersonissos port ensures smooth boarding. The price of $70 includes the boat trip, swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, the meal, and entertainment—which packs in a lot of value for a half-day adventure.

While transfers are not included, the meeting point is easy to reach if you’re staying nearby. It’s worth noting that the program may change depending on the weather, so flexibility is key.

What to Bring

Guests should pack sunglasses, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Bringing some cash is advised, especially if you want to buy photos or souvenirs.

Accessibility & Family Suitability

This trip is best suited for older children due to the active, lively environment and loud music. Some reviews note that little kids (like 3-year-olds) might find the noise a bit overwhelming, and the swimming spots can be too deep for small children.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many reviews highlight the friendly crew who go out of their way to keep everyone entertained. One reviewer from Germany mentioned, “The staff was super friendly and accommodating. The food was really good and there was plenty of it.” Others appreciated the fun pirate theme, with a pirate doing makeup and putting on a little show at the start, adding a whimsical touch.

However, some travelers noted the loud music—one saying it’s too loud for kids—so if you prefer a quieter trip, this might not be ideal. Still, the overall consensus is that the vibe is lively and upbeat, with enough entertainment to keep everyone engaged.

Final Thoughts: Who Is It Best For?

This pirate boat trip offers a lively, family-friendly experience that emphasizes fun, scenery, and good food. It’s especially suited for families with children over 5, groups who enjoy energetic entertainment, and travelers looking for a half-day escape that combines water activities with a touch of pirate flair.

If you’re seeking a peaceful, serene boat ride, this probably isn’t the best fit. But if you want a colorful, engaging, and scenic adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy a hearty meal, this tour delivers on all fronts.

The professional crew and well-organized stops ensure you get a good balance of activity and relaxation—making it a memorable part of your Crete holiday.

FAQs

What is the duration of the trip?
It lasts about 4 hours, from departure at 11:00 AM to return around 3:00 PM.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transfers are not included, so you’ll need to arrive at the Hersonissos port on your own.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and some cash if you want to purchase photos or souvenirs.

Can I participate if I have young children?
Yes, but very young children (like 3-year-olds) might find the loud music and deep swimming spots less suitable. The trip is more appropriate for kids over 5.

What food is included?
A hearty onboard meal with pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread is provided. Kids get pasta with tomato sauce. Drinks include water or soft drinks.

Is the trip weather-dependent?
Yes, the program may change based on weather conditions, so flexibility is advised.

How do reviews describe the experience?
Guests appreciate the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and tasty food, though some note the high volume of music and the activity level might not suit everyone, especially smaller kids.

Overall, this pirate boat trip from Hersonissos offers a lively, engaging way to enjoy Crete’s beautiful waters, with plenty of fun for families and groups seeking a day filled with sun, sea, and pirate-themed adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: