From Ierapetra: Day Cruise with Luxury Yacht to Chrissi island

If you’re dreaming of a leisurely day spent on pristine beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying a gourmet meal aboard a luxury yacht, this day cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island might just be your perfect escape. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-organized, scenic, and relaxing excursion that offers genuine value for those looking to experience Crete’s southern charm.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the luxury yacht promises a comfortable and intimate setting, often with small groups that allow for personalized service. Second, the diverse activities—including exploring the unique cedar forest, snorkeling with the possibility of spotting lionfish, turtles, and pipefish, and relaxing on beaches free from crowds—are tailored to nature lovers. Last, the delicious lunch and onboard amenities elevate the experience, making it more than just a boat ride.

Of course, one thing to keep in mind is the limited time on the island, which some reviewers feel might restrict their exploration of Chrissi’s larger area. This is a common challenge with day trips, especially when wanting to truly soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

This cruise appears best suited for travelers who crave a mix of scenic beauty, comfort, and good food in a small-group setting. If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized outings with a focus on nature and relaxation, this trip is likely to meet your expectations.

Good To Know

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
• Scenic and Cultural Highlights: Visit to Chrissi Island’s unique cedar forest and pristine beaches.
• Snorkeling and Wildlife: Opportunities to see sea turtles and lionfish, with provided snorkeling gear.
• High-Quality Food: A plentiful and delicious onboard lunch with stunning views.
• Flexible Itinerary: Time on the island plus scenic cruising with stops at multiple beaches.
• Weather Dependency: Cancellations due to strong winds are possible, with full refunds if this occurs.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins in Ierapetra

The adventure kicks off at 10:00 am from the Venetian Fort in Ierapetra, a charming starting point with historical charm. The boat departs at 10:30 am, giving travelers a chance to settle in and enjoy the scenic cruise. The vessel is described as clean and in good condition, which sets the tone for a pleasant day on the water.

The approximately 30-minute cruise to Chrissi Island offers a relaxing prelude. Reviews highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of the crew — “The two crew members were very helpful and friendly,” a reviewer mentioned — and also note the presence of wildlife like lionfish, pipefish, and a large turtle spotted from the deck. Such sightings add a touch of magic to the trip, especially for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Exploring Chrissi Island’s Natural Beauty

Arriving at Chrissi Island around 11:00 am, travelers are given about two hours to explore. The island’s standout feature is its distinctive cedar forest, which provides shade and a cool contrast to the sunbaked beaches. Reviewers mention that the island is larger than they initially expected, but time constraints mean you might not see it all — “Lack of time to discover the island which IS bigger than we can imagine,” noted one reviewer.

The island’s beaches are described as exotic and pristine, perfect for swimming or simply relaxing on the warm sand. A tip from reviews: bring water shoes and towels, as the shoreline can be somewhat rocky. The clear waters make it ideal for a quick swim, and the combination of white sand dunes and tropical colors of the sea makes for stunning photos.

Lunch and Scenic Cruising

After the initial exploration, the yacht departs for another two and a half hours of cruising to different bays around Chrissi Island. This segment includes a delicious onboard lunch, often praised for its quality and abundance. Guests can enjoy their meal watching the scenery drift by, which adds a sense of indulgence to the day.

The boat then anchors at a different bay, offering snorkel gear to explore the underwater life. Reviewers rave about the snorkeling, with sightings of lionfish, pipefish, and even a turtle — “Good lunch, friendly staff, and excellent snorkelling,” said one traveler. The proximity of the yacht to the shore (about 50 meters) makes for easy access, so you can jump in and out at your leisure.

Relaxation and Scenic Views

The second part of the trip is about unwinding. Guests can lounge on the yacht, soak up the sun, or take a dip in the water. The crew is praised for being attentive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and taken care of. As one reviewer states, “The crew were so attentive, and took great care of us,” emphasizing the personalized touch.

The Return Journey

At 4:00 pm, the yacht begins its return to Ierapetra, arriving around 4:30 pm. This gives ample time to reflect on a day filled with beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and good food. The small group size and well-organized schedule allow for a relaxed pace, ideal for those who prefer quality over quantity.

A Detailed Review of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Chrissi Island (10:30 am – 11:00 am)

The journey starts with a smooth 30-minute cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island. The short travel time means less time on the water and more for exploration, which many reviewers appreciate. The island’s protected status as part of Natura 2000 ensures visitors see an ecosystem that’s both delicate and fascinating, with rare flora and fauna.

Stop 2: Scenic Cruising and Lunch (11:00 am – 1:30 pm)

This segment provides a chance to relax and enjoy the yacht’s amenities. The onboard lunch, described as plentiful and tasty, is served during this cruise section, allowing guests to dine with a view. The food quality is consistently praised, with many noting it exceeds expectations for a boat meal.

Stop 3: Beach Time (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm)

Back on the island, you get about two hours at one of Chrissi’s most beautiful beaches. The combination of the tropical sea colors and white sandy dunes creates a postcard-perfect setting. Swimmers can enjoy the warm, clear water, while those preferring land can stroll through the cedar forest. The reviews highlight that this is the ideal time to relax, take photos, or simply soak up the sunshine.

Return Leg and Final Relaxation (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)

The last leg is a peaceful cruise back to Ierapetra, with scenic views of the coastline. This part of the day is mentioned as a perfect way to wind down, soaking in the beauty of Crete’s southern waters.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation & Meeting Point

The tour departs from the Venetian Fort on Str. Samouil 10 at 10:00 am. The small group size (max 15) enhances the experience, reducing crowding and ensuring personalized attention. Many reviewers mention that the crew was attentive and friendly, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Duration & Timing

The full experience lasts approximately six hours, from departure to return. Starting at 10:00 am and ending around 4:30 pm makes it suitable for a day trip without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that weather can influence the schedule—strong winds may lead to cancellations, but full refunds are provided in such cases.

Price & Value

At $152.97 per person, the trip offers good value considering the inclusions: boat transportation, a guided visit, snorkeling gear, and a substantial onboard lunch. For travelers seeking a comfortable, scenic, and activity-filled day with minimal hassle, this price point is reasonable, especially given the small-group experience and quality amenities.

What to Bring

• Water shoes or sandals suitable for rocky beaches
• Towels for swimming
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Waterproof camera or phone case for photos
• Light snacks and water, although the onboard food is plentiful

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic escape without the heavy crowds. It suits those interested in snorkeling and wildlife sightings, as well as lovers of nature and pristine beaches. If you appreciate small-group tours with attentive service and good food, you’ll find this trip fulfilling.

However, if you’re eager to explore every nook of Chrissi Island or prefer longer exploration time, this might feel a bit rushed. The weather-dependent nature also means you should be flexible with your plans.

The Sum Up

This day cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island offers a wonderful blend of comfort, natural beauty, and authentic experiences. From the moment you board the well-maintained yacht to the final return, the focus seems to be on creating a relaxing yet engaging day. The combination of scenic cruising, wildlife spotting, and swimming in crystal waters makes it perfect for those looking to escape the usual tourist crowds and soak in Crete’s unspoiled southern coast.

The onboard lunch and personalized service heighten the value, making this more than just a boat trip—it’s a mini-vacation designed for relaxation and enjoyment. While the time on the island is limited, it’s enough to experience Chrissi’s stunning beaches and cedar forests if you’re short on time.

In the end, this trip is best suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a scenic, comfortable, and activity-packed day with plenty of opportunities to unwind. If you’re craving a taste of Crete’s pristine nature with the added luxury of a private yacht experience, this cruise could be your favorite day out on the water.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The trip departs at 10:00 am from Ierapetra and returns around 4:30 pm, making it a full but manageable day.

How long is the trip on the water?
You’ll spend about 30 minutes cruising to Chrissi Island, with additional cruising time during the scenic segments and return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is supplied, and many reviewers enjoyed spotting lionfish, pipefish, and a large turtle.

How much time do we get on Chrissi Island?
You’ll have approximately two hours on the island to explore the beaches, cedar forest, or swim.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers boat transportation, admission to the island, snorkeling gear, and a plentiful onboard lunch.

What should I bring?
Water shoes, towels, sunscreen, hats, and waterproof cameras are recommended for comfort and safety.

Is the tour suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
Given the small group size and activity nature, it’s best suited for those able to walk and enjoy some water activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to strong winds or bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this Ierapetra to Chrissi Island cruise. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, or simply a relaxing day on the water, it appears to deliver a memorable experience worth considering.