Heraklion:Cruise to Chrissi island natural park with pick up

Exploring Greece’s hidden gems often means venturing beyond the mainland, and a cruise to Chrissi Island offers a fantastic way to experience Crete’s unspoiled coastline and pristine beaches. This tour, provided by Cretan Odyssey, promises a full day of scenic drives, boat rides, and nature immersion, making it an ideal choice for those who love outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, you’ll enjoy a scenic bus journey along Crete’s east coast, giving you a glimpse of local life and coastline views. Second, the 6-hour boat cruise around Chrissi’s bays offers ample time to relax, swim, and soak up the sun. Third, the chance to dive into turquoise waters on an uninhabited island offers pure tranquility. That said, some travelers might find the long day a bit tiring, especially if they’re not accustomed to full-day tours.

This trip is best suited for travelers who appreciate nature, enjoy water activities, and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. If you’re looking for a seamless combination of transport, guide insights, and natural beauty, this tour could be a memorable addition to your Crete itinerary.

Good To Know

• Impressive scenery and natural beauty of Chrissi Island’s pristine beaches
• Well-organized transportation with hotel pickup and air-conditioned bus
• Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with local insights
• Flexible options for meals on board, with meals available for purchase
• Comfortable boat cruise with enough time to swim and explore
• Suitable for active travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and outdoor activities

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chrissi Island Cruise

The Journey Begins: From Heraklion to the Coast

The experience kicks off with a scenic drive from Heraklion, passing along Crete’s east coast. The pickup service is included, with multiple pickup points such as Analipsi, Gazi, and Malia, making it easy to join from various hotel locations. The bus ride lasts about two hours, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy views of the countryside and coastline.

The guides are said to be professional and knowledgeable, providing background about the island and local areas. Reviewers mention that the guides, such as those from Cretan Odyssey, are able to share insights that enrich the journey, making the transit part of the overall experience rather than just a transfer.

Free Time in Ierapetra: A Brief Local Flavor

After arriving in Ierapetra, there’s a 30-minute free stop. This gives you a quick glance at Europe’s southernmost town, with a chance to stretch your legs, buy a coffee, or snap a few photos of the harbor. It’s enough to get a feel for the local vibe before heading to the boat.

The Boat Cruise: Scenery, Swimming, and Relaxation

The highlight of the tour is the boat cruise lasting approximately 4.5 hours around Chrissi Island. Expect to sail on the Libyan Sea, known for its clear, turquoise waters. The boat stops at Belegrina Beach, also called Golden Beach, where you can swim just 50 meters from the shore. One reviewer, Lilia, noted that “we were the only boat at the island,” which meant plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming without crowds.

If you prefer to stay dry, the boat offers a self-service restaurant/bar open throughout the cruise, with snacks, drinks, and meals available at extra cost. An optional lunch costs 9 euros, with a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages—perfect for refueling after swimming or relaxing on deck.

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Exploring Chrissi Island: Nature and Practical Tips

Once ashore, you’ll find that Chrissi Island is completely uninhabited, which is part of its charm. The island is renowned for its golden sands, cacti, and crystal waters. Reviewers suggest bringing water shoes or flip-flops due to hot sand, sharp rocks, and small cacti that could cause minor discomfort.

While the island’s natural environment is its biggest draw, the limited time (around 4.5 hours on the island itself) means you should plan your swim and exploration wisely. Most visitors, including those who commented in reviews, enjoyed the peace and quiet, often noting they had the entire beach to themselves at certain times.

Returning and Final Stops

The cruise concludes with a ferry back to Ierapetra, then a bus journey back to Heraklion and other pickup points across Crete. The return trip is about two hours, giving you ample time to rest and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Practicalities and Tips for the Tour

Transportation and Timing

The entire experience lasts between 10 and 12 hours, making it a full-day commitment. The pickup service is convenient, with multiple meeting points and a detailed schedule. The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort during the transfers, and the guides are friendly, fluent in English, German, and French.

Price and Value

While the cost of the tour covers transportation, guide, and entrance fees to the natural park, meals are not included unless you opt for the onboard lunch at 9 euros. Considering the full-day experience, the price offers good value—especially for travelers who want to combine scenery, water activities, and a hassle-free trip without worrying about logistics.

What to Bring

To make the most of the day, pack comfortable shoes for walking or exploring, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, a towel for swimming, and beachwear. Remember, the island’s terrain is natural and unspoiled, so practical footwear and sun protection are essential.

Reviews and Honest Feedback

Most reviews are positive, praising the scenic boat cruise and guides’ knowledge. For example, one reviewer noted that they were the only boat at the island, which made their experience more exclusive. Others mentioned that water shoes are a must, especially when walking on the hot sand or navigating rocky areas. The long day can be tiring but rewarding, offering a good balance of travel and relaxation.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love nature and want a more authentic, peaceful escape from busy resorts. It’s ideal for those comfortable with full-day outings and outdoor water activities. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for scenic beauty and quiet beaches will find this cruise particularly appealing.

However, if you’re sensitive to long days or prefer more leisurely sightseeing without extensive boat rides, you might want to consider shorter options. The tour’s value for money and well-organized transport make it especially attractive for travelers seeking a hassle-free adventure with plenty of natural splendor.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple locations around Heraklion, Malia, Sisi, and other key points in Crete.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect between 10 and 12 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and the boat cruise.

Can I buy food on the boat?
Yes, the boat has a self-service restaurant and bar where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and meals, with an optional lunch costing 9 euros.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear are recommended for the day’s activities.

Is the boat cruise suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the cruise’s relaxed pace and swimming stops suggest it’s family-friendly, provided children are comfortable on a boat for several hours.

Are there any restrictions on visiting the island?
Since the island is protected and uninhabited, visitors should respect nature, bring water shoes, and be mindful of the natural terrain.

Final Thoughts

A cruise to Chrissi Island from Heraklion offers a blend of scenic coastal drives, relaxing boat rides, and secluded beaches. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, this tour delivers a satisfying mix of adventure and tranquility.

It’s best suited for travelers eager to explore Crete’s less trodden paths and who enjoy outdoor activities in natural settings. While the long day might be a stretch for some, the peaceful beaches and unspoiled landscape promise a memorable escape from the usual tourist spots.

This tour provides solid value for those wanting a full-day, nature-focused experience that combines the best of Crete’s coast and sea, making it an excellent addition to any Crete itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: