What is included in the trip?

Snorkel equipment and drinks are provided onboard; exact inclusions and pickup details are confirmed at booking.

The meeting point is Notos Mare - Marine Adventure Chania, Chania, Crete, 73100, departing from Chania Old Port.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes—stops may change based on wind and sea conditions for safety and to find the calmest water.

Are children allowed?

Yes; the minimum age listed is one year, but basic swimming confidence is recommended for safe water entry and exit.

Will we see wildlife like kri-kri goats?

Thodorou Island is a protected area and sightings of the kri-kri goat are possible but not guaranteed; marine life is commonly seen while snorkeling.

How do I book and choose a boat type?

Book via the operator’s FareHarbor page and select the boat type (open, cabin, RIB or luxury) that suits your group size and comfort.

Half-Day Swim Safari Menies: Private Snorkel Cruise from Chania, Crete

From the splintered limestone cliffs of the Rodopou peninsula to the glassy shallows that lap Chania’s old port, Half-Day Swim Safari Menies is a compact marine escape that makes the most of western Crete’s sheltered coves. Departing from Notos Mare - Marine Adventure Chania, Chania, Crete, 73100, this four-hour private cruise threads together remote swim stops—Menies, Limnionari, Sfako—and a final dip near Thodorou Island, a protected Natura 2000 habitat. The experience is simple and exacting: choose an open, cabin, RIB or luxury boat, and let a local crew read wind and swell to design a route for swimming, floating and snorkeling over rocky seabeds. Menies is a sheltered cove with traces of ancient use; Limnionari offers calm, mirrorlike water for visibility, while Sfako presents dramatic drop-offs and deep-blue color that feel oceanic despite the short hop from shore. Thodorou, by contrast, is a small island refuge where the coastline and nearby shallows host marine life and, on rare landings, the protected kri-kri goat—one of the handfuls of native mammals that survive on these islets. What sets this half-day trip apart is the combination of privacy and adaptability. With a maximum group of 11, the outing reads more like a bespoke beach day than a commuter ferry run. Snorkel equipment and drinks are provided onboard, and the crew will alter stops to match sea conditions, which matters in an area where wind can rearrange a plan in minutes. The geology shifts from sculpted limestone cliffs and pebble beaches to rocky seabeds carpeted with Posidonia meadows; that contrast gives every swim a different light and texture. Practical perks are built into the rhythm: departures and returns are handled at Chania Old Port, timing is confirmed at booking, and minimal hiking or scrambling is required—this is a boat-first experience. Families with young children are welcome; the trip notes a minimum age of one year, but basic swimming confidence helps when entering and exiting the water. For photographers and snorkelers alike, the value is in variety—short hops between coves, crystal visibility, and the chance to drift above sharp reef ridges. Respect for Thodorou’s protected status is emphasized; the best visits are quiet, observant ones that leave the marine environment intact. If you have four hours in Chania and the sea is kind, this is the clearest route to a half-day of salt, sun and secluded bays. Book through the operator’s FareHarbor page to confirm meeting details and vessel choice; crew briefings cover safety, best snorkel zones, and local regulations to protect marine meadows. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a sense of curiosity, and flexible timing—the best afternoons are those that can bend to wind and light. Arrive early at Chania Old Port for easiest boarding today.

About Notosmare Marine Adventures

Notosmare Marine Adventures is a boat tour operator based in Marathi, Crete, offering a wide range of day trips, private charters and rentals. The company operates from Marathi and runs departures that also originate from Chania, Kolymvari and Sfakia, serving popular destinations such as Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa, Seitan Limani, Gavdos, Menies and Elafonisi. Boats in the fleet named in listings include Saxdor, Axopar, Marvel, RIBs and larger yachts including Bavaria and catamarans, providing options for small groups, families and private charters. Tour formats range from half‑day to full‑day nine‑hour excursions, sunset cruises and specialised routes like Chania to Santorini or Sfakia to Gavdos. Many advertised trips reference complimentary drinks, light snacks or fresh fruit, and several listings specify skipper‑included services or bareboat rental choices. Notosmare offers private boat trips, fishing trips, rentals with and without a licence requirement and a selection of high‑powered RIB and outboard models. The variety of vessel sizes and trip styles supports activities such as swimming in turquoise waters, visiting historic sites like Gramvousa castle and exploring secluded coves accessible only by sea. Booking options cover private charters, shared tours and tailored itineraries. Trip descriptions emphasize picturesque coastlines, hidden beaches and opportunities to relax while sightseeing. With a broad fleet, multiple departure points and both crewed and bareboat offerings, Notosmare Marine Adventures provides practical choices for travelers seeking marine excursions around western Crete.

Seasonal availability applies; bookings are offered for sunrise departures, sunset cruises, family outings, fishing trips and custom itineraries for varying group sizes, locally.

Half-Day Swim Safari Menies: Private Snorkel Cruise from Chania, Crete

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