Chania port Private Cruises
Private sailing around the gulf of Chania with two anchored stops (Agia Theodori island and Maherida beach). Includes snacks, fruits, drinks, snorkelling gear, SUP and inflatables; full-day option includes lunch prepared onboard. Meet at the Old Venetian Harbour (Akti Enoseos) for boarding.
In Collaboration with Exploring Creta . Updated on February 14, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Exploring Creta , inspired by the tour Chania port Private Cruises . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private full-day sail from the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania
- Anchored stops at Agia Theodori (protected Natura area) and secluded Maherida beach
- Snorkelling equipment, SUP and inflatables provided
- Traditional Cretan snacks, seasonal fruit and drinks; lunch prepared onboard on the full-day cruise
Explore all itineraries in Chania.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private sailing cruise departing the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania with two anchored stops: Agia Theodori island and Maherida beach. Check-in at the harbour; return to the harbour for disembarkation in the late afternoon.
Private Cruise out of the Old Venetian harbour of Chania
Classic 40-foot sailing yacht. Full-day private cruise departing the Old Venetian Harbour (Akti Enoseos). The cruise makes two anchored stops for swimming and relaxation: first at the nearby island of Agia Theodori (protected Natura area) and second at the secluded Maherida beach with turquoise waters. Snacks (traditional Cretan dakos), seasonal fruit and drinks are provided during the cruise; lunch is included on the 7-hour (full-day) cruise. Snorkelling equipment, SUP, pool noodles and inflatable donuts are available for guests. Check-in and boarding at the harbour; return to the Old Venetian Harbour for disembarkation at the scheduled end time.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at the quay on Akti Enoseos (Old Venetian Harbour, Chania) at the scheduled check-in time and look for the labelled classic sailing yachts; allow a few minutes to board and stow personal items.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear and a lightweight cover-up for the sea breeze; sea towels are available to rent onboard for day use (cash only) if you prefer not to bring one.
- For a quiet, romantic moment, be on deck when the yacht anchors at Maherida beach — lunch and drinks are served onboard during the full-day cruise and the anchorage is arranged for privacy and relaxation.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 1 |
| Total Places | 1 |
| Activities Types | Experience |
Why this experience
The Old Venetian Harbour of Chania is where your private sailing adventure begins. From here, you'll drift into the turquoise gulf, leaving the stone architecture and waterfront taverns behind as you head toward two pristine anchored stops: Agia Theodori Island and Maherida Beach. This is sailing the way it should feel—unhurried, intimate, and completely yours. Whether you're traveling as a couple seeking a quiet sea day or with close friends wanting to escape the crowded beaches, a private boat transforms a simple swim into something memorable. Exploring Creta curates every detail: the snorkeling gear waiting in the cabin, the SUP boards ready for exploration, the fresh fruits and drinks throughout the day. If you choose the full-day option, lunch is prepared onboard, turning the boat itself into your dining room with water views all around.
Before you go
The best time for this experience is late spring through early autumn, when the Cretan seas are calmest, the water warmest, and visibility underwater at its clearest. The difficulty level is easy—you're on the water, but there's no paddling, climbing, or endurance required. Simply arrive at the Old Venetian Harbour in Chania and your skipper will take it from there.
Pack your swimwear, a rash guard or light covering for the sun, plenty of sunscreen (reapply often), and a towel. The boat provides snorkeling equipment and life jackets, so you're free to explore the underwater world without bringing your own gear. Bring a camera or phone if you want to capture the island views, and note that getting to the harbour is straightforward—it's within walking distance of Chania's city center, easily accessible by taxi, or a short drive if you're staying outside the old town.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip? Half-day sails typically run 4–5 hours; full-day options with lunch onboard run 7–8 hours. Your skipper adjusts based on conditions and your preferences.
Will I get seasick? The gulf of Chania is generally protected and calm, especially during warmer months. If you're prone to seasickness, book a half-day option during peak summer when sea conditions are flattest, and let your skipper know in advance.
What's included? Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, inflatables for water play, fresh snacks and fruit throughout the day, unlimited drinks (water, coffee, juice, soft drinks), and professional guidance from Exploring Creta. Full-day bookings include a prepared lunch onboard.
Can I snorkel if I'm not confident in the water? Yes. Your skipper will choose shallow, calm anchoring spots and provide life jackets and snorkeling guidance. You set the pace.
What if the weather turns bad? Booking include flexibility to reschedule if sea conditions become unsafe. Your skipper prioritizes safety over schedules.
Complete your trip in Chania
After your day on the water, continue exploring Chania's land-based character. Visit the archaeological ruins at Aptera or wander the narrow streets and taverns of Chania's Old Town on a guided semi-private tour. You can also combine this sail with a 4WD adventure to Balos Lagoon's turquoise waters.
Browse all Chania itineraries at TheNextGuide.
