Catamaran Cruises

Catamaran Cruises in Chania, Crete

Private catamaran charters from the Old Venetian Harbour — spacious, stable, and built for the kind of day where you want comfort as well as the sea. Full-day, sunset and half-day options.

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114+ Reviews

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Private Sailing

Why Catamaran

What Makes a Catamaran Different

The choice between a catamaran and a traditional monohull comes down to how you want to feel on the water. Here is what makes a catamaran cruise stand apart.

Exceptional stability

Twin hulls eliminate the tilting motion of monohulls. The deck stays level — no spilled drinks, no nervous first-time sailors.

Generous deck space

Sun mattresses on the bows, shaded cockpit, plenty of room to move. Built for spreading out and relaxing.

Family-friendly

The safest and most comfortable sailing choice for families with children — calm, stable, and impossible to get bored on.

Effortless luxury

The catamaran feel: lounging on the deck, the wind moving the boat, a glass in your hand and nowhere to be.

OUR CRUISES

Choose Your Catamaran Cruise

Three private catamaran charters, each shaped around a different part of the day. All depart from the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania.

Full-Day Catamaran Cruise

7 hours · 10:00 → 17:00

3 stops

Up to 10 guests

A full day of catamaran sailing through the Bay of Chania, with three swim stops at Maherida, Thodorou and Lazaretta. Cretan-inspired lunch served on board.

Ideal for: the complete experience, families, larger groups

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

3-4 hours

Late afternoon

Up to 10 guests

An evening catamaran cruise timed to the sunset over the Bay of Chania. Wide decks for taking in the light, refreshments on board, and the lit-up Old Harbour on the return.

Ideal for: romantic evenings, photographers, small groups

Tailored Charters

Custom Catamaran for Special Occasions

Some days call for a boat of their own. We organise fully customised catamaran charters for the moments that matter most.

Our Catamaran

The Boat Behind Every Cruise

Our catamaran is a modern sailing twin-hull built for the kind of comfort traditional monohulls cannot offer. Spacious sun decks on the bows, shaded cockpit, and the unmistakable stability that makes catamarans the preferred choice for families and groups across the Mediterranean.

Like all our boats, she departs directly from the Old Venetian Harbour in the heart of Chania — not from one of the surrounding ports.

TYPE

Sailing catamaran

CAPACITY

Up to 10 guests

LENGTH

-

DEPARTURE

Old Venetian Harbour

DESTINATIONS

Where the Catamaran Sails

Quiet coves, protected islets and hidden beaches — all within the Bay of Chania.

Menies Beach

A remote pebble beach on the Rodopou peninsula, reached on custom catamaran cruises.

Maherida Beach

A tiny hidden bay on the Akrotiri peninsula with white sand and turquoise water.

Thodorou Island

A protected nature reserve with Venetian fortress ruins and the rare Kri-Kri wild goats.

Lazaretta Island

A small islet off Nea Chora with Venetian-era ruins and a sandy beach.

GOOD TO KNOW

Catamaran Cruises in Chania — FAQ

A catamaran offers exceptional stability, significantly more deck space, and a calmer ride than a traditional monohull. It is the preferred choice for families with children, larger groups, and guests who want comfort without sacrificing the experience of being under sail.

All our catamaran cruises depart from the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania — the historic harbour in the heart of the old town. Unlike many catamaran charters in the region that operate from Kolymvari or other ports, we sail directly from Chania’s centre.

Our catamaran accommodates up to 10 guests for day cruises. The boat is private — your group sails alone, with no other guests on board. Perfect for families, friends and small celebrations.

Every catamaran cruise includes the boat with experienced skipper, fuel, refreshments on board (wine, beer, water, soft drinks, fresh fruit), towels, and safety equipment. Food on board varies by cruise — a Cretan-inspired lunch is included on full-day cruises, light snacks on shorter cruises.

Yes — catamarans are widely considered the safest and most comfortable sailing choice for families. The twin-hull design eliminates the tilting motion of monohulls, the deck space allows children to move around safely, and children’s life jackets are provided on board.

Absolutely. We offer custom catamaran charters for proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, family celebrations and corporate events. Get in touch and we will design the day around your occasion.

GUEST STORIES

What Our Guests Say

Luke Cocks profile picture
Luke Cocks
1 month ago
We took a half day private tour with Alex. I was very impressed with how professional, kind, accommodating and hospitable he was. I would highly recommend Notos for a privatised, family tour.
Anna Holdren profile picture
Anna Holdren
1 month ago
1 million stars. Family owned and operated. We were recommended this service by friends who came to Crete last year. My husband and I chartered the catamaran just the two of us. Nikos was friendly and communicative from our first WhatsApp message. The lunch spread was divine and he took us to incredible spots. I would come back to Crete just to take this tour again.
Andy Lockwood profile picture
Andy Lockwood
2 months ago
Had a lovely day with Nicos and Alex on a private family charter. They were friendly and relaxed, knew good places to stop for a swim. Plenty of drinks and snacks and a good lunch. Perfect sized boat (39 foot catamaran).
vanessalz s profile picture
vanessalz s
9 months ago
We had a wonderful sailing trip with Alex, he was super nice and catered to our wishes for the day.
Jaimie Li profile picture
Jaimie Li
9 months ago
Very smooth and enjoyable trip with Alex, who showed great hospitality. Thank you for a great and memorable day !!!
Xyl* Guig's profile picture
Xyl* Guig's
9 months ago
A wonderful sailing experience.
The captain of the day, Alex, was professional and very welcoming.
The trip to Krikri Island was a great time, enjoying the view and swimming.
The boat was impeccable, with nothing to complain about in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
I definitely recommend it for a sea trip.
Kathleen Reid profile picture
Kathleen Reid
9 months ago
Excellent experience, first class service, boat and trip.
Myself along with three friends took a private hire with Notos and it was a fantastic day out. We chose the catamaran. It was beautiful, spacious and very stable and smooth for anyone who is uncertain on sailing boats. Our captain Nikos, was the perfect host, attentive, informative and very kind. He also introduced us all to a sup which he has and is free to use. We had such fun, it was hilarious! We spent more time falling off it than standing on it which is more difficult than it looks until you find your balance. Sit on it! It's much easier! Our friend Alison was the most successful, she mastered it!
I highly recommend Notos. Personal service and a beautiful boat, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you captain from all of us.
Ten out of ten. Loved this - we booked a day sail with captain Nikos. It was two of us (husband and wife) and that was absolutely perfect. We had a few stops for snorkeling and swimming, and Nikos provided plenty of wine, water, and a delicious and filling light lunch. The stand up paddleboarding is also an option, or as we know it better, fall down paddleboarding.

Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
Sophie Bruneau profile picture
Sophie Bruneau
10 months ago
We had the best experience sailing with Nick!! Amazing customer service, a customized itinerary, beautiful lunch and drinks on board, and very relaxed energy. Loved every minute!!!
Christian Pietsch profile picture
Christian Pietsch
11 months ago
We had the best time with skipper Nikos. We were lucky with the weather and booked the private evening tour with stunning sunset and the 7h day tour as well. It was absolutely stunning and relaxing. Highly recommended.
Emily Batcher profile picture
Emily Batcher
1 year ago
This was really, really wonderful. We were a group of 6 people, including my 11 and 14 year old nephew and niece. Alexander and his brother Nikos were FANTASTIC guides. They are friendly, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable about the history of the island and about sailing in general. We enjoyed our conversations with them and the gorgeous views as they sailed us out to the island where we had the option to jump into the water and swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. They offered us delicious fresh fruits including beautiful ripe locally picked cherries, pastries, and drinks. We felt like we were sailing with newly made friends. I would highly recommend this as a part of your trip to Chania! You get to see so much and it’s breathtakingly beautiful!
Luke Cocks profile picture
Luke Cocks
1 month ago
We took a half day private tour with Alex. I was very impressed with how professional, kind, accommodating and hospitable he was. I would highly recommend Notos for a privatised, family tour.
Anna Holdren profile picture
Anna Holdren
1 month ago
1 million stars. Family owned and operated. We were recommended this service by friends who came to Crete last year. My husband and I chartered the catamaran just the two of us. Nikos was friendly and communicative from our first WhatsApp message. The lunch spread was divine and he took us to incredible spots. I would come back to Crete just to take this tour again.
Andy Lockwood profile picture
Andy Lockwood
2 months ago
Had a lovely day with Nicos and Alex on a private family charter. They were friendly and relaxed, knew good places to stop for a swim. Plenty of drinks and snacks and a good lunch. Perfect sized boat (39 foot catamaran).
vanessalz s profile picture
vanessalz s
9 months ago
We had a wonderful sailing trip with Alex, he was super nice and catered to our wishes for the day.
Jaimie Li profile picture
Jaimie Li
9 months ago
Very smooth and enjoyable trip with Alex, who showed great hospitality. Thank you for a great and memorable day !!!
Xyl* Guig's profile picture
Xyl* Guig's
9 months ago
A wonderful sailing experience.
The captain of the day, Alex, was professional and very welcoming.
The trip to Krikri Island was a great time, enjoying the view and swimming.
The boat was impeccable, with nothing to complain about in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
I definitely recommend it for a sea trip.
Kathleen Reid profile picture
Kathleen Reid
9 months ago
Excellent experience, first class service, boat and trip.
Myself along with three friends took a private hire with Notos and it was a fantastic day out. We chose the catamaran. It was beautiful, spacious and very stable and smooth for anyone who is uncertain on sailing boats. Our captain Nikos, was the perfect host, attentive, informative and very kind. He also introduced us all to a sup which he has and is free to use. We had such fun, it was hilarious! We spent more time falling off it than standing on it which is more difficult than it looks until you find your balance. Sit on it! It's much easier! Our friend Alison was the most successful, she mastered it!
I highly recommend Notos. Personal service and a beautiful boat, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you captain from all of us.
Brooks Lambert-Sluder profile picture
Brooks Lambert-Sluder
9 months ago
Ten out of ten. Loved this - we booked a day sail with captain Nikos. It was two of us (husband and wife) and that was absolutely perfect. We had a few stops for snorkeling and swimming, and Nikos provided plenty of wine, water, and a delicious and filling light lunch. The stand up paddleboarding is also an option, or as we know it better, fall down paddleboarding.

Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
Sophie Bruneau profile picture
Sophie Bruneau
10 months ago
We had the best experience sailing with Nick!! Amazing customer service, a customized itinerary, beautiful lunch and drinks on board, and very relaxed energy. Loved every minute!!!
Christian Pietsch profile picture
Christian Pietsch
11 months ago
We had the best time with skipper Nikos. We were lucky with the weather and booked the private evening tour with stunning sunset and the 7h day tour as well. It was absolutely stunning and relaxing. Highly recommended.
Emily Batcher profile picture
Emily Batcher
1 year ago
This was really, really wonderful. We were a group of 6 people, including my 11 and 14 year old nephew and niece. Alexander and his brother Nikos were FANTASTIC guides. They are friendly, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable about the history of the island and about sailing in general. We enjoyed our conversations with them and the gorgeous views as they sailed us out to the island where we had the option to jump into the water and swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. They offered us delicious fresh fruits including beautiful ripe locally picked cherries, pastries, and drinks. We felt like we were sailing with newly made friends. I would highly recommend this as a part of your trip to Chania! You get to see so much and it’s breathtakingly beautiful!
More reviews

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Book Your Catamaran Day

Reach out to plan a private catamaran cruise around your dates and your group. We will confirm availability and shape the day around what you want.