Private Sailing Cruises in Chania

What Makes Our Cruises Different

Private Sailboat

Enjoy a sailing yacht reserved for your group, with your skipper taking care of the sailing while you spend time together.

From the Old Harbour

Set sail directly from Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour, a convenient starting point in the heart of the city.

25+ Years Experience

Captain Nikos brings over 25 years of sailing experience and local knowledge to planning your time on Chania’s coastline.

A Flexible Route

Your skipper recommends suitable stops based on your chosen cruise, your group’s preferences and the conditions at sea.

Choose Your Sailing Cruise

Choose a full-day, half-day or sunset sailing cruise from Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour. Each trip is private, with swimming stops and time on board shaped around your group’s preferences and the conditions at sea.

Full-Day Cruise

7 hours
Private Cruise
Up to 10 guests

Spend the day exploring Chania’s coastline aboard your private sailing yacht. Enjoy swimming stops, coastal views and time to relax on deck, with your skipper choosing a route suited to your group and the conditions at sea.

Ideal for: a leisurely day at sea with family or friends.

Half-Day Cruise

4 hours
Private Cruise
Up to 10 guests

Make time for the sea with a shorter private sailing trip along Chania’s coastline. Enjoy a break from sightseeing, time for swimming and relaxing on board, with your skipper recommending suitable stops for the day.

Ideal for: a coastal escape that leaves time for other plans.

Sunset Cruise

3-4 hours
Late afternoon
Up to 10 guests

Enjoy Chania’s coastline in the evening light aboard your private sailing yacht. Unwind on deck with your partner, family, or friends as your skipper plans the outing around sunset, your preferences, and the conditions at sea.

Ideal for: sunset views and a relaxed evening together.

Sailing for Special Moments

Have something different in mind? Whether you’re planning a special celebration or a relaxed escape with your favourite people, tell us what you’d enjoy. We’ll help plan a private sailing experience around your group, with the weather and sea conditions guiding what’s possible.

Where We Sail

Explore some of the beaches and islands you could visit on a private sailing cruise from Chania. Your skipper will recommend suitable stops based on your cruise duration, your preferences and the conditions at sea.

Maherida Beach

A small sandy cove on the Akrotiri peninsula, framed by rocky shores and known for its turquoise water.

Thodorou Island

A protected island off Agia Marina, offering a striking coastal backdrop to enjoy from the water.

Lazaretta Island

A small islet just off Nea Chora, with a sandy beach and inviting waters close to Chania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every cruise includes the sailboat with experienced skipper, fuel, and a light snack prepared on board served with wine or beer. Water, soft drinks and fresh fruit are always provided. Towels and safety equipment such as life jackets are on board as standard.

Our cruises are private — your group sails alone. Group size can range from just two people up to a maximum of ten guests on board. The boat is yours for the duration of the trip.

Safety comes first. If conditions on your scheduled day are unsuitable for sailing, we will get in touch in advance to reschedule the cruise to another day, or arrange a full refund. The captain makes the final call based on wind, sea state and forecast.

The easiest way is via WhatsApp or our contact form. Tell us your preferred dates, group size and the kind of cruise you’d like (full-day, sunset or half-day) and we’ll come back with availability and details. Bookings are confirmed once we agree on the day.

Yes, families with children are welcome on all our cruises. Children’s life jackets are provided. The private nature of the cruise means we can adapt pace and stops around younger guests if needed.

Yes. We can organise multi-day sailing trips along the south coast of Crete or further out into the Aegean islands, as well as fully tailored itineraries for special occasions. Get in touch and we’ll plan it with you.

What Our Guests Say

Luke Cocks profile picture
Luke Cocks
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 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
12 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
12 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
12 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
12 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
1 year 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!!!
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!

Plan Your Private Sailing Cruise

Tell us your preferred date, group size and the cruise you have in mind. We’ll confirm availability and help you plan your time on the water.