CRUISES
Full-Day Sailing Cruise in Chania
A 7-hour private sailing experience from the Old Venetian Harbour, with three swim stops at Maherida, Thodorou and Lazaretta. Cretan-inspired lunch and refreshments on board, the day shaped around your pace.
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Private Sailing
Duration
7 hours
Schedule
10:00 AM → 5:00 PM
Stops
3 (Maherida · Thodorou · Lazaretta)
Group Size
2 to 10 Guests
On Board
Cretan-inspired lunch
THE CRUISE
A Full Day on the Bay of Chania
The classic Notos experience — a long, unhurried day under sail with three of the best swim stops in the bay, a Cretan lunch eaten at anchor, and the freedom of a boat that is yours alone.
The full-day cruise is built around a simple idea: that the best way to see this stretch of the Cretan coast is to give it a whole day, not a few hours. We cast off from the Old Venetian Harbour at ten in the morning and return shortly before sunset — long enough to swim three times, eat well, and feel the day settle into its own rhythm.
The route follows the Bay of Chania west and north. Our first stop is Maherida Beach on the Akrotiri peninsula, a tiny southwest-facing bay whose water is famously clear. From there we sail to Thodorou, the protected islet with its 16th-century Venetian fortress ruins and the rare Kri-Kri wild goats visible on its cliffs. Lunch — a Cretan-inspired meal prepared on board — is served at anchor, with wine or beer in the shade of the boat tent. The final stop is Lazaretta, the small islet off Nea Chora with its sandy beach and quiet waters.
Each stop is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swim, rest on deck, take in the view, or ask the captain to push on if you’d rather see more of the coast. The boat is private — just your group — and the route can be adapted to the wind and to your preferences on the day. By the time we sail back into the harbour around five, you will have seen more of the Cretan sea than most visitors see in a week.
The Day Hour by Hour
Your Full-Day Itinerary
A typical schedule for the full-day cruise — adjusted on the day to the wind, the light, and what you most want to see.
Embark at the Old Venetian Harbour
Meet the captain at the wooden pier in Chania’s historic harbour. A short welcome on board, a moment to settle in with sun cream and towels, and we cast off into the bay.
First swim stop — Maherida
We arrive at the tiny southwest-facing bay of Maherida on the Akrotiri peninsula. Drop anchor, swim in some of the clearest water in the area, and take in the rock formations that frame the bay.
Sail to Thodorou & lunch on board
We sail on to Thodorou Island, the protected reserve with its 16th-century Venetian fortress ruins and Kri-Kri wild goats on the cliffs. At anchor, the captain serves a Cretan-inspired lunch with wine or beer in the shade of the boat tent.
Final stop — Lazaretta
The day’s last anchor is at Lazaretta, the small islet off Nea Chora. A quiet swim in calm water, a glance up at the chapel of Saint Nicholas on the rock, and a last hour of sea before turning home.
Return to the Old Venetian Harbour
We sail back into the harbour past the lighthouse and tie up at the wooden pier — sun on your shoulders, the day full, the boat slipping quietly back into Chania.
Note — Times shown are typical. The exact stops, durations and order can shift with the wind and with your preferences. The captain confirms the day’s plan when you arrive on board.
GOOD TO KNOW
What's Included
Included in the price
- Private sailboat for your group
- Experienced skipper
- Fuel
- Light snack on board
- Wine or beer
- Water & soft drinks
- Fresh fruit
- Towels
- Life jackets & safety equipment
Not included
- Transport to the Old Venetian Harbour
- Sunscreen and personal items
- Extra alcohol beyond the included drinks
- Gratuities (always optional)
Your Boat
Choose Your Sailboat
Two recommended options for the full-day cruise — both depart from the Old Venetian Harbour and follow the same itinerary. The choice depends on the feel you want.
CLASSIC SAILING
Notos
Our flagship monohull sailboat
Notos is our namesake sailboat — a classic monohull that gives you the feel of true sailing. She leans into the wind, moves with the sea, and gives you the kind of sailing day that purists remember.
TYPE
Monohull sailboat
CAPACITY
Up to 10 guests
LENGTH
-
STYLE
Traditional sailing
Best for: couples and groups who want the authentic sailing feel
SPACE & STABILITY
Catamaran
Our twin-hull sailing catamaran
Our catamaran is the more relaxed of the two — twin hulls give exceptional stability, a generous deck, and plenty of space to spread out. Ideal for families with children, larger groups, or guests who prefer a calmer ride.
TYPE
Sailing catamaran
CAPACITY
Up to 10 guests
LENGTH
-
STYLE
Stable & spacious
Best for: families, larger groups, and guests new to sailing
DESTINATIONS
The Three Stops of the Day
Each of the three anchor points on the full-day cruise has its own character — together they make the full picture of the Bay of Chania.
Menies Beach
A remote pebble beach on the Rodopou peninsula — for custom full-day cruises along the wild coast.
Maherida Beach
A tiny southwest-facing bay on the Akrotiri peninsula — white sand, turquoise water, the first swim of the day.
Thodorou Island
A protected nature reserve with 16th century Venetian ruins and the rare Kri-Kri wild goats.
Lazaretta Island
A small islet off Nea Chora with Venetian-era ruins, a chapel of Saint Nicholas and a sandy beach.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full-day cruise last?
The Full-Day Private Cruise lasts approximately 7 hours, from 10:00 AM departure to 5:00 PM return. The day is unhurried — there is time to swim, eat well, and enjoy each stop without watching the clock.
Where does the full-day cruise go?
The classic route includes three stops: Maherida Beach on the Akrotiri peninsula, Thodorou Island with its Venetian fortress ruins and rare Kri-Kri goats, and Lazaretta Islet near Nea Chora. The route can be adapted to the weather and your preferences.
What food is served on the full-day cruise?
A Cretan-inspired lunch is prepared on board, served with wine or beer. Fresh fruit, water and soft drinks are always available throughout the day. The meal is shared at anchor in one of the bays, with the sea around you.
How many people can join the full-day cruise?
The cruise is private and accommodates from 2 up to 10 guests. The boat is yours for the duration of the day — there are no other groups on board.
Which boat is used for the full-day cruise?
We offer two recommended options: the Notos, our flagship sailboat ideal for traditional sailing experiences, and our Catamaran for guests who prefer extra space, stability and a more relaxed deck. Both depart from the Old Venetian Harbour and follow the same itinerary.
Is the full-day cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes. Families with children are welcome on the full-day cruise. Children’s life jackets are provided, and the private nature of the trip means we can adapt the pace and stops around younger guests. The Catamaran is often recommended for families for its extra space and stability.
GUEST STORIES
What Our Guests Say
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.
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.
Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
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.
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.
Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Book Your Full-Day Cruise
Get in touch to plan a private full-day sailing cruise around your dates and your group. We’ll confirm boat availability and shape the day around what you most want to see.