CRUISES
Half-Day Sailing Cruise in Chania
A private 4-hour sailing experience from the Old Venetian Harbour, with two swim stops at Thodorou and Lazaretta. Morning or afternoon departure — the perfect option when time is short but the sea is calling.
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Private Sailing
Duration
4 hours
Departure
Morning or afternoon
Stops
2 (Thodorou · Lazaretta)
Group Size
2 to 10 Guests
Boat
3 options available
THE CRUISE
The Bay of Chania in Half a Day
Not every visit to Chania allows for a full seven hours under sail. The half-day cruise is built for that — a private four-hour experience that still gives you two swim stops, refreshments on board, and the freedom of a boat that is yours alone.
The half-day cruise is one of our most popular choices for travellers with limited time, families with younger children, or guests who simply want a taste of the sea without committing to a full day. We cast off from the Old Venetian Harbour and head west along the Bay of Chania — the same coastline as our full-day cruise, but with a shorter, more focused route.
Our first stop is Thodorou Island, the protected nature reserve famous for its rare Kri-Kri wild goats and 16th-century Venetian fortress ruins. We drop anchor in the lee of the island and swim in calm, clear water while the cliffs rise above. From there we sail on to Lazaretta, the small islet off Nea Chora with its tiny sandy beach and the white chapel of Saint Nicholas visible against the rock.
While at anchor, the captain prepares a light snack served with wine or beer. Fresh fruit, water and soft drinks are always on board. You can choose a morning departure for the energy and clarity of the early Cretan sun, or an early afternoon departure if you prefer a lazier start. Either way, by the time the boat returns to the harbour, you will have seen and swum in two of the most beautiful spots in the bay — without losing a whole day from your holiday.
Four Hours on the Water
Your Half-Day Itinerary
A typical schedule for the half-day cruise. Times shift slightly between morning and afternoon departures — the structure of the day stays the same.
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, and we cast off into the bay.
Sail west along the bay
We sail out past the lighthouse and along the Bay of Chania, with the Old Harbour and the White Mountains receding behind. The wind and the sea set the pace.
First stop — Thodorou Island
Drop anchor on the sheltered side of the protected islet. Swim in clear water beneath the cliffs, watch for the rare Kri-Kri goats, and take in the Venetian fortress ruins above the rock. A light snack with wine or beer is served on board.
Second stop — Lazaretta Islet
We sail on to Lazaretta, the small islet off Nea Chora. A second swim in calm water, a glance up at the chapel of Saint Nicholas, and a last hour at anchor 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. The boat slips quietly back into Chania, the day still ahead of you.
Note — The exact route, stops and durations 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
Three boats are available for the half-day cruise. All depart from the Old Venetian Harbour and cover the same route — the choice depends on the feel you want for the four hours.
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
Sleek & Romantic
Avra
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32ft
Avra is our sleek 32-foot Jeanneau — wonderfully suited to smaller groups and couples. Stylish lines and a relaxed deck make her especially right for shorter cruises.
TYPE
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey
CAPACITY
Up to 10 guests
LENGTH
9.6 m (32 ft)
STYLE
Sleek & sophisticated
Best for: families, larger groups, and guests new to sailing
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 Two Stops of the Cruise
Two of the most loved islets in the Bay of Chania — both reachable within a short sail from the Old Harbour.
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 half-day cruise last?
The Half-Day Cruise lasts approximately 4 hours, with two stops for swimming. It is the ideal option for travellers with limited time who still want a private sailing experience along the Cretan coast.
Can I choose between morning and afternoon departure?
Yes. The half-day cruise is available with either a morning or an early afternoon departure. We agree the exact time when you book, based on your preferences and the boat’s availability on the day.
Where does the half-day cruise go?
The classic half-day route includes two stops: Thodorou Island, the protected reserve with its Venetian fortress ruins and rare Kri-Kri wild goats, and Lazaretta Islet near Nea Chora. The route can be adapted to the weather and your preferences.
What is included in the half-day cruise?
Every cruise includes the sailboat with experienced skipper, fuel, and a light snack on board served with wine or beer. Water, soft drinks and fresh fruit are always provided. Towels and life jackets are on board as standard.
How many people can join the half-day cruise?
The cruise is private and accommodates from 2 up to 10 guests. The boat is yours for the duration of the cruise — there are no other groups on board.
Is the half-day cruise good for families?
Yes. The half-day cruise is one of our most family-friendly options thanks to its shorter duration. Children’s life jackets are provided, and 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 Half-Day Cruise
Get in touch to plan a private half-day sailing cruise. We’ll confirm boat availability, your preferred morning or afternoon departure, and shape the route around what you want to see.