Chania: Boat Cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta Island
This cruise leaves Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour and spends 4.5 hours at two islands west of the city: Agioi Theodoroi, a protected reserve for the Cretan wild goat, and Lazaretta, with its two sandy beaches. Manos Cruises runs the Ferryman boat from Akti Enoseos, prices start at €38, and the tour holds a 4.91 rating across 799 reviews with a perfect 5.0 on guiding, transport and value alike.
What this boat cruise actually does
The boat heads west from the Old Port, makes three stops and returns past the harbour for the view back at the city. Each stop has a distinct purpose.
First comes a 20-minute anchorage off Agioi Theodoroi beside the wreck of a German aircraft from the Second World War, destroyed and lying in clear water. Swimmers go in to see it, this stop is for swimmers only, with no landing. Second, the boat moves to a small gulf on the same island for around 30 minutes, where the kri-kri goats are often visible on the slopes. Third is Lazaretta, a small island opposite Nea Chora, where two sandy beaches and clear water make the longest stop of the trip.
The return leg runs past the Venetian harbour, giving you the lighthouse and the walled fortresses from the water. Homemade raki is poured on the way.
Places this tour visits
The route covers two islets off the Chania coast, both within sight of the city.
- Lazaretta, the final and longest stop is Lazaretta islet, whose two sandy beaches make it the one place on the trip where you can lie down rather than tread water.
- Chania, the boat starts and ends in the Old Port, so the trip fits around a day spent on the beaches near Chania without needing a car.
What’s included and what isn’t
The fare covers the boat, the guiding, snorkelling kit and a light snack, and it leaves out towels and hotel transfer.
Included:
- Guided cruise with commentary
- Tender boat to reach the second beach
- Snack, a sandwich
- Juice
- Homemade raki
- Swimming and snorkelling equipment
Not included:
- Towel
- Hotel transfer
Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
Why we recommend this experience
We recommend this cruise as the easiest way to get off the Chania seafront and into clear water without committing a whole day. We rate the stretch west of the Old Port as underused, most visitors look east towards the beaches and never notice that two islands sit twenty minutes from the harbour wall. The wreck stop in particular is the kind of thing you normally need a dive licence to see, and here it is a swim.
The review record is the strongest argument. A 4.91 average across 799 reviews with 5.0 on every measured dimension is close to the ceiling. Reading through them, three things recur. The crew are named personally, Manos and Lucas come up repeatedly, and described as attentive rather than merely competent. The history commentary is mentioned as often as the swimming, so the guiding is real rather than decorative. And several people describe booking it last-minute as a filler and rating it the day of their trip.
Two honest caveats.
GetYourGuide’s own summary of the verified reviews says the included lunch is basic and that travellers would like more substantial snacks and drinking water. The inclusion list is a sandwich, a juice and raki, so treat it as a snack, eat beforehand and bring your own water.
The second is the swimming itself. The first stop has no landing at all, it is a swim-only anchorage, and the second beach is reachable only by swimming or by the tender. One reviewer flagged sea urchins between the rocks. Confident swimmers get the most out of this trip; hesitant ones will spend it on deck.
CreteLocals insider tips
Bring your own water, wear something on your feet in the water, and take the morning sailing for the calmest sea.
- Pack a full water bottle each, since drinking water is the one thing reviewers consistently say is short.
- Wear water shoes at the swim stops, because sea urchins sit in the rock crevices at Agioi Theodoroi.
- Bring your own towel, as towels are not provided and both islands involve getting wet.
- Eat before boarding, given the included snack is a sandwich rather than a meal.
- Travel light, since oversize luggage and large bags are refused at the gangway.
- Sit on the port side for the return, so the Venetian lighthouse and fortress walls are on your side of the boat.
What to know before you go
The boat leaves from Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Port waterfront. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear and a towel.
Two points about access matter when you choose this trip. The first stop at Agioi Theodoroi is for swimmers only, and the second stop’s beach can be reached only by swimming or by taking the tender boat. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out, so book ahead in July and August.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Chania boat cruise to Lazaretta?
The cruise runs 4.5 hours, covering two stops at Agioi Theodoroi and a longer stop at Lazaretta.
Can you see the WWII plane wreck?
Yes, by swimming to it. The boat anchors for about 20 minutes beside a destroyed German aircraft from the Second World War, in water clear enough to see it from the surface.
Is food included?
A sandwich, juice and raki are included. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would prefer more substantial snacks, so eat before you board.
Can non-swimmers do this trip?
Non-swimmers see the islands but not the stops. The first anchorage has no landing, and the second beach is reached only by swimming or by tender boat.
Where does the boat leave from?
The boat departs Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Venetian Harbour waterfront.
Are the kri-kri goats guaranteed?
Sightings are likely rather than certain. Agioi Theodoroi is a protected reserve for the endangered Cretan goat, and the second stop is positioned where they are most often visible.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta.
Location
Boat Cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta Island is located at Lazaretta. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
