From Chania: Boat Trip to Lazaretta Island with Swim Stop
This is the cheapest way to get on the water in Chania and one of the best rated: two hours on a traditional wooden boat from the Venetian harbour, out past the lighthouse to Lazaretta, a small uninhabited islet reachable only by swimming. Snorkelling gear and a glass of wine are included. Manos Cruises run it from €19, with a 4.9 rating across 710 reviews.
What this trip actually does
Two hours split into a short crossing and a long stop. Three parts make it up.
First is the departure across the old Venetian harbour, which passes the whole waterfront and comes close under the Venetian lighthouse, the shot most people want from Chania. Second is the short run west to Lazaretta, with the crew explaining the islet’s history on the way; it served as the harbour’s quarantine and leper island, which is why it was left alone. Third is about 1.5 hours anchored there for snorkelling and swimming, with masks provided, before the return leg gives you the town and lighthouse from the sea.
The islet has no landing and is reached only by swimming, which is exactly why the marine life around it is worth the trip.
Places this tour visits
The route stays within sight of the old town.
- Lazaretta, the anchorage is at Lazaretta islet, uninhabited and accessible only from the water.
- Chania, departure is from the Venetian harbour on the Chania coast, a few minutes from the old town.
What’s included and what isn’t
At €19 this is the least expensive boat trip we list, and the snorkelling gear is part of it.
Included:
- Guided commentary on board
- Snorkelling equipment
- One glass of wine
- About 1.5 hours at the islet
Not included:
- Towels
- Food
- Transport to the harbour
Why we recommend this experience
We recommend this one without reservation, and the numbers are the reason. A 4.9 average across 710 reviews is the strongest combination of rating and volume on this site, and guide quality scores a straight 5.0 out of 5, we have not seen another tour here hold a perfect guiding score at that sample size.
The crew is what people write about. A Swiss reviewer described the guides as funny and friendly while still making sure everyone was safe. A Canadian guest said the hosts went above and beyond to make sure everyone on the boat was enjoying themselves. A German visitor named Manos and his crew as super organised. This is a small operation and it reads like one.
The value is the second reason. €19 buys two hours, snorkelling gear and a glass of wine, and a Polish reviewer summed it up as a pleasant atmosphere at an attractive price. Value for money scores 4.9.
The snorkelling is genuinely good rather than incidental. Because nobody can land on Lazaretta, the water around it is undisturbed, a New Zealand reviewer reported heaps of fish, an American guest saw a sea turtle in the port and plenty of fish at the islet, and a Belgian visitor noted the crew handing out masks and pool noodles so weaker swimmers could join in.
One criticism, and it is the only one that recurs.
Some people want longer in the water. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers would improve it with a longer swim stop. At 1.5 hours of a 2-hour trip the swim is already most of the booking, so this is less a fault than a sign people enjoy it, but if you want a half-day at sea, this is not that trip.
CreteLocals insider tips
Bring a towel, wear something you can swim in, and look for the wooden boat.
- Pack a towel and a change of clothes, since neither is provided and you will be getting in the water.
- Wear your swimwear under your clothes, because the boat has limited space to change.
- Look for the only traditional wooden boat in the old harbour, a white one named Ferryman, near the Porto Veneziano hotel in front of Taverna Neoria.
- Take the mask even if you are a nervous swimmer, as the crew hand out pool noodles for anyone who wants the support.
- Sit on the harbour side for the outbound leg, which is when the boat passes closest under the Venetian lighthouse.
- Book ahead in summer, since this sells out regularly at this price.
What to know before you go
The boat leaves from the old Venetian harbour, close to the Porto Veneziano hotel and in front of Taverna Neoria. There is no transport to the harbour included, but the old town is walkable.
Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. High-heeled shoes, oversize luggage and large bags are not permitted on board.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lazaretta boat trip?
The trip runs 2 hours, of which about 1.5 hours are spent anchored at the islet for swimming and snorkelling.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Masks are provided, along with a glass of wine and guided commentary, at no extra cost.
Can you land on Lazaretta island?
No, the islet is reached only by swimming, which is why the marine life around it is so undisturbed.
What was Lazaretta island used for?
Lazaretta served as the quarantine and leper island for the old Venetian harbour, and the crew explain its history on the way out.
Where does the boat leave from?
From the old Venetian harbour in Chania, near the Porto Veneziano hotel, look for the white wooden boat named Ferryman.
Do you need to bring a towel?
Yes, towels are not provided, and neither is food.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat trip to Lazaretta island.
Location
From Chania is located at Chania. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
