Chrissi Island Catamaran Cruise from Ierapetra with Swim Stops

This cruise reaches Chrissi Island the comfortable way, on a catamaran from Ierapetra Marina, with sunbeds, a shaded lounge and an open bar. The afternoon departure spends its middle hours anchored in Chrissi’s shallow water for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding, serves a Greek tasting menu on board, and turns for home into the sunset. DanEri Yachts run it over 5 hours from €123.20, with a 4.85 rating across 30 reviews and a maximum of 25 guests.

What this cruise actually does

The afternoon splits into three parts: the crossing, the anchorage and the sunset return.

First is Ierapetra Marina, where the crew greet you with espresso and detox water and run a short safety briefing before casting off. Second is the crossing of the Libyan Sea towards Chrissi, spent on the sunbeds with Crete’s south coast falling away behind. Third is the anchorage off Chrissi, where the water is shallow and clear, the paddleboards, snorkelling gear and fishing tackle come out on request, and the tasting menu is served in small courses. The return crosses back into the sunset.

The catamaran anchors off Chrissi rather than docking. Reviewers describe swimming and snorkelling straight off the boat, with a tender run for anyone who wants to walk on the sand.

Places this cruise visits

The route runs from the south coast of eastern Crete out to the island.

• Chrissi Island, the anchorage is off Chrissi, a Natura 2000 reserve of white sand and cedar forest with no permanent habitation.
• Ierapetra, departure is from the marina at Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe and the shortest crossing to Chrissi.

What’s included and what isn’t

The €123.20 covers the boat, the crew, the food, the drinks and every piece of water equipment on board.

Included:

• Catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounge areas
• English-speaking crew
• Welcome espresso and detox water
• Tasting menu designed by a nutritionist, with vegetarian options on request
• Open bar with water, soft drinks, local beer and Greek white wine
• Stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling masks and fins, and fishing gear
• Life jackets, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles and an inflatable flamingo
• Box of toys for children on request
• Music, free Wi-Fi, onboard WC and an outdoor shower
• Liability insurance

Not included:

• Hotel transfers, which the operator can arrange separately
• Cocktails and any alcohol beyond the open bar selection
• Use of a private cabin, available on request but not guaranteed
• Branded towel, €10 on board
• Sunscreen and personal items

Why we recommend this experience

We recommend this cruise for a specific kind of day: one where the boat is the point as much as the island. Chrissi has no shade, no facilities and nowhere to sit down, so the difference between a fine day there and a hard one is what you arrive on. A catamaran with sunbeds, a shaded lounge, a shower and a working galley solves that entirely.

The crew is what reviewers write about first, every time. A Belgian guest described the captain and host as attentive throughout; a Polish visitor called the crew helpful; a French group of 14 praised the skipper and the meal together. Transportation scores a full 5.0 out of 5 across the review dimensions, and guiding 4.9.

The food matters here more than it usually does on a boat trip. Rather than one plate, the menu arrives as small courses, Cretan cheeses and rusks, salads, a meat main and a vegetable main, then dessert, which is why reviewers from Italy and Belgium both single it out.

Two honest points.

Value for money is the weakest score at 4.8 out of 5, which is no surprise at €123.20. This is the most expensive Chrissi trip we list, and it is priced as a small-group catamaran day rather than a ferry ticket.

Weather decides how much of the water activity happens. An Italian guest rated the day five stars while noting that conditions on their afternoon allowed swimming but nothing more, and the operator states plainly that the itinerary may change. Check the forecast before you commit.

One more thing worth knowing: a Swiss family said the highlight was not the island itself but swimming in the water in front of it. If you are picturing hours of walking on Chrissi, the ferry from Ierapetra suits you better; if you are picturing hours in the water, this is the right boat.

CreteLocals insider tips

Send your passport details at booking, watch the forecast, and swim off the boat.

1. Submit each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number and nationality when you book, since the port authority needs them to issue the cruise permit.
2. Check the marine forecast the day before, because the water activities depend on conditions and the operator can reschedule.
3. Ask the crew for the paddleboards, snorkelling gear or fishing tackle on arrival, as they are set up on request rather than by default.
4. Swim off the catamaran rather than heading straight for the sand, which is what reviewers consistently describe as the part of the day they remember.
5. Mention a birthday or anniversary in advance, since the operator marks the occasion with a gift.
6. Pack your own towel, because the branded one costs €10 on board.

What to know before you go

Departure is from Ierapetra Marina and hotel transfers are not included, though the operator can arrange them. Arrive on time, port regulations do not allow a late departure.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and your passport or ID card. Glass objects, weapons, red wine and outdoor shoes are not allowed on board, smoking is not permitted indoors, and minors must be accompanied. Group size is capped at 25.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Chrissi Island catamaran cruise?

The cruise runs 5 hours from Ierapetra Marina, including the crossing, the anchorage off Chrissi and the sunset return.

Is food included on the Chrissi cruise?

A full tasting menu is included, served as small courses and designed by a nutritionist, with vegetarian options available on request.

Are drinks included?

An open bar is included with water, soft drinks, local beer and Greek white wine; cocktails and other spirits are not.

Do you land on Chrissi Island?

The catamaran anchors off the island and guests swim, snorkel and paddleboard from the boat, with a tender run to the beach for those who want it.

Why is Chrissi Island protected?

Chrissi is a Natura 2000 reserve with a rare cedar forest and white sand, and it has no permanent residents or facilities.

How many people are on board?

The group is capped at 25 travellers, and reviewers report sailings with as few as 14.

Check dates and prices for the Chrissi Island catamaran cruise from Ierapetra.