From Hersonissos: Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch

If you’re considering a boat trip while in Hersonissos, the Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with lunch offers a lively way to enjoy the waters of Crete. This tour is promoted as a family-friendly adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and have fun — all wrapped up in a playful pirate theme.

What we really like about this experience is the scenic cruising past stunning coastlines and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at Saint George’s Bay. Plus, the family-friendly activities like face painting and pirate diplomas add a nice touch, making it appealing for travelers with kids.

On the flip side, some reviews point out that the quality of the food isn’t stellar, and the entertainment for children might be a bit limited — especially if you’re expecting more interaction or activities tailored for younger children. So, if your main goal is a fun day at sea with good scenery and decent food, this tour could suit you well. But if you’re looking for a gourmet meal or a highly engaging children’s program, you might want to set your expectations accordingly.

This tour seems best suited for families or groups wanting a relaxed, scenic day with a dash of playful pirate spirit. It’s a good way to combine water fun with casual sightseeing, especially if you value a lively crew and a positive atmosphere.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal cruising provides beautiful views of Crete’s bays and beaches
• Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in Saint George’s Bay, known for its clear waters
• Family activities include face painting, pirate diplomas, and fun music and dancing
• Lunch on board offers a decent meal, but some find the quality lacking
• Duration and stops are well-paced for a half-day adventure, with breaks suitable for all ages
• Reviews highlight a friendly crew and charming scenery but mention food quality and limited children’s entertainment

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

This boat trip runs for roughly four hours, starting at 11:00 and returning at around 15:00. From the moment you arrive at the port of Hersonissos, about 30 minutes early, you’re greeted by a lively crew ready to sail you into a day of fun. The starting point is straightforward, with clear coordinates, making it easy to find.

The Scenic Route and Water Activities

The journey kicks off with a cozy 20-minute sail past the bays of Anissaras, giving you a glimpse of Crete’s stunning coastline. The highlight of this part is Saint George’s Bay, where you’ll anchor for about 1.5 hours. Here, you’ll have the chance to jump into the clear waters, snorkel, or simply relax on deck soaking up the sun.

The water here is often praised for its clarity, and the stop allows plenty of opportunity for a refreshing swim. We loved the way the boat provides all the gear you might need for snorkeling, and the crew helps make everyone feel comfortable in the water.

Lunch and Food Quality

A definite plus for many is the lunch served onboard. It includes a generous pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread — a typical Greek meal that’s satisfying and well-portioned. Kids get pasta with tomato sauce, salad, and bread, which generally satisfies even picky eaters.

However, some travelers, like Viktoria from Germany, found the food to be disappointing. She described the lunch as a “catastrophe,” with reheated spaghetti and dry, overcooked steak that was nearly inedible. She mentioned that the leftovers were discarded overboard, which might not bother everyone but is worth noting if you care about meal quality. Other reviews point out that the meal is adequate but not memorable or gourmet — a simple, filling option rather than a culinary highlight.

Exploring Malia and Stalis

After the first swim stop, the boat moves along to the coastlines of Malia and Stalis, stopping for about 45 minutes. These spots are picturesque, with opportunities to explore or relax on the beach if you prefer ashore. The boat docks close enough to the coast for decent views, and the water’s calmness makes it suitable for most swimmers.

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Entertainment and Family Fun

The crew makes a point of creating a lively, pirate-themed atmosphere with music, dancing, and face painting. Kids are given pirate diplomas and can even steer the boat for a quick photo — moments that tend to be well-received by families. Still, some reviews suggest the entertainment could be more engaging; for instance, Viktoria noted there was “little animation” beyond tattooing and a small show.

For families, these activities add some extra fun without being overwhelming. But if you’re traveling with older children or teenagers, they may find the entertainment a bit limited. The overall vibe feels primarily geared toward a relaxed, friendly cruise rather than a high-energy adventure.

The Return Journey and Water Sports

As the boat heads back to Hersonissos, you’ll enjoy views of the coastline with water sports visible from the boat’s deck. It’s a nice way to see how busy the area can get with jet skis, parasailing, and other activities, giving you a sense of the local lively atmosphere.

Considering Price and Overall Value

For a four-hour boat trip with lunch, the price seems reasonable — especially considering the scenic stops and the inclusive activities. Travelers like Aron from Germany found it “very recommendable,” praising the crew’s friendliness and the beautiful scenery.

However, others, like Daneline from Switzerland, felt the cost wasn’t justified by the quality of the food or the entertainment. She expressed disappointment with the meal, which she described as poorly prepared and unappetizing, and noted that the price didn’t match the value.

If your main goal is to enjoy a peaceful cruise with good views, swimming, and a casual meal, many find this tour to be a fair deal. But if food quality or entertainment for children is your top priority, you might want to weigh whether this experience meets your expectations.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

• Arrive early at the port of Hersonissos to avoid missing the departure at 11:00. The meeting point is easy to find with provided coordinates.
• Bring essentials: sunglasses, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash for extras like photos or souvenirs.
• Consider dietary preferences: vegetarians or those with specific dietary needs should check if the meal can accommodate them, though this isn’t explicitly mentioned.
• If traveling with infants, include them in your reservation so the crew can prepare meals accordingly.
• Prepare for weather changes; the program may shift depending on weather conditions, and a slightly choppier sea could be expected at times.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This pirate-themed boat trip offers a fun, relaxed way to spend a few hours on the water, especially if you’re traveling with family or groups looking for a lighthearted day out. The scenic stops, crystal waters, and friendly crew make it a solid choice for those who enjoy a casual cruise with some entertainment.

If you’re after gourmet food or highly engaging children’s activities, or if you’re traveling with very young kids who might find the depth of the water or the boat’s movement challenging, this might not be the ideal fit. Travelers who appreciate lively atmospheres, fun photo opportunities, and scenic viewpoints will likely get the most value here.

In all, it’s a decent, enjoyable experience with some room for improvement, but one that can create memorable moments, especially in good weather. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the food and entertainment, and you’ll probably have a good time.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for small children?
Yes, it can be, especially if your kids enjoy water activities and pirate-themed fun. However, some reviews mention limited entertainment specifically for young children, so consider your kids’ interests and comfort with boat travel.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and some cash for extras like photos. The boat provides the basics for swimming and snorkeling.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, starting at 11:00 and ending around 15:00. The stops include swimming at Saint George’s Bay and exploring Malia and Stalis.

What is the meal like?
The onboard meal includes typical Greek fare — pork steak, baked potatoes, salad, tzatziki, and bread for adults; kids get pasta with tomato sauce. Some travelers find it satisfying, but others have found it less appealing.

Are the water activities safe?
Yes, the crew provides snorkeling gear and supervision. The waters are generally calm, making it suitable for most swimmers, but always use caution and follow crew instructions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking with the flexible “reserve now, pay later” option helps keep your plans adaptable.

All in all, this Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip from Hersonissos offers a lively, scenic way to enjoy Crete’s coastlines, particularly if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing with good water views and casual fun. Keep expectations aligned with the reviews, and you’re likely to have a memorable, enjoyable little adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: