Thinking about exploring the coast of Crete by boat? This 8-hour tour from Marathi offers a fantastic mix of scenic beauty, history, and relaxing swimming spots. It’s perfect if you’re after a full day of adventure on the water, with plenty of chances to cool off and take in the views.
What really appeals to us about this trip is how it combines iconic natural attractions like Seitan Limania with historical sites such as Katholiko Monastery — all aboard a comfortable boat equipped with Sea Scooters for those who want an extra splash of fun underwater. We also appreciate that the tour covers several different locations, so it feels like a well-rounded day rather than just a single stop-and-go experience.
A potential consideration is that the tour runs for around 8 hours, which might be on the longer side if you prefer shorter outings or are prone to seasickness. Also, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or those with back problems, so pack accordingly if you’re planning to hop into the water.
This tour suits travelers who love a mixture of scenery, history, and water activities — especially if you’re keen to explore Crete’s coastline from the water in a comfortable, guided setting.
Key Points
- Stunning Scenery: The tour offers incredible views of Crete’s rugged coastline and turquoise waters.
- Historical Sites: Includes a visit to the very old Katholiko Monastery, adding a cultural touch.
- Water Fun: Snorkeling, swimming, and Sea Scooters enhance the experience, making it lively and engaging.
- All-Inclusive: Drinks, soft drinks, and a meal are included, providing good value.
- Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours ahead with no penalty, ideal if your plans are uncertain.
- Comfort & Convenience: Pickup is included, and the boat is well-equipped for a safe, enjoyable outing.
Exploring Crete’s Coastline: What to Expect
Starting from Marathi Port, this tour promises an intriguing day filled with sights both natural and historic. We’ll break down what the day looks like, so you can picture yourself floating along Crete’s beautiful waters.
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Journey to Seitan Limania and Kamares
The adventure begins with a scenic cruise toward the famous Seitan Limania beach, widely admired for its dramatic setting. The boat will navigate through the coast, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the ocean breeze. Along the way, a stop at Kamares provides a peaceful spot for snorkeling in clear waters. Many reviews highlight how much they enjoyed this tranquil, less crowded swimming spot — “The water was so clear, and we loved how peaceful it was,” one traveler noted.
The Marvel of Seitan Limania
This part of the trip is often the highlight: Seitan Limania’s striking narrow gorges and coves. The name, which translates to “Devil’s Rock,” hints at the wild geological formations that surround the small beach. Steep cliffs tower on either side, making it a picture-perfect spot for photos and a memorable swim. The shallow, turquoise waters are perfect for wading and snorkeling, especially with the boat’s four Sea Scooters that speed up your underwater exploration. Several reviews mention how these scooters make the scene more exciting — “Having the Sea Scooters made the experience even better; I could cover more ground underwater and really enjoy the marine life.”
Exploring Katholiko Monastery and Avlaki Gorge
Next, the boat heads to Katholiko, a tiny cove with a significant history. The monastery above the cove dates back to the 11th century, built near the mouth of Avlaki Gorge. This site offers a peek into Crete’s religious history and the resilience of its old structures. The location’s remote charm and ancient ruins resonate with history buffs, though a warning for those with mobility issues: the monastery is built on uneven terrain.
More Great Tours NearbyOmbrosgialos and Cape Drepano
The trip then crosses to Ombrosgialos, a beautifully unspoiled bay where you can swim in calm, crystal waters. It’s a lovely break from the busier spots, and many reviewers appreciate how serene and untouched this area feels. Afterward, the boat sails along the coast to Cape Drepano, known for its caves, small coves, and lush greenery — a perfect backdrop for photos and relaxing on deck.
Coastal Villages and Kalami Beach
The journey continues past seaside villages like Almyrida and Kalyves, which travelers say give a glimpse of authentic Crete life. These are just visual treats, as the boat passes by on its way to Kalami Beach — a small, quiet spot perfect for a quick dip. Then it’s on to St. John Beach, another peaceful cove for swimming before the final stop.
Admirals Island and Sosorides
One of the most historically intriguing stops is Admirals Island, also called Souda Islet. Its Venetian fortress ruins evoke stories of past military importance, and the surrounding waters are crystal-clear, inviting for a swim. The island’s natural clay adds an extra touch — some visitors use it as a skin treatment, which sounds like a fun, natural way to end the day.
Further along, the boat visits Aspra, a spot famous for its striking blue waters, followed by Sosorides, where the journey wraps up back at Marathi harbor.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
This tour’s greatest strength is how it combines multiple elements into one day. You get the thrill of swimming in secluded coves like Seitan Limania, the history of ancient monasteries and Venetian fortresses, and plenty of beautiful scenery from the boat. The Sea Scooters are a real plus, transforming underwater exploration into something more dynamic and enjoyable.
The inclusion of meals and drinks makes the experience feel like good value, especially given the length of the trip. The fact that fuel costs are included in the price means there are no surprise charges on the day, and the flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind.
Comfort and Practicalities
The boat used, the Protagon 25, is modern and equipped for a comfortable ride. The tour is designed as a private group, which means you’ll be traveling with your own party, making it more personalized. Pickup from Marathi is included, removing logistical stress.
However, a couple of caveats are worth noting. The tour duration and water-based activities might not suit everyone — especially non-swimmers, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. The itinerary could change depending on weather conditions, which is common in boat trips and something to keep in mind.
Is This Tour Worth It?
In our view, the value hinges on your interests. If you’re after a full day of varied scenery, history, and water activities, this tour covers all bases. The price reflects the all-inclusive nature of the trip — drinks, meal, fuel, snorkeling gear, and Sea Scooters — making it a solid deal for a comprehensive experience.
Though it’s a longer day, most reviews mention how the time flies because of the variety and beauty of the locations. It’s not a no-brainer for those seeking a quick, light activity, but for those wanting an immersive, memorable day on Crete’s waters, it’s quite a good pick.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenery, history, and water activities. It’s suited for those comfortable on boats and keen to explore multiple scenic spots in one trip. If you love snorkeling or trying Sea Scooters, you’ll find it especially rewarding.
It’s not designed for very young children, non-swimmers, or anyone with mobility or back issues, but for energetic adults and older teens with a sense of adventure, it’s a standout way to enjoy the coast.
From Marathi: 8-Hour Seitan Limania-Ombrosgialos & more trip
FAQs
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, this tour is not recommended for non-swimmers since swimming and water activities are part of the experience.
What should I bring for the trip?
You’ll want a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. A waterproof bag for personal belongings is also a good idea.
How long in advance should I book?
You can reserve now and pay later, with the flexible option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are drinks and meals included?
Yes, the price covers drinks, soft drinks, and a meal, making it a good value for a full day out.
Is the pickup service available?
Yes, pickup from Marathi is included, but you should call or email to confirm and to arrange your pickup time.
What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The itinerary could change due to weather conditions, but the tour operator offers free cancellation if needed, giving you peace of mind.
In the end, this Seitan Limania boat trip from Marathi offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historical interest, and fun water activities. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full, engaging day on the water with plenty of chances to relax, explore, and cool off in some of Crete’s most stunning spots. If you’re after a memorable outing that mixes scenery, history, and adventure, this trip is worth considering.
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