From Chania: Souda Bay Cruise, Sea Caves & Marathi Beach

If you’re planning a day on the water while visiting Crete, this full-day cruise from Chania offers a relaxed way to see some of the island’s highlights from the sea. The experience combines cruising through Souda Bay, swimming in clear waters, exploring caves, and enjoying free time at Marathi Beach. It’s the kind of trip that balances sightseeing with some well-deserved downtime, perfect if you want to see a different side of Crete without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What we really like about this tour is how smoothly it integrates scenic views with historical sights. You’ll get close to the iconic Souda Islet, often called the James Bond Island of Crete, and enter captivating sea caves — weather permitting, of course. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Chania makes the whole day stress-free. On the flip side, a key consideration is the weather dependence of the cave visit, which can be disappointing if sea conditions aren’t ideal. This trip suits travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxed cruising, swimming, and light exploration, especially if you prefer not to deal with transportation logistics.

Key Points

• Relaxed full-day experience with opportunities for swimming and sightseeing
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Chania
• Visit to the Sea Caves of Cape Drepano (weather permitting) offers a memorable photo stop
• Close encounter with Souda Islet, known as the James Bond Island of Crete
• Ample free time at Marathi Beach for swimming, relaxing, or eating at seaside tavernas
• Ideal for those seeking a scenic, laid-back day with minimal planning

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Hotel Pickup & Transfer to Souda Port

Your day begins with a hotel pickup around 8:30-9:20 AM, depending on your location. The transfer to Souda Port takes roughly 50 minutes and is in an air-conditioned bus, making the start of your adventure comfortable and straightforward. We appreciate this level of convenience—it means you don’t need to worry about navigating or parking, and you can kick off the day relaxed.

Boarding and Cruise Departure

Once at Souda Port, you board your boat around 9:45-11:00 AM. The vessel offers a relaxed cruise through Souda Bay, with onboard commentary in English about the bay’s history and Souda Islet. This part is quite scenic, with open water views and a chance to settle into the laid-back rhythm of crewing along the coast.

Swim Stop at Almirida

Your first stop, around 11:00-11:30 AM, is at Almirida Beach. Here, you’re encouraged to jump into the crystal-clear waters for a swim or simply relax on the boat. The waters at Almirida are often praised for their clarity and calmness, making it a lovely spot to cool off and stretch your legs after the morning ride. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the beach without feeling rushed.

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Cape Drepano & Sea Caves

Next, the boat cruises toward Cape Drepano for a visit inside the Sea Caves, estimated at about 45 minutes. Weather conditions influence whether you’ll get to go inside, but this is considered a highlight for many. The caves offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially when the boat enters and you see the rugged coastline from within. Reviewers mention a “spectacular view” and “great photo moments,” although some note that the caves can be crowded or less accessible if sea conditions aren’t perfect.

Marathi Beach & Lunch

Around 12:15-3:00 PM, the boat reaches Marathi Beach, where you’ll have about 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time. This is the most flexible part of the trip — you can swim, relax, or explore the local tavernas. Port or seaside restaurants here serve simple, fresh Greek dishes, though lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll pay directly at the restaurants. Many travelers appreciate having this time to unwind and enjoy the beach vibe, especially after a morning of sightseeing. The waters at Marathi are usually inviting, and the surrounding scenery makes it a peaceful setting.

Return Cruise & Souda Islet Views

The boat departs Marathi around 3:00 PM for the return trip, passing close to Souda Islet. This is a good chance for last-minute photos of the island, which has gained fame as the “James Bond Island” of Crete due to its dramatic rock formations. The onboard commentary continues, giving context and heightening the experience.

Return Transfer to Chania

Disembarking around 4:30-5:30 PM, you’ll hop back onto the bus for the roughly 1-hour transfer back to your hotel or meeting point. The day wraps up with plenty of time to relax after your sea adventure, and many travelers mention the comfort of the smooth organization.

What Makes This Tour Worthwhile

The highlights are definitely the swimming stops and sea caves. The clear waters of Almirida and Marathi beaches are often praised in reviews, with many noting they’re perfect for cooling off. The Sea Caves are a unique feature that adds a sense of adventure—if weather allows, it’s a real treat to cruise inside the caves and see the formations up close.

The view of Souda Islet is another strong point, especially if you’re into taking scenic photos or just enjoying a peaceful boat ride. The onboard commentary helps connect the dots, turning a simple cruise into an educational and relaxing experience. Plus, the hotel pickup makes things easier, especially if you’re staying in Chania and prefer not to navigate transport yourself.

However, the cave visit’s weather dependency means you might not get to see them if winds or sea conditions are rough. Also, since the lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to budget extra for food at Marathi Beach, which could be a slight inconvenience for some.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is suited for travelers who enjoy scenic cruising, swimming, and light exploration without demanding a full-on adventure or strenuous activity. It’s particularly good for those who want a relaxing day on the water, appreciate natural scenery, and don’t mind a loosely scheduled agenda. Since the tour is not explicitly tailored for families or children, it’s generally good for adult groups or older teens comfortable with boat trips.

If you’re prone to seasickness, keep in mind that the water conditions can vary, and the trip might not be ideal. If you’re looking for a more active or culturally intensive tour, this might feel too laid-back.

Final Thoughts

This cruise from Chania offers a well-balanced itinerary mixing sightseeing, swimming, and scenery. It’s a comfortable way to see parts of Crete that are best appreciated from the water, especially if you enjoy a slower pace and picturesque views. The ease of transfer and onboard commentary elevate the experience, making it accessible and informative.

While the weather dependence of the caves is a minor risk, most travelers find the overall day rewarding. The time at Marathi Beach is generous enough for a good swim or a relaxing lunch, adding a nice touch of leisure.

For those seeking a calm day on the water, with a taste of adventure and plenty of photo ops, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s best suited for relaxed travelers who want an overview of Souda Bay’s natural and historical sights without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
Since the trip involves cruising on open water, those sensitive to seasickness might find it uncomfortable. The waters can vary, and the trip is not specifically tailored for seasick travelers.

How long is the boat ride?
The total cruising time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, split between the outward and return journeys.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the cruise itself, the stops at Almirida Beach, Cape Drepano caves (weather permitting), and Marathi Beach. Lunch is not included, but there are seaside restaurants at Marathi for you to buy food.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.

Can I see the caves if the weather isn’t good?
The visit to the Cave of Drepano depends on weather conditions. If the sea is too rough, the caves may be inaccessible or less impressive.

Is this experience suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the tour is generally relaxed and suitable for those who enjoy calm boat rides. Younger children should be comfortable with boat trips and swimming.

How much does the tour cost?
Prices vary, but the value comes from the combination of transportation, scenic cruise, and free time at the beach. You’ll want to budget extra for food and any personal expenses.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
The tour runs seasonally, with warm, calm weather ideal for cruising. Summer months are prime, but check availability for current conditions.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through providers like Island Spy, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re after a leisurely day exploring Crete’s coast, this cruise offers a good mix of scenery, swimming, and light adventure — perfect for a lazy, scenic escape.

You can check availability for your dates here: