Heraklion: Chrissi Island and Ierapetra Cruise With Lunch

Discover the stunning beauty of Crete’s Chrissi Island and Ierapetra on this full-day cruise. Depart Heraklion for a scenic 1.5-hour bus ride to Ierapetra, where you’ll board a boat for a 6-hour journey around the picturesque island. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Belegrina and Vougiou Mati beaches, and savor a delicious onboard lunch as you take in the breathtaking scenery. With professional guides, hotel pickup, and ample free time to explore local attractions, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes Chrissi Island so special, and why should you consider adding this excursion to your Crete itinerary?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Heraklion.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Heraklion offers a scenic bus drive to Ierapetra, a 6-hour boat cruise around Chrissi Island, and free time to explore local attractions.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a professional guide, liability insurance, and a delicious lunch served on the boat.
• Highlights of the cruise include swimming at the crystal-clear Belegrina and Vougiou Mati Beaches, and stunning views of the Libyan Sea along Crete’s southern coastline.
• Customers rate the tour highly for its beautiful scenery, relaxing boat trip, and helpful guides, although some note the distance to swim from the boat to the shore.
• Participants should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, as well as water shoes for easier access to the beaches.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This Heraklion-based tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the scenic Chrissi Island and the southernmost town of Europe, Ierapetra, with prices starting from $65.30 per person.

The full-day excursion lasts between 10 to 12 hours and features a scenic bus drive, 1.5 hours of free time in Ierapetra, and a 6-hour boat cruise around the stunning Chrissi Island.

Customers can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters, admiring the Libyan Sea, and savoring an included lunch on board.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, and liability insurance coverage.

Travelers can book now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Experience Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic bus drive from Heraklion to Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe, where visitors enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to explore the local sights and attractions. Next, guests embark on a 6-hour boat cruise around the stunning Chrissi Island. During the cruise, they can swim in the crystal clear waters at Belegrina Beach and Vougiou Mati Beach, and admire the breathtaking Lybian Sea along the south coast of Crete. The experience highlights are summarized in the following table:

Experience	Duration	Highlight
Bus drive to Ierapetra	1.5 hours	Explore the southernmost town in Europe
Boat cruise around Chrissi Island	6 hours	Swim in crystal clear waters, admire the Lybian Sea
Free time in Ierapetra	1.5 hours	Discover local sights and attractions

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from specified areas, with transportation provided by an air-conditioned bus and a professional driver and tour guide fluent in multiple languages.

The package also includes a delicious lunch served on board the boat and liability insurance coverage, ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

To further enhance your experience, the entrance fee to the natural park of Chrissi Island is covered, allowing you to fully learn about the island’s pristine beauty.

While extra drinks and food can be purchased, the core inclusions of the tour aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Important Information

Due to environmental protection regulations, boats can’t approach the shore of Chrissi Island, but swimming from the boat is permitted.

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear including watershoes.

The cruise offers stunning views of the Libyan Sea along Crete’s southern coast, with opportunities to swim in the crystal clear waters at Belegrina Beach and Vougiou Mati Beach.

While the boat can’t dock directly on the island, guests will have ample time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and take in the serene atmosphere.

Remember to bring any extra drinks or snacks you may want, as the only food provided is the included lunch.

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What to Bring

Visitors should pack comfortable shoes, a hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear including watershoes to fully enjoy the Chrissi Island and Ierapetra cruise experience.

The waters around Chrissi Island are crystal clear, so having watershoes will make it easier to get in and out of the boat and explore the island’s beaches. A hat and sunscreen are essential to protect against the Mediterranean sun. Plus, bringing a towel will allow you to dry off and relax on the shore.

Given the long duration of the tour, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the scenic bus ride and time spent in Ierapetra. Packing light and bringing the necessary essentials will ensure a seamless and enjoyable day.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have generally rated this Chrissi Island and Ierapetra cruise experience positively, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 77 reviews.

The guide and transportation aspects have been particularly well-received, earning ratings of 4.4 and 4.3 respectively. Reviewers have highlighted the beautiful scenery, relaxing boat trip, and helpful guides as major highlights.

However, some customers have expressed concerns about the distance needed to swim from the boat to the shore, as well as the limited beach time.

Scenic Bus Drive

The scenic bus drive from Heraklion to Ierapetra offers travelers a delightful introduction to the stunning landscapes of southern Crete. Along the way, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, picturesque villages, and the shimmering Libyan Sea.

The air-conditioned bus provides a comfortable and leisurely journey, allowing guests to relax and take in the sights. The professional driver navigates the winding roads with skill, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

As the bus approaches Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe, passengers catch glimpses of the charming seaside town and its distinctive architecture.

This scenic journey sets the stage for the day’s exploration of the beautiful Chrissi Island and Crete’s southern coastline.

Boat Cruise Around Chrissi Island

Embarking on the 6-hour boat cruise around Chrissi Island, guests are treated to a captivating journey along the south coast of Crete. Gliding across the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, the boat affords magnificent views of the island’s pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush coastal vegetation. The highlight of the cruise is the opportunity to swim in the island’s secluded coves, such as Belegrina Beach and Vougiou Mati Beach, where the water is a breathtaking shade of turquoise. Throughout the voyage, the tour guide provides informative commentary, adding depth to the experience.

Destination	Duration	Highlights
Chrissi Island	6 hours	Pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, lush coastal vegetation
Belegrina Beach	N/A	Crystal-clear turquoise waters
Vougiou Mati Beach	N/A	Secluded cove, turquoise waters

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Departure and Return Times for the Tour?

The tour departs early and returns late, typically running for 10-12 hours. The specific departure and return times may vary, so customers should check with the tour operator for the exact schedule on the day of their trip.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specified minimum or maximum group size. Groups can be small or large, as the transportation and cruise accommodate varying party sizes. The size doesn’t affect the overall experience or service provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, the tour does provide lunch on board, and additional snacks and drinks can be purchased from the boat’s staff during the cruise.

Is There an Option to Explore Chrissi Island on Foot?

Unfortunately, due to environmental protection regulations, visitors cannot go ashore and explore Chrissi Island on foot. The boats are required to remain offshore, though passengers can swim from the boat to access the island’s beaches.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Limitations?

The cruise tour may be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations, as boats cannot approach the shore of Chrissi Island, requiring passengers to swim from the boat. However, transportation by air-conditioned bus and short periods of free time in Ierapetra could accommodate some mobility needs.

Recap

This Heraklion: Chrissi Island and Ierapetra Cruise with lunch offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the stunning natural beauty of Crete.

Guests can enjoy a scenic bus ride, explore the picturesque Chrissi Island, and indulge in a delightful onboard lunch, all while guided by knowledgeable professionals.

With convenient hotel pickup and ample free time, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to enjoy the island’s captivating landscapes and local charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: