Chania Old Port: All-inclusive Catamaran Trip Agioi Theodori

Agioi Theodoroi gives this cruise its best feature: a quiet stop in clear, warm water beside a protected island where rare Cretan kri-kri goats live. You get four hours at anchor for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, snacks, lunch, and sunbathing, rather than a quick photo stop.

I especially like the fresh, nutritionist-designed food and the catamaran’s mix of open sunbeds and shaded seating. The crew, including Kalliopi and Stavros, also earns high marks for friendly service and for adjusting the music to suit the group. The main consideration is weather: wind can limit water activities, and people prone to seasickness should check conditions before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Four hours at Agioi Theodoroi: Most of the day at sea is spent at the island, not simply sailing past it.
• Food is a real part of the experience: Expect a light brunch, local snacks, and a substantial Cretan lunch, with vegetarian and children’s options available by request.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, Greek beer, Cretan white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and protein drinks are part of the package.
• Water gear is ready to use: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing gear are provided.
• The boat has room to spread out: You can choose a sunny deck spot or a shaded lounge, with an onboard WC and outdoor shower.
• Weather matters: Strong wind may affect swimming and paddleboarding, and the cruise can be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions.

From Chania Old Port to open water

The cruise starts at Chania Old Port, where you meet the crew directly aboard the catamaran flying the DanEri flag. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Port rules are strict, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

Once aboard, you get espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. A light breakfast bowl provides an easy start before the main meal later in the day. This is a useful touch if you are staying in a hotel without time for breakfast, though it is still worth eating a little beforehand if you tend to feel unwell at sea.

The crew gives a safety briefing before the catamaran leaves. You will also find life jackets, swim vests, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. Wi-Fi and music are included, though the main attraction is the open view and the space to settle in.

The crossing to Agioi Theodoroi takes about 75 minutes. I like this length because it gives you time to enjoy the boat instead of rushing straight to the swimming stop. Choose a sunbed if you want a warm, open-air ride, or use one of the shaded areas if the midday sun is too strong.

The catamaran accommodates up to 20 people, and private groups are available. Group size can make a major difference to the mood. On one recent sailing, only six people were aboard, creating an almost private-cruise feel. You should not count on that every day, but the boat has enough deck space to keep a full group from feeling trapped in one corner.

Agioi Theodoroi, a protected island with clear water

Agioi Theodoroi is a small protected island off the coast of Chania. Its rocky cliffs and dark blue water create a striking setting, but the real appeal is simple: the boat anchors here for a long stretch, and you get time to use the water rather than merely admire it.

The island is known as a home of the rare Cretan kri-kri, a wild goat found in Crete. You may not see one from the boat, and this is not a wildlife-spotting trip, but the protected status helps explain why the setting feels quiet and undeveloped.

The crew allows about four hours at the stop. That generous block of time is the heart of the outing. You can swim from the boat, use a SUP board, try snorkeling, float on a noodle, or rest on deck with a drink. Fishing equipment is also available on request for a gentle fishing session.

The water gear is included, which improves the value. You do not need to rent a paddleboard or bring your own mask and fins. High-quality masks and fins, swim jackets, and flotation noodles are available, along with an inflatable flamingo for an easy bit of fun.

This is a good setup for mixed groups. One person can paddle while another swims, and someone else can stay dry with a book or a glass of wine. Children can request a special meal and a box of toys, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Snorkeling conditions depend on the weather and water clarity. On a calm day, the clear water makes it easy to see below the surface. In wind, the boat may still operate, but the water can become less comfortable for paddleboarding and snorkeling. One sailing had notably windy conditions, yet the crew continued to make good use of the available activities.

Please do not touch marine life. The instruction matters in a protected setting, and it is also a basic courtesy when you are swimming in open water.

A meal-focused cruise, not just a boat ride

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The menu is designed by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh local, biological, and organic ingredients sourced from a Cretan farm. That does not turn the outing into a health retreat, but it does mean the meals are planned with more care than the usual packet snacks and basic sandwiches.

The day begins with a light breakfast bowl. Later, the crew serves gourmet local snacks before lunch. A sample lunch described aboard the cruise included seafood orzo, mussels, chicken, and salad. Menus change with the season, so you should treat those dishes as examples rather than promises.

The main meal is Mediterranean in style, followed by dessert. Vegetarian food and a lighter option can be requested, and children’s meals are available if arranged ahead of time. If you have dietary needs, contact the operator before departure rather than waiting until you are onboard.

The drinks package is generous. Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included, as are espresso, tea, detox water, and protein cocktails. A protein cocktail bar and light protein snacks add to the food service.

Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra. Red wine is not allowed onboard, so do not bring a bottle. Glass objects, indoor smoking, drugs, and alcohol brought outside the permitted service are also prohibited.

The meal works especially well because it arrives while you are looking out over the water. You are not leaving the boat for a restaurant or losing time in a port. Lunch is part of the rhythm of the day: swim, eat, rest, and return to the water if you wish.

Sun, shade, and the practical comfort of the catamaran

A catamaran gives you several ways to spend the sailing time. You can stretch out on a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, or move around the deck as the view changes. That choice matters during a six-and-a-half-hour outing, especially if you are traveling with people who do not all want the same amount of sun.

The modern boat also includes an outdoor shower. It is useful after swimming, particularly before lunch, though you should bring your own towel because towels are not included.

Bring swimwear, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Sunscreen and personal care items are not supplied, so pack them yourself. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and the operator asks you not to bring sharp objects, weapons, glass, or red wine.

The boat has free Wi-Fi and music. The crew may adjust the music to suit the group, which helps keep the mood relaxed rather than forcing one fixed party atmosphere. If you want a quiet day, shaded seating and the sound of the water still give you room to withdraw from the social side.

Private cabins may be available on request, but their use is not guaranteed. Do not book this trip expecting a private cabin unless the operator confirms it in advance.

The return crossing to Chania

After lunch and more time in the water, the catamaran turns back toward Chania. The return crossing takes about 75 minutes, giving you another chance to rest on deck, enjoy the open bar, or take photos of the coast.

By this point, the relaxed format becomes clear. You are not moving from one crowded attraction to another. The day has one main setting, and the appeal comes from having time to use it properly.

The total duration is 390 minutes, or six and a half hours. That makes it a substantial half-day and more. You should leave room in your schedule afterward rather than booking another demanding activity immediately. The combination of sun, swimming, food, and sailing can be tiring in a pleasant way.

Drop-off options cover Chania and several nearby areas, including Souda, Platanias, Agia Marina, Kalyves, Georgioupoli, Kissamos, Kolymvari, Maleme, Gerani, Phalasarna, Almyrida, Paralia Kourna, and Kato Galatas. Hotel transfers are not included by default, but pickup and return can be arranged from Chania city or Kato Galatas when you select the appropriate option.

Is $170 a fair price?

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a six-and-a-half-hour schedule, a professional crew, several meals, an open bar, and water equipment.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the included features. Swim, try the SUP, take snorkeling gear into the water, eat lunch onboard, and make use of the drinks. If you only want a short sail and a quick swim, a cheaper excursion may suit you better.

The food and service also help explain the price. You are not simply buying transport to an island. The package includes a nutritionist-designed brunch and lunch, local snacks, unlimited selected drinks, and equipment that would otherwise require separate rental fees.

The price also makes more sense for a full group or a special occasion. Private groups are available, and birthdays or anniversaries can receive a complimentary branded gift if arranged ahead of time. Cocktails and premium drinks remain extra, so the phrase all-inclusive has limits.

The high rating of 4.9 from 28 reviews reflects the areas that matter most here: crew friendliness, food quality, boat cleanliness, room to move, and time for swimming. The strongest praise goes to the staff and meals. Kalliopi and Stavros are specifically noted for making the day personal and well organized.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a comfortable sea day with real time in the water and a better-than-basic meal. It suits couples, families with children, small groups, and anyone who wants sun and swimming without arranging every detail independently.

It is also a good choice for people who prefer a slower schedule. You are not racing between several islands or attractions. Agioi Theodoroi is the main stop, and the long anchorage lets you set your own pace.

The experience is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a packed sightseeing schedule, or are highly sensitive to wind and motion. Pregnant people, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and anyone over 95 are advised not to book. If you are prone to seasickness, check the forecast and speak with the crew first.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but mobility and health needs should still be discussed in advance. A catamaran at anchor is not the same as a flat city walkway, and the water activities require getting on and off the boat safely.

The operator requires each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for port permission. Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy. You will receive a QR code by email one day before the cruise, and that code serves as your ticket.

Should you book the Agioi Theodoroi catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a polished, food-focused day on the water with long swimming time, friendly service, and plenty of included extras. The four-hour stop is the key advantage. You can actually relax instead of squeezing every activity into a short window.

The best reasons to choose it are the spacious catamaran, the healthy local menu, the open bar, and the range of water equipment. The main risks are the price and the weather. Wind can change the feel of the day, and $170 is worthwhile only if you plan to enjoy more than the boat ride itself.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. Arrive early, check the forecast, and tell the crew about dietary needs or a special celebration before departure. If those details fit your plans, this is a strong choice for a comfortable Cretan sea day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 390 minutes, or six and a half hours. The sailing time to Agioi Theodoroi is about 75 minutes, followed by about four hours at the island, then another 75 minutes back.

What food is included?

You receive a light healthy brunch, local snacks, and a nutritionist-designed lunch with a main course and dessert. Menus change seasonally. Vegetarian and children’s meals can be requested.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and light protein snacks are also provided. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is available on request.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

Meet the crew directly aboard the sailing catamaran with the DanEri flag at Chania Old Port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise depends on weather and may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions. If you are prone to seasickness or have health or mobility concerns, check the forecast and consult the crew before booking.