Top Chania On the Water

With its turquoise waters and pale sands, Balos Beach and Lagoon is one of Crete’s most-photographed locations. Beat the crowds and discover it and Gramvousa Island from the water on this lively catamaran cruise with an onboard entertainer, snacks, brunch, and lunch included—as well as hot drinks, soft drinks, and water. Upgrade for a VIP package, featuring a reserved sunbed and complimentary towel on the sunny upper deck, plus priority boarding.

Enjoy an unforgettable cruise with convenient hotel pick-up included. Your first stop is the famous Balos Lagoon, where you’ll spend around 3 hours swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters, relaxing on golden sand, and soaking in the exotic scenery. The journey then continues to Gramvousa, known as the “pirates’ island.” Here you’ll have nearly 2 hours to swim at the pristine beach or hike up to the Venetian fortress for breathtaking panoramic views over the Aegean. At the end of the day, return by boat and transfer back to your hotel, filled with memories of two of Crete’s most spectacular destinations.

The whole family will enjoy this fun snorkeling activity, which is both relaxing and adventurous. With a small group of no more than ten travelers you'll be taken on a boat ride to two different snorkeling spots. Experience the difference at the open ocean and sheltered spots, both with an abundance of sea life. Snorkeling gear will be provided so you don't need to bring your own.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive, Crete is a great place to turn your dream into reality. During this three-hour introductory course you’ll start by learning the theory of diving and how to use the gear. Then, you can enjoy a dive for a maximum of 45 minutes. This is a fun way to get started in the sport.

Explore the Cretan coastline from a standup paddleboard on this guided tour around beautiful Marathi Bay. After a short instruction and safety lesson, head out into the bay, exploring smaller islets, diving spots, and a small cave system along the way. Stop from time to time to swim with the marine life or catch your breath on the beach. This tour is good for all ages and experience levels, a great way to enjoy time with friends and family on the water.

Near Chania—on the Greek island of Crete—lies Balos Lagoon, home to crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. Swim, snorkel, and relax under the warm Mediterranean sun away from the crowds on this full-day small-group catamaran cruise stopping at the lagoon and Gramvousa Island, where you’ll find an old pirate fortress. Hotel pickup is available, and departures are offered on two catamarans with different group sizes.

Treat your senses to the ancient flavors of Crete on a wine tour from Chania. Travel through the mountains of the Kissamos region and traditional Cretan villages to reach two family-run wineries, where you’ll taste regional wines and olive oils. You'll also stand before one of the world’s oldest olive trees on this relaxed wine tour of northwestern Crete.

Discover Crete by water with this private boat trip to Balos Lagoon. Climb aboard a boat for a scenic excursion in the Mediterranean Sea to Gramvousa Beach. Go snorkeling off the boat with provided equipment or swim and sunbathe. The itinerary and tour length can be customized according to your individual interests.

Elafonissi Beach frequently appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches because of its stunning pink colored sand and aquamarine water. Avoid the hassle of figuring out local public transport schedules and travel on with ease on an air-conditioned bus. Along the way, see pretty traditional villages—such as Elos and have plenty of time to relax and unwind at the beach.

• Private boat trip to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island • Swim in the turquoise waters of Balos and enjoy its exotic scenery • Visit Gramvousa Island with the option to hike to the Venetian fortress • Discover crystal-clear waters and beautiful secluded swimming spots • Relax on board with drinks and authentic Cretan hospitality • Taste authentic Cretan flavors during your private sea experience

• Private boat trip to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and Agios Sozon • Swim in turquoise waters and discover peaceful hidden spots • Choose to hike up to Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress for panoramic views • Relax on board with soft drinks, beer and wine included • Enjoy a private sea experience with authentic Cretan hospitality • Taste authentic Cretan flavors during your private sea experience

Discover the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time. Try Scuba experience—perfectly designed for beginners, Enjoy personalized attention from highly experienced SSI-certified instructors led by Giannoulakis Nikolaos, a diving expert with decades of underwater exploration. Explore crystal-clear waters and, weather permitting, dive into the breathtaking Blue Cave—an unforgettable underwater cavern glowing with natural light. Plus, receive professional underwater photos to capture your first dive and an official SSI recognition card to celebrate your achievement. Safe, fun, and truly memorable—this is the perfect way to start your scuba journey in the beautiful waters of Crete!

Taxi and rideshare prices can change on the day, but a prebooked transfer always costs the same, regardless of traffic. Ensure a stress-free, cost-controlled transfer from Chania airport on Souda Bay to your hotel or precise address in the Chania city area by booking this private service. There’s space for up to four travelers.

If you love Pilates—and challenging your balance and working your core—take your practice to the next level while on vacation with this stand-up paddleboard (SUP) Pilates class in the calm waters of Chania. Free your mind and become one with your environment as you work with the motion of the ocean to achieve balance on a moving board.

Spend time out on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea trolling for fish on this full-day excursion from Chania. Board your private RIB and learn different fishing techniques such as jigging, spinning, and bottom fishing from your skipper. Then, cast your line to try and catch a big fish, and then dine on your trophy right on the boat. You can also opt to spearfish or freedive.

This day trip from Crete packs a lot into one tour. Visit the suburbs of the Chania area and taste local products such as olive oil on freshly baked bread and Cretan biscuits. Plus, have lunch in a kafeneio (traditional Greek coffeehouse) where you can hang with the locals and experience the real Crete.

Discover the smells, tastes, and sights of Crete on a personalized, small-group tasting tour via 4WD vehicle. Explore with a driver and visit the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves; sample wines and olive oils at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill while learning more about the wine- and oil-making processes; savor lunch with dessert at the Milia Mountain Retreat; and view the Topolia Gorge.

Discover a side of Crete that few other visitors get to experience—and enjoy a more personalized way to travel—on this private, full-day Jeep safari tour. After pickup from your Chania hotel, head into nature and off-road as you drive through the White Mountains, spot the Samaria Gorge, and more. In between, visit wine and olive oil producers, discover a 3,000-year-old olive tree, enjoy a traditional local lunch, and more.

The warm and crystal-clear waters surrounding Crete make them ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Try both activities near Chania on this fun half-day experience with hotel pickup included. Head into Blue Cave to explore just below the waves with a snorkel session, then dive to a depth of 10 meters, no certification required.

Plunge into the azure waters of Rethymno and discover a vibrant marine world teeming with life. Dive into an abundance of underwater marvels as you explore the depths, where countless marine creatures call home.

Explore Crete’s diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches on a full-day Land Rover safari with a guide to reveal the best of the island’s scenery and culture. Rumble along remote roads, passing landmarks like Prassano Gorge and Potamon Dam, and stopping to swim in the Libyan Sea. Get a taste of Cretan country life when you visit traditional villages like Spili, and enjoy a local tavern lunch with ambience to spare.

You will live a unique experience through a green and natural landscape. Playful activities in the water with safety, your guide is a certified raft guide from irf

Mediterranean sunsets look spectacular from the water. Watch one the relaxing way on this leisurely small-group fishing trip, after the heat of the day has passed. Begin with a snack of a traditional Greek phyllo pie and fruit salad plus your choice of wine, beer, or a soft drink. Then learn the art of angling, take a dip, or enjoy a cool drink as the sun sinks into the ocean.