By sea
Boat Cruise
East from Rethymno by boat to the sea caves and Kamarola beach.
5.0· 58 reviews- Private · your group only
- 3 looking at this right now
- hours
- 2h
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Small group
- 1–19
- When we run it
- On request
The East Side Boat Cruise takes you out of Rethymno marina and east along the coast to a line of sea caves cut into the cliffs, then on to Kamarola, a small private beach ten minutes further, before returning past Fortezza Castle from the water. It is sold in three lengths - 2, 3 or 4 hours - for up to 19 guests, with an English-speaking professional skipper, snorkelling masks, life jackets, water, soft drinks and snacks on board. Departures are arranged on request to suit your own schedule, and there is no published price.
Want a different mix? Build this day yourself.
- Hidden sea caves and secluded beaches along the cliffs east of Rethymno
- Kamarola, a small private beach with water clear to the bottom, for about an hour
- Swimming and snorkelling in turquoise water, masks provided
- Fortezza Castle seen from the sea on the way back
- Up to 19 guests with a professional English-speaking skipper
- Choose 2, 3 or 4 hours; the longest option adds a stop at Panormo
This is Rethymno seen from the water rather than the promenade. The boat leaves the marina and heads east, following a coastline of wind- and wave-cut cliffs that is difficult to reach any other way, past quiet beaches with no road behind them and into a stretch where the rock is pierced by sea caves.
The first stop is about 40 minutes out, where the cliffs meet the sea. As the boat closes in, openings appear in the rock, worn out over time by the waves. Ten minutes further on the scenery softens completely: the cliffs give way to Kamarola, a small, quiet beach with water clear enough to see straight to the bottom, where the boat stays for roughly an hour. Swimming at the caves and at Kamarola is part of the 3- and 4-hour options; the 4-hour version adds a stop at Panormo.
The way back is a slow sightseeing cruise, ending underneath Fortezza Castle. Seen from sea level the Venetian fortress reads differently from the way it does in the old town - it was built to be looked at from exactly this angle, by anyone thinking of approaching. Snorkelling masks and life jackets are on board, along with fruit, snacks, water and soft drinks.
How the day runs
The sea caves
About 40 minutes after leaving the marina we reach the first stop, a stretch of coastline where the cliffs drop straight into the sea and a series of hidden caves opens out of the rock. As the boat gets closer you begin to pick out the openings, shaped naturally over time by the waves. On the 3- and 4-hour options there is time to swim here.
Kamarola beach
Kamarola is the second stop, just 10 minutes from the caves - close in distance but completely different in feeling. The cliffs give way to a small, quiet beach with water so clear you can see straight to the bottom. We stay for about an hour, which is long enough to swim, snorkel, or simply sit on the boat and do nothing at all.
Back below Fortezza Castle
On the way back we cruise beneath Fortezza Castle, rising above the town and the sea. From the water the Venetian fortress looks more imposing than it does from the streets behind it. The return leg is deliberately gentle - a sightseeing cruise rather than a transfer. On the 4-hour option a stop at Panormo comes before this.
On us
- A professional, English-speaking skipper
- Fruits and snacks
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Snorkelling masks
- Life jackets
- Public liability insurance
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
You cover
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off: you join the boat at the marina
- Personal expenses and any additional services not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips (optional)
What to wear
- Flip-flops or sandals, easy to slip on and off between stops
- Swimwear underneath, so you are always ready for a swim
- A hat and sunglasses: there is little shade on the water
- Sunscreen, applied before you board
What to bring
- A towel, for after your swim or to lie on at the beach
- A change of clothes if you plan to swim
- Cash for a tip if you would like to leave one
Good to know
How much does the cruise cost?+
No price is published for this cruise. It is arranged on request, so we quote once we know the option you want, the date and the number of guests.
How long is the cruise?+
There are three options: 2 hours, 3 hours or 4 hours. All three visit the sea caves and Kamarola beach and return below Fortezza Castle. The 3-hour option adds swimming at the caves and at Kamarola; the 4-hour option adds swimming plus a stop at Panormo.
How many people can come?+
Up to 19 people.
What time does it leave?+
Departure times are set on request, based on your preferred schedule.
Is hotel pick-up included?+
No. This cruise does not include hotel transfers; you join the boat at the marina.
Is snorkelling equipment provided?+
Basic snorkelling masks and life jackets are on board. Water, soft drinks and snacks are included; fruit and snacks come with the 4-hour option as standard.
Guests who have travelled with us
All reviews5.0/ 5
58 reviews · Google
Αν θέλετε να ζήσετε την Κρήτη με τον πιο αυθεντικό και συναρπαστικό τρόπο, τότε το waytocrete είναι η καλύτερη επιλογή .
Πρόσφατα συμμετείχα σε μια εκδρομή στο Φαράγγι των Μύλων στο Ρεθυμνο και μπορώ να πω με σιγουριά ότι ήταν μια από τις καλύτερες εμπειριες μου στην Κρήτη.
Από την πρώτη στιγμή που επικοινωνήσαμε μαζί τους , φάνηκαν εξαιρετικά φιλικοί και επαγγελματίες , έτοιμη να καλύψουν κάθε μας ανάγκη . Αυτό που πραγματικά μας εντυπωσίασε ήταν η προσοχή στην λεπτομέρεια , η καλή οργάνωση και η φροντίδα που έδειξαν σε κάθε στάδιο της εμπειρίας μας . Επιπλέον , ήταν πολύ πρόθυμοι να προσαρμόσουν το πρόγραμμα στις προτιμήσεις μας , κάνοντας την εμπειρία μας ακόμα πιο προσωπική και ξεχωριστή !eugenia manou
GoogleI recently took a guided tour with Way to Crete through Preveli and Patsos-Arkadi, and it was an incredible experience. The tour guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, making the trip both informative and enjoyable.
Preveli's stunning beach and palm forest were breathtaking, and we had a lot of
time to take it all in. Patsos-Arkadi, with its historical Arkadi Monastery, was equally captivating, brought to life by the guides' fascinating stories.
Way to Crete's attention to detail and seamless planning made the tour smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend Way to Crete for anyone wanting to explore these beautiful regions. This tour was a highlight of my trip!Pavlos Marakis
GoogleI was in Spili for two weeks and went on several excursions with Ernesto and his team. I was extremely impressed with their levels of service, professionalism and care. Ernesto is a great guy and tailored excursions to fit with the intricacies of our group (we had a combination of elderly people, babies and toddlers as well as my wife and I). They truly went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Ernesto and his team to anyone looking to see Crete and all the beautiful places it has to offer. If you're thinking of booking with these guys, you won't regret it!Fergus Pryor
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