mochlos boat tours

THE BEST Mochlos Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in mochlos.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Scuba Funtasea

Top Tours in Mochlos, Greece

Mochlos tours.

• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 4 hours VIP Private Cruise with 9-meter Luxury Inflatable Boat with Skipper

2. Full Day Tour: Richtis Waterfall, Mochlos & Voulisma Beach Escape

3. Full Day Richti Waterfall, Mohlos Beach, Azoria Olive Tree

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zeus Cave & Lassithi Plateau (Safari Adventure Offroad Excursion)

Semi-Submarine Tour from Agios Nikolaos

Spinalonga And Bbq Trip - Daily At 10:00 From The Port Of Agios Nikolaos

Spinalonga and Milatos Cave Safari Excursion & private Speedboat)

Sarakina Gorge & High Mountains & South Coast & (Luxury Adventure)

Spinalonga Regular Trip -daily At 12:30 From Agios Nikolaos

Olous – Guided Snorkelling Excursion to Discover Olous Sunken Ancient City

4-Hour Private Boat Rental Without Skipper at Agios Nikolaos

Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape. Luxury Day Tour from Elounda.

Mirabello Luxuries with Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos from Elounda

Crete Yacht Cruises 6-hours private Guided Cruise in Ag. Nikolaos

Knossos Palace and old pottery village in the mountains (Luxury Adventure)

Have Fun Cruising Agios Nikolaos - Elounda Bay

Vip Motor Yacht Charter-17 meter-10 Guest-Half day or Sunset trip

From Elounda: Chania - Rethymno - Argiroupolis - Kournas Lake

Your Private Driver & Chauffeur Service in Crete from Elounda

2-hour Private Sunset Tour with Skipper in Agios Nikolaos

Elafonisi Beach Luxury Escape with Picnic by Sunset

Truffle Hunting, Culinary & Wine Celebration from Elounda

Orthodox Crete: In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul from 55 AD

Luxury Tour from Elounda: Knossos Palace & Museum with Wineries

Culinary Journey to Lassithi Plateau. Land of Gods & Food Artistry from Elounda

Try Snorkeling in the Sea with the Blue Dolphin Team

Discover Scuba Diving in the sea with the Blue Dolphin Team

Modern VIP 18 Meter Luxury Sailing Yacht - The Perfect Day

Private Agios Nikolaos Day Catamaran Cruise in Mirabello Bay

Traditional Villages of Kritsa and Kroustas

• Full Day Tour: Richtis Waterfall, Mochlos & Voulisma Beach Escape
• Full Day Richti Waterfall, Mohlos Beach, Azoria Olive Tree
• 4 hours VIP Private Cruise with 9-meter Luxury Inflatable Boat with Skipper

Top Tours in Mochlos, Greece

Mochlos tours.

• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 4 hours VIP Private Cruise with 9-meter Luxury Inflatable Boat with Skipper

2. Full Day Tour: Richtis Waterfall, Mochlos & Voulisma Beach Escape

3. Full Day Richti Waterfall, Mohlos Beach, Azoria Olive Tree

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Zeus Cave & Lassithi Plateau (Safari Adventure Offroad Excursion)

Semi-Submarine Tour from Agios Nikolaos

Spinalonga And Bbq Trip - Daily At 10:00 From The Port Of Agios Nikolaos

Spinalonga and Milatos Cave Safari Excursion & private Speedboat)

Sarakina Gorge & High Mountains & South Coast & (Luxury Adventure)

Spinalonga Regular Trip -daily At 12:30 From Agios Nikolaos

Olous – Guided Snorkelling Excursion to Discover Olous Sunken Ancient City

4-Hour Private Boat Rental Without Skipper at Agios Nikolaos

Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape. Luxury Day Tour from Elounda.

Mirabello Luxuries with Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos from Elounda

Crete Yacht Cruises 6-hours private Guided Cruise in Ag. Nikolaos

Knossos Palace and old pottery village in the mountains (Luxury Adventure)

Have Fun Cruising Agios Nikolaos - Elounda Bay

Vip Motor Yacht Charter-17 meter-10 Guest-Half day or Sunset trip

From Elounda: Chania - Rethymno - Argiroupolis - Kournas Lake

Your Private Driver & Chauffeur Service in Crete from Elounda

2-hour Private Sunset Tour with Skipper in Agios Nikolaos

Elafonisi Beach Luxury Escape with Picnic by Sunset

Truffle Hunting, Culinary & Wine Celebration from Elounda

Orthodox Crete: In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul from 55 AD

Luxury Tour from Elounda: Knossos Palace & Museum with Wineries

Culinary Journey to Lassithi Plateau. Land of Gods & Food Artistry from Elounda

Try Snorkeling in the Sea with the Blue Dolphin Team

Discover Scuba Diving in the sea with the Blue Dolphin Team

Modern VIP 18 Meter Luxury Sailing Yacht - The Perfect Day

Private Agios Nikolaos Day Catamaran Cruise in Mirabello Bay

Traditional Villages of Kritsa and Kroustas

• Full Day Tour: Richtis Waterfall, Mochlos & Voulisma Beach Escape
• Full Day Richti Waterfall, Mohlos Beach, Azoria Olive Tree
• 4 hours VIP Private Cruise with 9-meter Luxury Inflatable Boat with Skipper

• Towns & Villages

Mochlos Village

Mochlos (Greek: Μόχλος) is one of the most charming seaside villages of Crete. Located between two of the biggest cities in Lasithi, it lies approximately 36 km from  Agios Nikolaos  and 34 km from Sitia.

The beauty and serenity of this costal village makes it a perfect place for relaxing holidays away from crowds. Even though a small place, the village has everything you will need such as restaurants, accommodation, cafés and supermarkets.

All in all Mochlos is one of the most beautiful villages you can visit in Crete and if you decide to stay somewhere else in Lasithi, it will definitely be worth your time to visit for the day.

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Mochlos, crete.

Nobody arrives in Mochlos by chance. This tiny hamlet lies on the north-eastern coast of Crete, beneath the coastal road joining Agios Nikolaos and Sitia . There’s practically nothing to do here – which is precisely why people come: to sit in the few tavernas by the waterside, to bathe at the single sandy beach, and perhaps to ride across to the uninhabited off-shore island, where American archaeologists are excavating a significant Minoan settlement.

Those wishing to pay a visit will have to leave the well-developed National Road at Sfaka or Lastros, and follow a narrow, minor road twisting down through the mountains to the coast. The turn-off for those coming from the west, just before Lastros, passes by the entrance to a large gypsum quarry. The white material is mined here in an opencast quarry, but it is not open to visitors.

This sleepy seaside village is home to just over 100 inhabitants, with a significant number of foreigners who have come and never left! Life in the hamlet is concentrated around the Platia, or main square, by the waterfront. The barely 20 metres of sandy beach is served by a quiet road that rarely sees vehicles and is often used as a second terrace for the tavernas on the waterfront. Those who don’t mind shingles or rocks will find other bathing spots along the promenade towards the fishing harbour in the west.

The seas are calm and sheltered from the wind thanks to the small, off-shore island known as Agios Nikolaos, or simply Mochlos. The island used to be part of the mainland until an earthquake in 1700 B.C. severed its connection. Snorkelers and divers will still recognise the ruins of the old isthmus beneath the waves.

Archaeological Excavations

The plain of Mochlos was settled over 5,000 years ago, and the island of Mochlos or Agios Nikolaos is home to the remains of a Minoan settlement, dating back to approximately 3000 B.C.

Archaeologists conjecture that this was an important Minoan sea port. American Archaeologist Richard Seager dug the first sod here in 1908, and successive teams from the University of North Carolina have since unearthed an entire settlement, with houses, workshops, places of worship and theatre areas. Archaeologists continue to excavate down through multiple layers of history, with Early Byzantine remains on the top layer and Prepalatial Minoan remnants at the bottom. The only edifice that remains intact is the small white chapel dedicated to Saint Nikolaos.

Work has continued since the 1990s. The most significant find are Prepalatial Minoan graves in the shape of houses, which were discovered together with unique gold jewellery, seals and stone vases. These can be viewed in the museums of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The island remains a work in progress, with little in the way of information for visitors. Those who choose to make the crossing can look inside the Minoan graves; discover the remains of the subsequent Roman colony, including a fish pond, and discern remnants of a Byzantine settlement. What the site lacks in information, it makes up for in rawness and romance.

Warning: Lying 180 m off shore, the island with its ancient ruins looks tantalisingly close, but visitors are strongly warned not to swim there. Rips and strong off-shore currents can be hazardous even in seas that appear calm.

The safest route is to contact one of the local boat owners at the fishing harbour, who are usually available after 1 pm. Mochlos Boat Tours operate regular trips to the island, or visitors can ask after the skipper at one of the tavernas.

Open Mochlos in Google Maps

An island full of surprises

A holiday destination for bathing enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers, and those interested in history and culture. Today, Crete is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean - cosmopolitan and mysterious at the same time.

Popular hotels on the sandy beach

The Corissia Hotels are situated within the tranquil, picturesque village of Georgioupolis right on the sandy beach. An ideal seaside resort both to relax and explore the island, because that is just what holidays on Crete are all about.

Let yourself be pampered

Current offers

The Corona-Safe Booking via our website

Your direct booking via our website is 100% corona-safe free rebooking and cancellation options up to the beginning of your stay. we take care of our guests..

Cancellation In case of cancellation of your direct booking, there are usually no fees for you at all, as long as the cancellation is made at least 15 days before your arrival, as the deposit paid will be refunded in full. If the cancellation is made in the last 2 weeks before arrival, a fee in the amount of the deposit is due. This fee does not apply in case of acute illness before the planned trip: a medical certificate with previously confirmed flight booking is sufficient.

If the reason for the cancellation is due to the current Corona pandemic (e.g. flight cancellation, entry restrictions, etc.), the cancellation of your direct hotel booking is completely free of charge until the day of arrival and any advance payments already made will be refunded.

Rebooking In the case of a direct booking we offer free rebooking possibilities. This means that you can change your booking date at any time without additional charges, subject to availability.

Crete-Today.com is the main tourism web site for East Crete, run by the Crete Today Development team, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, hiking, natural sights, traditional villages, archaeological and historical sites and much more!

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Mochlos Village

A very quiet and friendly village, Mochlos welcomes travelers from all parts of the world. There are a few restaurants and cafés but no great buildings or attractions that have an entrance fee. Mochlos is a traditional village with a population of 100 people, located 48km east of Agios Nikolaos and 35km west of Siteia. The village retains the traditional elements of Crete intact and is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. The villagers, mostly originating from the village Sfaka, are very friendly and welcoming to all visitors.

Mochlos is one of the few villages on Crete where visitors can eat on the seafront without being disturbed by motor traffic. Actually, there is a little road running along the sea which the inn-keepers use as an extension to their terraces.

If you come to Mochlos, it is worth visiting the nearby villages Sfaka, Lastros, Tourloti and Myrsini. The villages retain their traditional style and are home to some very old chapels. Moreover, on a hill south of Mochlos, one can visit the picturesque chapel of Holy Spirit (Agio Pneuma in Greek) which has panoramic views to Mirabello Gulf. Lastly, near the village of Myrsini one can find the Venetian Tower of Kornaros with the chapel of St. Anthony.

Mochlos: The beaches, Archaeology and the area

Ancient mochlos, ancient mainland, ancient cemetery, chalinomouri.

The village has one small sandy beach situated beneath the tavernas and a slightly longer non-sandy beach a few hundred meters to the west. The bays around Mochlos are mainly rocky and good for snorkelling. You can also easily swim to the island, but swimmers are encouraged to wear sandals since the rocks might be sharp.

If you want to stay isolated, you can also choose the sandy beach of Limenaria, located 400m west of Mochlos. There is the local harbor and the beach is well protected from the waves. In 1986 archaeologists discovered in Limenaria a Post-Minoan cemetery with several unlooted carved tombs.

There are many hotels available on Mochlos. They can be booked on any travel site. Some are closed during the off-season

The ancient settlement of Mochlos is located on an island 250 meters from the town of Mochlos. Good swimmers can reach the island in about five or ten minutes. Ask for advice on swimming across and do not try to swim around the island without a partner. If a small motorboat is attached to the dock, marked “Mochlos Boat Tours”, you may ask the owner to take you over and back for a fee. If you do not see the owner, go to the Kochilia tavern and ask them to call Tzanetos.

The island is uninhabited and there is no fee to walk around. Once there, visitors will see a very small deserted church and plenty of ruins to enjoy. There are a few signs around the island to indicate the function of various areas. Visitors can acquaint themselves with various elements of the Mochlos settlement by visiting other pages of this website.

Aside from the most prominent and visible parts of the island ruins, one can scamper to the top and find the remains of a Hellenistic fortress. Also one can climb to the west and up to see an impressive number of Prepalatial tombs. The boat can also take you to see some caves on the west side of the island. Do not jump off the top of the island; there are some very sharp rocks below.

The Mochlos island used to be connected to the mainland by a land bridge which has since washed away. It is still visible from aerial photographs. Part of the settlement lies under the modern town and is not excavated. On the town side of the strait is a Mycenaean cemetery where many impressive tomb objects were found.

The island was first excavated in 1908 by the American Richard Seager, who found a prepalatial cemetery on the western end of the island. He uncovered 20 built tombs, pithos burials and pit graves. On the Western tip of the island, he discovered two large tombs which he considered were used for the burial of members of the ruling elite. This view was based on the size of the tombs, the wealth of the grave goods and the fact that they had been constructed some distance from the other tombs.

Most of the tombs were built in the Early Minoan II period (2900-2300 BCE) and used at least until EM III (2300-1900 BCE) while a few seem to have been used during Middle Minoan IA (2000-1700 BCE). Then they were abandoned, but brought back into use during the Neopalatial period. It wasn’t until the 1970s, however, that Professor Jeffrey Soles drew detailed plans of the cemetery and identified all the tombs. (The cemetery is described in more detail on the third page dedicated to Mochlos. Follow the link at the top of this page).

Meanwhile other archaelogists also excavated on the island and in the coastal plain opposite in the decades which followed with the result that about twenty-five sites, representing the whole Bronze Age from Early Minoan I (3500-2900 BCE) to Late Minoan IIIC (1350-1100 BCE) as well as later periods, have been reported. In 1989 Soles and Davaras began the most thorough cleaning and excavating of the cemetery and the neopalatial settlement on Mochlos ever to take place. This work continues today.

The connection with mainland

In the Late Bronze Age, the island of Mochlos and the promontory of the modern fishing village were still connected. Mochlos lies in a tectonic valley or graben, flanked by mountain blocks or horsts, with one fault line lying just along the western side of the island and another lying at the eastern end of the Mochlos plain. Extension of the earth’s crust is accommodated near the surface by faulting, and when this occurs, the area between the two faults drops down with respect to the areas on either side. Mochlos is sinking, sporadically, but sometimes quite sharply.

Since 1952 when the elevation of a Late Hellenistic fish tank along the coast was measured by J. Leatham and S. Hood, it has sunk nearly 1 m. Since the 1st century BC when the tank was functioning, it has sunk nearly 2 m. A reverse of the 2 m. subsidence would make a connection between the island and Crete, and this land bridge would have been in place through the Bronze Age and down through the Hellenistic period. Its innundation sometime after the 1st century probably accounts for the abandonment of the site.

On the mainland three rooms are all that remain visible from two or three artisans’ houses that once stood near the shore south west of the modern village. Large parts of the houses were buried beneath the modern dirt track which goes from Mochlos to its harbour and after the excavation of the buildings they were backfilled to enable the track to be restored to full use again.

This is one of the largest and most significant of the surviving Early Minoan cemeteries in Crete. Excavators have uncovered more constructed tombs here than at any other cemetery of any period. During the original excavations in 1908, Richard Seager discovered more than 20 built tombs on the island. Pit graves, rock shelters and burials in pithos jars were also found.

The tombs are to be found in two separate areas. On the western side of the island there is a terrace with several monumental tombs, presumably those of the local rulers. To the south, running along the contours of the hill were found a large number of more basic tombs, presumably for the ordinary people of the settlement.

The house tombs date from the Early Minoan II 2900-2300 BCE phase and continued to be used in Early Minoan III 2300-1900 BCE. Some were even used in the following Middle Minoan IA phase 2000-1700 BCE, when they subsequently all went out of use. In the Neopalatial (Second Palace) period, some of the tombs were brought back into service and the use of pithos burials became common.

As a result of cleaning operations on the site in the 1970s 28 excavated tombs were located. Many more have come to light in the intervening years.

At the east of the coastal plain, where a river runs down a ravine, past a promontory, an Late Minoan IB 1500-1450 BCE building with seven or eight rooms was discovered in the early 1990s. It was a long rectangular structure, overlooking the ravine from the promontory and part of the western facade of the building had in fact collapsed into the ravine in the distant past.

The building seems to have played quite an important role in the local economy. Evidence of terracing in a nearby field was uncovered. Pithoi had been used to store agricultural produce and vases made of locally available green serpentinite all point to a building whose occupants were engaged in various activities and who were part of the wider economy of the main settlement on Mochlos.

There was clear evidence that the building had been reoccupied in Late Minoan III 1450-1350 BCE.

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• Ελληνικα ( Greek )

The village

Mochlos, the well-known coastal village of eastern Crete, stands out for a number of qualities: its rare picturesque style, its healthy and most agreeable climate, its very own, special ambience, its unparalleled landscape, etc.

The celebrated Mochlos landscape is an outstanding mixture of sea, mountains, islets and colors, it represents the “quintessence” of the Greek landscape and one of the most splendid in the world, that “no camera lens can reproduce”, in the words of our guests, who upon their arrival realize, to their surprise, that Mochlos radiates with beneficial energy which enchants, pacifies and rejuvenates. It is to this incredibly beautiful, magical landscape that scholars attribute the fact that the largest quantities of gold jewellery and diadems of the Minoan civilization—more even than those at Knossos!—were discovered here, on the islet of Mochlos, similar to the diadems of the Queen of Sheba of the Sumerians! These masterpieces are exhibited at the Archaeological museums of Heraklion, Ag. Nikolaos and Sitia. It is certainly no accident that Mochlos, as numerous finds indicate, had developed relations with the great civilizations of Anatolia (Mesopotamia etc.), nor that the renown “gold ring” of Mochlos, comparable to “the ring of Minos” found at Knossos, was discovered here. It is, in fact, this very ring that we have used in the logo of our complex.

What you can do at Mochlos

Besides its unique landscape, Mochlos today can also provide exceptional services. Picturesque small restaurants, “licked” by the sea surf at their feet, offer authentic Cretan and Greek cuisine based on local olive oil, one of the most extensively awarded in the world, delicious seafood “mezedes” and local dishes and a variety of culinary delights, while the small bars provide contemporary entertainment. The restaurants, “tavernas”, feature Cretan and popular live-music nights, with dancing and singing you are welcome to join in. You can also take a dive in the crystal clear waters, do some watersports and go on a boat tour of the nearby islets, Kastellas, the “magical mountain” and its caves, the astonishing islet of Pseira, or go hiking to explore the rich and vibrant landscape, on your own or with a mountain guide, etc. There is also a mini-market and other small stores for your shopping.

At a distance of 30-35km from Mochlos you will find the towns Ierapetra (south), Sitia (east) and Ag. Nikolaos (west). All three towns provide Hospitals – Health Centers, all kinds of urban facilities, super markets, a variety of shops, leisure and entertainment facilities, etc.

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7 Amazing Boat Trips from Crete (with photos)- Balos, Santorini, Spinalonga…

Last updated on November 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

When traveling to the biggest Greek island, you can enjoy many amazing boat trips from Crete:  From short ones to an islet such as Spinalonga, to long ones taking you to neighboring island Santorini.  Below is my selection of the best Crete boat tours and excursions to consider during your holidays.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon

Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path

My favorite places to stay:

• Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
• Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
• Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel

About the boat trips from Crete

Accessing islets and wilder areas.

Crete being a large island with lots of small islets around to which you can take short boat trips. Plus, thanks to its mountainous geography, Crete has areas that have remained quite wild and cannot easily be reached by car. But you can see those amazing places by boat!

The 3 unmissable Crete Boat trips

In this article, I am listing many of the boat tours available from Crete. The 3 that I consider ‘unmissable’ are:

• Balos Lagoon
• Loutro and South Coast
• Spinalonga Island

They are all very touristic and not away from the crowds, but there is a good reason for that… the views are beautiful!

Crete Day trips to other Greek Islands

Wondering if you can to a boat excursion to another Greek island?

As you can see on the map below, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. However, compared to all the others, it is quite isolated. Therefore, it is not easy to do a simple day trip to a neighboring island. The 2 closest ones are Santorini and Karpathos. But if you want to visit any other, you would have to plan a multi-day tour.

1 – The best Crete boat trip – Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

• Where it goes – This first tour takes you to the wild peninsula at the North-West end of Crete. The first stop is Gramvousa island also referred to as the pirate island, and then the boat continues to the famous Balos Lagoon
• My rating – For the scenery: 5 stars!

• Why is it worth it? The area is wild and colorful. The island of Gramvousa has steep cliff, emerald waters and a fortification at the top! What more would you want? And Balos Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Crete . The area at the foot of mountains offers shallow warm turquoise waters protected by the island of Tigani. And you can even find some pink sand! Want to see more photos and a video? Check out my article about the Balos Lagoon Cruise .

• Departure from –  The boats depart from the port of Kissamos. Busses can take you to Kissamos from Chania or Rethymno Private yachts can depart from Chania
• How long it takes –   This is a full-day tour. The boats leave between 10 am and 12pm and you come back at the end of the afternoon.
• Type of Boat – The boats are quite big and stable, with easy embarkation and disembarkation. There are seats inside and outside, toilets and a food service.
• How to Book – Check out the tour options with or without bus on Getyourguide

2 – The most historical boat tour from Crete – Spinalonga Island

• Where it goes – This Crete Boat tour takes you to the famous Spinalonga island. It is located on the North Coast of Crete, just North of Agios Nikolaos (East from Heraklion)
• My rating –   I would give it 4 stars because of the overtourism.

• Why is it worth it? This tour combines Stunning scenery, Venetian architecture and a tumultuous history.  The islet is located in a bay that is almost enclosed. Therefore there is always something to look at around the vibrant blue water. Spinalonga is completely protected with fortifications around and at the top. It used to be a Venetian and then an Ottoman fortress. And, during its most recent history, it was a leper colony.

• Departure from & Types of Boats –  You can depart from different locations: – the village of Plaka, with small boats – the ride takes only 10 minutes – the resort town of Elounda – boats are a little bigger and you stay within the quiet bay – the ride takes 25 minutes – Agios Nikolaos – day excursions leave from the bigger town of A.N. This tour has to sail around the peninsula to reach the islet.
• How long it takes –   From Plaka and Elounda, you can just take the boat, visit on your own and take one of the later return boats. Or you can take organized tours with a guide to better understand the history of the island.
• How to Book – Check some tour options on Getyourguide

3 – The most dreamt about – Boat trip from Crete to Santorini 

• Where it goes – Santorini is probably the most famous of the Greek islands. It is located in the Cycladic island archipelago, in the middle of the Aegean see. It is the one closest to Crete.
• My rating –   I would say 5 stars if you take a 2 day trip, and only 4stars for a day trip, because your time on Santorini will be very limited (but still worth it if you are short in time!)

• Why is it worth it? Santorini is quite a unique place to see. The island was destroyed by a giant earthquake and the current towns are built at the edge of the caldera!!! It combines the magnificent landscapes of a volcano, the sea and the traditional white houses. It is very very very touristic (you sure will not be alone) but the geology is fascinating. I recommend admiring it from the sea rather than on land if you can choose your activity. Learn more on my article about visiting Santorini from Crete

• Departure from –  Heraklion (coaches can take you from other towns)
• How long it takes –   It is at least a full-day trip. But if you can, I recommend booking an overnight boat tour from Crete. The fast ferry between Heraklion and Santorini takes 2 hours
• Type of Boat –  For this type of tour, you will take the fast ferry. It is a large boat low on water, as you can see in the picture below. There are other bigger boats doing the connection, but they are twice as long so they don’t work for a day trip.
• How to Book – On this page of Getyourguide , you can find tours departing from Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno

Need to rent a car in Crete ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

4 – The wild South – Ferry from Chora Skafion to Loutro and Agia Roumeli

• Where it goes – Part of the South Coast has stayed wild with only a few small villages by the sea such as Loutro or Agia Roumeli. The region is not accessible by car
• My rating –   I loved the view from the boat and the charm of Loutro. 5 stars! (Note: but it might not be as enchanting in the middle of Summer considering how small the village is.

• Why is it worth it? Your boat departs from Chora Sfakion and follows the South coast where the mountains drop straight into the sea. You can spot very small beaches along the way but not much else. The village of Loutro is really small and the scenery is stunning: white houses, orange rocks and emerald waters… Want to see more pictures? Check out my article about the village of Loutro

• Departure from –  Chora Sfakion on the South Coast, South of Rethymno (departure may also be possible from Sougia beach at certain times)
• How long it takes –   The boat trip from Chora Sfakion to Loutro is only 20min, but you can continue further along the coast to Agia Roumeli for 40more minutes (at the end of the famous Samaria Gorge (photo above))
• Type of Boat – It depends on the time of your ferry. At certain hours it is a large ferry which can take cars, at others it is a smaller boat. You can see them in the pictures below.
• How to Book – The main company is Anendyk – timetable here there are other companies with smaller boat operating between Chora Sfakion and Loutro.

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5 – The small boat to facilitate access – Plakias to Preveli

• Where it goes – This boat tour in Crete departs from the resort town of Plakias on the South Coast
• Why is it worth it? It takes you to one of the most unique beaches in Crete: Preveli ( see my full list of amazing Cretan beaches here ) This beach is located at the end of a gorge, where a lake has formed and palm trees have taken over.  The typical access from the paved carpark requires you to get down 400 high stairs (and therefore to go up 400 stairs when you are ready to leave). This is why the boat is a great option, since it takes you directly to the beach.

• Departure from –  Plakias
• How long it takes –   40min boat ride with stunning scenery
• Type of Boat – Small boat (you can see one in the photo below)
• How to Book – For example, you can contact Plakias Boat Tours (note: I have not done this tour, I went to the beach by car)

6 – The most beachy boat transfer from Crete – Chrysi island

• Where it goes – This boat tour in Crete, takes you 15km South of the main island, to the smaller one of Chrysi (or Chrisi)
• Why is it worth it –   This tour is more for people who enjoy beach time. The island of Chrysi is famous for its paradise-looking beaches with white sand and turquoise waters.

• Departure from –  The town of Ierapetra on the South Coast (South of Agios Nikolaos) But tours are organized from some resort town on the North shore too (bus + boat)
• How long it takes – 6 hours – departure are from 10am to 1pm and return from 4:40pm to 6pm
• Type of Boat – Quite large boats with toilets and Food service on board
• How to Book – Check out your options on Getyourguide

Where to stay in Crete?

My favorites:

• Chania , a charming town:   See best rated accommodations
• Rethymno , history, beach and central location:  See best rated options
• Heraklion , main city: See best rated options
• Palaiochora , for stunning scenery, away from crowds –  See best rated options
• Mochlos , for a very quiet area: see best rated options
• For a sandy beach and some nightlife:  Malia  or  Bali

7 – Pirate sailing experiences in Crete

Because of its central location and tumultuous history, Crete has been the home of many pirates attacking the merchant ships going to Europe or Africa. Today, you can learn more about their history and techniques on boat tours dedicated to the lives of pirates!

Check out this one from Heraklion

Or check out this option from Chania or Rethymno

Best boat tours from main towns – Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion

Boat tours from chania.

If you are staying in Chania – the best boat tours to consider are:

• Balos Lagoon is easy to do from Chania. You just take a bus to Kissamos
• You can also go to Santorini , but know that the drive to Heraklion will make the day even longer 
• You can go snorkeling in the region – Check out the program and book
• You can also enjoy a boat tour from Chania on a sailboat, admiring the scenery and stopping at beaches and caves. It goes all around the peninsula to Marathi beach before sailing back – Check out the program and book

• For something a little different that will fascinate the whole family, you can also consider a 40min ride on a  semi-submarine – Check out concept and book

Boat tours from Rethymno

Rethymno is very centrally located in Crete, so most of the Boat tours can be started in Rethymno either directly on water or but bus transfer first.

• There are direct tours to Santorini – check out options and availability
• You can head to Balos by bus and then boat –  see details and availability
• You can have fun on the Pirate boat – see details and availability

Boat tours from Heraklion 

Heraklion being the main town, it offers most of the boat excursions with a bus to reach departure or not:

• Direct tours to Santorini – check out options and availability
• Head to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island – see details & availability
• Climb on board the Black Rose pirate ship – see details & availability
• Go explore Spinalonga island – see options
• Head South to Chrisi island for a day at the beach – see options

Need help deciding where to go? Check out my article Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno? Where to go?

Boat trip to Elafonisi – Is it possible?

The pink beach of Elafonisi is worth a visit. But it is at one end of the island. There is no boat tour from Chania, Rethymno or Heraklion – you have to book a bus tour ( see details ) However, you can book a private boat tour from Palaiochora, the nearby town on the South Coast, if you are staying there. Learn more about the beach in my article.

Boat tour South of Crete

The main boat tour along the South coast of Crete are:

• The ferry from Chora Sfakion to Loutro or Agia Roumeli (#4)
• The boat transfer to Chrisi island – Check out your options  (#6)
• The short boat trip from Plakias to Preveli beach to avoid the steep path to access it (#5)

Diving in Crete – are there good options?

Crete has some great options for beginner and advanced divers from Chania or Heraklion or the Malia area – see some options

Sunset cruises around Crete

In most towns with a large enough port, you can find companies offering private or group sunset cruises or sailing adventures. For example:

• Sunset cruise from Chania – see details and availability
• Sunset on pirate boat from Rethymno – see details and availability

Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer ?

• 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) –  read article
• 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
• The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
• The most beautiful archaeological sites – read article
• The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete – read article
• The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
• Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
• Tips for driving around Crete – read article

Planning a trip to Crete?

Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:

Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide

• 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 150+ original photos to help you choose

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of CRETE?

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The village

The heart of the village where all life is concentrating is its quiet bay, the village of mochlos.

The heart of the village where all life is concentrating is its quiet bay .

Mochlos is one of the few villages on Crete where you can eat on the seafront without being disturbed by motor traffic. Actually, there is a little road running along the sea but - to the delight of tourists and natives - the inn-keepers use it as extensions to their terraces. It persists as a pedestrian passage way between the tables and the sea. Long as it lasts!

During off-season, the village counts a good hundred inhabitants. 10% of the population are foreigners. This shows that travellers like Mochlos enormously. Be prepared of falling in love with the village, of having to return there every year as it has happened to many before!

Mochlos provides for anything necessary to spend a pleasant stay, without being obliged to drive a long way:

• Situated in the centre is ' Anne's and Yannis M ini-market' . There you can find all primary products, as well as fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. The baker Dimitris Betinis delivers fresh bread every day about midday. During the tourist season the grocery store is open every day from morning to late evening (no business hours specified).
• A few steps away, you will find 'Amalthea' a shop of traditional products run by Marinella. 'FB page'
• The 'Fotini' shop located by the sea between the 'Sofia' tavern and the 'Kavouria' tavern. It is run by Spiros' sister who runs the Kavouria tavern. It is in this shop that you can find the Mochlos souvenir t-shirt.
• 'Chez Cécile' in the main street is run by Alex and Cécile a Frenchwoman who has lived in Crete for several years. They sell summer clothes and jewelry. 'FB page'
• 'Wood Works' in the main street, is run by a young craftsman from Mochlos who works with wood. His name is Yannis. 'FB page'
• 'Agora' next to Amalthea', summer clothes shop run by Alex.
• Should you wish to leave Mochlos and do not have a vehicle, you can contact one of the t wo taxi-drivers : Nikos at +30/69 76 63 07 29 or Kostas at +30/69 72 81 86 36.
• If you want to visit the Minoan site of the island without taking the risk of swimming there, we invite you to call on Giorgos , the owner of the ' Kochilia'  tavern and his Mochlos Boat Tours . He will take you there for a few €. It is also possible to reach the island by swimming. The distance is about 250m, but the crossing is reserved for good swimmers. Despite a calm-looking sea, you may encounter rather strong currents which can carry you into open sea.

All inn-keepers speak English well, some even German or French. Do not hesitate to ask them for information. They will be happy to help. The legendary Cretan hospitality, here in Mochlos, is not an empty word !

The only small sandy beach of Mochlos is situated below the taverns. If you are not bothered by pebbles or rocks, you will find other beaches and coves at the East of the village, towards Sfaka. West of the village lies the small fishing-port of 'Limenaria' and two more small pebbly beaches. On the hills above the port is where we decided to create our little paradise .

We wish you a pleasant stay in Mochlos !

Marie and Marc from Belgium

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

Choose your dates

Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point

Drunk Clearwater captain fell off boat while 30 people were attending tour: Police

Captain accused of boating under the influence.

Clearwater Police say they arrested a boat captain on charges of boating under the influence after he fell off the vessel as 30 people were taking a tour.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A 53-year-old boat captain was arrested and charged with boating under the influence on Friday afternoon, according to the Clearwater Police Department.

Witnesses told law enforcement that John Edward Beckwith, the captain of the Clearwater Fun Boat, was impaired to the point where he fell off the vessel just before 2 p.m. Police say when they spoke to employees on the boat they were told that Beckwith arrived at work stumbling and had food all over his face.

According to officers, the boat Beckwith was working on had 30 people attending a boat tour.

Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriffs Office

Authorities say Beckwith performed poorly on the field sobriety exercises and provided a breath sample of 0.118 and 0.115. The blood alcohol limit for boating is 0.08 in Florida.

READ: Man convicted 18 years after DUI crash on I-4 in Polk County caused serious injuries

Clearwater police say Beckwith's breath smelled like alcohol, he was unbalanced, and his eyes were bloodshot.

Beckwith has prior DUI convictions in Michigan and Arizona, according to law enforcement.

Officials say the incident is being investigated by the Clearwater Police Department and the Coast Guard.

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Clearwater Beach tour boat captain was drunk on the job, fell off boat, police say

• Jack Prator Times staff

A tour boat captain stumbled into work on Clearwater Beach, voyaged out to sea and drunkenly fell overboard, police said.

John Beckwith, 53, was arrested Friday on a charge of boating under the influence. The captain for Clearwater Fun Boat Tours had 30 customers on board, some telling police he was so impaired he fell off the boat.

Employees told Clearwater police Beckwith “arrived to work stumbling and had food all over his face,” according to an arrest report.

Officers noticed his eyes were bloodshot and they smelled alcohol on his breath. Beckwith “performed poorly” on a field sobriety test and blew a 0.118 on a breathalyzer, which is over the 0.08 level at which Florida law says someone is impaired.

Beckwith was released Saturday afternoon without being required to post bail. The incident is Beckwith’s fourth charge for operating a vehicle while impaired, records show. He was convicted twice in Michigan and again for an “extreme DUI” in Arizona.

The Clearwater Beach tour provides customers a chance to spot dolphins playing in the waves “while indulging in a delicious ice cream sundae” on a “family-friendly boat,” according to the company’s website . Last year, it was awarded Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, the website states.

Neither Beckwith nor a representative for the tour boat company could be reached by phone for comment.

Jack Prator is a reporter covering breaking news and environment. Reach him at [email protected].

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