Day cruise catamaran departing Paleochora toward Elafonisi and Kedrodasos bays in southwest Crete
Crystal-clear lagoon water near Elafonisi Bay from the catamaran deck
Luxury catamaran sailing along the remote southwest Crete coastline near Kedrodasos
Paleochora, Southwest Crete

Day Cruise To Elafonisi & KedrodasosA 6.5-hour catamaran adventure from Paleochora along Crete's remote southwest coast — swimming in Elafonisi's famous lagoon, exploring Kedrodasos, full lunch, drinks, and a wilder coastline you can only reach by sea.

6.5 Hours09:30 – 16:00
Elafonisi & KedrodasosSouthwest Crete
From €165per person
Since 201754,000+ miles sailed

PRIVATE CRUISES: free cancellation up to 72 hours

Private charters can be cancelled at least 72 hours before departure for a full refund. Shared/group cruises keep the standard 48-hour free cancellation.
Private 72h / Group 48h
Transfer must be arranged 24 hours before The cruise time shown is the boat departure time from Paleochora Port. It is not your hotel transfer pickup time. Transfer must be arranged at least 24 hours before departure; requests are accepted until 20:00 local time.
Requests until 20:00

Moments from this cruise

Fresh images from the route, yacht, and guest experience for Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora.

Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 1
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 2
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 3
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 4
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 5
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 6
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 7
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 8
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 9
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 10
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 11
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 12
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 13
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 14
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 15
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 16
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 17
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 18
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 19
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 20
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 21
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 22
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 23
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 24
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 25
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 26
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 27
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora photo 28
Guests swimming in bright turquoise water near Elafonisi Bay from DanEri catamaran
2017since

Crete's Most Desired Bays, Reached By Sea

Elafonisi is famous for its pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise lagoon — one of the Mediterranean's most photographed beaches. Kedrodasos, just along the coast, offers a wilder, more natural setting with cedar-backed shoreline and fewer visitors. Together they create the strongest destination pair on Crete's southwest coast.

Approaching by catamaran from Paleochora means no winding mountain road, no parking struggle, and no crowded beach access. You arrive from the sea, anchor in calm water, and have the coastline largely to yourselves while day-trippers pack the overland routes.

Elafonisi LagoonPink sand, turquoise shallows
Kedrodasos Wild BeachCedar forest, natural coastline
Sea ApproachSkip the mountain roads
Small GroupsMax 20 guests per cruise

Day Cruise From Paleochora To Elafonisi & Kedrodasos

Depart Paleochora at 09:30, sail along the remote southwest coast, anchor near Elafonisi for swimming and snorkeling, continue to Kedrodasos, enjoy a full onboard lunch with drinks, and return by 16:00. Everything is included in one price.

Day cruise catamaran from Paleochora to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos bays southwest Crete
Day Cruise · 6.5 Hours

Day Cruise To Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays From Paleochora

Full Day 6.5 Hours Lunch Included Unlimited Drinks

Sail from Paleochora along Crete's wild southwest coastline to the famous lagoon at Elafonisi and the untouched shores of Kedrodasos. Swim in crystal-clear water, snorkel the rocky coastline, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with unlimited drinks on deck. Return to Paleochora by 16:00 with the afternoon still free.

09:30 – 16:00 Up to 20 guests Free cancellation 48h
€165per person

Your Southwest Coast Day In Four Steps

A simple booking process with free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.

Board the catamaran at Paleochora harbour southwest Crete

Board at Paleochora

Arrive at the Paleochora departure point by 09:10. Check in with the crew, receive your welcome aboard, and settle into your sunbed. The catamaran departs at 09:30 heading west along the coast.

Sail along the remote southwest Crete coastline toward Elafonisi

Sail the Wild Coast

Cruise along the dramatic southwest coastline with welcome drinks and snacks. By mid-morning you reach the bright, shallow waters near Elafonisi where the catamaran drops anchor for your first swim stop.

Swim and snorkel in turquoise water near Elafonisi and Kedrodasos

Swim & Explore

Spend the late morning swimming in Elafonisi's famous lagoon, snorkeling the rocky coastline, or paddleboarding the shallows. Continue toward Kedrodasos for a second anchor stop with wilder, more natural scenery.

Enjoy lunch with drinks on deck during the return sail to Paleochora

Lunch & Return

Around midday, the crew serves a freshly prepared lunch with unlimited drinks on deck. After one more swim, sail back along the coast toward Paleochora, arriving by 16:00 with the afternoon still ahead.

Onboard lunch and drinks served on catamaran near Elafonisi Bay

Everything In Your Cruise Price

The day cruise is fully all-inclusive — no hidden costs, no surprises. Your cruise price covers the luxury catamaran, professional crew, a freshly prepared onboard lunch, unlimited drinks, water-sports equipment, and comfortable seating with sunbeds and shaded lounge areas.

  • Luxury catamaran and professional crew
  • Full onboard lunch with Cretan ingredients
  • Unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, beer
  • SUP boards, snorkelling gear, life jackets
  • Sunbeds and shaded lounge areas
  • Wi-Fi onboard
Guests preparing for the day cruise at Paleochora departure point

Before You Board

A few practical details to make your Paleochora day cruise seamless. Paleochora is on Crete's southwest coast — allow extra travel time if coming from the north coast. The route may adjust for weather — safety is always the captain's priority.

  • Bring towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear
  • Bring comfortable footwear or water shoes for rocky areas at Kedrodasos
  • Arrive at departure point 20 minutes early
  • Route adjusts for weather (captain's call)
  • Apr 1-May 10 & Sep 1-Oct 31: depart 30 min earlier
  • Bring ID for port check-in
  • Hotel transfers available on request
  • Transfer must be arranged at least 24 hours before departure; requests are accepted until 20:00 local time

Compare Paleochora With Other Cruises

Not sure if the Paleochora day cruise is right for you? Explore the sunset option from the same town, check out other west-Crete departures, or jump straight to booking.

Sunset luxury catamaran cruise from Paleochora to Elafonisi Bay
Sunset option

Sunset Cruise From Paleochora To Elafonisi

Prefer a shorter evening experience? The 3.5-hour sunset cruise departs around 17:00, includes drinks and light bites, and returns by 20:30 with golden-hour light over the southwest coast.

17:00 Departure3.5 HoursFrom €100
See Sunset Cruise
Day cruise from Souda Port to Marathi Bay Chania
Chania area

Day Cruise From Souda To Marathi Bay

Departing from Souda Port east of Chania, this 6.5-hour cruise heads toward Marathi Bay with lunch, drinks, and water sports included in calmer bay waters.

Souda Port6.5 HoursFrom €145
See Souda Cruise
Book your day cruise from Paleochora to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos
Ready to book?

Reserve Your Paleochora Day Cruise

Share your preferred date, group size, and any special requests. DanEri will confirm availability and send a detailed proposal within 24 hours — no commitment required.

Free cancellation24h reply
Book Now

Wild Coastline And Lagoon Colours

Deck scenes, swim stops, and the southwest Crete landscapes that make the Paleochora day cruise one of the most scenic routes in the fleet.

Paleochora Day Cruise Questions

Everything you need to know about the day cruise from Paleochora to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos bays.

The day cruise is 6.5 hours: departing Paleochora at 09:30, reaching the Elafonisi area by mid-morning for swimming and snorkeling, continuing toward Kedrodasos, serving lunch around midday, and returning to Paleochora by 16:00.

The catamaran departs from Paleochora on Crete's southwest coast. Paleochora is reached by car, transfer, or regional bus — allow extra travel time if coming from Chania or the north coast, as the scenic mountain road takes longer than expected. Arrive 20 minutes before the 09:30 departure. Transfer must be arranged at least 24 hours before departure; requests are accepted until 20:00 local time.

Elafonisi is famous for its pink-tinged sand, shallow turquoise lagoon, and Caribbean-like water clarity — consistently ranked among the best beaches in Europe. Kedrodasos, just along the coast, offers a wilder, more natural setting with cedar-backed shoreline and far fewer visitors. Together they create the most scenic bay pair on Crete's southwest coast.

The cruise includes a freshly prepared onboard lunch with Cretan ingredients, plus unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek wine, and beer throughout the day. Welcome drinks and snacks are served after boarding. All refreshments are included in your cruise price.

Yes. The 6.5-hour format works well for families who want a full day on the water exploring Crete's most beautiful bays. Children love the shallow Elafonisi lagoon, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The catamaran has shaded areas for rest, and the crew provides life jackets and supervision. Mention children's ages when booking so the crew can prepare.

Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before departure — no questions asked, no fees. Rescheduling to a different date is available with at least 72 hours notice, subject to availability. Contact DanEri directly and they will process your request immediately.

Bring a towel, sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended for the southwest coast sun), a hat, and swimwear. Bring comfortable footwear or water shoes — the shoreline at Kedrodasos and parts of Elafonisi have rocky and pebbly sections where soft soles help. Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting wet. Bring your ID for port check-in. Snorkelling gear, SUP boards, life jackets, and sunbeds are all provided on board.

The day cruise (09:30-16:00, 6.5 hours, €165) gives you a fuller experience with more swimming time at both Elafonisi and Kedrodasos, a complete onboard lunch, and extended sailing along the southwest coastline. The sunset cruise (17:00-20:30, 3.5 hours, €100) is shorter, includes drinks and light bites, and focuses on golden-hour light and evening atmosphere. Both depart from Paleochora.

Book Your Paleochora Day Cruise

Depart Paleochora at 09:30 and spend 6.5 hours exploring Elafonisi, Kedrodasos, and the wild southwest coastline. Full lunch, unlimited drinks, and all water sports included. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.

Book Now