Boat rental in Chania · Orizon — Seastar (2012)

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS TO THEODOROU ISLAND & MENIES AND CHOIRONISIA BAYS TOUR 1 DESTINATION : Theodorou Island and Glaronisi Island DEPARTURE FROM: Platanias Harbor BOAT TYPE : Powerboat SoulStar MAX CAPACITY: 8 Passengers per boat ( 16 aboard two vessels) PRICE: 2 HOUR PRIVATE TOUR: 1-4 persons, 160€ (per boat) 5-8 persons, 210€ (per boat) 3 HOUR PRIVATE TOUR: 1-4 persons, 270€ (per boat) 5-8 persons, 320€ (per boat) INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: ⦁ professional snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels) ⦁ complimentary bottled water ⦁ 24% VAT and insurance ⦁ skipper (80€) ⦁ fuel (50€) **Please note that skipper and fuel are paid at the harbor** TOUR DESCRIPTION: The tour departs from Platanias Harbor and begin a tour around the perimeter of Theodorou Island. The first stop will give you the opportunity to get incredible shots of the gigantic cave, as seen from the coast. At the same time, you will see the Venetian castle built in 1574 above the cave. Our team will share the history of the castle and even reveal some of it's secrets. Then, as we cruise slowly along the coast, you'll be able to capture seabirds nesting on the impressive cliffs. When we reach the north side of Theodorou, you will discover a small island called Glaronissi, meaning Seagull Island, separated by a narrow channel from Theodorou Island. The size of the boat allows us to enter the channel for close-up photos of the birds if the weather is good. Across the channel, we will enter the wildest part of the island, the so-called “Black wall”. A black rock cliff plummeting into the sea, reaching a depth of 30 meters. This is the area that the famous indigenous Cretan goat, the “Kri-Kri”, can be seen. The crew will help you to spot them on the cliffs and tell you about their mysterious origins. When we reach the east side of the island, the boat will stop at the “Rock Pile”, a fantastic spot for marine species. Here you will be able to swim and snorkel along-side fishes, starfishes and shells. The last stop of the trip is above the wreck of the German aircraft «Junker 52» of the World War II. Together, we will experience the perfect trip! TOUR 2 DESTINATION : Menies and Choironisia Bays DEPARTURE FROM: Platanias Harbor BOAT TYPE : Powerboat SoulStar MAX CAPACITY: 6 Passengers per boat ( 12 aboard two vessels) DURATION: 5 hours PRICE: 550€ INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: ⦁ professional snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels) ⦁ complimentary bottled water ⦁ 24% VAT and insurance ⦁ skipper (100€) ⦁ fuel (150€) **Please note that skipper and fuel are paid at the harbor** TOUR DESCRIPTION: The tour begins as we heading towards Spatha Cape on the Rodopou Peninsula, the northernmost point of Crete. Where we will reach the impressive Menies Bay, in about a half hour. The landscape there is truly majestic, and fascinated even the ancient civilizations of western Crete who built a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Diktynna, the goddess of nature and patroness of hunters and fishermen. Remnants of the ancient road leading to the temple, which unfortunately hasn’t survived, are still visible. Aside from the ancient ruins, visitors have the opportunity to visit a WWII German fortress located there, and an abandoned monastery of St. George built in the 9th century AD. The untouched natural landscape of the Rodopou peninsula, with it’s diversity and rarity in fauna and flora, make this a a truly unique area, and as such is protected by Natura 2000 network. Our rib will bring you close enough to Menies Bay which will allow you to easily swim to shore and enjoy the crystal clear emerald and azure waters of the pebbly beach. It’s truly a peaceful slice of paradise. Once there, you can spend your time sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling or exploring. Following our departure, we will visit several other smaller secluded bays, including Choironisia Bay where we can also stop for swimming and snorkeling in its crystalline blue waters and sea caves. TOUR 3 DESTINATION : Venetian Harbor-Lazareta Island-Theodorou Island DEPARTURE FROM: Platanias Harbor BOAT TYPE : Powerboat SoulStar MAX CAPACITY: 8 Passengers per boat ( 16 aboard two vessels) DURATION: 4 hours PRICE: 420€ (per boat) INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: ⦁ professional snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels) ⦁ complimentary bottled water ⦁ 24% VAT and insurance ⦁ skipper (80€) ⦁ fuel (120€) **Please note that skipper and fuel are paid at the harbor** TOUR DESCRIPTION: Prepare to take a unique trip, back in time, and enjoy Cretan, Venetian, and Ottoman historical elements that make our island so special! Our journey begins at Platanias Harbour where you will be welcomed aboard the newest addition to our fleet, the powerful “Soul Star” RIB. Our experienced team member will first explain safety precautions, after which you will be ready to begin your sea adventure! We will reach our first destination at the Old Venetian Harbour in approximately 15 minutes. The city’s most prominent and prized landmark, the Lighthouse, stands guard at the entrance of the harbor. Originally built in the 16th century by the Venetians who occupied Chania at the time, it was later rebuilt due to natural decay in the 1830’s by the Egyptian troops sent to support the weakening Ottoman Empire who ruled during this period. It resembles a minaret and is often referred to as the “Egyptian Lighthouse” for this reason. Upon leaving the harbor, we will continue our journey towards Lazareta islet, located just off the coast of town. This islet is named after Lazarus the patron saint of lepers, and was used by the Venetians in the 17th century as an asylum for those suffering from the disease. Some remnants of the foundations of the buildings located there are still visible today. The shrine of Saint Nicholas is also located on the island, built by a local to show gratitude to the saint for helping him survive a crisis while at sea. Once on the island, you can enjoy the clear waters and rich marine life by snorkeling or swimming, or you may prefer to spend your time sunbathing. As we head back to Platanias Harbor, our last stop will be an underwater attraction, a sunken Junker Ju 52 German airplane wreck from WWII, located very close to Theodorou Island. There you may dive down to explore the wreck!