Private RIB Boat Tour to the Secret Beach from Rethymno

A private RIB tour like this is interesting because you skip the crowded approach and reach Cretan coast spots that are hard to get to on foot. I love the mix of proper swim time and built-in snorkeling stops, and I also like how the skipper, Kostas, keeps an eye on photo angles and what conditions allow. The one drawback to plan around is that cave snorkeling is weather dependent, so you might see the caves from the water even if entry is not safe.

I also like that you’re on a small 7-meter RIB with a licensed skipper, not a big group boat. That means the pace feels more personal, with time for a swim here, a quick snorkel there, plus stops chosen for calmer pockets of water. The trip is about 2 hours, so you’ll want to be ready to start right from the Old Harbour.

Key things that make this Rethymno RIB trip worth your time

• A private 7-meter RIB with a licensed skipper for a small-group feel and flexible stop timing
• Spilies Beach and cave viewpoints where snorkeling entry depends on safe sea conditions
• The boat-only secret beach with fine sand and pebbles, plus rock shade that changes with the season
• Kamarola arch photo moments from the water and at the beach
• Snacks, drinks, WiFi, masks, and snorkels included, plus bottled water onboard
• Fuel is extra (40 euro cash after the tour), so budget accordingly

Why this RIB tour in Rethymno feels like a real upgrade

This is the kind of outing that turns “a day at the beach” into a mini sea adventure. You’re moving along the coast by boat, then hanging out where the water is clear and the shoreline is partly unreachable without a captain. If you like beaches you can actually swim at, plus snorkeling chances, this format does the job fast.

I like that the tour is structured but not rigid. You get set destinations like Spilies Beach and the secret boat-only beach, yet the skipper can decide how much cave time is safe, based on wind and water. That matters in Crete, because the sea can look calm from shore but still get choppy in the wrong pocket.

The other upgrade is simple: you get to watch the coast slide by from the water. On this route you’ll pass the Fortezza Castle area and see the Old Town coastline from sea level, which is way more interesting than standing in a street view crowd.

From Nearchou 33 to the water: meeting and first vibes

Your meeting point is Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece. You’ll head out from the Old Harbour area, where boat tours usually feel busy at the start, but this one is private, so things settle quickly once you’re onboard.

Expect a short ride out to the first swim area, and then a clear plan for your water time. The total experience time is listed at about 2 hours, and the schedule is built around a couple of dedicated swim windows rather than endless sightseeing.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll get a safety briefing and the kit. Masks and snorkels are included, along with safety equipment. Bottled water is also onboard, and WiFi is available if you want to share photos right away.

Spilies Beach: cliffs, cave country, and snorkeling only when it’s safe

Spilies Beach is the first big stop, reached by a short boat ride from the harbour, roughly 30 minutes in travel time. The area is known for cliffs and caves, and the tour’s approach is smart: the boat stops outside the cave area, so you’re not trying to squeeze your way in with uncertainty.

You’ll have about 45 minutes for snorkeling time and a bit of free time to wander around the shore depending on conditions. The key detail is this: snorkeling in the caves is not guaranteed. The skipper will only let people enter the caves if it’s safe, which is exactly what you want to hear on a boat day.

Two practical notes to take into this stop:

1. If you want cave snorkeling, bring a calm mindset and be ready for a “from-the-water view” outcome.
2. If you’ve never snorkeled before, don’t worry. You’ll have masks and snorkels provided, and the skipper can guide you on where to try.

From a value standpoint, Spilies is where you get the “wow” factor early. Clear water, cliffside scenery, and that cave setting makes the rest of the tour feel even better because you’re already in Cretan water mode.

The secret beach stop: fine sand, pebbles, and Kamarola for photos

After Spilies, the tour shifts to the main highlight: a secret beach accessible only by boat. This stop is small and private, and the water is described as crystal clear with fine sand and pebbles.

You’ll be there for roughly 40 minutes. It’s enough time to do a slow swim, snorkel if you want, and spend a moment on the rocks and shore for photos. One thing I appreciate here is the shade detail. The beach is surrounded by rocks that can provide shade during the day, depending on the season. In plain terms, this can help you avoid the harshest sun hours if you time it right.

The famous photo moment is the natural arch called Kamarola. If you care about getting a memorable shot, this is one of those “you’ll understand why people stop the boat here” moments. The arch gives you a strong shape in the background, and being on the boat plus the beach view lets you frame pictures in a couple different ways.

Also note the water-play options at this stop. You can swim and snorkel, and you can jump in directly from the boat. If you don’t swim confidently, the tour notes that life jackets are required for non swimmers. That’s a good safety detail to take seriously, since a lot of people underestimate how quickly shoreline access changes when you’re out on open water.

Geropotamos Beach from the water: turquoise looks plus snacks onboard

On the way back, you’ll take a look at Geropotamos Beach while enjoying snacks and drinks on board. This is less about long beach time and more about getting the view without the friction of transfers and walking.

Even though you’re not told exactly how long this portion lasts, it’s built into the return route and it’s paired with food and drinks onboard. That’s a smart pacing choice. After active water time at the earlier stops, you get a lighter segment where you can sit back, eat, and take in the coastline.

This is where I’d recommend you pay attention to the sea state. If the water is smooth, you’ll enjoy watching the turquoise tones change as the boat moves. If it’s a bit choppier, you’ll still get a decent visual experience, but you might want to keep your head out of the wind and grab a seat where you feel the least rocking.

Sea-level sightseeing: Fortezza Castle and Rethymno’s Old Town coastline

The final visual payoff comes as you return to harbour. On the way back, you’ll see Fortezza Castle and the coastal line of Rethymno Old Town from the sea. There’s also mention of taking pictures in front of the lighthouse before finishing at the starting point.

This is more than a quick photo stop. Seeing the coastline from the water changes your sense of scale, especially with the fortress and waterfront. It also helps you understand why Rethymno’s old harbour area feels the way it does. From sea level, everything is connected: walls, shoreline turns, and the way boats would have moved in and out over time.

If you like travel photography, this is your moment to step out for a couple clean shots before the ride ends. The total return travel time is listed at about 30 minutes, so you’ll likely get a smooth transition from tour mode to “okay, we’re back” mode.

What’s actually included onboard, and what that means for your comfort

The included items are practical and worth noting, because they reduce what you need to bring.

You get:

• Use of the 7-meter private RIB with a licensed skipper
• Masks and snorkels
• Safety equipment and a safety briefing
• WiFi on board
• Bottled water

Two comfort wins here. First, you don’t have to hunt down snorkel gear in town right before your trip. Second, bottled water removes one small hassle during the active part of the day.

Skipper input is also part of the value. The operator’s skipper is known for making the trip feel easy and for working around what’s possible. Based on past experience with this service style, Kostas is especially focused on giving you good picture opportunities and helpful local context while you’re out on the water.

One small real-world tip: even if WiFi works, don’t count on it being perfect. Use it for quick messages or photo uploads, but treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Price and value: is $634 fair for a 2-hour private sea outing?

The price listed is $634, and the tour is private, meaning only your group participates. That matters, because you’re not paying to fill seats on a shared boat, you’re paying for a private RIB, a licensed skipper, and the operating time to reach these specific coastal stops.

Whether it feels like a bargain depends on your group size and your priorities. If it’s just two people, you’re paying the private-boat premium, but you still get a real swim day with multiple stops and gear included. If it’s a small family or a group of friends, the cost becomes easier to justify, because you can spread the private cost across people.

Don’t ignore the fuel detail: 40 euro must be paid in cash after the tour. That means the real total is a bit higher than the headline price. For budgeting, think of fuel as a known add-on rather than a surprise fee.

Here’s the honest value calculation I use for experiences like this: you’re buying time on clear water, transportation by sea, and the ability to reach boat-only spots without figuring out logistics yourself. For a two-stop swim plan plus a beach-only stop, this kind of private RIB often ends up feeling like a good deal compared with piecing everything together on your own, especially if you include the cost and hassle of finding snorkel spots that are actually accessible.

Weather, sea sickness, and swimming limits: your practical checklist

Boat tours in this region are clearly tied to weather. The tour notes that all boat tours are affected by weather conditions, and if the weather does not allow operation, the trip can be rescheduled or refunded.

That same weather sensitivity affects the cave plan. Cave snorkeling depends on safe conditions, and the skipper will only allow it when it’s a safe experience. So even if you’re hoping for full cave entry, the safe approach is “expect a great swim either way.”

If you get motion sickness easily, take the warning seriously. The tour notes that it’s not recommended for severe sea sickness, or that motion sickness medicine is required prior to the tour. In plain terms, if you’ve ever felt rough on boats in the past, plan to take your usual medication before departure rather than hoping for the best.

Swimming status matters too. The tour notes that people who do not know swimming are obliged to wear life jackets. If you’re bringing kids, this is reassuring, because it sets safety expectations early.

Who this tour suits best in Rethymno

This is a great fit if:

• You want private time on the water instead of a crowded group experience
• You care about snorkeling and swimming more than long walking breaks
• You want easy sea access to a boat-only beach and a cave area viewpoint
• You like photography, especially with Kamarola and the sea view of Fortezza

It may not fit as well if:

• You hate water trips when the sea is choppy
• You have severe sea sickness and haven’t planned medication
• You need a tour that is easy on mobility, because the experience is boat-based and not described as suited for serious mobility issues

Should you book Blue Fin Boat Trips for the Secret Beach?

If your goal is a short, high-impact day on the water with real swim time and a boat-only beach experience, I think you should seriously consider booking. The standout value is the combination of stops: Spilies for cave-country snorkeling chances, the secret beach for a quiet swim setting with Kamarola arch photos, plus the coastal return with Fortezza views and snacks onboard.

Book with confidence if you’re flexible about cave entry and you’re comfortable with the basic boat-day rhythm. If weather changes make cave snorkeling unlikely, you’re still set up for clear-water swimming, snorkel time with included gear, and the best part of Rethymno’s coast seen from the sea.

One last practical tip: plan to be ready for the water window. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and any motion sickness plan you normally trust, because this tour is built around getting out there and using the conditions you’re given.

FAQ

How long is the private RIB tour?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.), with travel time to the first area and return by boat included in the schedule.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, and the tour ends back at the same place.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private activity, so only your group will participate.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes masks and snorkels, along with safety equipment and a safety briefing.

Do I need to pay anything extra?

Yes. Fuel is not included. A 40 euro fuel charge is paid in cash after the tour.

Can I snorkel inside the caves?

Snorkeling in the caves is subject to weather conditions and only allowed when the skipper decides it is safe.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is affected by weather. If the tour cannot operate, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund.