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

A private motor yacht charter in the Gulf of Mirabello is interesting because you get Crete’s coastline time without the group-boat squeeze. On a 17-meter Ferretti Altura, you and up to 9 friends can slow down, find small coves, and take a real break from shore schedules.

I like two things most. First, the professional crew runs the boat, so your only job is relaxing and enjoying the ride. Second, you get snorkel equipment plus complimentary drinks and snacks on board, which turns this into a true half-day floating hangout. One thing to consider: lunch is not included, so plan for that if you are doing this when you would normally eat a full meal.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private yacht for up to 10 guests, so you can steer your day away from crowds
• Mirabello Bay swim stop, with time to cool off and use included snorkel gear
• Ferretti Altura 52 (about 15.85 meters), a proper 2-engine charter-style boat
• Free Wi-Fi on board, useful for photos, messaging, and just passing time
• Complimentary snacks, drinks, fruits, and fingerfoods served during the cruise
• Pickup options around Ierapetra, Plaka, Elounda, or your hotel/villa, plus marina start and return

Why a 17-Meter Private Motor Yacht Works So Well in East Crete

This charter is built for people who want the coast experience without the chore list. The East Crete shoreline around Elounda and Agios Nikolaos is made for coves and short swims, but big tour boats can feel like you are sharing limited time with too many strangers. With a private yacht, you control the vibe, and the crew handles the route work.

The boat here is no toy. You are cruising on a Ferretti Altura model, about 15.85 meters long with a 4.68 meter beam and two 425 Caterpillar engines. That matters because it supports a steady, comfortable ride for a half-day outing. You will feel the difference compared with smaller rental boats.

And because this is a charter style trip with a set duration of about 4 hours, you can fit it into a busy itinerary. It is a great choice if you want water time but do not want to spend the entire day thinking about meals, transfers, and crowds.

If your group wants something more special than a standard day tour, this is the kind of experience that delivers that feeling fast.

The Boat and Crew Setup: Ferretti Altura, Wi-Fi, and Snorkel Gear

A lot of yacht ads sound nice but still leave you doing the work. Here, you have a professional crew and captain, and your role is mostly to enjoy. They are the ones dealing with sailing logistics, keeping the boat positioned where you want to be, and running the flow of the stop for swimming.

Onboard comforts are also part of the package. You get free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected during the cruise. Not everyone needs that at sea, but it helps if you are coordinating with other parts of your trip.

And you are not expected to bring your own snorkeling setup. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, which makes the swim stop feel complete. You can bring your own mask if you prefer, but you do not need to. That saves time, space, and worry.

Complimentary food and drinks are served during the trip. Think snacks, drinks, fruits, and fingerfoods. One review highlights a snack spread of cheese and vegetables with cold water and other drinks. It is a simple touch, but it makes a half-day feel well-fed rather than “just a few bites.”

Price and Value for a Group of Up to 10

The price is $2,303.86 per group, up to 10 guests. That is the key to making sense of the cost. If you split it across 10 people, it can work out to roughly $230 per person for about 4 hours on a private yacht with crew and included extras. If you only have a couple of people, it will feel more expensive per person, but you are still paying for the boat and crew time.

What you are paying for, in practical terms:

• A private vessel that keeps your group together
• A captain and professional crew
• Snorkel gear
• Wi-Fi
• Complimentary snacks, drinks, fruits, and fingerfoods

What you are not getting:

• Lunch (so you may want to eat before or plan a post-ride meal)

This is also priced like a “real charter” rather than a shared excursion. That is why groups often like it. You are buying space, time at sea, and a smoother experience.

Bookings are typically made about 10 days in advance on average, so if your dates are firm, you should check early.

Getting There: Agios Nikolaos Marina and Pickup Options

The activity starts and ends at Agios Nikolaos Marina. The trip is private, and you return to the same meeting point.

What can be confusing is the pickup options. Depending on where you are staying, you may be picked up in Ierapetra, Plaka, Elounda, or directly from your hotel or villa. So you might not personally drive to the marina yourself, but you should confirm how your pickup works when you book.

One important planning detail: you need the passenger information tied to the booking. You will be asked for passport name, number, expiry, and country at least 1 day before departure. If your group has last-minute changes, build in time to send updated details.

Mobile ticketing is mentioned, and confirmation comes at the time of booking. In practice, I treat this as a “check your confirmation message carefully” situation, especially if you have multiple names in your group.

The 4-Hour Flow: Mirabello Bay Swim Stop

This charter is built around a single main water moment: Mirabello Bay. You get around 4 hours total for the experience, and the Mirabello Bay stop is where the cooling-off happens.

Since admission ticket is free for that stop, you are not adding extra costs once you are on board. The value is in the time at sea and the fact that the crew brings you to a suitable spot for swimming and snorkeling.

What you should expect at this point:

• A chance to get in the water and cool down
• Time to use the included snorkeling equipment
• A relaxed pace, with drinks and snacks available on board

A small drawback, worth thinking about: with a half-day, you do not have unlimited time in the water. So go in with a “good enough, enjoy it” mindset. Bring what you need for comfort, and use the snorkeling time efficiently.

If you are visiting Crete for the first time and want a quick win, this stop is the heart of the experience. It is the moment where the yacht turns into a swim day, not just a scenic ride.

Cruising Around Elounda and Agios Nikolaos Without the Crowds

The route focus is the coves around Elounda and Agios Nikolaos in the Gulf of Mirabello. In a shared boat tour, you often spend time waiting your turn, staying in the boat longer than you want, or racing to the next stop so everyone fits into the schedule.

Here, the advantage is simple: your private yacht charter means your group is not competing for space. You can enjoy the coastline at a more human pace.

A practical way to think about it: the sea time is the product. You are not buying a long list of stops. You are buying the freedom to cruise, enjoy the views, and then spend your swim time where it feels best for your group.

If you have a mixed group, like people who enjoy swimming and people who prefer sitting in the sun, a private charter is ideal. The boat setup supports both modes, and you can keep the whole group together instead of splitting up.

Snacks, Drinks, and Those Personal Touches You Actually Remember

This is not a fine-dining cruise. It is better than that, because the food is part of relaxing, not part of an event schedule.

Included on board: drinks, fruits, fingerfoods, plus snacks. One review specifically calls out cheese and vegetables served with cold water and other drinks. That kind of snack set works well for a half-day because it is light but satisfying.

And then there are the small “someone cared” moments. In one review, Armin at Adventure Crete went out of the way to arrange a cake and champagne. That tells me two things. One, the provider can handle special requests when they can. Two, you are not just a passenger number. If you are celebrating a birthday or planning a proposal, it is worth asking early and in writing so there is time to prepare.

If you want a more casual day on the water that still feels special, this meal setup hits the sweet spot.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Yacht Day

Here is how to make this charter day feel effortless.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel (you will want to dry off after the Mirabello Bay swim)
• Sunscreen and something for sun protection, like a hat
• Light layers in case the breeze cools you down on the water
• If you plan to snorkel a lot, consider bringing your preferred mask, but remember equipment is included

Plan your food:

• Lunch is not included, so either eat beforehand or plan a solid meal right after you return to Agios Nikolaos Marina.

For documents:

• Send the required passport details at least 1 day before departure. If anyone in your group has not sent that info, get it done early to avoid last-minute stress.

For family groups:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult. The trip is said to be suitable for most travelers, but keep the adult supervision rule in mind.

For connectivity:

• Free Wi-Fi on board is included, but do not plan on it like home internet. Use it for quick messages and photos, not for big uploads.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This charter is a strong match for:

• Friends or families of up to 10 who want a private experience without long planning
• People who love swimming and want included snorkel gear
• Travelers who care more about comfort and pace than squeezing in every possible stop
• Groups who want an easy, high-value “wow” day without committing to a full-day cruise

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You want a full-day itinerary with lunch included and multiple extended stops
• Your group is small enough that you do not want to split a private-boat cost
• You want something that is focused on guided history or land-based sights, because this is about water time first

The half-day duration is the real decision point. If you are happy with 4 hours at sea, you will likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

Should You Book This 17-Meter Half-Day Charter?

I think this is a smart booking if your top goal is relaxing on a real private yacht with a crew, then enjoying a swim in Mirabello Bay. The inclusions are the reason to consider it: snorkel equipment, Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and drinks are all part of the package, so you are not constantly spending extra once you are on board.

Book it if you have a group near Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Plaka, or Ierapetra and you want to avoid crowded boats. The private format is where the experience pays off.

Skip it if lunch timing is a deal-breaker for your group. You will need to handle food before or after.

If you do book, send your passport details early, confirm how pickup works for your exact location, and consider asking if you want any special celebration setup, since the crew has handled that kind of request before.

FAQ

How long is the yacht charter?

The experience lasts about 4 hours.

How many people can go on the yacht?

This is a private tour for up to 10 guests.

What is included in the price?

Included features are use of snorkeling equipment, free Wi-Fi on board, a private tour, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges. Snacks, drinks, and other onboard refreshments are also included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at Agios Nikolaos Marina. Pickup may be available from Ierapetra, Plaka, Elounda, or your hotel/villa, depending on your location.

What information do I need to provide before departure?

You must provide the passport name, number, expiry, and country at least 1 day before departure.