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DanEri Yachts · Paleochora Port, with transfer

Sail in to Elafonisi

A 6.5-hour day on a sailing catamaran from Paleochora Port: about two hours at Elafonisi, two more in the juniper coves of Kedrodasos, with lunch and an open bar on deck. Pick it if you would rather arrive by sea than by coach, and spend the day swimming instead of parking.

Elafonisi Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

About this experience

The catamaran sails from Paleochora Port on the south coast at 09:00. If you are staying anywhere between Georgioupoli and Kolymvari, the return transfer is included: the office sends your pickup place and time in advance, from your hotel or a point close by. Driving down yourself? Be at the port 20 minutes before departure and look for the crew member in a DanEri T-shirt. One thing to sort out at booking: the port authorities need each guest's full name, date of birth, passport or ID number and nationality.

After a coffee in Paleochora, it is about an hour along the coast to the first bay. The listing gives two stops of around two hours each: Elafonisi Bay, with its pink-white sand and the shallow turquoise lagoon, and Kedrodasos Bay just along the coast, where old junipers grow right down to coves of green water. The captain picks the order on the day, by the weather. At each one you can swim, snorkel, take out a SUP board or lie on the pink flamingo float. The listing's itinerary puts lunch at Kedrodasos.

The food is the boat's own: a Mediterranean lunch, snacks and dessert from the operator's in-house catering, which the listing says has won a Gold Medal at the Pan-Cretan Traditional Competition. Seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes are on the menu, and a gluten-free option needs two days' notice. The open bar pours Greek white and rose wine, beer, soft drinks, water and espresso. There is a shaded lounge, sunbeds, a toilet and an outdoor shower on board. You are back in Paleochora around 15:30. Practical tip: the road down to Paleochora is long and winding, so take something before the transfer if you get carsick.

  • Two swim stops: Elafonisi Bay and Kedrodasos Bay
  • About 2 hours at each bay, by the listing's itinerary
  • Mediterranean lunch, snacks and dessert from the boat's own kitchen
  • Open bar with Greek wine, beer, soft drinks and espresso
  • SUP boards, snorkel gear and the pink flamingo float
  • Return transfer from the Georgioupoli to Kolymvari area

How the day runs

  1. MorningPickup and Paleochora Port

    Transfer from your hotel area, or meet the crew at the port. Coffee before you sail at 09:00.

  2. About 1 hourAlong the south-west coast

    Sunbeds on deck, the shaded lounge, music and the cliffs going past.

  3. About 2 hoursElafonisi Bay

    Swim over the pale sand, snorkel, paddle a SUP, or wade toward the pink edge.

  4. About 2 hoursKedrodasos Bay

    Lunch on deck, then free time in the coves below the old junipers.

  5. AfternoonBack to Paleochora

    About an hour back under sail, in port around 15:30, then the transfer home.

Aerial view of the coast and shallow channelsAerial view of turquoise channels and sandbars around a rocky island

What's included

Included

  • Return transfer from the Georgioupoli to Kolymvari area
  • Catamaran with sunbeds and a shaded lounge
  • English-speaking crew
  • Mediterranean lunch, snacks and dessert
  • Open bar: Greek white and rose wine, beer, soft drinks, water, espresso
  • SUP boards, snorkel gear, swim vests and the pink flamingo float
  • Fishing gear and a toy box for kids, on request
  • Toilet, outdoor shower, life jackets and liability insurance
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Cocktails and drinks beyond the open bar
  • Private cabins (on request, not guaranteed)
  • A DanEri towel (€10 on board)

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want Elafonisi without the mountain road and the parking walk
  • You like the idea of two beaches, not one, and a long lunch between them
  • You are staying on the north coast between Georgioupoli and Kolymvari
  • You travel with kids: the listing welcomes all ages, and babies under 2 travel free

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

Amazing experience! The crew was so friendly and attentive, the catamaran was beautiful and comfortable, and Elafonissi was absolutely stunning. Everything was well organized, with delicious food and drinks included.

Jessika · Sep 2026
★★★★★

The stay on the catamaran was very comfortable. The hosts were not intrusive, but friendly and helpful. Delicious food, delicious wine, a wonderful trip.

Anna · Sep 2026
★★★★★

Great activity, I highly recommend it! The crew was superb, very attentive and pleasant. The food is excellent and allows you to discover local specialties. The scenery is beautiful, and the day is organized so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Mailys · Aug 2026
★★★★★

Nikos was amazing [...] attentive to our needs, open to answering questions, and facts of the area we were in. Food was fantastic with numerous drink options. Bathroom facilities appreciated.

Amy · Oct 2026

Tips before you book

  • Have everyone's passport or ID details ready when you book. The port authorities ask for them.
  • Pack water shoes, a hat and a towel. Or buy the DanEri towel on board for €10.
  • Vegetarian or gluten-free? Tell the office at least 2 days before the cruise.
  • Leave the sand, shells and plants where they are. Elafonisi is a protected Natura 2000 area.
  • Not sure the sea route fits your base? Read our guide to getting there from Chania.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

Can you get to Elafonisi by boat?

Yes. There is no ferry from Chania, but this catamaran sails to Elafonisi from Paleochora Port on the south coast at 09:00, with a return transfer for guests staying between Georgioupoli and Kolymvari.

How long does the catamaran stay at Elafonisi?

The listing gives about 2 hours at Elafonisi Bay and about 2 hours at Kedrodasos Bay. The captain sets the order on the day, by the weather. The whole trip takes 6.5 hours.

Is lunch included on the Elafonisi catamaran?

Yes. A Mediterranean lunch, snacks and dessert are included, with an open bar of Greek white and rose wine, beer, soft drinks, water and espresso. Cocktails cost extra.

Is there a toilet on the catamaran?

Yes. The listing includes an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, plus a shaded lounge and sunbeds on deck.

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Book Elafonisi Catamaran Cruise

Sail in from Paleochora, swim at Elafonisi and Kedrodasos, with lunch and an open bar.

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Sail in from Paleochora, swim at Elafonisi and Kedrodasos, with lunch and an open bar.

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