A Crete jet boat ride is a 1-hour trip on a high-speed stunt boat from Hersonissos port, with 360-degree spins at up to 90 km/h and a swim and snorkel stop at Saint George Bay. Tours across the rest of the country are listed on Greece Tours.
The sections below cover the tour you can book, the speed and the tricks, the swim stop, pickup, who it suits, what to bring and booking, with links into the Crete pages. The tour shown is checked on GetYourGuide.
What is a Crete jet boat ride?
A Crete jet boat ride is a 1-hour trip on a high-powered stunt boat from Hersonissos port. It mixes 30 minutes of spins and speed runs with a 30-minute swim stop at Saint George Bay.
A jet boat has no propeller under the hull. A pump draws in sea water and shoots it out of the stern as a jet. That jet lets the boat turn sharply and spin on the spot.
The engine and the jet sit inside the hull. Swimmers near the Crete jet boat face no open propeller blades.
Jet Boat Hersonissos runs the ride and calls its vessel the only jet boat on Crete. The Crete jet boat sails the gulf of Hersonissos, on the north coast east of Heraklion.
Which Crete jet boat tour can you book?
One Crete jet boat tour is listed on GetYourGuide: Hersonissos: Jet Boat Tour with Snorkeling. The 1-hour ride leaves Hersonissos port. It adds high-speed turns, coastal views and a swim in Saint George Bay.
The listing carries more than 2,000 guest ratings. Jet Boat Hersonissos also takes bookings through its own calendar, by phone and by WhatsApp.
Other sellers list the same Crete jet boat tour under the name Chersonissos Bay Jet Boat Tour. Their listings name Malia, Stalis and Analipsi along the route, before the swim stop.
How fast does the Crete jet boat go, and what tricks does it do?
The Crete jet boat reaches up to 90 km/h. A 440 hp diesel engine drives its water jet. The jet pushes out 500 litres of sea water every second. The crew uses that power for spins, slides and sharp turns.
- 360-degree spins on the spot
- Fishtailing, where the stern swings from side to side
- Sideways slides across the water
- Wave riding over the swell
- Dives into the sea that throw spray over the deck
The thrill part of the Crete jet boat ride lasts 30 minutes. Spray soaks every seat, so swimwear suits the ride.
What is the swim stop on the Crete jet boat tour?
The Crete jet boat stops for 30 minutes at Saint George Bay. Guests swim and snorkel in clear water off the coast. Snorkel gear and life jackets come with the ride, so nothing extra needs to be packed.
The boat anchors in the bay and guests jump in from the deck. A mask and snorkel let them watch fish over the rocks below. Life jackets suit weaker swimmers in deeper water.
After the swim, the Crete jet boat runs back to Hersonissos port. The return leg brings more speed and spray before the boat reaches the quay.
Where does the Crete jet boat leave from, and is pickup included?
The Crete jet boat leaves from Hersonissos port, on the north coast about 25 km east of Heraklion. Free hotel pickup covers Anissaras, Analipsi, Hersonissos and Stalida. Pickup from Gouves and Malia costs extra.
Anissaras, Analipsi and Stalida are the resort villages on either side of Hersonissos along the coast road.
Guests tell the company their preferred pickup time and place when they book. The driver then collects them and returns them after the Crete jet boat ride.
The port sits beside the town beach and the seafront of Hersonissos. Transfers from the airport to the resort strip are on the Hersonissos transfers page.
Who suits a Crete jet boat ride?
A Crete jet boat ride suits teenagers, families and groups of friends who enjoy speed and getting wet. Children ride with their parents, and guests describe the trip as safe for all ages. The swim stop needs basic swimming.
The ride bumps hard over waves and turns sharply. The boat jolts at speed. Guests with back or neck problems, and pregnant guests, weigh that before a Crete jet boat ride.
Non-swimmers stay on board during the stop, or wear a life jacket in the water.
Calmer sea outings from the same coast are covered on the Crete boat trips page. Riders who want to steer their own craft find it on the Crete jet ski page.
What do you bring on a Crete jet boat ride?
Wear swimwear on a Crete jet boat ride, since the spray soaks every seat. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a waterproof bag for phones. Food and drinks are not included, so carry water for the hour.
- Swimwear under light clothes
- A towel and a dry change of clothes
- Sunscreen and a hat for the swim stop
- A waterproof pouch for phone and keys
- A bottle of water
Sunglasses fly off in the spins, so a strap keeps them on. The crew hands out snorkel gear at the bay.
How do you book a Crete jet boat ride?
Book a Crete jet boat ride on GetYourGuide or through the Jet Boat Hersonissos booking calendar. Pick the date and a start time, then add pickup details. The company also takes bookings by phone and WhatsApp.
Start times differ by day and by seller, and one listing shows midday and early afternoon departures. The booking calendar lists the open slots for each date.
The whole Crete jet boat trip takes 1 hour plus the transfer. It fits a short slot between beach days in Hersonissos.
The Crete jet boat ride runs through the warm months, when the sea suits a swim stop. Jet Boat Hersonissos shows Travellers’ Choice awards on its page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you get wet on the Crete jet boat?
Yes. The spins and dives throw sea water over the whole boat, and every rider gets soaked. The 30-minute swim stop at Saint George Bay adds a full swim. Swimwear and a dry change of clothes suit the hour.
Is the Crete jet boat the same as a jet ski?
No. A jet boat carries a group of riders, and a skipper drives it. A jet ski carries one or two riders, who steer it themselves. Both use a water jet in place of a propeller.
How long is the whole Crete jet boat tour?
The ride itself lasts 1 hour: 30 minutes of speed runs and 30 minutes at Saint George Bay. One reseller lists the Crete jet boat tour at up to 2 hours. That figure covers the hotel pickup and the drive back.