Private RIB Boat Tour to the Secret Beach from Rethymno

Crystal water, quiet coves, and a private boat make this Rethymno trip special. From the Old Venetian Harbour, you ride a 7-meter RIB with skipper Kostas along Crete’s north coast, stopping at sea caves, a boat-access-only beach, and the natural arch of Kamarola. I especially like the private format and the chance to reach places that are not practical by road. I also like the easy mix of swimming, snorkeling, photos, and time on board.

The main point to consider is the price: $634 is a serious spend for an approximately two-hour outing, especially before the separate €40 fuel charge. The value improves for a small group that wants privacy and flexibility, but this is not the right pick if you mainly want a low-cost boat ride.

Key points to know before you book

• The trip uses a private 7-meter RIB, so only your group joins the boat and you can enjoy a more personal pace.
• Spilies Beach comes first, with about 30 minutes of travel from Rethymno and time near its coastal caves.
• The secret beach is reached only by boat, with fine sand, pebbles, clear water, and seasonal shade from surrounding rocks.
• Kamarola’s natural arch gives you a strong photo stop, especially from the water.
• The return route passes Fortezza Castle and Rethymno’s Old Town, giving you a different view of the city.
• Weather controls the experience, and the €40 fuel fee must be paid in cash after the tour.

Leaving Rethymno’s Old Harbour by private RIB

The meeting point is at Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, close to the Old Venetian Harbour. You finish back at the same place, which makes this simple to fit around time in the old town.

The boat is a 7-meter rigid inflatable boat with a licensed skipper. A RIB is a practical choice for this coast because it is small enough to approach coves and beaches that larger boats cannot reach, yet fast enough to cover the coast during a short outing. You get a safety briefing, safety equipment, masks and snorkels, bottled water, and WiFi on board.

I like the private setup here. You do not have to share swimming stops with a large crowd, and the skipper can respond to your group’s interests within the limits of sea conditions and the scheduled route. Past outings with Blue Fin have also included customized timings, birthday celebrations, sunset trips, snacks, and drinks. Those extras are not guaranteed for this exact booking, but they show that a private format can offer more flexibility than a standard group cruise.

The timing deserves a close look. The experience is advertised at approximately two hours, while the detailed stop information gives approximate travel and stop times that do not fit neatly into that total. Treat the schedule as a guide rather than a stopwatch. If your day depends on an exact return time, confirm the expected duration with Blue Fin before setting another appointment.

Spilies Beach and its sea caves

The first run takes about 30 minutes from the harbour to Spilies Beach. This coast is marked by cliffs, small coves, and several caves. The RIB stops outside the cave area rather than entering automatically, and you may swim toward the caves with a mask and snorkel if the skipper decides conditions are safe.

That safety call matters. Cave swimming sounds appealing, but wind, waves, and water movement can change quickly. The skipper allows entry only when it is suitable, so you should not book this trip expecting guaranteed cave access. If the sea is unsettled, you may still enjoy the stop from the boat or wander around the nearby water rather than enter the caves.

The water is described as clear, which is exactly what you want for a short snorkeling stop. The supplied equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel, though you may prefer your own gear if fit is important to you.

For me, this is a better stop for active swimmers than for someone seeking a long beach visit. The boat is the base, and the caves are reached from the water. If you do not swim, you must wear a life jacket. People with mobility issues should notify the operator ahead of time, since getting into and out of a small RIB can be awkward.

The boat-access-only beach and Kamarola arch

The next stop is described as the secret beach, and the detailed information also refers to it as Spilies Beach. The naming is a little confusing, so I would confirm the exact stop names when you book. The important point is that this small beach is reached by boat and offers fine sand, pebbles, clear blue water, and a more secluded setting than an ordinary roadside beach.

The surrounding rocks can provide shade during the day, but the amount depends on the season and the position of the sun. Do not assume the whole beach will be shaded. If you need cover, bring sun protection and ask the skipper about the conditions before leaving the boat.

You can choose how active you want to be. The options include swimming, snorkeling, sitting on the beach, sunbathing, or jumping into the water from the boat. The boat-entry option is useful if the beach is small or if you would rather stay in the water than carry your things ashore.

Kamarola, a natural arch, is one of the most memorable features of this stop. The arch gives you a clear reason to bring a phone or camera in a waterproof case. The skipper can help with photo positioning, and previous trips have placed a strong focus on good picture opportunities. Still, sea conditions and timing control how close you can get, so the perfect photograph is never guaranteed.

This stop is probably the heart of the trip. You get the feeling of a private coastal escape without a long day at sea. The tradeoff is that a small, boat-access-only beach may not offer facilities, changing rooms, or a broad stretch of sand. The supplied information does not list beach amenities, so pack lightly and plan to use the boat as your main base.

Geropotamos and turquoise water from the boat

After the main swimming stop, the route takes in Geropotamos Beach and its turquoise water. The description presents this as a scenic look and a chance to relax on board with snacks and drinks.

That makes the stop useful for groups with mixed energy levels. Some of you may still want to swim, while others may prefer to sit, take photographs, and enjoy the ride. Bottled water is included, and snacks and drinks are described as available on board, but the exact food and beverage selection is not specified. If you have allergies or particular dietary needs, ask in advance rather than relying on the general mention of snacks.

The coast between these stops is part of the experience. From a RIB, you see cliffs, coves, rock formations, and beaches from the water, where their shape makes more sense than it does from shore. You also get the speed and open-air feel of a small boat, though that means more exposure to wind and spray than you would have on a large covered vessel.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a secure way to carry valuables. The supplied information confirms masks, snorkels, safety gear, water, and WiFi, but it does not list towels or dry storage. A small waterproof bag is sensible.

Returning past Fortezza Castle and the Old Town

The return to Rethymno takes about 30 minutes. Instead of simply retracing the route, you get a sea-level view of the city, including Fortezza Castle, the Old Town coastline, and the lighthouse.

This closing section gives the tour a useful sense of place. You are not only visiting a beach and returning. You are also seeing Rethymno’s historic waterfront from an angle that is easy to miss when you walk the harbour streets. The castle appears above the coast, while the Old Town presents a different profile from the water.

The lighthouse is a natural photo point, and the boat stops for pictures in front of it when conditions allow. I would keep your camera ready during the return rather than waiting for a formal final stop. The light can change quickly, and the best view may last only a few minutes.

Because the tour begins and ends at the harbour, you can continue into the Old Town afterward. The meeting point is near public transportation, but no hotel pickup is listed. Plan to make your own way to Nearchou 33.

What the $634 price really buys you

At $634, this is not a bargain beach transfer. You are paying for a private boat, a licensed skipper, fuel-related operating costs, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, water, and the ability to have the boat reserved for your group.

The extra privacy can make the price reasonable for a family or small group that would otherwise book several places on a shared cruise. You can avoid a crowded deck, keep your own group together, and have a skipper who can focus on your needs. The value is strongest when several people share the cost.

Fuel is not included. You must pay €40 in cash after the tour. That is an important budget detail, and I would arrive with the correct amount or enough cash to cover it. The price also does not promise a longer custom trip, a sunset outing, a birthday cake, or a particular menu of snacks. Those features have appeared on other Blue Fin trips, but you should arrange them directly rather than assume they come with this booking.

The tour also has weather protection built into its policy. If poor weather prevents the trip, Blue Fin can offer another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, so keep your plans settled once that deadline passes.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to a small group that wants swimming, photographs, and quiet coastal stops without committing to a full-day cruise. It suits families, couples, and friends who value having their own boat and skipper. The private setup can also work well for a birthday or honeymoon celebration, but any special request should be confirmed in advance.

It is less suitable for someone with serious mobility issues. The operator asks people with mobility concerns to give notice, and the activity is not recommended for serious mobility limitations. Boarding a RIB and moving between boat, water, and beach can require balance and physical effort.

You should also think carefully about sea sickness. The trip is not recommended for people with severe sea sickness unless they take motion sickness medicine before departure. A small RIB can feel more exposed than a large ferry, particularly if the water is choppy.

Non-swimmers can participate, but they are required to wear life jackets. If your group includes a hesitant swimmer, explain that clearly before departure so the skipper can help plan safe water time.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive at Nearchou 33 with cash for the €40 fuel charge. Wear swimwear under light clothes, bring sun protection, and use a waterproof case for your phone.

Ask about the exact duration if you have a dinner reservation or another timed activity. The main description says approximately two hours, but the detailed stop times are approximate and may vary with weather, swimming conditions, and the skipper’s safety decisions.

The boat has WiFi, but do not let that distract you from the coast. The best moments are likely to come between the formal stops, when you pass cliffs, coves, and Rethymno’s shoreline.

Finally, keep expectations flexible. Cave entry, beach shade, swimming time, and photo stops all depend on conditions. That flexibility is not a flaw in the operation. It is part of taking a small boat along an exposed coast.

Should you book the Rethymno Secret Beach boat tour?

Book it if you want a private coastal outing and can share the cost with a small group. The strongest reasons are the boat-access-only beach, the chance to swim near Spilies’ caves, the Kamarola arch, and the return view of Fortezza and Rethymno from the sea. Skipper Kostas has also been praised for being warm, accommodating, and willing to adjust the experience when possible.

Skip it if you want a cheap, fixed-time excursion or a full day of sightseeing for the price. The fuel fee is separate, the duration needs clarification, and poor weather can change the plan. For a family celebration, honeymoon activity, or relaxed swim trip where privacy matters, this has the ingredients of a memorable Crete outing.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour is advertised as approximately two hours. The detailed timing is approximate, so confirm the expected duration with Blue Fin if you have another scheduled activity afterward.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is private, and only your group participates. The boat is a 7-meter RIB operated by a licensed skipper.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided, along with safety equipment and a safety briefing. Cave snorkeling is allowed only when weather and sea conditions make it safe.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If weather prevents the tour from operating, you can be offered another date or a full refund. Boat activities remain subject to local conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.