Agios Nikolaos: Fun Cruise Around Elounda Bay

The best part of this cruise is the time spent in the water. You sail across bright blue Mirabello Bay, stop at Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Gulf, and get about an hour at each stop for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lying back on a floating noodle. The boat then makes a close circuit of Spinalonga, giving you a good look at the famous island without charging extra for a land visit.

I like the generous swimming stops and the low onboard prices, especially the €2 pork souvlaki noted by one passenger and the reasonably priced drinks. The welcome raki, watermelon, music, and open seating give the trip a cheerful holiday feel. The main drawback is that loud music and multilingual announcements can make it hard to hear timings, and snorkeling gear costs extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Two long swimming stops: Plan on roughly one hour at Kolokytha Beach and another hour at Skistra Gulf.
• Spinalonga from the water: You circle the island closely, but you do not go ashore to visit the former leper colony.
• Good value at $23: The fare includes the boat, crew, welcome drink, raki, watermelon, floating noodles, and both swimming stops.
• Food and drinks cost extra: The snack bar is considered reasonably priced, with grilled pork souvlaki, hot dogs, beer, soft drinks, cocktails, and other choices available.
• Bring your own snorkel: Equipment can be rented or bought onboard, but your own mask and snorkel save money and avoid waiting.
• Choose your seat carefully: The left side may give you the best views of Spinalonga, while a seat near the speakers may be uncomfortably loud.

A relaxed way to see Mirabello Bay

This is a sea day rather than a sightseeing tour packed with facts. You board at the main harbor in Agios Nikolaos and settle in for a slow cruise across Mirabello Gulf. The boat ride itself takes about an hour before the first swimming stop, giving you time to enjoy the water, find a seat, and order something from the bar.

At $23 per person, the price is unusually friendly for a five-hour outing. The published duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours, though some departures have taken close to five hours. That extra time matters because you are not rushed at the swimming stops.

The boat has seating and enough room for passengers to move around, though conditions depend on how full your sailing is. One late-afternoon departure felt roomy, while earlier departures appeared fuller. If you want a calmer, less crowded feel and less harsh midday sun, the 4 p.m. sailing may be worth considering, though you should check the available starting times before booking.

The mood is casual and social. A DJ provides music, and the sound level can shift from gentle tunes to full party music on the return trip. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all enjoy it, but this is not the right choice if you want a quiet boat ride with constant commentary.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos harbor

The meeting point is the main harbor in Agios Nikolaos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there and allow enough time to find the boat before departure.

The host or greeter speaks English, and announcements may also be made in German, Dutch, French, and other languages depending on the sailing. English announcements have been clear on some trips, but not every passenger has been able to understand all timing information. I suggest paying attention at the start and asking a crew member directly if you are unsure when the boat returns or when you need to be back onboard.

The crew handles the practical side of the trip, including the swimming areas, floating noodles, drinks, and food service. There is no named guide provided for this experience, and the trip is not built around a long spoken explanation of Crete or Spinalonga. Think of it as a well-organized boat outing with sightseeing along the way.

A welcome drink is included. You may receive a virgin cocktail or choose a small shot of local raki, depending on the arrangements that day. Raki is a strong Cretan spirit, so take the small pour seriously if you are not used to it. A bowl of watermelon is also provided, usually during or toward the end of the cruise.

The slow cruise across Mirabello Gulf

The first hour is a slow ride through Mirabello Gulf toward Kolokytha. This part gives you some of the best broad views of the coast, with time to sit in the sun or shade and watch the water change color around the boat.

Do not expect a fast sightseeing vessel. The pace is deliberately easy, and that works well for a day built around swimming. You can order a drink, settle near the rail, or use the time to decide where you want to swim once the boat anchors.

If you suffer from motion sickness, the size of the boat may help. One passenger with serious motion sickness found the vessel comfortable for most of the outing. Still, sea conditions can affect the ride, and the operator warns that the cruise may change because of weather or water conditions. Bring any medication you normally use and choose a central seat if the sea looks unsettled.

The boat also allows pets, which is useful if you are traveling with a dog. Keep in mind that the trip includes several hours on deck, sun, music, and water, so your pet must be comfortable in that setting.

Kolokytha Beach and the first hour in the water

The boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach for approximately one hour. This is the first major payoff of the cruise: clear turquoise water, time to swim, and an isolated coastal setting without needing to walk under the hot Cretan sun.

You can enter the water from the boat, and this stop may also give you the chance to reach the beach itself. That detail matters if someone in your group is not a confident swimmer. At the second stop, you may not be able to get ashore, so Kolokytha is the better opportunity for anyone who wants land under their feet.

The water is generally shallow in parts of the swimming areas, and the clear conditions can be good for spotting fish. You may bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent or buy equipment onboard. The supplied information does not promise free snorkeling equipment, so do not assume a mask is included. A pair of goggles is also useful if you mainly want to look below the surface.

Floating sea noodles are included. They are handy for children, nervous swimmers, or anyone who wants to stay in the water without working constantly. There may be plenty available, but sharing is important because some people have taken more than one at a time.

This stop is also a chance to stay dry. You can sunbathe on the boat, enjoy the views, or order from the snack bar rather than swimming for the full hour. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

Circling Spinalonga by boat

After Kolokytha, the boat heads toward Spinalonga, the island known for its former leper colony. You do not visit the island on foot. Instead, the boat circles the surrounding waters, giving you views of the island and its historic buildings from the sea.

That distinction is important when comparing this cruise with a dedicated Spinalonga excursion. If your main goal is to walk through the island and learn its history, this outing will not replace a shore visit. If you want to see Spinalonga as part of a relaxed sea day, the boat circuit is an efficient and inexpensive option.

For the best view, sit on the left side of the boat if you can. Seating is not guaranteed, so you may need to arrive early or move around during the cruise. The boat’s position changes, of course, but the left side has been a useful choice for a clearer look at Spinalonga.

The circuit is also a pleasant break between swimming stops. You get a different view of the island than you would from the mainland, with water around you and no uphill walking. Keep your camera protected from spray, and do not forget sunscreen while you are watching the shore.

Skistra Gulf, the second swimming stop

The second swimming stop is at Skistra Gulf, described as a quieter spot for snorkeling and relaxation. The boat remains offshore, so this is primarily a water stop rather than a beach visit.

You have about another hour here. You can swim from the boat, use a noodle, snorkel, or stay on deck with a cold drink. The clear water and fish make it a strong choice for anyone who wants more than a quick photo stop.

This is also where the experience may be less suitable for non-swimmers. Since you may not be able to disembark at Skistra, anyone who needs easy access to shore should make the most of Kolokytha or remain on the boat. Families should keep a close eye on children around the railings and water entry points, even though the trip is designed for recreational swimming.

The two long stops are one of the strongest reasons to book this cruise. Many boat trips offer a short swim and spend most of the day moving. Here, the water time is central. You can spend nearly two hours swimming in total, which makes the $23 fare feel strong even if you skip the paid food and drinks.

Food, drinks, music, and the onboard mood

The snack bar is not included, but prices are described as reasonable. A 0.5-liter beer has been priced at about €4, a can of Pepsi at €2.50, and grilled pork souvlaki at €2 per skewer. Hot dogs and other grilled choices are also available.

The food adds real value because you do not need to pack a full meal for a half-day at sea. Still, the available menu may not suit every diet. Pork is a common choice, but chicken souvlaki and grilled fish have been suggested as useful additions for people who do not eat red meat. If food choice matters to you, bring your own meal or confirm what is available onboard.

The included watermelon is a simple but welcome touch in the heat. It is light, cold, and easy to eat after swimming. You can also enjoy local raki or purchase cocktails and other drinks at the bar.

Music is a major part of the atmosphere. A DJ plays songs throughout the cruise, and the music has received particularly strong praise. Morning departures may begin with more relaxed tunes, while the return ride can become louder and more party-focused.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like a lively boat day. It may frustrate you if you want peace, a quiet conversation, or a detailed guide narration. Try not to sit next to a speaker. The volume can be uncomfortable in that spot, and moving seats later may be difficult when the boat is full.

The crew also takes group photographs when passengers board. These are offered for sale as key chains, reportedly at €9 for one or €12 for two. The purchase is optional, so you can simply decline if you do not want a souvenir.

What to bring for a better day

Pack for a beach day, not a formal sightseeing tour. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Beachwear or a cover-up
• Your own mask and snorkel if you plan to explore underwater
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and small valuables

Towels are not provided. Snorkeling gear is available to rent or buy from the boat, but bringing your own is the cheaper and simpler choice.

The sun can feel strong even when the boat is moving. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, especially during the two long water stops. A light cover-up helps during the ride back, when wet skin and wind can make you feel cooler.

You may bring food, though the boat has a snack bar. If you have strict dietary needs, carrying something familiar is sensible because the known options center on grilled food, hot dogs, drinks, and fruit.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a low-cost day on the water with plenty of swimming and minimal walking. It works especially well for families, couples, and groups that want a shared activity without paying for a private boat.

Children who enjoy swimming and jumping from a boat are likely to have a good time, though adults should supervise them closely. The floating noodles help, but they are not a substitute for swimming ability or close attention.

The cruise also suits you if you want to see Spinalonga without committing to a full historical tour. You get the island views, but the focus stays on water, sun, food, and music.

I would choose something else if you need quiet surroundings, detailed history, guaranteed free snorkeling gear, or a fully accessible beach experience. The second stop is offshore, announcements may be hard to follow, and the DJ can be loud. Sea conditions may also affect the route or comfort.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those flexible terms are useful if your plans depend on the weather, though you should still check the available sailing time before committing.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos cruise?

For $23, this is one of the better-value ways to spend several hours around Elounda Bay and Spinalonga. You receive the boat ride, crew, welcome drink, raki, watermelon, floating noodles, and two long swimming stops before paying anything for food or drinks.

Book it if your ideal Cretan outing includes clear water, snorkeling, sunbathing, music, and an easygoing boat ride. Pick a later departure if you prefer a roomier feel and less intense midday sun, bring your own snorkel and towel, and sit away from the speakers.

Skip it if you want to walk on Spinalonga, hear a detailed historical presentation, or spend the day in silence. For everyone else, the combination of turquoise water, two substantial swim stops, and a close boat circuit of Spinalonga makes this a practical and cheerful half-day outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is Agios Nikolaos Main Harbor. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. Some departures have taken close to five hours, so allow extra time around the scheduled return.

Does the cruise visit Spinalonga?

The boat circles Spinalonga and gives you views from the water. You do not go ashore to tour the island.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The cruise stops at Kolokytha Beach for about one hour and at Skistra Gulf for about one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented or bought from the boat. You may also bring your own equipment.

What is included in the price?

The fare includes the boat tour, captain, welcome drink, local raki, a small bowl of watermelon, floating sea noodles, the cruise around Spinalonga, and the two swimming stops. Food, drinks from the snack bar, towels, and hotel transfers cost extra.