Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip Catamaran Lunch and Water Toys

The best part of this Agios Nikolaos sailing trip is the long stop at Kolokitha Bay, where the catamaran becomes a floating playground. You can swim in clear water, snorkel, paddle a transparent canoe, ride the inflatable slide, or simply stretch out on the bow while lunch is prepared.

I like two things right away: the large Lagoon 450F gives you several places to sit, from the shaded cockpit to the flybridge and bow sundeck, and the price includes lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and a strong selection of water gear. The main caution is simple: this is not a good choice for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness, and you should confirm that the slide and bathing platform are available on your chosen departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Kolokitha Bay is the main event: Plan on about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, paddleboarding, and the inflatable toys.
• Spinalonga gets a quick look: You’ll sail around the island and have time for photos and sightseeing, but this is not a full land visit.
• The Lagoon 450F has room to spread out: Use the flybridge, bimini shade, bow sun pads, indoor kitchen, or bathing platform.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: Lunch, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, with a Mediterranean-style meal prepared onboard.
• Giorgos handled a booking problem well: One July booking was affected by a scheduling error, and the company arranged another boat and compensation.
• Check the equipment before departure: One sunset sailing did not have the slide or swim platform shown in the photos.

Sailing the Mirabello Gulf from Agios Nikolaos

You meet the crew in front of the entrance to the main Marina of Agios Nikolaos. A crew member escorts you to the catamaran, so arrive on time rather than wandering around the harbor looking for the boat.

The trip runs from roughly five to ten hours, depending on the option you choose. That is a wide range, so check the exact departure time and length before paying. The activity is available as a private group, which is useful for families or friends who want the boat to feel more personal.

Once aboard, you receive a safety briefing. The boat has life jackets, GPS, a VHF radio, depth finder, chart plotter, sonar, autopilot, anchor, and wheel steering. These details matter less as a sightseeing feature than as a sign that the crew has the tools needed for a proper sailing outing.

The catamaran has air conditioning, WiFi, indoor and outdoor speakers, a refrigerator, ice box, grill, kitchen, and rod holders. You can move between the shaded areas and open sun decks instead of being stuck in one seat all day.

Why a Lagoon 450F makes a difference

A catamaran is a good match for a full day on the water. Its twin-hull design gives you a broad deck, and this Lagoon 450F offers several ways to enjoy the trip.

The flybridge is the highest seating area and a fine place to watch the coast pass by. The bow sundeck gives you a more open view, while the bimini provides shade when the sun gets strong. The bathing platform makes it easier to get in and out of the sea, especially when you are carrying snorkel gear or climbing aboard after using the water toys.

The boat also has a transparent canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sea scooter, swim fins, snorkel equipment, fishing equipment, an inflatable platform, and an inflatable slide. This is a serious collection of extras for a boat excursion, especially if you have teenagers or young adults who will spend more time in the water than on deck.

One practical point is worth taking seriously. A June booking on a sunset cruise found that the slide and swim platform were not available, despite appearing in the promotional photos. Equipment can vary by trip, boat, or conditions, so ask the operator to confirm what will be onboard for your date.

Elounda is the calm beginning

After the safety briefing in Agios Nikolaos, the catamaran sails toward Elounda. This section lasts about an hour and sets the pace for the day.

You can have coffee, tea, beer, wine, or another drink while the boat gets underway. Breakfast is also listed during the early part of the trip. The point here is not a packed sightseeing schedule. It is a gentle start, with time to get comfortable, take photos, and enjoy the wind.

If you have never spent several hours on a catamaran, use this first stretch to find the place that suits you. The flybridge offers views and air. The bimini is better if you want shade. The bow is the place for open sun and a more exposed ride.

The boat has wheel steering and an autopilot, but this is not advertised as a sailing lesson. You are joining a hosted boat trip, with the crew handling the practical work while you enjoy the coast.

Spinalonga gets a scenic circuit

The catamaran then sails toward Spinalonga for about thirty minutes of sightseeing and photo stops. The island is one of the best-known sights in the Mirabello Gulf, and seeing it from the water gives you a useful sense of its position and shape.

The trip includes a quick and efficient look at the island rather than a long shore visit. You circle the area, hear guidance from the crew, and take photos from the boat. If your main goal is to walk through Spinalonga’s historic fortifications, this excursion will not replace a dedicated land tour.

If you prefer a day that combines scenery with swimming, the short stop works well. You get the island without giving up the longer water session at Kolokitha Bay. A crew member can also help point out what you are seeing, which adds more value than simply passing it at a distance.

The boat carries drinks throughout the outing, including wine, beer, mineral water, cola, and other soft drinks. Alcohol is allowed onboard, but pace yourself. The sun, motion, and saltwater can catch up with you quickly.

Kolokitha Bay is where the day opens up

The catamaran spends about two hours at Kolokitha Bay. This is the most active part of the trip and the reason to choose this excursion over a simple coastal cruise.

The water is described as turquoise and clear, making it well suited to swimming and snorkeling. Snorkel equipment and fins are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own kit. You can also use the stand-up paddleboard, transparent canoe, sea scooter, and inflatable platform.

The transparent canoe is especially appealing if you want to see through the bottom as you paddle. The sea scooter adds a little speed, while the inflatable platform gives you a place to sit or rest between swims. The slide is the obvious favorite for children and playful adults, assuming it is onboard for your departure.

The crew can help with the water equipment, but the excursion is not suitable for non-swimmers. You should be comfortable getting into open water and climbing back onto the boat. Swimming is part of the central experience, not a minor optional extra.

This is also the point where the group can spread out. Some people can swim and snorkel while others stay on the platform, sit in the shade, or relax on deck. That makes the trip work well for families with different energy levels.

Lunch onboard, with plenty to drink

Lunch is included and described as Mediterranean cuisine. The meal is served onboard after the boat reaches the swimming area, and the catamaran has a kitchen and grill.

Several bookings specifically praised the food, with one noting that the captain cooked a tasty lunch himself. Another described the meal as fresh and generous, with more than enough to go around. You should expect a substantial meal rather than a small snack, though the exact menu is not specified.

Wine, beer, water, cola, coffee, tea, and other drinks are available as part of the package. This helps explain the $165 price. You are not paying only for a few hours of transport. The fare also covers a full day on a well-equipped catamaran, lunch, drinks, crew, and a long list of water activities.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the boat for most of the day. If you only want a short sail and will not swim, eat onboard, or use the equipment, the price may feel high. For a family or group that would otherwise pay separately for food, drinks, and water sports, it is easier to justify.

A private chef is available for an extra €500 on private trips, and a private photographer costs an extra €300. Wine tasting is also separate, with the price depending on the wine selected. None of these extras is needed for the standard experience.

The crew and the human side of the trip

The crew speaks English and handles the boat, safety briefing, food, and equipment. The captain is experienced in boat and yacht tours, sailing, snorkeling, island trips, and fishing.

The most useful service detail comes from a booking problem in July. The original catamaran was not scheduled correctly, apparently because of a technical error. Giorgos apologized, arranged another boat, and offered compensation. That does not erase the inconvenience, but it shows a willingness to fix a problem rather than leave the group stranded.

Other bookings praised the crew for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and easy to talk with. That matters on a boat, where the crew controls the rhythm of the day and can make equipment use much easier.

The trip has a rating of 4.7 from 51 bookings, with especially strong praise for the food, staff, water activities, and scenery. The tone is consistent: people like the combination of a comfortable boat, a beautiful swimming stop, and a generous lunch.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this sailing trip for:

• Families with confident swimmers
• Couples who want a relaxed day with food and scenery
• Teenagers and young adults who will use the slide, sea scooter, canoe, and paddleboard
• Friends who want a private group option
• Anyone who prefers a full boat day over a short sightseeing cruise
• Visitors staying around Agios Nikolaos or Elounda

I would be more cautious if you suffer from seasickness. One outing had choppy conditions, although the swimming stops were calmer. Motion can vary with the weather, and there is no guarantee that every part of the route will feel smooth.

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Towels are not supplied. Glass bottles and alcohol are allowed onboard, smoking is allowed, and children are welcome. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the swimming activities and steps onto the bathing platform may still make the water portion difficult for some passengers.

The final drop-off may be at Agios Nikolaos Marina, Vathi, or Schisma Eloundas, depending on your selected option. Check this before booking if you need to return to a specific part of Crete.

Is this Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip worth $165?

At $165 per person, this is not a cheap harbor cruise. It is a full-service day on the water with lunch, drinks, crew, sightseeing around Spinalonga, and an unusually complete set of water toys.

I think the price is fair if you value time in the sea and will use the equipment. The long Kolokitha Bay stop gives the day a clear purpose, while the catamaran’s flybridge, bimini, kitchen, and deck space keep it comfortable between swims.

Book it if you want a sociable, active day with a strong food-and-drinks package. Skip it if you mainly want to tour Spinalonga on foot, dislike open-water swimming, or are likely to feel sick on a boat. Before booking, ask one practical question: will the slide, bathing platform, and full water-toy setup be available on your specific departure?

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip leave from?

The meeting point is in front of the entrance to the main Marina of Agios Nikolaos. A crew member will meet you there and escort you to the catamaran.

How long does the sailing trip last?

The available options run from about five to ten hours. Check the selected option for the exact duration and starting time.

What places does the trip visit?

The route includes Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Spinalonga, and Kolokitha Bay. The boat makes a photo and sightseeing stop around Spinalonga and a longer stop at Kolokitha Bay for swimming and water activities.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as Mediterranean cuisine. The catamaran has a kitchen and grill, and the meal may be prepared onboard by the captain.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks can include wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea. Alcohol is allowed onboard.

What water equipment is available?

The included equipment includes a transparent canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sea scooter, snorkel equipment, swim fins, fishing equipment, inflatable platform, and inflatable slide. Confirm the exact equipment for your departure because one sailing did not have the slide or swim platform.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Children are allowed, and the water toys make the trip suitable for families with confident swimmers. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, camera, and sunscreen. Towels are not included. The meeting point is in Agios Nikolaos Marina, and possible drop-off points include Agios Nikolaos Marina, Vathi, and Schisma Eloundas.