Agios Nikolaos: Fun Cruise Around Elounda Bay

The best part of this cruise is simple: you spend nearly the whole outing on clear Cretan water, with two roughly hour-long swim stops instead of rushing from one sight to the next. The boat circles Spinalonga, then pauses at Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Gulf, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel.

I like the strong value at $23 per person, especially with a welcome drink, watermelon, floating noodles, and a close cruise around Spinalonga included. I also like the relaxed onboard setup, with music, a reasonably priced snack bar, and plenty of room to sit. The main drawback is that announcements may be hard to hear, and the music can become loud on the return trip.

Key things to know before you book

• Two proper swimming stops: Expect about an hour at Kolokytha Beach and another hour at Skistra Gulf.
• Spinalonga by boat: You circle the famous island but do not tour it on foot.
• Good value at $23: A welcome drink, local raki, watermelon, noodles, and the boat ride are included.
• Food is sold onboard: Barbecue items, hot dogs, drinks, and snacks are available at fair prices.
• Bring your own snorkel: Equipment can be rented or bought, but it is not necessarily free.
• Afternoon departures can be pleasant: The 4 p.m. sailing may return around sunset, with less harsh sun during the later swim stop.

A relaxed way to see Mirabello Bay

This is a swimming cruise first and a sightseeing cruise second. From Agios Nikolaos harbor, the boat makes a slow run across Mirabello Bay toward Kolokytha Beach. That opening hour gives you time to settle in, find a seat, and watch the coast unfold without having to do much at all.

The boat moves at an easy pace, which suits the setting. You are not being rushed between a long list of stops. Instead, the outing is built around blue water, sun, music, and a couple of generous breaks for getting wet.

You can choose a welcome drink when you board. The supplied information lists local raki, while the onboard service also offers a virgin cocktail and other drinks. A small serving of watermelon appears during the trip, a welcome touch on a hot Cretan day.

The boat has floating pool noodles for swimming. These are useful if you want to stay in the water without constantly treading, though it is best to take only one so there is enough for everyone.

Kolokytha Beach gives you the first long swim

After about an hour of slow cruising, the boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach. This is the first major stop, and you get around an hour to use it as you please.

The water here is the star. It is clear, turquoise, and calm enough for relaxed swimming when sea conditions cooperate. You can stay near the boat, swim toward the shore, or simply stretch out on deck and enjoy the view.

One useful detail is that this stop may offer the chance to get onto land. That makes Kolokytha the more flexible of the two swimming breaks, especially for anyone who prefers not to spend a full hour in the water.

You should still bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Pack swimwear, beachwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The Cretan sun is strong, and the boat offers little reason to stay in the shade once the water starts calling.

For snorkeling, Kolokytha can be rewarding in the shallower areas. Clear water and visible fish make a mask worthwhile, but do not assume the equipment is complimentary. Snorkels and related gear are available to rent or buy from the boat. If you already own a set, bring it and avoid another onboard expense.

Spinalonga is best seen from the water

After the first swim, the boat heads toward Spinalonga, the island long associated with Crete’s former leper colony. This experience does not include a landing or a walking tour. Instead, the captain takes you around the island by boat.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to walk through Spinalonga’s fortifications and learn its full story, you need a separate land visit. If you want a pleasant close view from the sea, this cruise gives you that without the heat and walking that come with an island tour.

For the best views, sit on the left side of the boat during the approach and circuit. Seating can shift, of course, but that side was specifically recommended for a better look at Spinalonga.

The boat ride offers a different perspective from a shore visit. You see the island’s rocky outline, old buildings, and surrounding water as one broad scene. The captain may make announcements in several languages, including English, German, Dutch, French, or others depending on the sailing. Still, the sound system is not always easy to follow.

You may want to treat the Spinalonga portion as visual sightseeing rather than a guided lesson. Noise from the engine, people, wind, and music can make spoken information difficult to catch. Sit near the announcement area if the history matters to you, and do not expect a quiet lecture.

Skistra Gulf is the second water stop

The cruise then continues to Skistra Gulf, described as a more secluded place for snorkeling and relaxation. The boat pauses for about another hour, giving you a second proper chance to swim.

This is one of the strongest features of the trip. Many boat outings offer a quick swim of 20 or 30 minutes, which barely gives you time to get in and dry off. Here, the longer stop lets you settle into the water, look for fish, use a noodle, or stay on deck with a drink.

Skistra is also the less flexible stop for anyone who cannot swim. The boat does not offer the same option to get ashore there, so you remain onboard or use the water from the boat. If someone in your group needs easy land access, keep that in mind before booking.

For confident swimmers, the setup is straightforward. You can climb into the sea, snorkel near the boat, and return when you are ready. The water is the attraction, not a formal lesson or guided marine tour, so bring your own goggles if you want to make the most of it.

Families can find plenty to like here. Children have access to floating noodles, and the long stop allows them to play without a strict schedule. You should still supervise them closely, since the boat stop is not a supervised swimming class.

Food, drinks, and music shape the mood

The boat has a snack bar with reasonable prices. Drinks include soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and local options, with one reported price of €2.50 for a can of Pepsi and €4 for a half-liter beer. Prices can change, but the general setup is less punishing than many sightseeing boats.

Food is also available. Barbecue items include pork souvlaki, and hot dogs have been offered. One reported price for grilled pork was €2 per stick, which makes an easy lunch or snack if you do not want to pack food.

The supplied tour details do not list a full barbecue meal as a formal inclusion, so plan to pay for food separately. You may also bring your own food, though you should keep it practical and easy to eat on a boat.

Music is a major part of the atmosphere. A DJ plays a mix that can feel relaxed earlier in the day and more party-focused on the return. That works well if you want a social cruise, but it may not suit anyone seeking a quiet boat ride.

Seat selection matters. If you sit directly beside a speaker, the sound can become uncomfortably loud. Families and anyone sensitive to noise should choose a place away from the speakers and ask the crew if the volume is too high.

The music also means this is not a formal, quiet sightseeing vessel. Think of it as a casual day at sea with a DJ, drinks, barbecue food, and swimming stops. That character is part of the appeal, but it is not for everyone.

How much time do you really need?

The stated duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. Some departures have taken close to five hours, especially when the boat spends generous time at the swim stops and returns around sunset.

That extra time can be a benefit, but leave room in your evening plans. An afternoon departure at 4 p.m. may finish around 8 p.m. and get back shortly afterward. This timing reduces the strongest midday heat and can give you a pleasant sunset on the way back.

Earlier sailings may feel brighter and hotter. Later trips can offer softer light and a more comfortable second swim, though the return music may become livelier. Choose based on your mood: daytime for maximum sun and bright water, late afternoon for cooler conditions and sunset views.

The cruise begins and ends at Agios Nikolaos Main Harbor. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor. Give yourself enough time to find the boat and board without a last-minute rush.

What to pack for this particular boat trip

You do not need a large beach bag, but a few items make a major difference:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Your own mask and snorkel if you have them
• A dry cover-up or beachwear for the ride back
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables
• Cash or a payment method for food, drinks, and optional equipment

Towels are not supplied. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent or buy, but bringing your own gives you more certainty about fit and cost.

The free noodles are useful, especially for children and anyone who wants extra support in the water. They are not a substitute for close supervision or proper swimming ability.

Sea conditions can affect the route and comfort. The captain may adjust the plan if the water becomes rough. Anyone prone to motion sickness should note that the boat is fairly large, but no boat is completely free of movement.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this for anyone who wants a low-effort day on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You get scenery, swimming, snorkeling, food, music, and Spinalonga views without spending the day hiking in the sun.

It works particularly well for:

• Families wanting easy water time and floating noodles
• Couples looking for a relaxed outing with sunset potential
• Budget-minded visitors who want several hours at sea for $23
• Swimmers who value long stops over many short photo breaks
• People who want to see Spinalonga without committing to a walking tour
• Groups that enjoy music, casual food, and a social boat atmosphere

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, highly educational excursion. The onboard announcements may be difficult to hear, and the DJ can become loud. I would also think twice if anyone in your party needs frequent access to land, since the second stop is from the boat.

The cruise is also not the best choice if your sole purpose is to explore Spinalonga’s buildings and history. You see the island from the water, which is attractive, but you do not step ashore.

Is $23 a fair price?

Yes, provided you value time in the water. For $23, you get a 270-minute boat tour, a captain and crew, two swimming stops, a close cruise around Spinalonga, a welcome drink, local raki, watermelon, and floating noodles.

You will likely spend extra on lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Even with a souvlaki, a soft drink, or a beer, the total can remain modest compared with a full-day excursion.

The real value comes from the length of the swim stops. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a quick look at the coast. You receive enough time to swim at both locations and still have the scenic cruise around Spinalonga.

The tradeoff is a less polished experience. Announcements can be unclear, music may be loud, and the atmosphere is more casual party boat than quiet yacht. At this price, those are reasonable compromises if you know what you are booking.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available, which helps if your plans around Agios Nikolaos are still shifting.

The host or greeter speaks English, and the activity information lists English as the available language. Announcements may also be made in several other languages, but sound quality can vary.

Pets are allowed. Hotel transportation is not included, so the meeting point is Agios Nikolaos Main Harbor.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value half-day on clear water, with two long swim stops and a boat view of Spinalonga. The combination of low price, fruit, a welcome drink, floating noodles, fair food prices, and generous time in the sea is hard to fault.

Choose a different outing if you want a quiet cruise, a detailed guided history of Spinalonga, or guaranteed access to shore at every stop. For everyone else, this is an easy, sunny addition to an Agios Nikolaos stay. Bring your own snorkel, sit on the left for Spinalonga views, avoid the speakers, and leave your evening schedule flexible.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Agios Nikolaos Main Harbor.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. Some departures may take close to five hours, depending on the schedule and sea conditions.

Does the cruise visit Spinalonga?

Yes. The boat cruises around Spinalonga Island, but the activity does not include a landing or walking tour on the island.

Are swimming stops included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent or buy from the boat. You can also bring your own mask and snorkel.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat tour, captain, floating noodles, a welcome drink or local raki, a small bowl of watermelon, the cruise around Spinalonga, and the swimming stops. Food, drinks from the snack bar, towels, and hotel transportation are not included.