Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip Catamaran Lunch and Water Toys

The best part of this Crete sailing trip is the long stop at Kolokitha Bay, where a clear, calm patch of the Mirabello Gulf becomes your swimming area, lunch table, and water playground. You can snorkel, paddle a transparent canoe, ride an inflatable slide, or simply stretch out on the Lagoon 450F’s bow deck and watch the coast slide by. I like the generous food and drinks, and I like that the boat offers far more than a basic sightseeing cruise. The main consideration is that the water toys shown in some promotional images may not always be available, so confirm what is operating on your sailing date.

I also like the gentle mix of sightseeing and free time. You get a short look at Spinalonga, a sail around Elounda, and several hours for swimming and lunch rather than a rushed string of stops. If you are prone to seasickness or cannot swim, this is not the right outing. Rough water is possible, as one sunset sailing showed, though the swimming stops may still be calm.

Key points to know before booking

• Kolokitha Bay is the main event: Plan on about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and water toys in turquoise water.
• The Lagoon 450F has real comfort: You get air conditioning, a kitchen, a refrigerator, a flybridge, a bimini, a bow sundeck, and an audio system.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Mediterranean food, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are part of the package.
• Spinalonga is a short sightseeing stop: You sail around the island and have time for photos, but this is not a full land visit.
• The trip suits mixed-age groups: Families, teenagers, couples, and adults who want a relaxed day on the water can all find something to enjoy.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not supplied, despite swimming being a central part of the day.

Setting sail from Agios Nikolaos

The trip begins near the entrance to the main marina in Agios Nikolaos. Look for a crew member who will meet you and walk you to the catamaran. Arrive on time, since the boat’s departure depends on getting everyone aboard without delay.

The vessel is a Lagoon 450F, a broad, stable catamaran designed for comfort rather than speed. That matters here. You have several places to sit, including the flybridge, the forward sun deck, the covered bimini area, and the interior saloon. Air conditioning is available inside, while the outdoor spaces give you the classic sailing experience: open views, sea air, and plenty of sun.

The boat also carries practical safety equipment, including life jackets, GPS, a chart plotter, depth finder, sonar, VHF radio, autopilot, and wheel steering. You do not need to understand the equipment, but it is reassuring to know the crew has the tools needed for navigation and changing conditions.

The listed duration ranges from five to ten hours, depending on the option and start time you choose. That is a wide range, so check the exact departure and return times before paying. A longer sailing gives you more time to enjoy the boat and water activities, while a shorter version may suit you if you have evening plans in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda.

The sail toward Elounda

Once you leave Agios Nikolaos, the route heads toward Elounda across the Mirabello Gulf. The sailing portion is less about reaching a distant destination and more about seeing Crete from a different angle. From the water, the coast feels open and uncluttered, with fewer interruptions than you get from a road trip along the shore.

The crew serves drinks during the cruise, including beer, wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water. An aperitif or cocktail may also be available as part of the service. This makes the first hour easygoing, though alcohol is best enjoyed with care if you plan to swim, use the slide, or take a sea scooter later.

The catamaran has both inside and outside speakers, plus WiFi, an ice box, refrigerator, grill, and kitchen. These are not just decorative features. The kitchen and cold storage help keep lunch and drinks practical during a full day at sea, while the shaded areas give you a break from the strong Cretan sun.

If the sea turns choppy, you may feel the motion more on the flybridge and bow than in the central cockpit. Sit lower and closer to the middle of the boat if you are sensitive to movement. The activity specifically excludes people prone to seasickness, and that warning deserves attention.

A close look at Spinalonga

The catamaran continues toward Spinalonga for a photo stop and sightseeing. You sail around the island rather than spending the day ashore, so think of this as a water-level introduction, not a full archaeological visit.

Spinalonga is one of the most recognizable sights in this part of Crete, and the boat gives you useful views of its rocky outline and coastal setting. A guide provides information during the stop, and the boat circles the island before moving on. This short visit works well for anyone who wants to see Spinalonga without giving up most of the day to a land excursion.

The limitation is clear: if you want to walk through Spinalonga and spend time with its buildings and exhibits, choose a dedicated island visit instead. Here, the island is one part of a wider day built around sailing, swimming, and lunch.

Bring a camera, but keep it secure when you move around the deck. The bow and flybridge offer good places for photographs, while the crew can help you find a safe position during the sail.

Kolokitha Bay and the water toys

The longest stop is at Kolokitha Bay, where the focus shifts from sightseeing to play. The boat anchors for roughly two hours, giving you time to swim, snorkel, paddle, eat, and rest without constantly checking the clock.

The water toys are a major reason to choose this trip. The equipment listed includes a transparent canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sea scooter, swim fins, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, an inflatable platform, and an inflatable slide. A bathing platform makes getting in and out of the sea easier than climbing directly from the hull.

The clear canoe is especially useful if you want to look below the surface without committing to a long snorkeling session. The SUP offers a slower, quieter way to move around the bay. The sea scooter adds speed, while the slide and inflatable platform are likely to keep children and teenagers busy.

You should still treat the toys as a bonus rather than a guarantee of every item at every departure. One sailing did not have the slide or swim platform shown in the pictures, so ask the provider what will be onboard for your specific date. Conditions, equipment changes, or the chosen boat can affect what is available.

Snorkeling here is a pleasant addition, but do not expect a formal guided marine-life tour. Equipment and fins are supplied, and you can explore at your own pace. The water is described as turquoise and clear, which makes this stop well suited to casual swimming and surface snorkeling.

If you do not swim, you may feel left out during the main stop. The boat has places to sit and relax, but much of the appeal comes from getting into the sea. Parents should also keep an eye on children around the platform, slide, and deeper water.

Lunch, wine, and a day that does not feel rushed

Lunch is served onboard, with Mediterranean food prepared in the boat’s kitchen and grill. One account describes the captain cooking the meal, and the food is repeatedly praised for being fresh, tasty, and plentiful. Expect a generous spread rather than a quick sandwich between activities.

Wine, beer, cola, mineral water, and other soft drinks are available throughout the day and included in the listed price. That is important when you compare this trip with cheaper boat outings that charge separately for every drink and snack. Coffee and tea are also available.

The amount of food can be more than some people want, especially if you plan to swim immediately afterward. I would start with a modest plate, take a break, and return for more later. The meal is part of the pleasure of the trip, not merely fuel.

A private chef can be arranged for an additional 500 euros on private trips. A private photographer is another paid option, listed at 300 euros. Wine tasting is also available at a price that depends on the wine selected. These extras are not needed for a good day, but they may interest a group celebrating a special occasion.

What $165 buys you

At $165 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from the combination of a well-equipped catamaran, a full meal, drinks, crew service, a Spinalonga sailing, and access to a sizeable collection of water equipment.

The price makes more sense if you plan to use the boat for most of the day. If you only want a short sail and a photo of Spinalonga, you may find a simpler cruise better suited to your budget. If you want a floating base with shade, seating, lunch, swimming gear, and time to relax, the package is stronger.

The catamaran’s facilities also matter for families and mixed groups. One person can read under the bimini, another can use the SUP, teenagers can try the slide, and others can sit on the flybridge with a drink. That flexibility is hard to get on a small motorboat.

The private-group option may improve the value for a family or group of friends. The supplied information does not give a private-group price or maximum group size, so ask for those details before booking. The standard experience may suit you well if you enjoy meeting others, while a private departure gives you more control over the pace and atmosphere.

Who will enjoy this Crete catamaran trip

I would recommend this experience most strongly to:

• Families with older children and teenagers
• Couples who want a relaxed day at sea
• Groups of friends who will use the water toys
• Adults who care about lunch and drinks being included
• Visitors staying in Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or nearby areas
• Anyone who wants to combine Spinalonga views with swimming

The trip also works for people who do not want a packed sightseeing schedule. You get one main sightseeing focus, then plenty of unstructured time. That makes the day feel more like a holiday than a checklist.

It is less suitable for non-swimmers, people with serious seasickness, and anyone seeking a detailed historical tour of Spinalonga. You should also think twice if you dislike sun, salt water, or the possibility of a rolling sea.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the practical details of boarding and entering the water are not provided. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider in advance to confirm the marina access, gangway, deck layout, and transfer arrangements.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, camera, and your own towel. The towel is easy to overlook, since swimming is such a large part of the outing, but it is specifically not included.

Wear something comfortable for moving around a boat. Secure loose items before the catamaran gets underway, and keep valuables in a dry bag if you have one. The boat includes safety equipment, but personal waterproof storage is still useful.

Children are allowed, alcohol and glass bottles are allowed onboard, and smoking is allowed. These rules give the trip a relaxed feel, but they also make it important to be considerate in shared areas, especially around families and people eating lunch.

The meeting point is at the entrance to the main marina in Agios Nikolaos. Drop-off options include the Marina of Agios Nikolaos, Vathi, and Schisma Eloundas. Confirm which return point applies to your booking, since it may affect your evening transport.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Crete plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the weather and sea conditions close to the sailing date.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a full day built around the sea, not simply a boat transfer. The strongest features are the relaxed time at Kolokitha Bay, the included Mediterranean lunch and drinks, and the unusual range of water toys. The crew’s friendly, helpful service also adds to the experience, with Giorgos singled out for handling a booking problem generously and professionally.

I would be cautious if the slide and bathing platform are essential to your plans. Confirm their availability first. I would also choose another activity if your priority is a long guided visit to Spinalonga or if you are uncomfortable on open water.

For families, couples, and groups who want swimming, food, views, and a comfortable boat in one package, the $165 price is reasonable. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and leave enough time to enjoy the catamaran itself. The best memories here are likely to come between the official stops, with a drink in hand, clear water below, and nowhere urgent to be.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip begin?

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 experience last?

The available options last between five and ten hours. Starting times and the exact duration depend on the option selected.

What boat is used?

The trip takes place aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran based in Agios Nikolaos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Mediterranean lunch is included, along with drinks such as wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water.

Are snorkeling items provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swim fins are included.

Which water toys are available?

The listed equipment includes a transparent canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sea scooter, inflatable platform, inflatable slide, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and a bathing platform.

Is a towel provided?

No. You should bring your own towel.

Can children join the trip?

Yes. Children are allowed.

Is the activity suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.