Agios Nikolaos: Spinalonga and Kolokytha Catamaran with Meal

The best part of this small-group catamaran cruise is its balance. You get the famous view of Spinalonga, but most of the time is spent doing what the Cretan coast does best: swimming in clear water, eating well, and letting the boat carry you past rocky shores and little islands.

I like the two long swim stops, which give you time for snorkeling and paddleboarding instead of a quick jump overboard. I also like the food and drinks included in the price, especially since the pasta is prepared on board and served with Cretan appetizers and fruit.

The main catch is simple: you do not leave the boat at Spinalonga. You see the island from the water, not its streets or former leper colony. Wind can also change the route, and the marina meeting point has not always been easy to find.

Key things to know before you book

• Two proper swim stops: Expect time at Kolokytha or Glaronisi, followed by another anchorage near Schistra.
• Spinalonga from the sea: You sail around the island for the best coastal views, but there is no disembarkation or entry ticket.
• Fresh food on board: The usual meal is shrimp linguini or spaghetti with tomato sauce, plus Cretan appetizers and tropical fruit.
• Drinks stay available: Wine, beer, soft drinks, iced tea, and water are included throughout the cruise.
• Water gear is provided: Snorkels, fishing equipment, SUP boards, and float noodles are available.
• Pickup is optional: Transfers cover Agios Nikolaos and several nearby areas, but the pickup time may be up to an hour before sailing.

Setting out from Agios Nikolaos Marina

Your day begins at the marina in Agios Nikolaos, a practical starting point for exploring the Mirabello Gulf by water. Parking is available nearby, and you can also select hotel pickup from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Vathy, Istron, Kalo Chorio, Ammoudara, and areas between them.

Give yourself time to find the boat. The marina has more than one access point, and some passengers have had trouble knowing which side to use or where the vessel was moored. The operator contacts you the day before with pickup details, but if you are meeting at the harbor, confirm the exact berth and boat name in advance.

Once aboard, there is a short safety briefing and welcome refreshments. The boat then leaves the harbor and follows the coast for roughly 45 minutes. This opening stretch is not packed with formal commentary, so treat it as your chance to settle in, take photos, and watch Agios Nikolaos and the Elounda area recede behind you.

The catamaran is not described as a huge party boat, and that matters. A smaller group usually means less scrambling for seating and easier access to the water equipment. Some departures have had around a dozen people, while one larger group found seating a little tighter. Group size can vary, so do not assume every sailing will feel equally spacious.

The Mirabello Gulf by catamaran

The Mirabello Gulf is the reason to choose a boat trip instead of simply visiting a beach. From the deck, you see the coast as a long sweep of pale rock, coves, islands, and bright water. The changing views are the main event during the sailing sections.

The catamaran gives you several ways to enjoy the ride. You can sit in the sun, find shade, listen to music, or keep a cold drink in hand while the crew moves around the boat. Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and iced tea are included, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet.

Wind is part of the deal. On calm days, the ride can feel gentle and easy. On breezier days, the boat may pitch and spray water, especially at the front. Several departures have adjusted the route or timing when conditions became rough. That is sensible seamanship, but it means you should view the schedule as flexible rather than fixed.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit near the center of the boat and watch the horizon during open-water sections. Bring sun protection, since a half-day on reflective water can catch you off guard.

Kolokytha and Glaronisi: your first swim

After about an hour from departure, the boat reaches its first swimming area near Kolokytha Beach or the small island of Glaronisi. This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because the boat avoids making the stop a rushed photo opportunity.

You have time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply float. The water is described as calm and exceptionally clear on favorable days, with fish visible below the surface. Snorkeling masks and SUP boards are supplied, along with float noodles and related equipment.

The distinction between Kolokytha Beach and Glaronisi matters less than the experience itself. The crew chooses an anchorage based on conditions and access, aiming for a quieter stretch away from the busiest beach activity. You should not expect a private beach visit. You remain on the catamaran and swim from the boat.

This stop suits mixed groups well. Strong swimmers can paddle or snorkel, while less active passengers can stay aboard and enjoy the view. Children have used the equipment on family departures, but the activity is not designed specifically as a children’s program. Anyone who is not confident in open water should take care and follow the crew’s instructions.

Spinalonga from the water

After the first swim, the catamaran sails around Spinalonga Island. This is sightseeing rather than a landing visit. You get the island’s most striking angle from the water, with its old stone structures and steep, dry slopes set against the gulf.

The sea-level view is a real advantage. From a boat, you see the shape of the island as a whole instead of focusing only on the settlement. The crew provides an overview of Spinalonga’s past, and the stop gives you time to photograph the island without having to walk its uneven paths.

Still, be clear about what is not included. You do not disembark, and there is no entrance ticket. If visiting the island’s buildings and learning more about its former leper colony is a major reason for your trip, choose a dedicated Spinalonga excursion instead.

The route may also pass the Cave of Barbarossa near Elounda, listed as a sailing point during the trip. This is a view from the boat, not a cave exploration stop. The appeal is the coastline and the changing perspective as you continue around the gulf.

Schistra Bay, lunch, and more water time

The second anchorage is at Schistra, a secluded bay chosen for another hour of swimming and a meal. This stop often becomes the relaxed center of the afternoon. The water remains the main attraction, but lunch gives the schedule a useful pause.

The standard menu includes shrimp linguini or spaghetti with tomato sauce, with Cretan appetizers based on olive oil and herbs. Dessert is a platter of Mediterranean and tropical fruit. The food is freshly prepared on board, and the crew serves it while the boat is anchored.

The shrimp pasta is the natural choice for seafood lovers. Vegetarians and vegans can choose the tomato pasta, and the crew has also prepared alternatives such as risotto for dietary needs on individual departures. If you have an allergy or strict dietary requirement, contact the operator before sailing rather than relying on a last-minute change.

Expect a good boat lunch, not a restaurant tasting menu. The meal is simple, filling, and well suited to a day in the sun. Some people have found it excellent, while others consider it merely good. That difference is fair: the quality depends partly on your expectations, but the fresh preparation and included drinks make the meal a strong part of the value.

You can continue swimming or use the SUP boards while lunch is being arranged. This is also a good time to dry off and move into the shade. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

The return to Agios Nikolaos

The return sailing takes about an hour and a half, depending on the route and conditions. After the swim stops and lunch, this longer stretch lets the day slow down.

Late departures can be especially pleasant. Several sailings have returned as the light faded, with the coast and harbor lights coming into view. Music, a drink, and the evening colors make the ride back feel different from the bright outward journey.

You may find the return breezier or cooler than expected, so pack a light layer even in summer. If weather changes, the crew may shorten a stop or alter the route. One departure did not complete the full planned program because of wind and waves, but the crew adapted the day instead of pushing ahead blindly.

That flexibility is worth valuing. A boat itinerary is always subject to sea conditions, and a safe, comfortable change is better than forcing a particular bay or timing.

Food, drinks, and the crew

The crew is a major part of the experience. Christos and Marina are names associated with especially warm and attentive service, while other departures have been operated by Christos with Maria or Sophia. The exact team may vary, but the service pattern is clear: drinks are offered regularly, the crew helps with the water equipment, and they keep an eye on comfort.

The atmosphere is friendly without needing to become a loud party cruise. Music plays during parts of the trip, and the mood can shift from quiet sailing to social swimming and back again. Solo passengers have found it easy to join the group without feeling awkward, while couples have enjoyed the smaller setting for honeymoons and special days.

The boat has a toilet, though an early explanation of how to use it would be helpful. Ask the crew at the start if you are unsure.

Is the $141 price good value?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water near Agios Nikolaos. It is also more than a basic boat ride with one short swim stop. The value comes from what is bundled into the five and a half hours.

You receive:

• The catamaran cruise
• A certified captain and crew
• Two swimming areas
• Snorkeling and SUP equipment
• A prepared meal with appetizers and fruit
• Unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Music
• Optional hotel transfers

A separate meal, drinks, water equipment rental, and transport can quickly add up. The price makes the most sense if you plan to use the swim gear and enjoy several drinks while spending much of the day at sea.

It is less compelling if you mainly want to visit Spinalonga itself. Since there is no landing, you would still need another excursion to explore the island. It is also not the right buy for someone who dislikes swimming, sun, or flexible sea schedules.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want a mix of scenery and downtime rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing tour. Couples, families with older children, solo passengers, and small groups can all fit comfortably into the format.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want two proper chances to swim.
• You like having paddleboards and snorkels ready to use.
• You prefer a smaller boat to a large excursion vessel.
• You want lunch and drinks included.
• You are happy to see Spinalonga without going ashore.
• You enjoy an afternoon that may finish around sunset.

Think twice if you use a wheelchair, have significant mobility limits, or need easy step-free access. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You also need to provide your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender when booking or at least one day before departure. Bring your passport or ID card, with a copy accepted, and do not forget a towel.

My call: book it for the sea, not just Spinalonga

I would book this catamaran if my ideal Cretan afternoon involved clear water, a fresh plate of pasta, a cold drink, and a good view of Spinalonga from offshore. The two swim stops and attentive crew are the strongest reasons to go, and the included food, drinks, and equipment make the price easier to justify.

I would not book it as my only Spinalonga visit. For that, you need a tour that lands on the island. But if you want to see the gulf, swim in quiet anchorages, and return to Agios Nikolaos with the light fading over the water, this is a well-rounded choice.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps when your Cretan schedule depends on weather.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about 5.5 hours, not including any optional hotel transfer time.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Agios Nikolaos Marina. Parking spots are available near the marina.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be selected for Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Vathy, Istron, Kalo Chorio, Ammoudara, and areas between them. Pickup may be up to one hour before the cruise.

Can I visit Spinalonga Island?

No. The catamaran sails around Spinalonga for sea views, but there is no disembarkation or entry ticket.

What food is served?

The usual main courses are shrimp linguini or spaghetti with tomato sauce. The meal also includes Cretan appetizers and a tropical fruit mixture for dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, iced tea, and water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, SUP boards, and float equipment are provided.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

What identification do I need?

You must provide your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. Bring a passport or ID card, and a copy is accepted.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.