Agios Nikolaos Semi-Submarine Underwater Cruise Heraklion

Agios Nikolaos harbour and town

Agios Nikolaos is one of the most attractive towns in Crete, the capital of the Lasithi region in the east of the island, spread around a bay of deep blue water. It takes its name from a small Byzantine chapel of Saint Nicholas on the nearby peninsula. The harbour where the semi-submarine waits is lined with cafés and fishing boats and lies just a few steps from the town centre.

Right behind the harbour is Lake Voulismeni, a small, deep lake surrounded by cliffs and connected to the sea by a narrow channel dug in the nineteenth century. Local legend says it is bottomless. Arrive early to stroll around the lake and the seafront before boarding; the whole centre is compact and easy to explore in an hour or two after your cruise.

Agioi Pantes islet

Agioi Pantes, meaning All Saints, is a small rocky islet near the entrance of the bay, named after the white chapel that stands on it. The islet is a protected reserve for the kri-kri, the wild goat of Crete with its long curved horns, which lives freely on its slopes, and landing is not allowed in order to protect the animals and the vegetation.

The waters around the islet are clear and full of life, which is why the semi-submarine cruise heads here for its underwater viewing. As the boat circles slowly along the rocky shore, you look out through the windows at sea grass meadows, boulders covered in algae and the drop-off into deeper water, while the audio commentary explains how this small island supports such a rich marine environment.

The underwater world seen from the semi-submarine

A semi-submarine does not dive: its glass-walled lower hull sits permanently below the waterline while the deck stays above, so the ride is smooth and comfortable even for those who feel uneasy on boats. You climb down a few steps into the air-conditioned cabin and take a seat in front of the large underwater windows, just below the surface.

When the crew feeds the fish, shoals of bream, wrasse and damselfish crowd around the glass in a swirl of colour, and the audio guide helps you name the species. Lucky passengers sometimes see a loggerhead sea turtle drifting past, and dolphins or seals occasionally come to investigate the vessel. This underwater cruise in Agios Nikolaos is a favourite with children, who get a close view of sea life without needing to swim or snorkel.

Mirabello Bay from the open deck

In the second part of the trip you move up to the open deck to enjoy the views of Mirabello Bay, the largest bay on the north coast of Crete. Its name comes from the Italian for beautiful view, given by the Venetians who once held a fortress above the town, and it is easy to see why: mountains rise steeply on all sides, and the water changes from turquoise to deep blue.

As the semi-submarine cruises back towards the harbour you look across to the coast near Elounda in the north and the mountains of the Thripti range in the east. Feel the sea breeze, take photos of the town spread around its bay, and return to the port about an hour after departure. A Mirabello Bay cruise like this is a gentle way to see the coast from the water.

Planning your trip: how to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion

If you are staying in Heraklion and wondering how to get to Agios Nikolaos, the town lies about 70 kilometres east along the national road, roughly an hour by car. Regular buses run from the Heraklion bus station, and many travellers combine the cruise with a day in the east of the island. This trip does not include transfers, so plan to arrive at the harbour in good time.

The best time to visit Agios Nikolaos for an underwater cruise is from May to October, when the sea is calm and visibility is at its clearest. The late-morning departure usually has the best light under water, while the early-afternoon trips leave time for lunch in town beforehand. Combine the cruise with Lake Voulismeni, the seafront and a swim at one of the town beaches for a relaxed day trip from Heraklion.