Spinalonga and Kolokytha Catamaran Cruise with Meal Agios Nikolaos
- Duration5.5 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
This catamaran cruise in the Gulf of Mirabello is one of the most relaxing days you can spend at sea in eastern Crete. You meet the crew at the marina of Agios Nikolaos, about an hour by road east of Heraklion, and sail past the green hills of the coast to Kolokytha, a sheltered bay with shallow turquoise water. After a long swim and a freshly prepared Mediterranean meal on board, the catamaran stops in a quiet bay near Elounda and then circles Spinalonga, the island fortress whose walls tell centuries of Cretan history. The default option is a small shared cruise; private catamaran options, with or without hotel transfers, suit families and friends who want the boat to themselves.
Highlights
- Swim and snorkel in the clear turquoise water of Kolokytha bay
- Cruise around Spinalonga for close views of its Venetian fortress
- A second swim stop in a secluded bay near Elounda
- Freshly prepared Mediterranean meal with Cretan appetisers, salads and fruit
- Unlimited soft drinks, iced tea and water on board
- Snorkelling, fishing and stand-up paddleboard equipment
- Spacious catamaran deck with a certified captain and crew
- Private catamaran options for your group, with or without hotel transfers
Full Description
Agios Nikolaos and the Gulf of Mirabello
Agios Nikolaos is the lively harbour town of eastern Crete, built around Lake Voulismeni, a small deep lake joined to the sea by a short channel. Its marina opens onto the Gulf of Mirabello, a wide bay whose Venetian name means beautiful view, framed by the mountains of Lasithi. The cruise leaves from here in the morning or mid-afternoon, after a short welcome and safety briefing.
How to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion? By road it is about an hour east along the national highway, and regular public buses link the two towns. If you prefer not to drive, choose the private catamaran option with hotel transfers, or ask us and we arrange a private transfer for your group. Arriving 15 minutes early gives you time to find the berth calmly.
Kolokytha bay: turquoise water on the Spinalonga peninsula
Kolokytha lies on the rocky peninsula that closes Elounda bay to the east, joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land cut by a small canal at the end of the nineteenth century. There is no road to the beach, so it stays calm and natural. The water here is shallow, sandy and remarkably transparent, shading from pale green to deep blue, ideal for snorkelling over sea grass and rocks.
The catamaran anchors in the bay for about two hours, the longest stop of the day. You can swim from the boat, paddleboard along the shore, try the fishing gear or simply rest on the nets at the bow. Nearby are the remains of an early Christian basilica, a reminder that this quiet peninsula was once home to a thriving community.
Spinalonga island and its Venetian fortress
Spinalonga is a small island at the entrance to Elounda bay. In 1579 the Venetians built a powerful sea fortress here, and it remained in Venetian hands until 1715, long after the rest of Crete had passed to Ottoman rule. A village then grew inside the walls, and from 1903 to 1957 the island served as a leprosy colony, a moving chapter remembered today in the restored houses and the long tunnel at the entrance.
On this cruise the catamaran sails slowly around the island, giving you the best views of the bastions and the old houses from the water; landing on Spinalonga and its entrance ticket are not included. Is Spinalonga worth visiting? From the sea it is one of the finest sights in Crete, and the photos with the fortress behind the bow are unforgettable.
Elounda bay and the secluded swim stop
Between Kolokytha and Spinalonga the catamaran passes a sea cave in the cliffs and then stops in a secluded bay near Elounda for a second swim. Elounda bay is famous for its calm, lagoon-like water, protected from the open sea by the peninsula. Beneath the surface near the narrow strip of land lie the remains of the ancient city of Olous, partly sunk by earth movements over the centuries.
Back on board, the crew serves a freshly prepared Mediterranean meal with Cretan appetisers, salads and fruit, while soft drinks, iced tea and water are available throughout. The best time for this Spinalonga boat trip from Agios Nikolaos is from May to October; the Gulf of Mirabello is relatively sheltered, though strong summer winds can occasionally change the route or timing.
Itinerary
- Marina of Agios NikolaosMeet the crew 15 minutes before departure at 09:00 or 15:00, with a short welcome and safety briefing.
- Sail across Mirabello BayAbout 45 minutes along the coast with views of the mountains and the bay.
- Kolokytha bayAbout 2 hours to swim, snorkel, paddleboard and enjoy the meal on board.
- Sea cave and secluded bay near EloundaA short sail past the cliffs and a second swim stop in a quiet bay.
- Around SpinalongaAbout 30 minutes cruising slowly around the island with views of the Venetian fortress.
- Return to Agios NikolaosAbout 1.5 hours back across the bay; the cruise lasts about 5.5 hours.
What's included
- Catamaran cruise in Mirabello Bay with a certified captain and crew
- Long swim and snorkelling stop at Kolokytha beach
- Second swim stop in a secluded bay near Elounda
- Cruise around Spinalonga island with views of the Venetian fortress
- Freshly prepared Mediterranean meal on board with Cretan appetisers, salads and fruit
- Unlimited soft drinks, iced tea and water
- Snorkelling, fishing and paddleboard equipment
Not included
- Hotel transfers
- Landing and entry ticket to Spinalonga island
- Towels
- Gratuities
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 0–9
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Groups who want privacy — a private option is available
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Think twice if
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
With the default option you meet the crew at the marina of Agios Nikolaos 15 minutes before departure; the exact berth is sent one day before. Departures are at 09:00 or 15:00. Agios Nikolaos is about an hour by road east of Heraklion. If you would like transport, the private catamaran option with hotel transfers includes a driver who collects you from your hotel and returns you after the cruise.
Important information
- When booking, each passenger must give full name, passport or ID number, date of birth and nationality for the Port Authority
- Bring your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)
- Bring a towel (not included), swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Landing on Spinalonga and its entrance ticket are not included
- Hotel transfers are not included with the default option
- The cruise depends on the weather and may be postponed in strong wind
- Pets are not allowed on board
- Tell us about any food allergies or vegetarian needs when booking
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private cruise?
The default option is a shared small-group catamaran cruise. Other options on this page give you the whole catamaran for your group, meeting at the marina or with hotel transfers.
Can we change the itinerary or the pace?
On the shared cruise the route is fixed and adapted only to the weather. On a private catamaran you can ask the captain for longer swims or a different rhythm, sea conditions permitting.
How many people join the cruise?
The shared cruise keeps a limited group size for a relaxed atmosphere. The private options are reserved for your group only.
Is the price per person or per group?
All options are priced per traveller; the private options require at least two travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price of each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Not with the default option, which meets at the marina of Agios Nikolaos. The private option with hotel transfers includes a driver from your hotel and back.
What is included?
The catamaran cruise with captain and crew, swim stops at Kolokytha and near Elounda, the cruise around Spinalonga, a Mediterranean meal, soft drinks, iced tea and water, and snorkelling, fishing and paddleboard equipment.
How long is the cruise?
About 5.5 hours, with morning and afternoon departures.
Do we land on Spinalonga?
No, the catamaran sails around the island for views of the fortress. Landing and the entrance ticket are not included.
Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?
Children who enjoy swimming love the shallow water at Kolokytha. The catamaran is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and your passport or ID card or a copy of it.
Morning or afternoon departure?
The morning cruise has the calmest water; the afternoon cruise brings warmer sea and softer light on the way back. May to October is the best season.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your option, date and departure time in the booking panel on this page. Our team confirms your booking on WhatsApp within minutes and asks for the passenger details required by the Port Authority.
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