Agios Nikolaos: Fun Cruise Around Elounda Bay

Crystal water and Spinalonga make this cruise special. I love Kolokytha Beach for an easy, swim-first stop, and I love getting Spinalonga views from the water without the hassle of a full land trip. The main drawback to consider is sound, the DJ and crowd noise can make announcements hard to catch.

This is a bright-blue, slow-paced day on the sea built around two anchored swim hours. At about $23 per person, the value comes from what is included, raki, watermelon, snorkeling gear, and floating noodles, plus plenty of time in the water.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Kolokytha Beach is your first swim anchor for about one hour in clear turquoise water
• Spinalonga is a cruise-around moment so you get the famous island views from the water
• Skistra Gulf is made for snorkeling and floating with a second swim stop of about one hour
• Snorkel gear and sea noodles are available onboard you can rent or buy equipment, plus use the included floating toys
• Raki, fruit, and cocktails keep the vibe fun welcome raki and mid-cruise watermelon are part of the deal
• Music levels can vary by where you sit some people loved the DJ, others found it too loud near speakers

Agios Nikolaos to Mirabello Bay: the appeal of this cruise setup

This is not a sightseeing bus day where you rush from one photo spot to the next. It is a boat day, with the day shaped around swimming and snorkeling. You sail out from Agios Nikolaos Main harbor and spend most of your time in and around the water.

What I like about this style is the pacing. You get a slow cruise first, then proper time anchored, then another swim stop later. That means you can actually enjoy the heat and salt air instead of fighting for time.

Another reason this works: it is budget-friendly for a route that includes both Mirabello Bay cruising and a Spinalonga loop. You are paying for the experience package, the boat time plus included drinks and snacks, not just for transit.

Kolokytha Beach stop: turquoise water and an easy first hour

The cruise heads out on a slow sail along Mirabello gulf. After roughly an hour, the boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach, and you get about one hour in the water.

Kolokytha is the kind of stop that feels tailor-made for casual swimmers. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, and the time on-site is long enough to do a real swim, not just dip your toes. There are also floating toys on board, the sea noodles, which make it easier to relax while you drift.

One practical tip: bring what you need for sun and comfort because there is no mention of towels being provided. Sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and a swim hat can make the difference between a fun day and a painful one.

Also, plan for the reality of a boat stop. One person noted the first swim stop had an option to disembark on land, but the second stop did not. If you or someone in your group cannot swim confidently, ask the crew when you arrive at Kolokytha, because the chances for land time may matter.

Spinalonga from the water: what you actually get during the loop cruise

After Kolokytha, you head toward Spinalonga, the famous island historically known for a leprosy colony. Instead of docking, you cruise around the island’s waters, so you get those recognizably dramatic views from the sea.

This format is great if you want Spinalonga on your day without the extra planning and logistics of a land visit. From the water, you can see the coastline and fort-like shapes with less time pressure.

Here’s a useful detail from experience on the boat: for the best views of Spinalonga, sit on the left side. That single choice can turn the whole cruise around the island into a cleaner photo and sightseeing moment.

One more sound note. Some people say the guide announcements were hard to hear over boat noise and people chatter. So don’t count on every detail being crystal clear. If you care about the story behind Spinalonga, you may want to read up a bit before you go.

Skistra Gulf snorkeling stop: the second swim hour you’ll remember

Skistra Gulf is the second big water stop, and it is set up for snorkeling and relaxing. You should expect about one more hour anchored, with time to swim, float, and snorkel.

The water at this stage is often the best moment of the day because you have cooled down a bit from the earlier sun and you still have energy. If snorkeling is on your list, this is where it pays off to be ready: snorkeling equipment is available from the boat, with a rent or buy option.

If you already have your own snorkel goggles, bring them. One person specifically recommended bringing your own snorkels and mentioned that equipment availability and fit can be hit-or-miss for people who are picky about gear. If you do not bring gear, you are not stuck, the boat does offer snorkeling equipment.

Floating toys are also part of the snorkeling-friendly vibe. Reviews mention plenty of sea noodles, and these are a smart choice for people who want help staying comfortable in the water.

One caution: the second stop may not offer the same easy option to get on land. If you are going with someone who does not swim well, keep that in mind and plan for water time that is boat-based.

Food, drinks, and the DJ factor onboard

This cruise does food and drinks in a very practical way, small included items plus a reasonable onboard bar. At the start, you get a welcome drink, local raki, and there is also mention of virgin cocktails. Mid-cruise, you get a small bowl of watermelon, which is a simple but very effective cooling snack.

On top of that, you can buy snacks from the bar. People describe the BBQ and grill as a nice touch, with items like pork souvlaki and hot dogs sold onboard. One person mentioned pork souvlaki priced at about €2 each and noted it was tasty and good value.

Drink prices also sound like they are set for cruise reality, not tourist-trip fantasy. Examples shared include beer and Pepsi tins at modest prices compared with many tourist boats.

Now for the part that can make or break the mood: music. This cruise can be a DJ party atmosphere at times. Many people love the DJ and music taste, but at least one review noted the volume was loud, especially when sitting near a speaker. If you prefer a calmer trip, pick seating farther from the music source.

Also, if you are traveling with kids, the music can be a plus, it turns waiting for swim stops into part of the fun. If your group includes quieter adults, choosing your spot on the boat matters.

What the $23 price really covers, and where extras show up

The headline price is very attractive for a half day at sea: around $23 per person. What makes it feel like good value is that several essentials are included.

Included items you can count on:

• Boat tour and captain
• Welcome drink with local raki
• Watermelon
• Floating toys (sea noodles)
• Snorkeling equipment (rent or buy from the boat)
• Stops for swimming at Kolokytha and snorkeling at Skistra Gulf
• Cruise around Spinalonga
• Snack bar on board with reasonable prices
• Pets allowed

Where you might spend extra:

• If you choose to buy snorkeling gear instead of renting
• If you order food or drinks beyond what is included
• If you want to buy optional souvenirs like key chains, since some people reported photo opportunities at boarding

One thing to note: towels are not included. Bring a towel or plan on drying off with what you can. Also, there is no hotel pickup, so you will handle getting to Agios Nikolaos Main harbor on your own.

If you compare this to boat days that only offer one swim stop, the two anchored hours and the snorkeling component are the real value. You are paying for time on the water, not just transit.

Timing, weather, and how to plan for sea conditions

This cruise runs about 270 minutes, which is roughly four and a half hours, though real timing can stretch a little depending on conditions and whether you spend more time in the water. One example shared described a 4pm departure ending around 8pm, which suggests evening trips can take their time on the return.

Sea conditions can affect the experience. The activity may be subject to sea conditions, so if you are prone to motion sickness, it can help to choose a sensible seat, stay hydrated, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Bring layers in your mind even if the weather looks perfect. You are moving on water, sun can shift fast, and wind can feel cooler when you are wet. The tour data specifically suggests bringing sun protection and beachwear, so plan around sun first, then comfort.

Tips to get the best experience on your boat time

A few small choices can make this cruise smoother and more enjoyable.

First, take sun protection seriously. You are anchored twice and spending real time outside. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are not optional if you burn easily.

Second, bring swim basics:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swim hat and sunglasses
• Snorkel gear if you have it

Third, choose your seating. If you want the best Spinalonga views, sit on the left side. And if you want to reduce how loud the DJ feels, avoid seating right by the speakers.

Finally, plan for water comfort. Floating noodles are there to help, but your own gear and fit matter if snorkeling is your priority. If you are renting equipment, give yourself a couple minutes to adjust before you jump in.

Should You Book This Agios Nikolaos Elounda Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward, swim-focused half day with included raki, fruit, and snorkeling time. The best fit is families, couples, and groups who prefer time in the water over long speeches and museum-style stops.

I would skip it or choose it carefully if your priority is quiet guided storytelling, because loud music and boat noise can make announcements harder to hear. Also think about water confidence since the second stop may be more boat-based than land-friendly.

If you are visiting Elounda Bay and want an affordable way to see Kolokytha Beach and Spinalonga from the sea, this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at Agios Nikolaos Main harbor.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 270 minutes, about four and a half hours. Some departures can run longer depending on the day.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are snorkeling equipment and sea noodles included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available (rent or buy from the boat), and floating toys (sea noodles) are included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome drink with local raki and a small bowl of watermelon. There is also a snack bar on board with reasonable prices.

Are there stops for swimming and snorkeling?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop at Kolokytha Beach and a snorkeling stop at Skistra Gulf, with about one hour at each.

Is Spinalonga included?

Yes. The cruise includes a round cruise around Spinalonga.

Can I bring a pet?

Yes. Pets are allowed.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour affected by weather?

It may be subject to sea conditions, so the boat experience can depend on the day’s conditions.