Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch

Explore Crete’s Highlights on a Day Trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Bay

This $55 Crete cruise offers a well-rounded experience with stops at Spinalonga Island, Kolokytha Bay, and the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, including transportation, guided visits, and leisure time for swimming and sightseeing. It’s an attractive option for those seeking a mix of history, nature, and local flavor without overspending. The tour features round-trip transfers from select areas of Crete, making logistics straightforward, and includes boat tickets, a professional guide, and a barbecue lunch on Kolokytha Beach.

While the cruise garners a solid 4.0/5 rating from 73 reviews, some guests highlight issues like crowded conditions and limited time at key stops. This tour suits travelers eager for a full day of scenic sailing, cultural insight, and relaxed beach time—especially those comfortable with moderate physical activity and some bus or boat crowds.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $55 per person, the tour runs around 9 to 10 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and lunch.
• Stops and Activities: Highlights include guided tours of Spinalonga Fortress, swimming at Kolokytha Bay, and free time in Agios Nikolaos.
• Transportation: Round-trip transfers from select Crete locations are included, with air-conditioned buses.
• Food and Drinks: Enjoy a barbecue lunch with options for vegetarian wraps or chicken, plus wine or juice.
• Crowd and Timing: Expect some crowding at popular stops like Spinalonga, with limited free exploration time.
• Safety and Comfort: Boat tickets and liability insurance are included; moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Starting the Day in Heraklion and Traveling to Agios Nikolaos

The tour departs from Heraklion, with pick-up points arranged ahead of time. The first stop is a 1.5-hour bus ride to Agios Nikolaos, a lively coastal town where the boat to Spinalonga sets sail. The comfortable air-conditioned coach ensures a smooth journey, though travel times may vary depending on traffic. Guests are welcomed by the tour leaders, who provide essential information before the day’s adventures begin.

Once in Agios Nikolaos, travelers have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the town’s charming streets, cafes, and the picturesque lake area before boarding the boat. The town’s lively atmosphere and scenic views set the perfect tone for the day ahead.

The 60-Minute Boat Trip to Spinalonga Island

The boat ride from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga lasts approximately one hour. The journey provides excellent photo opportunities of Mirabello Bay’s sparkling waters and coastlines. This part of the trip feels relaxed, and the boat is generally described as clean and well-maintained.

Once arriving at Spinalonga, you’re greeted with a guided tour of about 45 minutes focused on the Spinalonga Fortress and the island’s history. The guide’s explanations are often praised for being knowledgeable and engaging. After the tour, there’s free time to walk around, take photos, and soak in the views of the island of tears, known for its poignant past.

Visiting Spinalonga Fortress and Historical Insights

The Spinalonga Fortress is a key highlight of this tour. While the admission fee of 20 euros isn’t included in the price, the guided tour offers a rundown of the island’s history and architecture. Guests can explore the fortress’s walls and learn about its role as a leper colony and military stronghold. Some reviews mention that time inside the island can be tight, limiting opportunities for wandering and reading about the site’s history.

Guests appreciate the expert narration that makes the ruins come alive, though a few note that long queues for tickets can cause some time pressure. The crowded conditions on the boat and at the site may affect the experience, especially during peak season.

Relaxing at Kolokytha Beach with a Barbecue Lunch

After returning to the boat, the 15-minute sail to Kolokytha Bay offers a chance to unwind. The bay is known for its calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The 2-hour leisure stop includes a barbecue lunch featuring salad, bread, a choice of chicken or vegetarian wrap, fruit, and a drink such as wine or juice.

Guests often praise the quality of the food, although some mention that lunch is served on the boat and involves balancing trays on laps, which can be inconvenient. The water at Kolokytha is described as magically clear and ideal for relaxing swims, making it a highlight despite the limited swimming time—about 30 minutes for most.

Free Time in Agios Nikolaos and Return Journey

Following the swim, the boat heads back to Agios Nikolaos for about 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time. Visitors often use this opportunity to stroll along the waterfront, sip coffee, or browse local shops. The picturesque lake and port area offers a peaceful setting to unwind before the journey back to Heraklion.

The return trip by bus takes approximately 1.5 hours, with some reviews mentioning that traffic conditions can influence timing. The tour concludes with drop-offs at the original pick-up points, completing a full day of sightseeing and leisure.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes boat tickets, a professional tour guide, air-conditioned transportation, and liability insurance. The lunch menu is part of the package, and drinks like wine or juice are served with the meal. Guests should be aware that entrance fees for Spinalonga Fortress are not included and cost around 20 euros.

Additional costs may arise for extra food or drinks beyond what’s provided, and seating can be crowded, especially on the boat and at the site. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness who can handle walking and some bus or boat crowds.

Review Insights: Strengths and Limitations

Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, who enhance the experience with engaging commentary about Spinalonga’s history and local sights. The scenic boat rides and crystal-clear waters at Kolokytha earn high marks, as does the value for money given the inclusion of food, transportation, and guided tours.

However, crowding and limited exploration time at Spinalonga are common concerns. Some reviews highlight that long queues for tickets and short window for wandering can make the experience feel rushed. The lunch on the boat, while generally well-received, is sometimes viewed as chaotic due to seating arrangements.

Who Would Enjoy This Crete Cruise?

This day trip suits travelers who appreciate a blend of culture, history, and leisure. It’s ideal for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and crowd conditions, and who want a cost-effective way to see Spinalonga and enjoy beach time. The tour’s scenic boat rides and informative guides make it a worthwhile choice for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Final Thoughts on Crete’s Spinalonga and Kolokytha Bay Tour

The $55 Crete cruise offers a comprehensive experience with notable highlights, including the guided tour of Spinalonga Fortress, relaxing swim at Kolokytha Bay, and free time in Agios Nikolaos. Its value is reinforced by included lunch, transport, and boat tickets, making it a practical option for those seeking a full day of sightseeing and relaxation.

While some crowding and timing issues exist, the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery compensate well. This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers who enjoy organized excursions and are okay with some logistical bustle to see Crete’s coastal treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to and from the hotel included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from select areas of Crete are included in the tour package.

How long is the boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga?
The boat ride lasts approximately 60 minutes, providing scenic views of Mirabello Bay.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops include Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Island with a guided fortress tour, Kolokytha Bay for swimming and lunch, and free time in Agios Nikolaos.

How much does the entrance to Spinalonga Fortress cost?
The entrance fee is about 20 euros, which is not included in the tour price.

What meals are provided?
A barbecue lunch includes salad, bread, a choice of chicken or vegetarian wrap, fruit, and a drink such as wine or juice.

Are there any physical requirements?
Guests should have moderate physical fitness, as walking and some boat or bus crowds are expected.

What should I know about the crowd levels?
Crowding at Spinalonga and on the boat can be notable during peak season, which might limit exploration time and comfort.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour operates on a fixed itinerary, and additional costs apply for extras like entrance fees or additional food and drinks.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire day lasts about 9 to 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is typically done 27 days in advance, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

This well-organized Crete cruise balances history, leisure, and scenic beauty, making it a solid choice for those wanting a full day on the water and exploring Crete’s iconic sites.