Elounda: Spinalonga Prof. Guided Boat Tour w/ BBQ + Swimming

Exploring Crete’s Hidden Gem: The Elounda Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming

Our review focuses on a highly-rated day trip that offers a chance to explore one of Crete’s most evocative sites—Spinalonga—via a full-day boat tour from Elounda. This experience blends history, scenic views, and relaxation, making it a popular choice for travelers craving a mix of culture and leisure.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances guided historical insights with plenty of downtime for swimming and unwinding in stunning surroundings. The boat itself is well-equipped, with shady spots, a bar, and a friendly crew that keeps the atmosphere light. One thing to keep in mind is that the transfer from your hotel isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, which is quite straightforward from Elounda.

This tour suits those who appreciate a combination of history, scenic cruising, and a delicious BBQ lunch. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of varied experiences—without complicated logistics or overly crowded sites. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this trip offers a genuine taste of Crete’s layered past in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining cultural sightseeing with swimming and relaxation.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with in-depth insights in English and German.
• Well-equipped boat with shady areas, bar, and proper facilities for comfort.
• Affordable price, offering great value with included BBQ, drinks, and a guided tour.
• Historic significance of Spinalonga adds depth to the visit, making it more meaningful.
• No hotel transfers included, so travelers should plan transportation accordingly.

A Deep Dive into the Experience – What’s on Offer?

This tour is designed to give you a full picture of what makes Spinalonga an intriguing site, all from the comfort of a comfortable boat cruise. Starting at the small port of Elounda, the journey begins with a scenic ride along the coast through the St. George Gorge—an area known for its striking cliffs and lush landscapes. You’ll often find yourself admiring the views, which make the relaxing boat ride worth every minute.

The Scenic Departure from Elounda

The tour kicks off at around 10:30 AM from the Windmill small port in Elounda. The boat departs promptly, and you’ll notice it’s a full-equipped vessel with enough shade and seating to keep everyone comfortable. The crew is friendly and eager to make your day enjoyable, setting a relaxed tone that lasts throughout the trip.

En Route to Kolokytha Bay: Relaxation and Refreshment

The first stop is at Kolokytha Bay, a secluded stretch of water perfect for swimming. The reviews consistently mention how much guests appreciated the opportunity to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of this small haven. One reviewer noted, “We stayed 1.5 hours with a guide, and it was well worth it.” You can jump into the sea directly from the boat, which is ideal for a quick refreshing dip.

The boat offers a delicious BBQ lunch during this stop, which includes pork chops, fresh white cabbage salad (with optional dressing), bread, and fruit. Many travelers found the food to be quite tasty, with one reviewer emphasizing the “excellent BBQ and friendly staff” as a highlight. The included glass of wine or lemonade complements the meal nicely, adding a touch of indulgence.

The Highlight: Exploring Spinalonga

At around 12:45 PM, the boat sets sail across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga, a place of layered history. The island’s complex past ranges from ancient Greek fortifications to a leprosy colony, Venetian fortress, and Turkic settlement. The guided tour of Spinalonga lasts approximately 2 hours, with guides providing insights in both English and German.

While the entrance fee to Spinalonga is not included (about €8), the guided tour helps you make sense of the island’s poignant past. One reviewer shared that their guide’s knowledge made the visit much more meaningful, especially when considering the island’s varied history.

Free Time and Return

After exploring Spinalonga, you’ll have some free time for photos and exploring the ruins before heading back to Elounda around 2:45 PM. The return journey offers more scenic views, making for a peaceful, contemplative cruise back across the bay. By around 3:30 PM, you’ll reach the original meeting point, ending a day packed with memorable moments.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

This tour offers great value considering what’s included:

• Boat ticket and a BBQ menu, which features pork chop, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit.
• Guided tour of Spinalonga in English and German.
• A glass of wine or lemonade included to toast the day.
• A comfortable, well-equipped boat with shaded areas, a bar, and facilities.
• Liability insurance through Generali.

The main costs you should plan for separately are personal expenses and the entrance fee to Spinalonga. Note that hotel transfers aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point in Elounda.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Multiple travelers praised the friendly crew and the quality of the food, with one saying, “Yummy BBQ on the boat and a nice swim in the sea.” The guides are also highlighted for their knowledge, with one mentioning that the guide at Spinalonga added significant value to the visit.

A critic pointed out that the boat ride could be better organized regarding information about where to meet, but overall, the experience was well-organized and smooth. One reviewer even suggested staying longer on the island, which hints that the listed two-hour guided tour might feel a bit rushed for some.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Bring your swimming gear — the waters are inviting, and the stops are perfect for quick dips.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid any last-minute stress, as transfers are not included.
• Book in advance—the tour is popular and usually booked about 17 days ahead.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour of Spinalonga, which involves exploring ruins and uneven terrain.
• Bring cash or a card for personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional drinks on the boat, as not everything is included.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history buffs interested in Crete’s layered past, as well as nature lovers who enjoy swimming in pristine waters. The combination of guided exploration and free time for relaxation offers a good balance.

It’s also suited to travelers who prefer a small-group atmosphere and value a comfortable, well-organized boat ride. If you’re looking for a straightforward, affordable way to explore Spinalonga with some scenic cruising and good food, this tour ticks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

This guided boat tour from Elounda to Spinalonga offers a well-rounded experience blending history, scenic beauty, and leisure. The knowledgeable guides make the island’s complex past accessible, while the boat’s amenities and BBQ lunch ensure comfort and enjoyment throughout the day.

Priced reasonably at around $29, this trip provides solid value—especially considering the included guided tour, food, and drinks. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full day of exploring without feeling rushed or over-structured.

While not including hotel transfers and with a slightly limited window on Spinalonga, the overall experience delivers enough to satisfy those curious about Crete’s history and scenic coastlines. It’s a great choice for those craving a combination of cultural insight, swimming, and laid-back fun in one memorable day.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own transportation to the meeting point?
Yes, since transfer from your hotel isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own way to the boat departure point in Elounda. The meeting spot is near public transportation and easy to access.

Is the boat comfortable and well-equipped?
Absolutely. The vessel has shady spots, a bar, and proper facilities, making the journey both relaxing and enjoyable.

How long do we spend on Spinalonga?
The guided tour is about 2 hours, which many find sufficient to explore the ruins and hear about the island’s history. Some reviewers have suggested it might be a bit short, but it’s enough for a meaningful visit.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, the BBQ lunch with a drink, guided tour in English and German, and insurance. Entrance fee for Spinalonga is not included and must be paid separately.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, the stop at Kolokytha Bay allows you to swim in clear waters, which many guests love. Remember to bring your swimming gear.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers find it suitable, but note that the minimum age for alcohol is 18. If traveling with children, consider their comfort with boat rides and walking on uneven terrain at Spinalonga.

This tour represents a fantastic way to uncover a significant piece of Crete’s history while enjoying the island’s natural beauty and good food. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a swimmer, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Crete itinerary.