Agios Nikolaos: Fun Cruise Around Elounda Bay

If you’re heading to Crete and love the idea of combining beautiful scenery with relaxed waterside activities, this boat tour from Agios Nikolaos offers a pretty appealing way to spend half a day. The cruise covers highlights like Kolokytha Beach, Spinalonga Island, and the Skistra Gulf, packed with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling — all aboard a comfortable boat that promises a laid-back vibe.

One thing we particularly like about this experience is its value for money, especially considering the reviews praising its affordability and the quality of the stops. The inclusion of local drinks like raki, fresh fruit, and floating toys makes it feel like a genuine, friendly outing rather than a commercialized tour. However, potential travelers should consider that snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you’re eager to explore underwater, you’ll need to bring your own or rent nearby.

This cruise is best suited for those who want a casual and scenic day at sea, especially families, couples, or small groups looking for a combination of gentle adventure and relaxation. If you prefer a more active or cultural experience on land, this might not be your top pick, but for a leisurely day on the water, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Relaxed 4.5-hour trip ideal for a quick yet immersive experience around Elounda Bay
• Includes swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling opportunities (equipment not included)
• Comfortable boat with friendly crew and lively atmosphere, often complemented by music and drinks
• Affordable price point offers great value, especially with food, drinks, and floating toys included
• Stops at Kolokytha Beach, Spinalonga Island, and Skistra Gulf for varied scenery and activities
• Good for families, couples, and friends seeking relaxation and scenic views without heavy hiking or touristy crowds

In-Depth Look at What to Expect

Starting Point and Duration

This tour begins at the main harbor in Agios Nikolaos, providing easy access for most travelers staying nearby. The total length of the cruise is about 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that leaves plenty of time to explore other parts of Crete afterward. Starting times vary, so checking availability in advance ensures you fit it into your itinerary smoothly.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise kicks off with a gentle hour-long sail along Mirabello Gulf. During this time, you’ll get to appreciate the calm, blue waters and perhaps enjoy some first glimpses of the stunning coastline. From reviews, it’s clear that the crew aims to make this part feel relaxed, often accompanied by music, which sets a lively yet chilled tone.

Next, the boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach, a small, isolated stretch of sand surrounded by turquoise waters. Here, guests have about 75 minutes for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. The water is often described as crystal clear, making it tempting to jump straight in. Reviewers like Richard appreciated the “lovely locations for swim stops,” highlighting how the shallow waters make it easy for everyone to enjoy. Be aware that snorkeling equipment isn’t included, but if you bring your own, you’ll be rewarded with good visibility and a chance to see fish close up.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

The next stop is the well-known Spinalonga Island, famed for its history as a leper colony. The boat cruises around the island, giving guests a chance to admire its fortress-like walls and scenic surroundings from the water. Though the tour doesn’t include a land visit, many reviews mention the beauty of the water around Spinalonga, which often makes for stunning photos.

Final Stop: Skistra Gulf

The last main stop is the Skistra Gulf, a hidden paradise ideal for snorkeling and relaxing. With around 75 minutes here, you’ll have time to swim, snorkel (equipment not provided), or simply soak up the sun. Multiple reviewers remarked how great the water was for snorkeling, with vibrant fish and clear visibility, making it a highlight for water lovers.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The tour includes a welcome drink of local raki, a small bowl of watermelon, floating toys, and some soft drinks available for purchase. Many reviews mention the good-value bar, with drinks costing around €2.50 for a tin of Pepsi, and grilled snacks like hot dogs and souvlaki for sale on board. Lars even praised the DJ, who keeps the energy lively with relaxing tunes in the morning and upbeat party music on the return leg.

While unlimited drinks are not included, the options available are enough to keep the mood festive without breaking the bank. The crew, often described as warm and welcoming, seem focused on creating a friendly, fun environment that’s perfect for families or groups of friends.

Additional Details & Practical Tips

• Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, so bring your own if you wish to explore underwater.
• The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with enough room for everyone to relax.
• The seas are generally calm, but the experience may vary depending on sea conditions, so check the weather forecast beforehand.
• The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off; you’ll need to meet at the main harbor in Agios Nikolaos.
• If motion sickness is a concern, the size of the boat and the relatively short sailing distances tend to make it comfortable for most. One reviewer with motion sickness noted that the boat’s pace and stopping points made it manageable.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

The reviews consistently praise the friendly crew and their effort to make the day enjoyable. Richard mentioned “plenty of room and seating,” which is important for comfort during the cruise. Many guests appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, with music, drinks, and the chance to swim in some of the clearest waters they’ve ever seen, according to a reviewer who called it “one of the clearest waters I have ever seen.”

The value for money is a recurring theme: at around €17 per person, many say it’s hard to beat considering the stops, the included snacks, and the scenic beauty. Several reviews highlight how good the food and drinks are for the price, with grilled pork sticks and affordable soft drinks adding to the experience.

What People Love Most

• The stunning scenery around Elounda Bay and Spinalonga
• The friendly, attentive crew creating a welcoming vibe
• The quality of the water for swimming and snorkeling
• The value for money, with generous stops and included snacks
• The relaxed pace that’s perfect for families and those wanting to unwind

Possible Drawbacks

Some travelers noted that snorkeling equipment isn’t included, which could be disappointing for underwater enthusiasts. Others mentioned the loud party music on the return trip, which may not suit everyone, especially families with young children or those seeking tranquility. Also, not including hotel pickup means you need to plan your own transportation to the harbor.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic cruise that balances gentle adventure with plenty of relaxing time, this trip hits the spot. It’s particularly good for those wanting to escape the busy beaches, explore some of Crete’s iconic sights from the water, and enjoy good food and drinks without breaking the bank. Families with kids, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun, social outing will find this cruise well-suited to their needs.

However, if snorkeling is a priority or you prefer a more structured, land-based tour, you might want to explore other options. Those seeking history or cultural tours might find this trip more about scenery and leisure, rather than in-depth exploration.

The Sum Up

This Agios Nikolaos boat cruise offers a great mix of scenery, relaxation, and affordability for a scenic day out on Crete. With stops at Kolokytha Beach, Spinalonga Island, and Skistra Gulf, it provides enough variety to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the views. The friendly crew, lively atmosphere, and good food contribute to a positive experience that many travelers seem to cherish.

If you’re looking for an uncomplicated way to enjoy Crete’s azure waters and stunning coastlines without the hassle of longer excursions, this tour is worth considering. It’s best suited for those who want a laid-back day of fun on the sea, with enough comfort and value to make it a memorable highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, you will need to meet at Agios Nikolaos main harbor, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise runs about 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
No, snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to explore underwater.

What drinks are available onboard?
A welcome drink of local raki and some soft drinks are included; additional drinks are available for purchase at reasonable prices.

Can I buy food on board?
Yes, grilled snacks like hot dogs and pork sticks are for sale; many guests bring their own picnic, too.

Is the water safe for swimming?
Yes, the waters at Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Gulf are clear and shallow, ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Will there be music on the boat?
Yes, there’s a DJ who plays relaxing music in the morning and lively tunes on the return trip, which many guests enjoy.

Who would enjoy this cruise most?
Families, couples, or friends wanting a relaxed day with scenic views, swimming, and good value will love this experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with motion sickness?
Most guests find it comfortable, especially since the boat is large and the sailing is gentle, but if you’re sensitive, bring medication just in case.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, snorkeling gear if you have it, sunscreen, and some cash for extra snacks or drinks are recommended.