Crete: Boat Trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach

This Crete boat tour offers a well-rounded day out, combining sightseeing, swimming, and a bit of history—all aboard a comfortable boat with plenty of scenic views. From the moment you set sail from Elounda, you’ll notice how smoothly the experience flows, with stops at iconic spots like Spinalonga Island and the tranquil Kolokytha Beach. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of culture and relaxation, especially if you’re not keen on long hikes or overly crowded excursions.

One thing we really like about this tour is how it manages to deliver a variety of experiences in one day, from exploring Venetian ruins to lounging on pristine beaches. Plus, the onboard amenities—like a salad and fruit bar—add a nice touch of comfort to the adventure. However, if you’re someone who prefers a more personalized or less crowd-heavy setting, this might feel a bit busy, especially during peak season.

This trip is best suited for those who appreciate a scenic cruise with multiple stops, family groups, or anyone eager to get a taste of Crete’s coastline, history, and natural beauty. It’s particularly good for travelers who want value for money and a well-organized day out that covers key sights without overloading the schedule.

Key Points

• Comfortable and organized full-day cruise from Elounda with hotel transfers included
• Visits to iconic spots: Spinalonga fortress, Barbarossa cave, Skistra Beach, and Kolokytha Beach
• Ideal for a mix of sightseeing and relaxing: swimming, sunbathing, and exploring
• Onboard amenities: salad bar, fruit, and beverages—plus optional cocktails at extra cost
• Suitable for all ages, with plenty of photo opportunities and easy swimming stops
• Good value at $71 per person, especially considering the inclusions and variety of experiences

An In-Depth Review of the Crete Boat Trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup and drop-off options from several locations, including Heraklion, Malia, Kokkini Hani, and Gouves, among others. This makes it quite accessible whether you’re staying in a busy town or a quieter spot. The transportation is in air-conditioned buses, which is a welcome comfort after a night of exploring or a hot morning.

Once onboard, the journey to Elounda is smooth and typically lasts around 4.5 hours of sailing. The boat itself is a key part of the experience—well-maintained, spacious enough for groups, and with a friendly crew that makes everyone feel welcomed. From reviews, we can gather that the crew, led by friendly guides like Ilija from Serbia, is both helpful and accommodating.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

Sailors get their first glimpse of Spinalonga, famous for its Venetian fortress and as a former leper colony. The island’s scenery is captivating, with the fortress perched dramatically above the water. Our reviewers note that the views are one of the trip’s highlights. The chance to see the fortress up close, along with the chance to take photos, makes this stop particularly special.

The tour description mentions that the fortress was once used as a leper colony, which adds a layer of historical interest. While the guide’s commentary isn’t detailed here, travelers with an interest in history will appreciate this stop. The boat allows a decent amount of time for photos and brief explorations, though it’s not a deep tour of the island itself. Most will find the quick stop sufficient for capturing memorable shots and soaking in the scenery.

Barbarossa Cave: Natural Wonder and Pirate Lore

Next, the boat heads toward the Barbarossa cave, named after the notorious pirate Barbarossa who is said to have used it as a hideout. This natural formation is visually striking, with its rugged exterior and the chance to peer into its dark depths from the boat. Visitors can take photos from the deck, and some may choose to explore the cave’s surroundings more closely if the opportunity arises.

From reviews, the cave is a highlight for many, offering a moment to marvel at natural geological formations. It also provides an interesting story element—pirate hideouts always add a dash of adventure. The actual exploration is brief, but the photo opportunities are plentiful.

Beaches for Swimming and Relaxation

The tour’s focus on swimming is very clear. The first stop at Skistra Beach is about crystal-clear waters and tranquil scenery. Reviewers mention the beach’s peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, making it an ideal spot to cool off after the sightseeing. The calm waters are perfect for a swim, and the soft sands invite you to lay back and soak up the sun.

The next stop is Kolokytha Beach, which offers more of that classic turquoise water and pristine sand. Surrounded by lush greenery, this beach provides a picturesque backdrop for photos and a relaxing environment. The reviews highlight how the lush vegetation and clear waters make it feel like a private paradise, even if it’s a popular spot.

Onboard Food and Drinks

Food is a pleasant surprise on this tour. The salad bar and fruit bar are included, providing healthy, fresh snacks during the cruise. Water is served alongside the fruits and salads, ensuring hydration after a swim or sunbathing.

Reviewers appreciate the quality and variety of the onboard provisions, with one mentioning that the salad and fruit are “very nice” and a good way to keep energy levels up. For those wishing to indulge further, cocktails can be ordered at an extra cost—adding a festive touch to the trip.

Duration and Pacing

This tour is precisely 8 hours long, including pickup, transfer, sailing, stops, and return. The itinerary is well-paced; with stops spaced out to avoid fatigue, and enough free time at each location to enjoy the scenery and relax.

Cost and Value

At $71 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the inclusions: transportation, guide, boat ticket, and onboard food. The reviews suggest it’s a good deal for the experience provided—covering both cultural sights and relaxing beaches without the hassle of planning individual transfers and meals.

Additional Considerations

While the overall experience is positive, travelers should note that the trip can be busy, especially during peak season. The group size is not explicitly mentioned but typically includes multiple stops and a shared boat experience, which means some may prefer quieter, more intimate tours if that’s a priority.

Bringing cash is recommended if you want to purchase cocktails or extra snacks from the bar. Also, pack comfortable shoes, beachwear, and sun protection, as you’ll be spending plenty of time outside in the sun.

Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced day of sightseeing and leisure. It suits those who enjoy history, scenic views, and the chance to swim in beautiful waters without strenuous activities. Families, couples, and solo travelers will appreciate the relaxed pace and friendly crew. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking for a value-packed experience that covers some of Crete’s most notable sights in one day.

If you’re after a customized tour or prefer avoiding crowds, you might find this experience a bit structured. But for most, the combination of stunning scenery, engaging stops, and onboard comfort makes it a worthwhile outing.

The Sum Up

This Crete boat trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach delivers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to explore some of the island’s highlights. The stops at historical sites and pristine beaches combine to make a day that’s both enriching and relaxing. The onboard food and drinks, friendly staff, and comfortable transportation further elevate the experience, offering excellent value for the price.

For those who love a mix of history and nature, and want to spend a day cruising along Crete’s coast with plenty of photo ops, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a fantastic option for travelers wanting to make the most of their time in Crete—without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, a multilingual guide, boat ticket, and onboard salad and fruit bars. Water is also provided with the meals, and liability insurance is included.

Are drinks and snacks available on board?
Yes, there is a bar offering cocktails and soft drinks at extra cost, but the included snacks are limited to the salad and fruit bars.

How long is the boat cruise?
The entire trip lasts about 8 hours, with approximately 4.5 hours of sailing time on the boat.

What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, beachwear, sunscreen, and cash if you want to buy additional drinks or snacks from the bar.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed pace and opportunities for swimming make it suitable for all ages, though parents should keep an eye on children during swimming stops.

Are the stops at beaches long enough for swimming?
Yes, the stops at Skistra and Kolokytha beaches are designed for swimming and relaxing, giving you ample time to enjoy the water and sun.

Can I customize the experience or choose specific stops?
This particular tour follows a set itinerary with scheduled stops. For more customizable options, other experiences might be available, but this one offers a well-balanced, pre-planned day.