From Ag. Nikolaos: Spinalonga & Kolokytha Cruise with Lunch

Taking a boat tour around Crete’s stunning northeastern coast offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and relaxation. This 5.5-hour cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Bay, operated by NOSTOS CRUISES, promises a day packed with memorable sights, cultural insights, and a laid-back vibe. For travelers who love combining gentle adventure with authentic local flavor, this trip ticks many boxes.

What makes this experience stand out? We’re particularly drawn to the opportunity to explore Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress and leper colony, along with the chance to unwind on a small, beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. The on-board barbecue and scenic views add to the overall charm. However, a potential downside is that the lunch might not satisfy everyone — some reviews mention it’s quite basic, with meat not always being top-quality, which could be a bummer for foodies.

This tour is best suited for those interested in history, scenic cruising, and relaxed beach moments. It’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and a casual meal in a stunning setting. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for those with mobility issues, as walking around Spinalonga involves some uneven terrain.

Key Points

• Historic exploration: Self-guided tour of Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress and former leper colony.
• Beautiful scenery: Crystal waters of Kolokytha Bay perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Affordable price: Around $30.49 per person, offering good value considering the experiences included.
• Onboard meal: Barbecue with pork, salad, bread, and seasonal fruit, with vegetarian options upon request.
• Limited free time: About 1.5 hours at Spinalonga, and 1.5 hours at Kolokytha, which some found a bit rushed.
• No included tickets: Entry to Spinalonga costs extra, but tickets are reasonably priced at around €20 for adults.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the port of Agios Nikolaos, on Koundourou Street, where you should arrive about 30 minutes before departure. The boat, operated by NOSTOS CRUISES, features a large, comfortable vessel with both shaded and open-air seating — perfect for enjoying Crete’s sunshine. The group size can vary, but reviews mention a well-organized experience with attentive crew.

The Cruise across Mirabello Bay

As you set sail, you’ll cruise across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello, with views of the rugged coast and the town of Agios Nikolaos fading behind you. The boat offers great photo opportunities, especially on the upper deck, where the breeze keeps everyone cool.

Visiting Spinalonga

The highlight for many is the stop at Spinalonga, a small island famous for its Venetian fortifications and the leper colony that once thrived here. You’re given about 1.5 hours to explore, which is enough to walk around at a leisurely pace, check out the old houses, and read the informational boards. A printed guide with pictures and stories is provided, helping you understand the island’s complex past.

One reviewer pointed out that “Spinalonga was fantastic,” and appreciated the ample time to explore it at their own pace. However, some noted that without a guided tour, you might miss certain nuances, so a self-guided approach works well for those eager to wander freely.

The Bay of Kolokytha and Swimming

After the historical immersion, the boat heads to the opposite side of Kolokytha island, where it moors at the bay for a 1.5-hour swim and sunbathing session. The waters here are praised for being crystal-clear and turquoise, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Some reviews mention that the beach is small and can get crowded quickly, so arriving early or staying on the boat as some did ensures a more relaxed experience.

Lunch by the Sea

While anchored, the crew prepares a barbecue, typically offering pork chops, cabbage salad, fresh bread, seasonal fruit, and wine. Vegetarian options are available if requested at check-in. Many reviewers enjoyed the meal for its simplicity and flavor, describing it as “a wonderful lunch” served in a scenic setting. However, a few mentioned that the quality of the meat can vary — some found the pork to be undercooked or not as fresh as hoped.

One guest humorously remarked that “lunch was basic, with meat and salad, but the views more than made up for it.” This highlights how the experience is as much about the setting as the food.

Return and Reflection

The boat returns to Agios Nikolaos around 3 PM, giving you a full morning of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. The overall flow of the tour is smooth, with the crew efficiently managing time at each stop, as many reviews appreciate.

At approximately $30.49 per person, this cruise offers a reasonable price considering the combination of historical exploration, scenic cruising, swimming, and a seaside barbecue. The cost covers the boat, the printed guide, and the meal, but keep in mind that entry tickets to Spinalonga are extra — about €20 for adults, which is quite manageable.

The review comments reveal that many felt the experience was worth the price, especially given the excellent views, interesting history, and the relaxing atmosphere onboard. For travelers on a budget or seeking a laid-back day, this outing provides a satisfying balance of content and comfort.

What’s Not Included

• Entry to Spinalonga: €20 (approximate)
• Beverages (other than wine included in lunch): Not provided, so bring cash if you want drinks.
• Towels and personal items: Not supplied; bring your own if you plan to swim.
• Hotel transfers: Not included, so plan your transportation to the port beforehand.

This cruise is perfect for history buffs interested in Spinalonga’s past, families seeking a relaxed day by the sea, and couples looking for a scenic, laid-back escape. It’s especially appealing if you love cruising, swimming, and enjoying good views without a heavy price tag. Those expecting a gourmet meal or a guided tour of the island might find the food and self-guided nature a bit lacking, but most appreciated the freedom and scenic moments.

Not ideal for travelers with mobility issues, as exploring Spinalonga can involve uneven terrain. Also, if you’re a foodie expecting a high-end meal, the barbecue might be underwhelming.

This Spinalonga & Kolokytha cruise offers a solid blend of history, scenery, and relaxation at a budget-friendly price. With a well-organized itinerary, friendly crew, and the chance to explore one of Greece’s most iconic islands, it’s a great choice for those wanting a taste of authentic Crete without overcomplicating things.

The experience’s highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Spinalonga, where you’ll get a sense of the island’s layered past. The swim stop at Kolokytha offers the refreshing break that many travelers crave, while the onboard barbecue provides a simple, satisfying meal in a stunning setting.

If you’re after a low-stress day with scenic views and accessible history, this tour is likely to deliver. Just prepare for a straightforward meal, and you’ll enjoy a memorable slice of Crete’s coastal charm.

Do I need to buy tickets to Spinalonga in advance?
No, tickets are purchased separately on-site, costing around €20 for adults. The cruise itself includes a printed guide, but not the entry fee.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. You should inform the crew at boarding if you’d like a vegetarian meal.

How long is each stop?
You get approximately 1.5 hours on Spinalonga and 1.5 hours at Kolokytha Bay — enough for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, though some reviews suggest it can be just a bit rushed.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Yes, the vessel is described as large and well-equipped, with both shaded and open areas, suitable for enjoying the scenery comfortably.

Are drinks included?
Only the wine served with lunch is included. Other beverages are available for purchase on board.

Can I bring my own towels and sun protection?
Yes. Towels are not supplied, so bring one if you plan to swim, along with a sun hat and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes, especially for families with older children who can handle walking around Spinalonga. However, travelers with mobility issues might find it challenging.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, cash for extras, and your ID or voucher for check-in.

This cruise from Agios Nikolaos offers a fantastic way to see Crete’s highlights in a relaxed, affordable manner, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, historical insights, and seaside fun.