Ag. Nikolaos: Catamaran Trip with Sushi, Drinks, & Water Toys

The best part of this Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip is the change of pace. You leave the marina behind, motor across calm Mirabello Gulf, and spend the afternoon in a quiet bay with the sea as your swimming pool. Spinalonga provides the big photo moment, especially from the open deck.

I like the generous range of water gear, from SUP boards and snorkeling masks to a kayak, sea scooter, fishing kit, and inflatable slide. I also like that drinks, food, coffee, Wi-Fi, shaded seating, and an onboard WC are included. The main point to consider is that this may be more of a comfortable motor cruise than a true sailing trip, and one passenger found the boat crowded even below full capacity.

Key points to know before booking

• Spinalonga views come from the water: You see the island from the catamaran rather than touring it on foot.
• The five-hour trip includes a full water-toy setup: Expect SUP boards, a kayak, snorkeling equipment, a sea scooter, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and a slide.
• The food is included: An onboard Mediterranean meal is served while you relax, with vegetarian and children’s choices available on request.
• The open bar covers the basics: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included, while cocktails cost extra.
• The boat carries up to 20 people: This keeps the outing fairly small, though the layout can still feel busy at times.
• The experience returns to Agios Nikolaos: Hotel transfers are not included, but the provider says they can be arranged on request.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

The meeting point is at Marina Kiosk in Agios Nikolaos. The end point is the same marina, which makes the trip easy to fit into a day based in town. Still, allow time to find the boat. The meeting point has been described as vague, so you should not leave this until the last minute.

The catamaran is the Artemis, a modern boat with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and an onboard toilet. That mix matters. You can stretch out in the sun, move into shade, or rinse off after swimming without having to cut your time on the water short.

The cruise lasts about five hours and usually runs in the late afternoon. That timing gives you softer light for photos and a better chance of enjoying the coast without the harsh midday sun. It also makes the outing feel more like an evening occasion than a simple transport trip.

One detail is worth clearing up before you pay. The tour description calls the included meal dinner, while the inclusions refer to a nutritionist-designed healthy lunch. Either way, you should expect a prepared onboard meal rather than a restaurant stop. The food has received strong praise, though one passenger found the selection limited on the day.

A scenic ride past Spinalonga

The route takes you through the tranquil waters of Mirabello Gulf. From the deck, you get broad views of the coast and a different angle on Spinalonga Island, one of the area’s most recognizable sights.

This is a photo-friendly part of the trip. The island sits offshore, and the catamaran gives you time to take pictures from the water rather than rushing past on a transfer boat. You may want to keep your phone ready, but also leave room to enjoy the view without framing every moment.

The wording promises sailing, yet practical expectations should be modest. One passenger reported that the boat motored rather than sailed. If you are booking for the pleasure of wind in the sails and silent travel, this could disappoint you. If your priority is a stable ride, good views, and time to swim, the motorized format is less of a problem.

The catamaran’s size offers a useful middle ground. With a maximum of 20 people and a crew of three, you get more attention than on a large excursion boat. At the same time, 20 people sharing sunbeds, shaded areas, and water equipment can feel lively rather than private. If you want the calmest possible setting, booking early and checking whether a smaller departure is available would be sensible.

Two hours around a clear-water bay

The main stop is in a peaceful bay in Mirabello Gulf. The boat anchors, and you are free to use the water equipment or simply sit on deck. The stop is listed as lasting about two hours, which gives you enough time to try several activities without turning the whole outing into a rushed equipment rotation.

Swimming is the simplest option. The water is described as clear and refreshing, and swimming jackets are supplied. Inflatable noodles are also available if you prefer to float rather than keep moving.

For active passengers, the equipment list is unusually broad for a half-day cruise:

• High-quality masks and fins for snorkeling
• Stand-up paddleboards
• A kayak
• A sea scooter
• An inflatable water slide
• Fishing equipment
• Inflatable noodles
• An inflatable flamingo for photos

You can move between activities at your own pace. Try the SUP, paddle the kayak, look beneath the surface with the snorkeling gear, or use the sea scooter for a quick burst of fun. The fishing is described as gentle fishing, so think of it as a light onboard activity rather than a serious fishing trip.

The inflatable flamingo and slide add a playful touch, especially for families and groups of friends. They also make the trip less formal. This is not a quiet yacht charter where everyone sits neatly with a glass of wine. It is a social water outing with plenty of ways to get wet.

The bay stop is also where the trip’s limitations show most clearly. Equipment is shared, and the boat may feel crowded if several people want the same activity at once. One passenger still found the swim stops excellent, but felt the catamaran was busy even below its stated maximum.

Food, drinks, and the onboard rhythm

While you swim and play, the crew prepares the included Mediterranean meal. The food is one of the strongest parts of the experience, and the meal is designed to suit different appetites. Vegetarian and children’s choices can be requested, so make that request when booking rather than assuming it will be arranged automatically.

The description also mentions sushi-style food in the tour title, along with healthy meal planning, protein cocktails, and light protein snacks. The exact balance of those items may vary, so I would treat the meal as a prepared mixed menu rather than expect a formal sushi dinner.

Drinks are plentiful within the included selection. You get water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine, along with espresso, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and light snacks. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the open-bar selection are not included.

That setup is useful because you do not have to budget separately for basic drinks during a five-hour outing. It also lets you enjoy a glass of wine after swimming without arranging another stop. If cocktails are important to you, add that cost to your mental price before booking.

Music plays on board, and free Wi-Fi is available. Those details will appeal to anyone who wants to share photos during the cruise, though the best reason to keep Wi-Fi is practical rather than social. You can stay connected while still spending most of the time outside.

How much value do you get for $150.18?

At $150.18 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Crete. The value comes from the package. You are paying for about five hours aboard a luxury catamaran, a prepared meal, an open selection of basic drinks, a three-person crew, and a long list of water equipment.

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboard rental, the price becomes easier to justify. The cost also makes more sense for passengers who plan to use the water toys. If you only want to sit in the sun and look at Spinalonga, a shorter or simpler boat ride may offer better value.

The trip is booked an average of 38 days ahead, which suggests that planning matters during busy periods. Booking early may also help you secure your preferred date and avoid paying more close to departure. One passenger specifically felt that early booking would make the price easier to justify.

I would compare this outing with private charters before deciding. A private boat would offer more control and privacy, but likely at a much higher total cost. This catamaran gives you many of the comforts of a premium charter while keeping the price per person manageable.

Crew service and comfort on the Artemis

The professional crew speaks English, and the service has been praised as attentive and safety-conscious. With three crew members looking after up to 20 passengers, you should have help with equipment, food, and general questions during the trip.

Safety equipment includes life jackets and swimming jackets, while liability insurance is included. The crew also has a complete fishing setup, snorkeling gear, and flotation aids ready for use. That takes some of the planning burden away from you.

Comfort is another strong point. Sunbeds let you stretch out, while shaded lounges give you a break from the sun. The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, and the onboard WC saves you from waiting until the boat returns to shore.

The boat is described as modern and luxurious, but do not confuse that with a private, silent setting. The social atmosphere is part of the deal. Music, children, shared toys, and group water activities can make the catamaran feel cheerful and active. Couples looking for a romantic afternoon can enjoy it, but should not expect total seclusion.

For birthdays or other special occasions, the provider offers a branded gift. Personal feminine hygiene products are also available, a small but thoughtful practical detail. Private cabins may be available on request, but they are not guaranteed and are not included in the standard price.

Who will enjoy this Crete catamaran trip?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several experiences bundled into one outing. You can see Spinalonga, swim in a quiet bay, try water sports, eat on board, and return to Agios Nikolaos without arranging several separate bookings.

It suits families because of the life jackets, children’s meal options, toy box by request, inflatable slide, noodles, and flamingo. Children who lose interest in swimming have other activities to try, although parents should still expect to supervise them around the water.

It also suits couples. The late-afternoon timing, open deck, drinks, meal, and coastal views create a pleasant setting for a birthday or special occasion. Just remember that the boat is shared, so romance comes with a social backdrop rather than complete privacy.

Active passengers will get the most from the price. If you want to use the SUP, kayak, snorkeling kit, sea scooter, and fishing gear, the five-hour schedule gives you real choice. You can also spend the whole stop relaxing if that is what you need.

I would hesitate if your main goal is traditional sailing. The boat may motor for much of the route. I would also think twice if you dislike group outings, crowded decks, or shared equipment. The capacity is limited to 20, but limited does not mean private.

Booking details worth knowing

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged on request. You should bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items.

Most people can participate, but the operator does not describe this as an accessible specialist excursion. If you have specific mobility or medical needs, ask the provider before booking rather than relying on the general participation statement.

The cancellation policy is flexible if your plans change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The trip depends on good weather, and a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Agios Nikolaos catamaran cruise if you want a well-equipped half-day on the sea, with food, drinks, Spinalonga views, and several ways to use the water. The excellent crew service, broad equipment list, comfortable boat, and strong meal make it more than a basic sightseeing ride.

Skip it if you want a quiet private charter or a sailing-focused trip under wind power. Also check the meeting point carefully, bring a towel, and ask about the meal and any special food needs before departure. For couples, families, and active groups who value convenience, the $150.18 price is reasonable when you use what is included.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and returns to the marina in Agios Nikolaos.

Where does the cruise begin and end?

It begins at Marina Kiosk, Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is Spinalonga Island visited on foot?

No. The route provides views and photo opportunities of Spinalonga Island from the catamaran.

What water activities are included?

Swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, gentle fishing, and use of the sea scooter and inflatable water slide are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes a prepared onboard meal, water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and light protein snacks. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond the stated selection cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins are provided, along with swimming jackets, life jackets, and inflatable noodles.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.