Ag. Nikolaos Catamaran to Spinalonga – Gourmet Meal & Water Toys

Spinalonga gives this half-day cruise its sense of place. You leave Agios Nikolaos, pass the island fortress and Cave of Barbarossa, then stop in clear water near Kolokithia Beach for swimming and water games. The boat carries up to 20 people, so you get plenty of room without booking a fully private charter.

I especially like the healthy Mediterranean lunch, which includes seafood, vegetarian food, children’s choices on request, and a seasonal dessert. I also like the broad mix of included gear: SUPs, kayak, snorkeling equipment, sea scooter, inflatable slide, and water tube. The main consideration is that this is not always a sailing trip in the traditional sense. The captain may use the motor for the whole outing, depending on weather and safety.

Key points to know before you book

• Spinalonga and Cave of Barbarossa: You pass two of the bay’s most photogenic sights without spending your short cruise on a land visit.
• Two swimming areas: Time is split between sailing and anchoring near beautiful water, with gear for both active play and easy floating.
• Food with more thought behind it: Lunch is designed by a certified nutritionist and includes seafood, vegetarian, and children’s options when requested.
• A real open bar: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included throughout the cruise.
• Comfort for a small group: The catamaran has sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and room for a maximum of 20 people.
• Motor use can vary: If you expect sails filled with wind, ask about the day’s plan. The captain decides how to travel based on conditions.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Bay

The meeting point is the Marina Kiosk at the marina in Agios Nikolaos. The cruise lasts about five hours and returns to the same place, making it easy to fit into a day in town. Hotel pickup is not included, but it can be arranged in advance for €18 per person.

The welcome sets a pleasant tone without wasting much time. You can expect espresso, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and fresh baked treats as you settle in. There are also light protein snacks later, which is useful on a warm day when you may want something small between lunch and the swimming stops.

The catamaran has both sunny and shaded areas. If you want a front-row view of the coast, claim a spot early, but do not assume you must spend five hours in full sun. The shaded lounges matter in Crete, especially during the brightest part of the afternoon.

Soft music plays on board, and free Wi-Fi is available. Those details will appeal to you if you want a social cruise with a little background atmosphere, but this is not designed as a silent, guide-heavy sightseeing boat. You get scenery, food, swimming, and time to enjoy the boat itself.

Spinalonga from the water

The cruise heads around Mirabello Bay toward Spinalonga. The island is known for its fortress and its later use as a leper colony, but this experience views it from the sea rather than taking you ashore. That distinction matters. You will get strong photo angles and a memorable look at the island’s position in the bay, but you will not have time to walk through the settlement or fortress.

Passing Spinalonga by catamaran gives you a different perspective from a standard land excursion. The low profile of the boat keeps your view open, and the wide deck lets you move around for photographs. You can also enjoy the sight without the heat and walking demands of a full historical visit.

The Cave of Barbarossa is another photo stop along the route. The cave is tied to local legend, and seeing it from the water adds a little drama to the cruise. Treat both sights as scenic landmarks rather than a guided history tour. The information provided does not promise a detailed talk about their past.

This part of the outing is best for you if you want to combine Crete’s famous sights with a relaxed day at sea. If Spinalonga is your top historical priority, plan a separate land visit so you can explore properly.

Kolokithia Beach and the swimming stops

The most active part of the cruise comes when the catamaran anchors near Kolokithia Beach. The schedule includes two swimming locations, giving you more than a quick dip beside the boat. The exact time at each spot can change with weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment.

The equipment list is unusually generous for a half-day cruise. You can use high-quality masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, a sea scooter, an inflatable water slide, and a water tube. Inflatable noodles are also available if you prefer to float without much effort.

A floating flamingo and a box of children’s toys, available by request, add a playful touch for families. Fishing equipment is included too, although the description presents it as a gentle fishing experience rather than a serious fishing trip. Swimming jackets and life jackets are available, so you do not need to be a confident swimmer to take part in the water activities.

If you would rather stay dry, the catamaran still works well. You can sit under shade, use a sunbed, listen to music, or watch other people use the toys. That flexibility is one of the best reasons to choose a catamaran over a small excursion boat with limited deck space.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Neither is included, and the boat’s outdoor shower is useful after swimming but does not replace personal beach supplies.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Lunch is a major part of the price. It is prepared from local ingredients and planned by a certified nutritionist, with seafood, vegetarian, and children’s choices available upon request. A seasonal dessert completes the meal.

The food receives some of the strongest praise attached to this cruise. Several people describe lunch as delicious, plentiful, and one of the best parts of the day. Still, one less satisfied account found the portion too small and felt the early baked treats were not enough. My practical advice is simple: do not board expecting a long restaurant meal, and request a special or extra portion if you need more food.

The drinks are self-service and unlimited. Water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included, along with the welcome drinks and protein options. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra and are not part of the open bar.

One important tip: ask the crew early how the drinks station works. The setup is self-service, but it may not be explained clearly to everyone at the start. Once you know where everything is, you can help yourself throughout the cruise.

The food and drinks make this more than a simple boat ride. At $150.18 per person, you are paying for transport on the water, two swimming stops, lunch, a broad equipment selection, and an open bar. If you plan to use the toys and enjoy the meal, the price is easier to justify. If you only want a short scenic ride, it may feel high.

What the five hours really feel like

The timing offers a useful balance. Expect roughly three hours of movement and two hours anchored, based on the reported experience, though the exact split can change. That gives you enough time to see the bay and Spinalonga without rushing through lunch or the water activities.

The boat may motor rather than sail. One account specifically noted that the catamaran used its motor throughout the trip, while the operator explained that the captain makes this choice according to weather and safety. I would treat the word catamaran as a description of the boat, not a promise that you will spend the day under full sail.

Weather can also shape the mood. On a windy or choppy day, the boat may move more than you expect, but the outing can still run well. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the center of the boat, avoid reading during the roughest stretches, and ask the crew for practical help. The supplied information does not state that motion-sickness medication is available, so bring your own if you use it.

The maximum group size is 20. That is large enough for a lively shared outing but small enough that the catamaran should not feel packed. A group of 16 was reported to have plenty of room, which fits the boat’s layout of open deck, sunbeds, and shaded lounges.

Crew, comfort, and the small details

The English-speaking crew handles the boat, food, drinks, and equipment. Most of the feedback praises the staff as friendly, professional, attentive, and well organized. The tone appears relaxed rather than formal, which suits a swim-and-lunch cruise.

The open service style will not suit everyone. Drinks are available for you to collect yourself, and the crew may be more casual than you expect from a luxury charter. If you need something, ask directly. The operator says the crew is willing to explain the setup, help with portions, and assist with seating.

Comfort is one of the boat’s stronger points. You get sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard WC, an outdoor shower, music, Wi-Fi, and swimming jackets. Feminine hygiene products are also listed among the onboard supplies, a small but thoughtful detail.

Private cabins can be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not included in the standard price. Branded gifts are available for special occasions, so mention a birthday or other celebration when booking rather than assuming something will be arranged automatically.

The tour is described as suitable for most people, and it is near public transportation. Hotel transfers are separate. If you are staying outside central Agios Nikolaos, contact the operator before the day of departure about the €18 transfer option.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this cruise for couples, families, and small groups who want a full sea day without paying for a completely private boat. The gear makes it particularly good for people who want choices: paddleboarding for a workout, snorkeling for a closer look at the water, a slide for fun, or a shaded seat for a quiet hour.

Families should request children’s lunch options and the toy box before departure. Swimming jackets, noodles, and the variety of inflatables make the day easier for mixed-age groups, although an adult should still supervise children around the water.

It also suits cruise-ship passengers stopping in Crete. The five-hour length, central marina meeting point, and return to the same place can fit a port day better than a long land excursion. Build in enough time to reach the marina and return to your ship, since the activity provider does not include ship transfers.

You may want another type of outing if you care mainly about history, want a quiet sailing lesson, or dislike shared activities. There is no land exploration of Spinalonga, no guarantee of wind-powered sailing, and no promise of a private cabin.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The tour is often reserved about 44 days ahead, so booking early makes sense if you have fixed dates in Agios Nikolaos. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time.

Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cut-off times follow local time in Crete. The cruise also needs good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers force a cancellation, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

The advertised rating is 4.9 from 33 ratings, with 97 percent recommending the experience. That points to a strong overall record, but the details matter more than the number: lunch, crew, boat comfort, swimming, and the relaxed format are the consistent strengths, while food portions, self-service drinks, and motor use are the areas to understand before paying.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want Spinalonga views, two swimming stops, a good lunch, an open bar, and a generous set of water toys in one five-hour outing. The combination gives you plenty to do, yet you can also spend the day stretched out under shade with a drink.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a family or group with mixed interests. Ask for children’s or vegetarian food in advance, bring a towel and sunscreen, and do not count on sailing under wind power. If your ideal day is a history-focused visit to Spinalonga or a quiet private yacht charter, choose something else. For an active, comfortable shared cruise around Mirabello Bay, this is a strong value when you plan to use what is included.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at Marina Kiosk in the marina at Agios Nikolaos, Crete. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

What places does the catamaran visit?

The route includes the marina of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga, Kolokithia Beach, and Mirabello Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but a transfer can be pre-booked through the operator for €18 per person.

What food is included?

You receive a healthy Mediterranean lunch prepared with local ingredients, along with a seasonal dessert. Seafood, vegetarian, and children’s options can be requested.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and light protein snacks are also provided.

Are water activities included?

Yes. Included equipment includes snorkeling gear, SUPs, a kayak, sea scooter, water tube, inflatable slide, noodles, swimming jackets, and an inflatable flamingo.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items.

Is the cruise conducted in English?

Yes. The professional crew speaks English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date or experience. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.