Have Fun Cruising Agios Nikolaos – Elounda Bay

The best part of this Mirabello Bay cruise is its simple plan: sail from Agios Nikolaos, swim in clear water at two different spots, circle Spinalonga for photographs, then return with the rest of your day still free. It is an easy way to get out on the sea without paying for a private boat.

I like the two swimming stops, since Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Gulf offer different settings for a quick splash, sunbathing, or a little snorkeling. I also like the relaxed group-tour price of $24.06, plus the lively touch of a DJ, floating toys, local raki, and watermelon.

The main drawback is that this is a large boat outing, with up to 200 people, and you do not get off at Spinalonga. The second swimming stop can also be choppier, so use your first hour in the water wisely.

Key points at a glance

• Two one-hour swim stops: Spend about an hour at Kolokytha Beach and another hour at Skistra Gulf.
• Spinalonga from the water: Circle the famous former leper island slowly, but do not disembark.
• A low-cost half-day at sea: The $24.06 price keeps the outing affordable and leaves your afternoon open.
• Music and simple extras: A DJ, floating toys, watermelon, and local raki add a casual holiday feel.
• Thursday and Saturday departures: The boat leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 11:00 AM on those days.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and meals are not included, though snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

A four-and-a-half-hour cruise across Mirabello Bay

This outing is built for an easy day on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You meet the boat at Koundourou 6 in Agios Nikolaos, board at the harbour, and spend about an hour cruising slowly across Mirabello Gulf toward Kolokytha Beach.

That slow approach matters. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to the next. The cruise gives you time to look out over the bright blue water and enjoy the coast before the first swim. At the same time, the pace means the journey itself is part of the experience, not just transport between stops.

The boat leaves at 11:00 AM every Thursday and Saturday. The activity lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes and ends back at the same meeting point. I see this timing working well for a morning in Agios Nikolaos, followed by lunch or an afternoon walk after you return.

The group can be as large as 200 people. That helps explain the low price, but it also sets the right expectation. You are joining a social boat excursion, not booking a quiet yacht or a private guide. If you enjoy music, a shared atmosphere, and plenty of room for people to come and go, this format should suit you. If you want silence and personal attention, choose a smaller boat instead.

Kolokytha Beach gives you the first long swim

After roughly an hour of cruising, the boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach. You get about an hour here to swim, sit in the sun, use the floating toys, or explore the water at your own pace.

This is likely the most important stop for anyone who wants a proper swim. The water is described as turquoise and crystal clear, and the boat remains there long enough for you to settle in rather than simply jump overboard for ten minutes. If you are comfortable in the sea, you can make this your main water break.

One practical point deserves attention. Snorkeling equipment is available from the boat, but you must rent or buy it. It is not a free part of the trip, despite snorkeling being listed among the included activity options. If snorkeling matters to you, ask about the equipment and cost before you leave the harbour. You can also bring your own equipment if you have it, though the supplied details do not specify what personal gear is permitted.

Towels are not provided. Pack one, along with swimwear, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride back. The boat has a snack bar with food and drinks at reasonable prices, but meals are not included, so do not treat the included watermelon as lunch.

The first stop may be your best chance for a relaxed swim. The second stop can have more movement in the water, and the current may make you feel as if it is pulling you away from the boat. I would spend enough time here to enjoy the calm water before moving on, rather than saving every minute for the final stop.

Spinalonga is a photo stop, not a shore visit

The cruise then heads toward Spinalonga, also known as Kalydon. This small island is famous for its former leper colony, and seeing it from the water gives you a useful sense of its position in Mirabello Bay.

Do not expect a landing. The boat slowly circles the island, giving you time to take photographs, but you do not disembark. That distinction is important when comparing this outing with a dedicated Spinalonga tour. You will see the island and its shoreline, but you will not walk through its buildings or learn its story from a land-based visit.

Still, the boat approach has its own appeal. From the water, you can photograph the island from several angles and see the surrounding bay at the same time. The slow circle is also less demanding than a shore excursion, especially if your priority is swimming and a pleasant boat ride rather than a full history visit.

I would think of Spinalonga here as a scenic interlude between the two swim stops. It adds a well-known Cretan sight to the day without turning the trip into a history tour. If the island is one of your main reasons for visiting Crete, book a separate visit that includes disembarkation. If you mainly want photographs and sea time, this cruise gives you a convenient look.

Skistra Gulf brings a second hour in the water

After circling Spinalonga, the boat continues to Skistra Gulf. This is presented as the second quiet swimming spot, with about an hour to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and enjoy the surroundings.

Two swim stops make the trip more useful than a simple sightseeing cruise. You get a chance to swim at different parts of the bay, and if the first stop feels crowded or you are not ready to get in yet, the second gives you another opportunity.

Conditions can vary. The water at Skistra Gulf may be choppier, and the movement can make swimming feel less relaxed than at Kolokytha Beach. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s instructions. Floating toys are available, but they are not a substitute for swimming confidence or safety equipment.

You can also use this stop for sunbathing and conversation. The boat’s DJ adds music to the outing, creating more of a holiday party mood than a quiet nature cruise. That may be a plus for families and groups of friends, especially when paired with floating toys, watermelon, and local raki. It may be less appealing if you want only the sound of the sea.

The boat atmosphere is casual and social

Nostos Cruises keeps the experience informal. The crew, music, and open time at the swim stops are meant to let you set your own pace. You are not following a long speech or moving through a list of formal activities every few minutes.

The DJ is a notable part of the mood. Music can make a group boat feel more festive, and it gives the return cruise some energy after the swimming stops. One recent experience described the boat as well maintained and praised the welcoming crew, the DJ, and the scenery. The same feedback also pointed to the water conditions at the second stop, which is useful advice rather than a reason to dismiss the trip.

Local raki and watermelon are included. Raki is a strong Cretan spirit, so take it slowly, especially if you have been swimming in the sun. The snack bar sells other food and drinks, and prices are described as reasonable. Since no meal is supplied, buying something on board or eating before departure is sensible.

The group size affects the feel of the boat. With space for up to 200 people, you should expect a shared outing with other families, couples, and groups. The advantage is price and a lively setting. The trade-off is less personal space and less control over the schedule than you would have on a private charter.

Is $24.06 good value?

At $24.06 per person, the price is strong for a 4.5-hour boat outing that includes transport by sea, two swimming stops, the Spinalonga cruise-by, floating toys, watermelon, and local raki. You are paying for time on the water and access to several parts of Mirabello Bay without the cost of a private boat.

The value is best if you want a broad taste of the area. You get a scenic cruise, a look at Spinalonga, and roughly two hours devoted to swimming. For many people, that is enough for a memorable half-day and leaves the rest of the day open.

The price does not cover everything. Meals are extra, as are drinks from the snack bar and snorkeling equipment if you rent or buy it. Towels are also your responsibility. These costs should not be a surprise, but they do mean the final amount will be more than the headline fare if you need food, gear, or drinks.

Compared with a private boat, this is clearly the budget choice. Compared with staying on shore, it gives you access to swim stops that you cannot reach as easily on foot. I would call it good value for swimmers and casual sightseers, less so for someone mainly interested in walking around Spinalonga.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this cruise to families, couples, and groups of friends who want a straightforward day on the water. The floating toys, music, two swim stops, and casual food service make it easy to enjoy without planning every detail yourself.

It also suits anyone with limited time in Agios Nikolaos. Since the cruise lasts around four and a half hours, you still have part of the day for the town, a meal, or another activity. The return to the original meeting point keeps the logistics simple.

You should think twice if you dislike large groups, loud music, or open-water swimming. The boat may carry up to 200 people, the DJ is part of the experience, and the second stop may have noticeable water movement. It is also not the right choice if you want to set foot on Spinalonga.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The supplied details do not provide further information about specific mobility needs, so contact the provider if you require particular assistance.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also requires a minimum number of people, so if the operator cancels for that reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

My verdict on the Agios Nikolaos boat trip

Book it if you want two long swims, a low fare, and a relaxed half-day on Mirabello Bay. The trip gives you clear water, a scenic circle around Spinalonga, music, and enough free time to enjoy the sea without using your whole day.

Skip it if your main goal is exploring Spinalonga on foot, avoiding crowds, or spending the day on a quiet private boat. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see more of the bay for $24.06, especially if you bring a towel, plan for extra snack costs, and make the most of the calmer first swim stop.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece, at the Agios Nikolaos harbour area.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves at 11:00 AM every Thursday and Saturday.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes and returns to the original meeting point.

Does the boat stop at Spinalonga?

The boat circles Spinalonga slowly for photographs, but you do not get off the island.

How many swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes a swimming stop at Kolokytha Beach and another at Skistra Gulf. Each stop lasts approximately one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included for free?

Snorkeling equipment is available from the boat, but you must rent or buy it. The cost is not included in the tour price.

Are meals and towels included?

Meals and towels are not included. Food and drinks can be purchased at the snack bar on the boat.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.