Agios Nikolaos: Spinalonga and Kolokitha Island Sailing Trip

The best part of this trip is the chance to see Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress from the sea, then anchor in a quiet bay near Kolokitha for a long swim and meal. You get the pleasures of a small private boat without having to plan the route yourself.

I like the generous time at Kolokitha Bay, where you can swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, or simply stretch out on the sundeck. I also like the private format: with a group of up to 10, the boat feels far more personal than a large day cruise. The main caution is weather. Strong wind and cold can turn an otherwise fine sailing day into a chilly one, so check conditions and pack warm layers as well as swimwear.

Key points at a glance

• Private sailing for up to 10 people: The price works best for a full group, giving you a more personal boat day.
• Spinalonga viewed from the water: You sail around the island and see the Venetian fortress without a land visit.
• Long stop at Kolokitha Bay: The main swimming and meal stop lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes on the longer schedule.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect a meal or snacks, local wine, refreshments, and seasonal fruit.
• Water gear is provided: SUP equipment, snorkeling gear, and fishing equipment are available on board.
• Weather matters: Wind can affect comfort, sailing time, and how much you enjoy the open deck.

Sailing out from Agios Nikolaos Marina

Your day begins at the marina parking lot in Agios Nikolaos. Look for the Eurobank ATM at the parking lot exit, close to the kiosk. The captain meets you there 15 minutes before departure, which gives you time to arrive, find the boat, and settle in without a last-minute dash along the waterfront.

Avanti Sailing offers this as a private group experience, with English and Greek spoken on board. You can sit back on the sundeck, watch the coast slip by, or take an active interest in the sailing procedures. The choice matters. Some people want a quiet day at sea, while others enjoy learning how the boat moves and responds to the wind.

The boat heads out across Mirabello Bay, with about an hour set aside for sailing and coastal views. This first stretch is not just transport to the main stop. It gives you time to feel the rhythm of the boat and get used to the open water before swimming and lunch begin.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and swimwear. I would also bring a light jacket or warm top, even in summer. A recent June departure faced strong wind and cold conditions, with passengers spending much of the day wrapped in towels. The crew proceeded after checking that conditions were safe, but safe does not always mean comfortable.

Seeing Spinalonga from the Cretan Sea

The boat spends roughly 15 minutes around Spinalonga. That sounds brief, but it is enough for a strong first view of the island and its Venetian fortress, especially from a water-level angle that a road trip cannot provide.

This is a sightseeing pass, not a shore excursion. You do not land on Spinalonga or tour its fortifications. Instead, the boat circles or passes around the island while you take in the stone walls and coastal setting from the deck.

That distinction is important when you decide if this trip fits your plans. If your main goal is to walk through Spinalonga and spend time inside the historic site, you need a separate visit. If you have already seen the island on land, or you prefer a relaxed boat day with a memorable view, the water approach is a pleasant addition.

Have your camera ready during this section. The captain’s route and sea conditions determine exactly how long each view lasts, so it is better to watch the scenery than to spend the whole passage adjusting your phone.

Kolokitha Bay gives you the main part of the day

After Spinalonga, the boat continues toward Kolokitha Bay. This is where the trip changes from scenic cruise to slow, flexible beach day. On the longer schedule, you have about 3 hours and 45 minutes in the bay, giving you time to use the water equipment, eat, rest, and enjoy the setting without rushing from one activity to another.

The boat anchors in one of the bay’s attractive coves. From there, you can swim in the clear water, snorkel, look for marine life, paddle on the stand-up paddleboard, or explore along the coast. Fishing equipment is also included, though the available time and conditions will shape how practical that option is.

I like this part because it lets you set your own pace. You can spend the whole stop in the water, or treat the boat as a floating terrace and stay on the sundeck. There is no need to fill every minute. A long anchor stop has value precisely because it leaves room for an unhurried lunch and a quiet hour in the sun.

The water is likely to be the focus, so pack your swimsuit under your clothes and keep sunscreen handy. Towels are not included. You can bring your own, or pay about 25 euros for towel provision. That cost is easy to overlook, especially if you are packing light, so make your choice before leaving the marina.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but you may still want to bring personal goggles if you prefer a particular fit. The supplied equipment, SUP, and fishing gear make this more convenient than arranging separate rentals, especially for a private group with mixed interests.

A local meal, wine, and seasonal fruit on board

Food is served on the boat and changes with the selected duration. The shorter option includes snacks, while the longer option includes lunch. Local ingredients, local wine, refreshments, and seasonal fruit are included.

This is one of the better features for a half-day sailing trip. You do not need to leave the bay to find a restaurant, dry off, and return to the boat. Instead, the meal becomes part of the day at anchor, with the sea around you and time to eat between swims.

The exact menu is not specified, so you should not book this expecting a named dish or a formal multi-course meal. Think of it as a relaxed onboard meal using local products, paired with regional wine and other refreshments. If you have dietary needs, ask Avanti Sailing about them before booking because no special menu information is provided.

The longer option offers the strongest value for people who care about food and time on the water. The shorter option may suit you if you want a taste of sailing, a swim, and a few snacks without giving up most of your afternoon.

Returning to Agios Nikolaos by boat

The return sail to Agios Nikolaos takes about an hour. Depending on your departure time and the chosen duration, you may be back in the late afternoon or near sunset. The final section is a good chance to slow down after swimming and eating, watch the coast, and enjoy the last sea breeze.

The schedule gives a total duration of roughly 4.5 to 6 hours. The exact length depends on availability and the option you select. The time blocks provided for the longer version add up to about six hours: one hour across Mirabello Bay, 15 minutes around Spinalonga, about 3 hours and 45 minutes at Kolokitha, and one hour back.

That timing also explains why the trip feels more like a complete outing than a quick cruise. You spend enough time at anchor to use the equipment and have a proper meal, but you are not committing to a full-day sailing program.

Sunset may be part of the return views, but it depends on the departure time. Do not book solely for a sunset unless the available start time confirms it.

What the $848 private price really means

The price is $848 per group of up to 10 people. At a full group, that works out to about $84.80 per person. For two people, the same boat costs about $424 each, and for four people, about $212 each.

That makes this a group-value experience rather than a budget solo excursion. A family, group of friends, or two smaller parties traveling together can make good use of the private format. If you have ten people, the price includes the boat, sailing service, onboard food, wine, refreshments, fruit, and water equipment, so the package becomes easier to justify.

For a couple, the cost is much harder to defend unless privacy is a major priority. You are paying for the whole boat, not just two seats. The same price structure can be appealing for a special occasion, but it is not the economical choice for independent travelers watching every euro.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The approximate additional cost is 18 euros per person. Since the meeting point is at the marina parking lot, you should factor in your own transport unless you choose the paid transfer option.

The private format also has practical value. Your group can decide who swims, who paddles, and who stays on deck without working around a large crowd. I would especially consider it for families or friends with different ideas about what a good sea day looks like.

Comfort, crew, and the effect of wind

The crew’s communication and onboard attention are important strengths. The sailing team has been described as professional, kind, and attentive, with smooth communication before the trip. That matters here because meeting instructions, weather decisions, and passenger details all need to be handled clearly.

Still, the crew cannot control the sea. Strong wind may make the ride rougher, reduce swimming comfort, or limit how long you want to stay exposed on deck. One June sailing went ahead after conditions were checked, but cold and wind made the day much less enjoyable for the passengers. That is a useful warning, not a reason to reject the trip entirely.

Check the forecast shortly before departure and ask what conditions are expected. Bring a warm layer, dry clothes, and your own towel if possible. A towel is useful for more than drying off when the wind picks up.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people prone to seasickness. If motion on boats often troubles you, this is not the place to test your limits. The open-water route and wind exposure may be uncomfortable even when the captain considers the trip safe.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most?

I would recommend this trip to a group that wants private time on the water, a long swim stop, and a meal without changing boats or moving between venues. It suits people who value flexibility more than a tightly programmed sightseeing tour.

You are a good match if you want to:

• See Spinalonga from the sea rather than tour it on land
• Spend several hours at anchor near Kolokitha Bay
• Swim, snorkel, paddle, or fish from the boat
• Share a private boat with family or friends
• Enjoy local food, wine, and fruit without arranging lunch separately
• Take part in sailing or simply rest on the sundeck

I would look elsewhere if you need a land visit to Spinalonga, dislike open-water motion, or want a low-cost excursion for one or two people. It is also a poor fit if you expect guaranteed calm weather or a fixed menu.

All passengers must provide their full name, passport or ID number, nationality, gender, and date of birth at booking or at least one day before departure. A passport or ID card, or a copy, should be brought with you. This information is required by the port authority, so do not leave it until the morning of the trip.

Should you book the Avanti Sailing experience?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and your ideal day includes swimming, a relaxed meal, and private time at sea. The long Kolokitha stop, included water equipment, and view of Spinalonga give the trip more substance than a simple coastal cruise.

Think twice if you are booking for only one or two people, are sensitive to seasickness, or want to explore Spinalonga on foot. The weather warning deserves real attention. With warm layers and sensible expectations, this can be a memorable Cretan sea day. In poor conditions, the same open-deck design becomes its biggest weakness.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the forecast before you commit to a day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip begin?

The meeting point is at the Eurobank ATM at the exit of the marina parking lot in Agios Nikolaos, close to the kiosk. The captain meets you there 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the sailing trip last?

The available duration is about 4.5 to 6 hours. The exact length depends on the option and start time available when you book.

Is the experience private?

Yes. It is a private group experience for up to 10 people.

Does the boat stop at Spinalonga?

The boat sails around Spinalonga and gives you views of its Venetian fortress from the water. The provided details do not include a landing or walking tour on the island.

How long do you spend at Kolokitha Bay?

The longer schedule allows about 3 hours and 45 minutes at Kolokitha Bay for swimming, snorkeling, free time, food, and other activities.

Is food included?

Yes. The boat provides snacks or lunch depending on the selected duration. Local wine, refreshments, and seasonal fruit are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, and fishing equipment are included.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included. The approximate towel cost is 25 euros, or you can bring your own.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. An optional transfer costs approximately 18 euros per person.

What information must passengers provide before departure?

Each passenger must provide a full name, passport or ID number, nationality, gender, and date of birth at booking or at least one day before departure. A passport or ID card, including a copy, is accepted.