Agios Nikolaos: Fun Cruise Around Elounda Bay

If you’re exploring Crete and love the idea of a laid-back day on the water, this boat cruise from Agios Nikolaos offers a blend of scenic views, water activities, and local flavors. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the widespread praise and detailed reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a relaxing yet engaging day out on the sea.

What makes this trip appealing? First, it provides beautiful cruising through Mirabello Bay with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Second, the stops at Kolokytha Beach and Spinalonga are highlights — offering clear waters and intriguing history. Finally, the friendly crew and good value for money, according to many reviewers, make this a popular pick.

One thing to consider is that snorkeling equipment isn’t included** — so if you’re eager to explore underwater, you’ll need to bring your own or rent elsewhere. This cruise suits travelers after a mix of gentle adventure, scenic beauty, and a taste of local life. Families, couples, and groups looking for a calm, social day at sea will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and calm waters make for an easy, relaxing cruise experience.
• Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Gulf.
• Good value with included drinks, a welcome Raki, and light snacks.
• Family-friendly with plenty of space and floating toys for kids.
• Informative crew and a lively atmosphere, especially with the onboard DJ.
• Weather-dependent — sea conditions may influence the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on This Elounda Bay Cruise

This 4.5-hour trip is a great way to spend half a day soaking up Crete’s gorgeous coastline without feeling rushed. Starting in Agios Nikolaos harbor, the boat sets out on a slow cruise along Mirabello Bay, giving you plenty of time to admire the scenic waterfront and get a feel for the local vibe.

The first stop is Kolokytha Beach, about an hour into the trip. The boat will anchor here for around 75 minutes, giving you ample time to swim in the turquoise waters or just lounge on deck with a local drink. Reviewers rave about the crystal-clear waters and isolated beaches, ideal for relaxing away from crowds. One guest noted, “We enjoyed several free snacks including cucumber and watermelon chunks and a shot of Raki,” which adds a local touch to the experience.

Next, the cruise heads to Spinalonga Island, famous for its history as a leper colony. You’ll sail around the island’s waters, soaking in the views and learning about its story. Many reviews mention the beauty of the scenery and the intriguing history of the island, making it a perfect photo stop and a chance to appreciate Crete’s layered past.

The final stop is the Skistra Gulf, another hidden paradise popular for snorkeling and swimming. Here, you’ll have about 75 minutes to enjoy the water — floating toys like pool noodles are provided, and the shallow waters make it ideal for kids or beginners. One reviewer shared, “Great activity — both stops for swimming were amazing with lots of shallow water and great spots to see a lot of different fish,” highlighting how accessible and fun the snorkeling can be.

Throughout the trip, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Many travelers mention the warm, attentive crew who keep the energy light and fun. One guest called the onboard DJ “great,” adding a lively soundtrack to the day, which enhances the overall vibe.

The Included Items and Practical Details

This cruise package covers the boat tour, captain, some floating toys, a welcome drink (Raki), and a small bowl of watermelon. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss experience focused on relaxation and scenery.

What’s not included? Snorkeling equipment, additional food, and unlimited drinks. If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast, plan ahead and bring your gear, as reviews indicate equipment isn’t provided. The lack of unlimited drinks might be a downside if you’re expecting a party atmosphere, but many find the included Raki and water sufficient for a casual day.

The meeting point is the Agios Nikolaos Main harbor, and the tour concludes back where it started. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan your transport accordingly.

The Experience: What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the value for money, citing prices around €17 for the trip, which includes generous stops, drinks, and onboard entertainment. One guest from the reviews stated, “Very close cruise around Spinalonga, all for €17 each — great value for such a relaxing trip over calm seas.” Many also appreciate the peaceful pace, noting that the boat doesn’t go long distances or rough waters, making it accessible even for those with motion sickness concerns.

Food and drinks are generally well-received. Several reviews mention the reasonable prices at the bar, offering pepsi tins for €2.50, and grilled meats available on board, with some guests describing the food as “delicious” and “great quality for the price.” The snacks like watermelon and cucumber are a hit for keeping travelers refreshed.

Water activities receive high praise. Many mention how snorkeling at Skistra Gulf was a highlight — the clear waters and abundance of fish make it worth bringing goggles or snorkel gear. The floating toys and shallow waters make it especially family-friendly, and guests often comment on how easy it is to just relax and float.

The crew and guides seem to be a real asset, with reviews praising their warmth and friendliness. One reviewer appreciated the informative nature of the trip, although others mention that since it’s a large boat, they didn’t get much personal interaction with guides.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities to cool off, relax, and take in Crete’s stunning scenery. It’s especially suitable for families or groups looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn’t require strenuous effort or long hours. The easy stops for swimming and snorkeling make it perfect for those who want to dip into the water without the fuss of planning separate excursions.

Couples and friends will enjoy the casual, social atmosphere, particularly with the onboard music and drinks. It also suits travelers looking for affordable experiences that pack a lot of scenic beauty and water fun into a short window of time.

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Final Thoughts

This Agios Nikolaos cruise offers a relaxing way to explore Crete’s coast without the hassle of planning multiple activities. The stops at Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Gulf highlight the island’s natural beauty, while the sail around Spinalonga provides a glimpse into Crete’s intriguing history. The friendly crew, good value, and enjoyable onboard atmosphere make it a trip that many would consider worthwhile.

While snorkeling gear isn’t included, bringing your own or renting locally is straightforward, and the water clarity is impressive. The moderate duration and peaceful pace make it suitable for most travelers, especially those who want to chill out and enjoy the views.

If you’re after an easy, scenic, and social day at sea with some swimming and local drinks, this cruise hits most marks. It’s a perfect way to spend part of your holiday, especially if you’re traveling as a family, couple, or small group looking for genuine Crete experiences without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?
No, snorkeling gear is not provided; you’ll need to bring your own if you want to explore underwater.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the meeting point is the Agios Nikolaos Main harbor, so you should arrange your own transportation to the harbor.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 4.5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.

Are drinks unlimited onboard?
No, unlimited drinks are not included. You get a welcome Raki and can purchase additional drinks at reasonable prices.

Can kids participate?
Yes, the trip is family-friendly, with floating toys and shallow waters ideal for children and beginners.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the trip may be affected by sea conditions, so it’s best to check the weather forecast before booking.

What should I bring?
Bring your snorkeling gear if you have it, sun protection, water shoes, and perhaps some extra snacks if you prefer more variety.

Is food available onboard?
Light snacks are included, and some grilled food is available for purchase, but extra food isn’t included in the price.

How many people typically go on this cruise?
Reviews suggest it’s a sizable boat, so expect a comfortable group size with plenty of space to relax and socialize.

In all, this cruise from Agios Nikolaos offers a fantastic way to enjoy Crete’s waters, scenery, and laid-back island spirit. Perfect for those who want a simple, enjoyable day with friends or family, and a chance to make some memorable seaside moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: