Agios Nikolaos stands out as a prime destination for sailing adventures in Crete. Its calm, clear waters and scenic coastline make it a magnet for boat lovers. Among the many options, we especially like the Luxury Catamaran to Spinalonga with Lunch for its combination of comfort, stunning scenery, and family-friendly water activities. On this tour, you’ll cruise around Mirabello Bay, enjoy unlimited drinks, and indulge in a Mediterranean meal — all while soaking up views of Spinalonga Island, which is a highlight of the area. The relaxed pace and inclusive atmosphere make it a top pick for couples, families, and anyone looking for a luxurious day at sea.
Another popular choice is the Spinalonga and Kolokytha Catamaran with Meal, which combines a scenic sail with visits to exclusive hidden bays and the chance to try water sports. For travelers seeking a more private experience, the Private Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks offers customization, intimacy, and top-notch onboard cuisine. Whichever you choose, Agios Nikolaos offers a memorable way to explore Crete by boat.
Quick Overview
This guide covers a variety of sailing experiences in Agios Nikolaos, from luxury group cruises to private yacht tours. Whether you want a family-friendly catamaran trip, a scenic sail with fine dining, or a private yacht for your own crew, you’ll find options here. Each experience provides unique highlights, such as swimming in crystal waters, scenic sightseeing, or enjoying regional food and drinks. Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Agios Nikolaos: Luxury Catamaran to Spinalonga with Lunch
Starting with a full-day cruise, this luxury catamaran tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and water fun. The 5-5.5 hour trip takes you around Mirabello Bay, with a special stop at Spinalonga Island, famed for its Venetian fortress and intriguing history. The boat itself is a plush vessel with music, sun decks, and plenty of space to stretch out.
What truly sets this tour apart is the inclusive Mediterranean lunch and unlimited drinks, making it a great value. The water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding are ideal for all ages. The reviews highlight the attentive crew and the flexibility of the itinerary, which includes scenic photo stops and regional food. It’s perfect if you’re after a luxury experience combined with fun. The only caveat might be the 5-hour minimum, so it suits travelers with a full day to spare.
Bottom Line: This cruise is ideal for families and couples seeking a comfortable, all-inclusive day on the water with top-notch service and scenic highlights.
2. Agios Nikolaos: Spinalonga and Kolokytha Catamaran with Meal
At number two, this 5.5-hour catamaran trip offers a rich mix of sightseeing and water activities, with a focus on exploring secret bays and hidden spots. Starting with a scenic sail around Mirabello Gulf, you’ll get to admire Spinalonga from the water, then proceed to the exclusive Kolokytha Bay. Here, you can swim in calm waters, enjoy a delicious onboard meal, and try paddleboarding — all in a tranquil setting.
The tour’s highlight is the combination of a scenic cruise with the chance to stop at less-visited beaches and coves, making it perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds. Reviewers praise the friendly guides, fresh food, and the peaceful atmosphere. The 45-minute sail around Elounda adds to the scenic experience, with plenty of swimming and picture opportunities.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise that combines hidden bays, good food, and water sports, this tour hits the spot.
3. Agios Nikolaos: Catamaran to Spinalonga + Dinner & Transfer
For those seeking a romantic evening or special occasion, this semi-private cruise offers a sunset sail with dinner included. The 5-5.5 hour experience features a luxurious catamaran, with hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t need to worry about logistics. After sailing past Spinalonga, you’ll enjoy a regional dinner paired with wine, watching the sunset over Mirabello Bay.
The tour’s intimacy and focus on a fine dining experience make it stand out. Passengers comment on the friendly crew and the beautiful scenery, especially during sunset, which is arguably the best time to see the coastline. The small-group setting creates a relaxed vibe, ideal for couples or small groups celebrating something special.
Bottom Line: Perfect for romantics or those wanting a private, elegant experience with dinner and stunning views.
4. Sailing Mirabello – Elounda Bay from Agios Nikolaos
This luxury sailing yacht trip offers both half-day and full-day options aboard a brand-new vessel. The focus is on comfort and natural beauty, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and scenic sightseeing. The reviews commend the modern amenities and the relaxed atmosphere, making it well-suited for travelers who want a more private or laid-back day at sea.
The tour includes a stop for swimming and a detailed explanation of Spinalonga, which adds an educational component. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience or want to blend luxury with a chance to explore Crete’s coastline at their own pace.
Bottom Line: This is a great choice for travelers looking for a peaceful, upscale sailing experience with the flexibility to customize their day.
5. Agios Nikolaos: Private Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks
If privacy and personalization are your priorities, this private 5-hour cruise is hard to beat. You’ll have your own luxurious catamaran, with options for a morning or sunset cruise, tailored to your group (up to 10 people). Besides the stunning views of Spinalonga, you can swim, snorkel, fish, and enjoy inflatable toys like a flamingo.
The onboard chef prepares fresh Mediterranean meals, and unlimited drinks keep everyone refreshed. The reviews mention the friendly crew and the excellent value of having a whole boat to yourselves. Plus, free WiFi and music elevate the experience, making it perfect for special occasions or just an indulgent getaway.
Bottom Line: Best suited for families or friends wanting exclusivity, flexibility, and a personalized experience.
6. Agios Nikolaos: Spinalonga and Kolokitha Island Sailing Trip
This 4.5 to 6-hour private sailing trip offers the rare chance to enjoy an intimate tour to Spinalonga and Kolokitha Island. The itinerary includes swimming, relaxing on the deck, and sampling local wine with a meal onboard. Its standout feature is the private style, with a focus on comfort and the opportunity to swim in pristine waters.
Rated highly for professionalism, the trip allows you to experience the sea breeze, explore scenic spots, and enjoy a quiet, more personal sailing experience. The reviews highlight the friendly staff and the quality of the onboard meal.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for couples or small groups wanting a private, relaxing day on the water with personalized touches.
7. Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip Catamaran Lunch and Water Toys
This 8-hour adventure is packed with fun, especially if you love water toys. The tour features a comfortable catamaran, with activities like snorkeling, inflatable slides, and a transparent canoe. It’s ideal for families or groups who want to combine sailing with active water play.
Guests appreciate the lively atmosphere, good lunch, and the variety of water toys like inflatables and slides. The trip is well-paced, with plenty of stops for swimming and relaxing. The only potential downside is the longer duration, which may not suit travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers and families who want a full day of water fun and sailing.
8. Agios Nikolaos: Wine Tasting & Food-Evening on Yacht
For a more sophisticated experience, this 3-hour evening cruise combines wine tasting with regional finger foods onboard a luxury yacht. You’ll enjoy the sunset over the marina and mingle with other guests, making it perfect for romantics or those wanting a relaxed, social evening.
Rated highly for its elegant atmosphere, the tour offers a chance to sample Cretan wines and enjoy views of the passing boats and coastline. It’s a shorter experience but packed with flavor and ambiance.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers and those seeking a relaxed, social outing in the evening.
9. Crete: Private VIP Yacht Excursion – Explore/Swim
This 4-hour private yacht experience is perfect for travelers who want the freedom to customize their day. It includes exploring Mirabello Bay, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying scenic views in a relaxed setting. The professional skipper handles all logistics, so you can focus on relaxing or exploring at your own pace.
Guests love the flexibility, with some choosing to explore the coastline or just lounge in the sun. The private nature makes it suitable for romantic getaways or small groups celebrating a special event.
Bottom Line: For a tailored, private day out on the water, this yacht tour offers flexibility and comfort.
10. Elounda: VIP Motor Yacht Charter
This 8-hour luxury yacht gives you the ultimate private day trip. With a professional crew, it’s perfect for celebrating an occasion or just enjoying a day with friends. You can swim, snorkel, and even try kayaking or jetskiing (not included).
The yacht can visit the coves around Elounda and Mirabello Bay, providing stunning scenery and plenty of time for relaxation. The reviews highlight the spaciousness, comfort, and expert service onboard.
Bottom Line: Best for groups wanting a full day of privacy, luxury, and flexible activity options.
11. Mirabello Bay Private Catamaran Charter
Finally, this customizable private catamaran lets you craft your ideal day. Whether you want a half-day or full-day, you can include swimming, snorkeling, and a stop in a coastal town for lunch. It’s perfect for those who want full control over their itinerary.
Rated on the basis of flexibility, this tour suits travelers wanting a bespoke experience. The only possible downside is the need to plan ahead, as you can tailor the trip to your preferences.
Bottom Line: For ultimate control and a personalized day, this private charter offers the flexibility you need.
How to Choose Your Perfect Sailing Experience
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time available, and what you want from the day. If luxury and all-inclusiveness appeal, Luxury Catamaran to Spinalonga with Lunch is hard to beat. For privacy and tailored service, Private Catamaran with Meal offers exclusivity. Budget travelers or those wanting active fun may prefer the Water Toys cruise, while romantics can opt for the Sunset Dinner Cruise.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and experience.
In summary, Agios Nikolaos offers a fantastic range of sailing adventures suitable for all tastes and styles. For a luxurious, family-friendly day, the Luxury Catamaran is hard to beat. If you’re after privacy and personalization, the Private Yacht provides a bespoke experience. For active water lovers, the Water Toys cruise offers plenty of fun.
No matter which you choose, these trips promise unforgettable views, refreshing swims, and a chance to experience Crete from the sea. Book early, and enjoy a memorable day on the water in Agios Nikolaos.