Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga With Swim Stop

Set out on a captivating journey from Agios Nikolaos to the historic Spinalonga fortress, a former leper colony with striking Venetian architecture. This 4.5-hour cruise offers a mesmerizing blend of history and natural beauty, including the Cave of Pirate Barbarosa and the sunken city of Olous. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokitha Bay before uncovering the rich stories of Crete’s past. Discover why this boat trip is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the region.

Key Points

• Depart from Agios Nikolaos on a 4.5-hour boat tour to the Venetian-era Spinalonga fortress, a former leper colony with historical significance.
• Explore the cave of the infamous pirate Barbarosa along the coastline and learn about the region’s maritime history.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim stop in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokitha Bay, surrounded by rugged coastline and lush hills.
• The tour offers language options in Dutch, English, French, and German, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Spot the Cretan Kri Kri goats and witness the sunken city of Olous during the boat trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The boat trip to Spinalonga offers a fascinating 4.5-hour activity, priced from $27.31 per person.

Guests can choose from Dutch, English, French, or German language options.

The trip features a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, ensuring booking flexibility.

The cruise departs from Agios Nikolaos and explores Mirabello Bay, showcasing the Venetian-era Spinalonga fortress, the Cave of Pirate Barbarosa, the sunken city of Olous, and the habitat of Cretan Kri Kri goats, with a swimming stop in Kolokitha Bay.

Cruise Route and Key Attractions

Departing from Agios Nikolaos, the boat cruise explores the stunning Mirabello Bay, showcasing a range of historical and natural wonders.

The star attraction is the Venetian-era Spinalonga fortress, a former leper colony with a captivating past.

The Venetian-era Spinalonga fortress, a former leper colony with a captivating past, is the star attraction of the boat cruise.

Along the way, the cruise visits the Cave of Pirate Barbarosa and the sunken city of Olous, offering glimpses into the region’s rich history.

Passengers also have the chance to spot the Cretan Kri Kri goats, a unique local species.

The highlight is a stop at the turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay, where guests can swim and refresh themselves.

Spinalonga Fortress From the Venetian Period

Although once a fortified island home to a leper colony, Spinalonga now stands as a well-preserved remnant of Venetian architecture and a testament to the region’s complex history.

Constructed in the 16th century, the imposing fortress features thick stone walls, bastions, and a system of moats that once protected the island from invasion.

Visitors can explore the ruins, imagining the bustling community that thrived here for centuries.

From the highest points, sweeping views of the Mirabello Bay and surrounding Cretan landscape provide a breathtaking backdrop to this unique historical site.

Cave of Pirate Barbarosa

One of the notable stops on the boat trip is the Cave of Pirate Barbarosa. This natural cave is located along the coastline and was once a hideout for the infamous pirate Barbarosa.

Visitors can peer into the cave’s mouth and imagine the pirate’s plunder stored within. The cave’s strategic location provided a sheltered spot for Barbarosa and his crew to evade authorities.

Today, it stands as a reminder of the region’s colorful maritime history. Cruising past the cave offers a glimpse into Crete’s past and the tales of its legendary pirates.

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Sunken City of Olous

As the boat continues its journey, passengers can glimpse the remains of the sunken city of Olous. This ancient city, once a thriving hub, was submerged underwater centuries ago due to a combination of natural disasters and environmental changes.

• Visitors can see remnants of the city’s foundations, walls, and structures protruding from the crystal-clear waters.

The sunken city offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and the power of nature to reshape the landscape.

The sunken city offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and the power of nature to reshape the landscape.

Exploring the ruins of Olous provides a thought-provoking and humbling experience, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between human civilization and the forces of the natural world.

Habitat of Cretan Kri Kri Goats

The Cretan Kri Kri, a unique subspecies of wild goat, find their natural habitat on the island of Spinalonga.

These agile, sure-footed creatures thrive in the island’s rugged terrain, grazing on the diverse vegetation.

Visitors can spot the Kri Kri roaming freely, their distinct horns and beards setting them apart.

The goats are an integral part of Spinalonga’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the island’s delicate balance.

Witnessing these iconic Cretan animals in their natural setting adds to the overall captivating experience of exploring the island’s rich history and natural wonders.

Swimming Experience in Kolokitha Bay

The boat trip to Spinalonga includes a refreshing swim stop in the turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay.

During this scenic interlude, guests can:

• Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and cool off from the Mediterranean sun.

• Admire the rugged coastline and lush, verdant hills surrounding the bay.

• Relax on the boat’s deck and soak up the peaceful ambiance of this natural wonder.

The swimming stop offers a rejuvenating break amidst the historical exploration of the Spinalonga fortress and other landmarks.

A rejuvenating break from the historical exploration of Spinalonga, allowing travelers to immerse in the beauty of Mirabello Bay.

It’s a highlight of the excursion, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the beauty of the Mirabello Bay region.

Onboard Facilities and Services

Guests aboard the 40-meter boat can enjoy a range of onboard facilities and services during their journey.

The boat features two bars, a lounge, and a restaurant, providing both Greek and international cuisine options. Travelers can purchase food and beverages throughout the trip.

A live guide accompanies the tour, offering historical insights and distributing informative booklets to enhance the educational experience.

With these amenities and services, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage of the Spinalonga region during the 4.5-hour boat tour.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, there are also on-board facilities offering Greek and international cuisine that can be purchased during the tour.

Is There an Option for a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private or smaller group tour. The boat operator offers more intimate group sizes with the same itinerary and amenities, though at an additional cost compared to the regular group tour.

Can I Request a Specific Language Guide for the Tour?

The boat tour offers language options including Dutch, English, French, and German. Customers can request a specific language guide when booking the tour to ensure they receive the information in their preferred language.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the duration of the tour. Customers can request a longer itinerary that includes additional stops or activities, though this may incur an extra cost. The tour provider offers flexibility to customize the experience.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The price listed is inclusive of all fees and taxes. There are no additional costs not already covered in the advertised price. Some optional extras like food and drinks on board may incur extra charges.

Sum Up

This boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and culture. Visitors can explore the former leper colony‘s Venetian architecture, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokitha Bay, and discover the stories of Crete’s past. With its onboard facilities and scenic route, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the region’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: