Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip

Crete’s Mirabello Bay sets the stage for an unforgettable day trip to the historic Spinalonga Island. Travelers embark on a scenic cruise, explore the island’s poignant past as a former leper colony, and indulge in a delicious barbecue lunch. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this guided tour promises a seamless experience. But there’s more to uncover about the island’s captivating history and natural beauty that awaits those who venture beyond the surface.

Key Points

• A day trip from Heraklion to Elounda and Spinalonga Island, including a cruise through Mirabello Bay and a visit to the historic leper colony.
• The tour includes swimming, a barbecue lunch, and a sightseeing drive to Agios Nikolaos’ harbor and bottomless lake.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and cruise included.
• Customers praise the friendly staff, comfortable boat experience, and knowledgeable guides, with an average rating of 4.3 from 20 reviews.
• Spinalonga Island offers a captivating history and scenic landscape, reflecting on the resilience and human experience of its past as a leprosy treatment center.

Overview of the Tour

The day trip from Heraklion allows visitors to explore the picturesque Elounda and the historic Spinalonga Island.

Guests will cruise the stunning Mirabello Bay, visiting the former leper colony and its ruins. The tour includes swimming and a barbecue lunch.

Plus, there’s a sightseeing drive to Agios Nikolaos’ harbor and bottomless lake.

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and the cruise to and from Spinalonga.

A BBQ lunch, drinks, and Spinalonga entrance fees are included, though gratuities are not.

Key Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, and surrounding areas.

Guests will have a professional guide accompany them throughout the day.

The tour includes a cruise to and from Spinalonga Island, where travelers can explore the ruins of a former leper colony.

Lunch is provided, featuring a barbecue and drinks.

While the entrance fee to Spinalonga is included for the German option, it costs 8.00 Euro for other travelers.

Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour runs from 9:00 am and can accommodate up to 50 people.

Logistics and Accessibility

While the tour starts at 9:00 am, it can accommodate a maximum of 50 travelers per trip.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, although infants must sit on laps. Guests from Elounda must return independently from Agios Nikolaos if participating in the city tour.

The tour offers:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, and surrounding areas.
• A professional guide to accompany the tour.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

How do the tour’s reviews and ratings fare? The Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip boasts an impressive 4.3 average rating from 20 reviews.

Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, comfortable boat experience, knowledgeable guides, and quality BBQ lunch. Specific mentions of guide Christina’s insights about Spinalonga and Crete further highlight the tour’s strengths.

While one negative review noted a tour cancellation due to insufficient English-speaking participants, the customer opted for a self-visit and awaited a refund, indicating the provider’s responsiveness.

Tour Cancellation Policy

According to the tour information, the Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

This policy provides flexibility for guests who may need to adjust their plans:

• Guests can cancel their booking without incurring any penalties up to a day before the scheduled tour.

• This allows them to accommodate last-minute changes in their itinerary or address any unexpected issues that may arise.

• The free cancellation option ensures a hassle-free experience for customers, enabling them to book with confidence.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony, beckons visitors with its captivating history and picturesque landscape.

Once a remote island fortress, it served as a leprosy treatment center from 1903 to 1957. Visitors can explore the island’s ruins, including the old hospital, homes, and churches, learning about the lives of those who were isolated here.

Cruising into the harbor, one can imagine the island’s past as a self-sufficient community, with its own market, school, and even a theatre.

The tour offers a glimpse into this poignant chapter of Crete’s history, inviting travelers to reflect on the island’s resilience and the human experience.

Scenic Drive to Agios Nikolaos

After exploring the historic Spinalonga Island, the tour continues with a scenic drive to the picturesque harbor town of Agios Nikolaos.

The drive offers breathtaking views of the Mirabello Bay and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Travelers will have the opportunity to:

• Admire the stunning natural landscape, including the "bottomless" Voulismeni Lake in the heart of Agios Nikolaos.
• Stroll along the charming harbor, lined with cafes, boutiques, and local eateries.
• Discover the town’s rich history and culture, with its ancient origins dating back to the Minoan civilization.

Preparing for the Day Trip

As the scenic drive to Agios Nikolaos concludes, travelers can begin preparing for the day trip.

They’ll arrive at the designated meeting point, where a professional guide will greet them. After a brief orientation, guests will board a comfortable cruise boat and set sail for Spinalonga Island.

During the ride, the guide will provide historical insights and point out key landmarks in the Mirabello Bay.

Once at the island, travelers can explore the former leper colony’s ruins at their own pace, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch.

After the visit, the boat will return to the mainland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Cuisine Is Served During the BBQ Lunch?

The BBQ lunch served during the tour includes a variety of traditional Greek dishes, such as grilled meats, fresh salads, and local delicacies. The meal is prepared on-site, highlighting the flavors of Crete’s regional cuisine.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the BBQ Lunch?

The BBQ lunch included in the tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance about any special dietary needs, and the staff will work to provide suitable meal options.

Is the Boat Used for the Cruise Equipped With Restrooms?

The boat used for the cruise is equipped with restrooms, providing a comfortable experience for passengers during the journey. This amenity ensures convenience and accessibility throughout the duration of the excursion.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Visit to Spinalonga Island?

The tour includes a cruise to and from Spinalonga Island, allowing guests about 1.5-2 hours to explore the former leper colony’s ruins and scenic landscapes on the island. The duration provides ample time for sightseeing and swimming.

Are There Any Additional Optional Activities Offered During the Tour?

The tour does not include any additional optional activities. The focus is on the cruise to Spinalonga Island, where visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy a barbecue lunch during their time on the island.

The Sum Up

This Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and leisure. Visitors can enjoy the poignant past of Spinalonga Island, enjoy a scenic cruise, and indulge in a delicious barbecue lunch. With convenient transportation and ample opportunities for swimming, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for discovering the rich heritage and natural beauty of Crete.