Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour With BBQ and Swimming

Exploring Crete’s stunning coastline and rich history is a must for any traveler. The Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour delivers just that, taking you across Mirabello Bay to the picturesque Kolokytha Beach for a relaxing swim and BBQ lunch. But the real highlight? A guided tour of the former Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island, where you’ll uncover its complex past. This all-inclusive experience promises an unforgettable day on the water.

Key Points

• The tour takes visitors from Elounda to Spinalonga Island, a former Venetian fortress, and includes a guided tour, swimming, and a BBQ lunch.
• The tour includes a 20-minute ferry ride to Kolokytha Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy a 1.5-hour BBQ lunch.
• Visitors will then take a 20-minute ferry to Spinalonga Island for a 1.5-hour guided tour of the island’s history and significance.
• The tour is priced at $27.31 per person and includes the boat ticket, BBQ menu, and a drink, as well as a professional English-speaking guide.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with positive comments on the scenery and guided tours, but criticisms regarding crowded boats and limited time at Spinalonga.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the island’s captivating history and picturesque landscapes.

The tour departs from Elounda, traversing the waters of Mirabello Bay to reach Kolokytha Beach, where travelers can relax, swim, and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch.

The tour departs from Elounda, traversing Mirabello Bay to reach Kolokytha Beach where travelers can relax, swim, and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch.

The journey then continues to Spinalonga Island, a former Venetian fortress with a complex past. Guided tours offer insights into the island’s role as an ancient Greek natural barrier, Saracen refuge, and Turkic settlement.

The tour concludes with a return to Elounda, allowing participants to soak in the stunning coastal vistas.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a 20-minute ferry ride to Kolokytha Beach, where travelers can take a break, snap photos, join a guided tour, and enjoy free time.

Next, they’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring the beach, swimming, and indulging in a BBQ lunch with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options, plus a glass of wine or lemonade.

The tour then takes a 20-minute ferry to Spinalonga Island, where visitors can learn about its complex history as an ancient Greek natural barrier, Saracen refuge, Venetian fortification, and Turkic settlement during another 1.5-hour guided tour and free time.

The final leg is a 20-minute ferry back to Elounda.

Highlights and Experiences

One highlight of the tour is the chance to relax on the sandy shores of Kolokytha Beach and swim in the stunning blue waters.

Visitors can also enjoy a BBQ lunch with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options.

The tour allows guests to explore the complex history of Spinalonga Island, which served as an ancient Greek natural barrier, Saracen refuge, Venetian fortification, and Turkic settlement over the centuries.

Other highlights include:

• Admiring the beautiful views of Elounda on Mirabello Bay

• Experiencing a guided tour in English

• Choosing from tour availability in French, German, Polish, and Russian on specific days

• Receiving liability insurance coverage

• Getting hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

Pricing and Inclusions

Priced from $27.31 per person, the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour offers an all-inclusive experience.

The tour includes the boat ticket, a BBQ menu with pork, salad, bread, and fruit, plus a glass of wine or lemonade. A professional English-speaking guide provides a comprehensive tour of the island. Liability insurance and hotel pickup/drop-off are also covered.

Admission to Spinalonga Island costs an additional €20 per adult, with discounts for children, students, and seniors.

Travelers should bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and note that infants must sit with parents on the bus.

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Important Details

Though the meeting point for the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour is the Windmill small port in Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece, travelers should bring essential items like sunglasses and sunscreen.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including French, German, Polish, and Russian, on specific days. While infants must sit with parents on the bus without individual seats, the tour offers a BBQ menu with pork chops, salad, bread, and fruit, along with a glass of wine or lemonade.

With an overall rating of 3/5 across 8 reviews, the tour provides:

• Relax on Kolokythas sandy shores

• Explore Spinalonga Island’s history

• Enjoy scenic views of Elounda

Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided mixed reviews for the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour, which currently holds an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

Some praised the beautiful scenery, enjoyable BBQ, and knowledgeable guides. Others criticized the crowded boat, lack of time at Spinalonga, and disorganized tour logistics.

One reviewer mentioned the infant seating policy as a concern.

Despite the mixed feedback, the tour seems to offer a unique experience exploring the historical island of Spinalonga.

Travelers should weigh the pros and cons to determine if this tour aligns with their interests and expectations.

Language Options

Along With the tour’s availability in English, the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour offers language options in French, German, Polish, and Russian on specific days.

This allows a wider range of travelers to fully participate and understand the tour’s content. The language options include:

• French

• German

• Polish

• Russian

• English

Regardless of the language, the tour promises an engaging and informative experience, exploring the rich history of Spinalonga Island and enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Elounda and Kolokytha Beach.

Traveler Considerations

Before embarking on the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour, travelers should consider a few important details.

Travelers should consider a few important details before embarking on the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour.

They’ll need to bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the Mediterranean sun. Infants must sit with parents on the bus, as there are no individual seats.

The tour’s meeting point is the Windmill small port in Schisma Elountas. Travelers should arrive on time, as the boat won’t wait for latecomers.

While the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, it’s essential to double-check the schedule and meeting location.

With these practical considerations in mind, visitors can fully enjoy the Spinalonga Island experience.

Things To Know

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

From the information provided, it doesn’t seem like you can bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The package includes a BBQ menu and one glass of wine or lemonade, so outside food and drinks aren’t mentioned as allowed.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

While the tour package doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, customers can inquire about this with the tour operator. They may be able to accommodate special requests for a longer tour, depending on availability and additional costs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the tour offers group discounts. Parties of 4 or more can get a 10% discount, and groups of 10 or more can get a 15% discount. The more people in the group, the more you’ll save per person.

Can I Customize the BBQ Menu to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour allows you to customize the BBQ menu to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just let the tour provider know your needs when booking, and they’ll work to provide suitable options.

Are There Any Additional Activities or Sightseeing Opportunities Nearby?

Besides the boat tour and BBQ, there are opportunities to explore Elounda’s quaint fishing villages, historic sites, and scenic coastal areas. Visitors can also take a short drive to the ancient ruins of Olous or the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.

Sum Up

The Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Crete’s breathtaking coastline and immerse in its rich history. Travelers can relax on the picturesque Kolokytha Beach, indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch, and discover the fascinating Spinalonga Island. This all-inclusive experience promises scenic vistas, knowledgeable guidance, and unforgettable memories, making it a must-do for those seeking to experience the best of Crete’s natural and cultural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: