Heraklion Areas : Elounda Boat Trip The Authentic Experience

The Elounda Boat Trip promises an immersive exploration of Heraklion’s stunning coastline. This 8-hour adventure combines a scenic boat ride around Spinalonga Island with opportunities to discover hidden gems like Barbarossa Cave and lush beaches. Guests can enjoy onboard refreshments and snorkeling equipment while experiencing the region’s natural beauty. With convenient pickups and a focus on quality, this trip offers an authentic way to discover Heraklion’s hidden gems. What secrets await those who embark on this journey?

Key Points

• The Elounda Boat Trip offers an 8-hour activity exploring Spinalonga Island, Barbarossa Cave, and Kolokytha and Skistra Beaches in the Heraklion area.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and provides transportation, snacks, drinks, and equipment like life jackets, fishing, and snorkeling gear.
• The trip has a starting price of $57.66 per person and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible and may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or motion sickness issues.
• Based on 27 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The boat trip to Elounda and Spinalonga Island offers an 8-hour activity that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the picturesque region.

Priced from $57.66 per person, the tour is available in multiple languages, including Greek, English, German, and French. Guests can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve without upfront payment.

The tour’s diverse itinerary includes a boat ride around Spinalonga Island, swimming at local beaches, and enjoying local snacks and drinks on board.

Boat Ride and Highlights

Boat rides around Spinalonga Island offer visitors a chance to explore the island’s rich history and scenic landscapes.

Travelers will circle the island, stopping at the Barbarossa Cave to admire its natural beauty. After, they’ll have two hours to swim at the picturesque Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Beach.

Throughout the journey, guests can enjoy local snacks and drinks served onboard, including chicken sausage hot-dogs, fresh fruits, orange juice, water, and traditional raki.

The excursion also provides life jackets, fishing and snorkeling gear, and towels, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped experience.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

With 64 convenient pickup locations across popular resort towns like Sissi, Malia, and Hersonissos, travelers won’t have to venture far to join this Elounda boat trip. The pickup and drop-off points include major hotels and bus stops, ensuring easy access.

| Pickup Locations | Drop-off Locations |

| — | — |

| Sissi | Sissi |

| Malia | Malia |

| Stalis | Stalis |

| Hersonissos | Hersonissos |

The transportation to and from the departure point is provided by bus or coach, taking approximately 85 minutes each way.

Participant Requirements

Travelers joining the Elounda boat trip should come prepared.

This excursion may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s important to review the participant requirements:

1. Mobility: The boat and beaches aren’t wheelchair-accessible, so the trip isn’t recommended for individuals with limited mobility.

2. Dietary Restrictions: As the included lunch contains meat, the trip isn’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

3. Motion Sickness: Those prone to seasickness should bring appropriate medication, as the open-water portions of the trip may cause discomfort.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Ratings and Reviews

The Elounda boat trip has garnered a solid overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 27 customer reviews. Travelers were particularly impressed with the transportation, giving it a 4.6 rating, and found the value for money to be 4.3 out of 5. While customers enjoyed the fun experiences and knowledgeable guides, some suggestions were made for improved lunch options.

| Metric | Rating |

|——–|——–|

| Overall | 4.3/5 |

| Transportation | 4.6/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |

| Positive Feedback | Fun, knowledgeable guides |

| Suggested Improvements | Lunch options |

Discovering Spinalonga Island

Although Crete is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the former leper colony of Spinalonga Island stands out as a must-visit destination for many travelers.

Crete’s former leper colony, Spinalonga Island, is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the island’s haunting history and natural beauty.

During the boat trip, guests have the opportunity to:

1. Explore the island’s haunting history and abandoned buildings, which serve as a poignant reminder of the island’s past as a leprosy treatment center.

2. Admire the stunning natural beauty of the island, with its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters.

3. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the nearby beaches, such as Kolokytha and Skistra, which offer a perfect respite from the tour’s historical aspects.

Exploring Barbarossa Cave

Alongside the boat’s journey around Spinalonga Island, the Elounda Boat Trip also includes a stop at the captivating Barbarossa Cave.

Guests can disembark and explore the cave’s impressive limestone formations and natural wonders. The cave’s name derives from the infamous pirate Barbarossa, who once used it as a hideout.

Visitors can marvel at the cave’s dramatic entrances, stalactites, and underground pools. This stop offers a chance to stretch one’s legs and discover the region’s geological marvels.

The Barbarossa Cave visit complements the trip’s other highlights, providing a well-rounded excursion.

Relaxing at Kolokytha and Skistra Beaches

After exploring the enchanting Barbarossa Cave, the Elounda Boat Trip takes guests to two stunning beaches – Kolokytha and Skistra.

At Kolokytha, travelers can enjoy up to 2 hours of swimming and relaxation on the sandy shores. The boat then heads to Skistra Beach, offering another opportunity to cool off in the crystal-clear waters.

Throughout the journey, guests are treated to local snacks and drinks, including freshly-squeezed orange juice and raki.

The key highlights include:

1. Swimming at Kolokytha Beach for 2 hours.

2. Swimming at Skistra Beach.

3. Indulging in local snacks and drinks onboard.

Since You Asked

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

According to the trip overview, guests can enjoy local snacks and drinks provided onboard. However, bringing one’s own food and drinks is not specifically mentioned, so it’s best to check with the tour operator about any restrictions or policies.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the boat trip. However, unaccompanied minors are not permitted on the tour.

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?

In case of bad weather, the tour operator provides full refunds or reschedules the trip to another day. They monitor weather conditions closely and will not operate the tour if it’s unsafe, prioritizing passenger safety.

Can I Disembark at Locations Other Than the Pickup/Drop-Off Points?

No, disembarking at locations other than the designated pickup and drop-off points is not permitted. The boat trip itinerary is fixed, and passengers must board and depart at the specified locations for safety and logistical reasons.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in This Tour?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate in this boat tour. The tour provides life jackets, and the swimming activities are optional. However, it’s not suitable for those prone to seasickness.

Final Words

The Elounda Boat Trip offers an immersive experience exploring the stunning coastline near Heraklion. With a scenic boat ride around Spinalonga Island, stops at picturesque beaches, and onboard snacks and drinks, this 8-hour adventure promises a memorable day filled with natural beauty and relaxation. Convenient pickup from 64 locations and a focus on quality service make this trip an authentic and enjoyable option for visitors to the Heraklion area.

You can check availability for your dates here: