Short cruise, huge Cretan blue. This boat trip across Mirabello Bay pairs two swim stops with a slow pass by Spinalonga for photos, without any on-island walking.

I especially like the well-maintained boat and the friendly DJ who keeps the vibe fun during the ride. The crew also helps you get sorted fast at the harbor, so you lose less time figuring things out.

The only thing to watch is sea conditions at the second swimming stop; if the water feels choppy, you might feel you want more time in the first beach hour.

Key highlights worth marking on your map

• Mirabello Bay cruising plus two swim stops in a short 4.5-hour outing
• Kolokytha beach anchor time with crystal-clear, turquoise water
• Spinalonga sightseeing from the boat with a circle for photos (no landing)
• Skistra gulf for snorkeling and relaxation during the second swim hour
• Included local raki and watermelon to keep the energy up
• A DJ onboard and a friendly crew that make the trip feel like a day out, not a lecture

Getting on the boat at Agios Nikolaos: timing and the easy meeting point

This cruise runs from Agios Nikolaos harbor on Thursday and Saturday, starting at 11:00 AM. Plan for about 4 hours 30 minutes total, and then you’ve got the rest of the day free to explore Elounda, the old town lanes, or just hang by the water.

Your meeting point is Koundourou 6, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00, Greece, and the tour ends back there. It’s a group tour with a maximum of 200 travelers, so you’ll share the boat with other people, but it still feels like a proper cruise rather than a crowded bus day.

The experience is offered in English, and the operator is set up for most guests to participate. If you travel with a service animal, this activity allows them too.

Mirabello Gulf to Kolokytha beach: your first hour in the water

The day starts with about one hour of slow cruising along the Mirabello gulf. That matters more than it sounds. A slow pace gives you time to settle in, watch the coastline slide by, and actually enjoy the water rather than rushing straight into it.

Then you arrive at Kolokytha beach, and the boat anchors there for about one hour. This is the first “real swim stop,” so it’s where you’ll want to think like a swimmer, not like a photographer-only spectator. The water is described as turquoise and crystal clear, and that’s exactly why this stop tends to feel like the payoff: you get that see-through, bright-blue look without having to work for it.

A practical tip: since towels are not included, bring yours or plan to buy or rent one separately. Also, if you’re the type who wants deep water time, don’t wait too long to get in during the Kolokytha hour. On one end of the trip’s real-world experience, the second stop can feel rougher on the surface, so you’ll be glad you made the most of this first swim window.

Spinalonga from the sea: famous island views without the crowds on shore

Next comes Spinalonga, the well-known lepers’ island. The key detail is simple and important: the boat does not disembark on the island. Instead, you’ll cruise around to circle it slowly, giving you time for photos while staying onboard.

If your mental picture of Spinalonga is built around walking the sites, adjust your expectations early. This portion is more about the view and the framing—seeing the island from the water—than about touring ruins on land. That can actually be a plus if you want the day to stay relaxed and mostly about the water.

You’ll also likely find the pacing calmer here, because you’re not coordinating boarding times back and forth from shore. You just stay comfortable, grab a few good angles for pictures, and let the captain do the navigation.

Skistra gulf for snorkeling and sunbathing: second swim hour, plan for conditions

After Spinalonga, the cruise heads to the Skistra gulf for the second stop. Expect about one hour here as well. This is where the day shifts a bit from mostly swimming to swimming plus snorkeling.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment on the boat, but you may need to rent or buy it there, depending on how the operator has set it up that day. Either way, you’ll want to treat snorkeling as optional but easy to try—if you get the urge once you see the water clarity.

This stop is also for plain relaxation: swimming, sunbathing, and taking it slow. If you’re traveling with kids or with friends who don’t all swim the same way, this is the kind of place where everyone can do their own thing without breaking the group rhythm.

One consideration from real sailing conditions: the second stop can feel choppy when the water is moving. If it happens, don’t panic. Just adjust your time in the water. If you notice yourself getting pulled around or losing your focus, swap to sunbathing and wait for steadier moments. The upside is that you still get a full hour of “on the water” time, not a rushed, quick dip.

Food and drinks onboard: what’s included vs. what you’ll buy

Here’s what makes this cruise feel like value: you get a little “Cretan snack culture” without having to plan a meal before you leave.

Included during the trip:

• Local raki
• Watermelon
• Floating toys
• Snorkeling equipment is available via the boat (with rental or purchase on board)

Meals aren’t included. You can buy food and drinks from a snack bar on the boat with reasonable prices. That’s a good setup for fussy eaters and for people who want to eat closer to the second swim stop.

Two simple planning notes:

• Towels are not included, so don’t show up empty-handed.
• If you want lunch, plan on buying something on board rather than expecting it to be included.

Also, since raki is part of what’s offered, it’s worth pacing yourself if you’re doing snorkeling. Have a sip, enjoy the moment, and then prioritize comfort in the water.

Onboard vibe that matters: DJ energy and a well-run crew

A cruise lives or dies on the “in-between” moments: waiting at the harbor, drifting through calm water, and hanging out while the boat anchors. This one has a clear edge there.

I like the way the trip keeps its mood light. There’s a DJ onboard, and the music runs through the experience rather than feeling like an awkward afterthought. That matters on a day like this because you’re not doing long, structured sightseeing. You’re spending time in the elements—so the vibe helps the time feel like fun.

The crew also tends to run things smoothly, including making it easy to figure out where to meet the boat. When a group tour is well organized at the start, it reduces that first-hour stress that can ruin the rest of the day.

Price and value: why $24.06 can work (and when it won’t)

At about $24.06 per person, this cruise is priced like a classic value day trip: shared boat, set stops, and included extras. For that price, you’re getting:

• A slow ride across Mirabello Bay
• Two separate swim hours
• Spinalonga viewing from the boat
• Included raki and watermelon
• Floating toys
• Snorkeling equipment availability onboard

What you should watch for when thinking about value:

• No meals included, so you may still spend a bit on food and drinks from the snack bar.
• Snorkeling equipment availability may involve rental or purchase on board, so factor that into your expectations.
• No towels, which can be a small extra cost if you forgot.

Still, if you want the “Crete on the water” experience without paying for private boat time, this is one of those options that can make sense. You’re not trying to do everything in one day—you’re buying a few hours of good water and a couple of memorable stops.

Who this Agios Nikolaos boat cruise suits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• A short, water-centered outing with two chances to swim
• A relaxed way to see Spinalonga from the sea without needing a landing tour
• A group atmosphere with music and an energetic onboard feel
• An English-friendly experience that doesn’t require complicated planning

It may be less ideal if you’re expecting to get off at Spinalonga and walk around. This cruise keeps you onboard for the circling and photo time, so plan on the island as a viewpoint stop, not a shore excursion.

Should you book this cruise or keep looking?

If your priority is time in bright blue water with minimal hassle, I’d lean toward booking. The combination of Kolokytha beach anchoring time, a second swim stop at Skistra gulf, and included raki and watermelon at this price is a practical win.

Book this if you:

• Want an easy half-day plan that leaves your afternoon free
• Like the idea of snorkeling as an option, not a strict requirement
• Prefer a fun, onboard vibe over a heavy itinerary

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if:

• You specifically want to disembark on Spinalonga
• You’re very sensitive to choppy surface conditions and can’t be flexible during the second water stop
• You’ll need a full meal included, not bought on board

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Agios Nikolaos?

The cruise starts from Agios Nikolaos harbour at 11:00 AM on Thursday and Saturday.

How long is the Kolokytha beach stop?

You’ll have about one hour at Kolokytha beach to swim and enjoy the water.

Will we get off the boat at Spinalonga?

No. The boat does not disembark at Spinalonga. It slowly circles the island for photos.

Is snorkeling included, or do I need to rent equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat, but you may need to rent or buy it from the boat.

Is food included in the price?

Meals are not included. You can buy food and drinks from the snack bar on the boat.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.