Ag. Nikolaos: Catamaran Trip with Sushi, Drinks, & Water Toys

The best part of this Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip is the easy mix of Spinalonga views and water time. You cruise across Mirabello Gulf in the late afternoon, stop in clear, quiet water, and have snorkeling gear, SUP boards, a kayak, fishing equipment, and even an inflatable slide ready to use.

I like the attentive three-person crew and the generous drinks package, which includes local beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea. I also like that the boat has both sunbeds and shaded lounges, so you can switch between sun and shelter. The main caution is that the boat may feel crowded, and recent feedback indicates it sometimes motors rather than sails.

Key points to know before booking

• Spinalonga photo views: The catamaran cruises through Mirabello Gulf with clear sightlines toward the island.
• A full water-toy setup: You can use SUP boards, a kayak, snorkeling gear, a sea scooter, an inflatable slide, noodles, and fishing equipment.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, and selected welcome drinks are part of the experience.
• Late-afternoon timing: The five-hour outing is designed for swimming, dinner, and scenic light rather than a full day at sea.
• Food details need checking: The trip title refers to sushi, while the supplied information describes a Mediterranean dinner and a nutritionist-designed healthy meal.
• Capacity is capped at 20: That is smaller than a large excursion boat, but the catamaran can still feel busy when most places are occupied.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

Your meeting point is the Marina Kiosk at the marina in Agios Nikolaos. The boat returns to this same point after the cruise, and hotel transfers are not included, although they can be arranged on request.

Give yourself extra time to find the exact boat. The meeting point has been described as vague, and one passenger spent too long trying to locate the catamaran. That is an easy problem to avoid: arrive early, keep the provider’s contact details handy, and ask at the marina kiosk if you are unsure where to go.

Once aboard, you receive welcome drinks such as espresso, detox water, teas, and protein cocktails. The modern catamaran has outdoor seating, sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. Those basics matter on a five-hour trip, especially after swimming.

The English-speaking crew handles the safety briefing and explains the equipment. Life jackets and swimming jackets are provided, and liability insurance is included. I would still listen closely to the instructions before using the sea scooter, slide, kayak, or fishing gear.

The group maximum is 20 people. That gives the outing a more personal feel than a big day boat, but do not read small group as private charter. One account found the boat crowded even before it reached full capacity. If you care about space, booking early may help with availability, but it cannot guarantee an uncrowded deck.

Mirabello Gulf and the Spinalonga view

The first part of the trip is a scenic cruise through Mirabello Gulf. The main visual prize is Spinalonga Island, which you can photograph from the catamaran rather than viewing it from land.

This is a good use of the late-afternoon schedule. The light should make the island and surrounding coast especially pleasant for photos, while the moving boat gives you changing angles. You can stay on deck, find a shaded seat, or settle into a sunbed as the crew takes you toward the swimming area.

The itinerary describes the water as tranquil and crystal clear. That makes the bay suitable for several kinds of activity. You can swim, use the high-quality masks and fins, paddle a SUP, take the kayak out, or try the supplied fishing equipment.

The cruise is not just a sightseeing ride. You are expected to get wet and use the boat as a floating base. That makes it a better fit for people who want a relaxed activity break than for anyone seeking a serious sailing lesson or a guided tour of Spinalonga’s archaeology.

One important distinction: the trip is marketed as a catamaran sailing experience, but a passenger reported that the boat motored rather than sailed. If the sound of sails and the quiet movement of a wind-powered boat is central to your plans, ask the operator about the expected conditions and propulsion before booking.

The swimming stop in a quiet bay

The main stop is in a calm bay of Mirabello Gulf. You get approximately two hours at the swimming area, although the full cruise lasts about five hours.

This is where the trip earns its keep. You can jump straight into the water, snorkel along the boat, paddle a SUP, or use the kayak. The inflatable noodles are useful if you want to float without constant effort, while the swimming jackets offer extra support for less confident swimmers.

The equipment list is unusually broad for a short catamaran cruise. Along with the usual mask, fins, and paddleboards, you have access to a sea scooter, an inflatable water slide, fishing equipment, and an inflatable flamingo for photos. Families can request a box of toys for children, and children’s food options are available on request.

The range of gear also creates a small practical issue. On a full boat, popular equipment may not be available the moment you want it. You may need to take turns, particularly with the sea scooter, slide, kayak, and SUP boards. That is normal for a shared cruise, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible.

Fishing is described as gentle rather than a serious angling session. Think of it as a short onboard activity while you relax in the bay, not a dedicated fishing charter. The same goes for snorkeling. Gear is provided, but there is no stated marine guide or promise of particular wildlife.

The water stop received some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. The swimming areas were considered a major plus, and the snorkeling and paddleboarding added variety. I can see why: a scenic cruise is pleasant, but two hours with several ways to use the water gives you something active to do.

Dinner, drinks, and the food question

While you are in the bay, the crew prepares a meal on board. The main itinerary describes a freshly cooked Mediterranean dinner, while the inclusions describe a nutritionist-designed healthy lunch with vegetarian and children’s options available on request.

The supplied title also mentions sushi. Since these descriptions do not match perfectly, I would confirm the exact menu before you pay, especially if sushi is the reason you are considering this cruise. The safest expectation is a healthy Mediterranean-style meal, not a guaranteed sushi tasting.

Food quality appears to be one of the better parts of the outing. One account described the meal as well prepared and delicious, while another found the food good but limited in selection. That is a fair way to approach it: expect a satisfying onboard meal, but do not book this as a restaurant experience with a broad menu.

The drink package is more certain. Included drinks are:

• Water and soft drinks
• Local beer and white wine
• Espresso, coffee, and tea
• Welcome drinks, including detox water and selected protein drinks
• Light protein snacks

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the open-bar selection cost extra. Sunscreen and towels are not supplied, so bring both. The boat has an outdoor shower, which helps rinse off salt after the swimming stop, but it does not replace a towel.

Music and free Wi-Fi are also available. Wi-Fi can be useful for sending a photo from the gulf, although I would not let the connection distract you from the scenery. The cruise is meant to give you a few hours away from shore, not recreate a beach club with constant online access.

The crew and the onboard feel

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience. The three-person team has been praised for attentive service and for keeping an eye on passenger safety. That is especially useful when the boat is carrying different ages and swimming abilities.

You receive an English-speaking crew, but no individual crew names are provided. The emphasis is on practical care rather than formal guiding. Expect help with the equipment, food, drinks, and general flow of the cruise rather than a long lecture about local history.

The catamaran offers several ways to spend your time. You can lie on a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, listen to music, use the Wi-Fi, or take part in the water activities. That choice makes the trip work for couples and mixed groups, where one person may want to paddle while another would rather read or enjoy a drink.

The boat may feel less spacious when many people are aboard. A catamaran has more usable deck area than a narrow single-hull boat, but 20 people sharing sunbeds, shaded seats, water toys, and the swim platform can still create a crowded feel. If personal space matters more than the activities, a private charter may suit you better, though this tour is priced as a shared experience.

What $150.18 buys you

At $150.18 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the sea around Agios Nikolaos. The value comes from the number of inclusions packed into five hours.

You are paying for the catamaran, crew, safety equipment, meal, open drinks, snorkeling gear, SUPs, kayak, fishing equipment, sea scooter, slide, Wi-Fi, and onboard facilities. If you used only the boat ride and dinner, the price might feel high. If you swim, paddle, snorkel, use the toys, and take advantage of the drinks, the calculation looks better.

The price also covers the atmosphere of a late-afternoon cruise. You get a scenic run through Mirabello Gulf, views toward Spinalonga, a prepared meal at anchor, and time to relax without arranging separate equipment rentals or finding a beach restaurant.

Booking around 38 days ahead is common for this experience. That suggests you should not leave it until the final day of your Crete stay, particularly if your schedule is tight. Booking early may also help you find a date at a better rate, since one passenger specifically suggested reserving ahead to improve the value.

The cruise has a rating of 4.7 from 43 reviews, with 95 percent of customers recommending it. Those numbers point to a strong overall experience, but they do not erase the two practical concerns: space can feel limited, and the boat may motor instead of using its sails.

Who will enjoy this five-hour cruise

I would recommend this outing to couples looking for a scenic evening with dinner and swimming. It also suits families who want several water activities in one place, provided children’s food and the toy box are requested ahead of time.

It is a good choice for mixed groups. You can be active without forcing everyone into the same plan. One person can fish, another can use a SUP, and someone else can remain in the shade with a drink.

The cruise is less suitable for you if you want a quiet, private yacht charter, a serious sailing experience, or an extensive food tour. It is also not ideal if you require a large menu or expect sushi specifically. Confirm the meal details and boat operation before booking if those points matter.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied information. Swimming jackets, life jackets, and several flotation aids are available, but no detailed accessibility information is provided. Ask the operator directly about boarding or mobility needs before you reserve.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also depends on good weather, with a different date or full refund offered if poor conditions cause cancellation.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-equipped shared catamaran with swimming, paddleboards, snorkeling, dinner, and an open drinks package in one outing. The attentive crew, Spinalonga views, and long swim stop give the trip real substance beyond a short boat ride.

Before paying, confirm three things: the precise meeting point, the meal menu, and whether the boat is expected to sail or motor. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and arrive early at the marina. If you can accept a shared deck and a possible motor-powered cruise, this is a practical, activity-filled way to spend a late afternoon in Agios Nikolaos.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

It starts at the Marina Kiosk in the marina at Agios Nikolaos, Crete. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. The main swimming stop is listed as lasting about two hours.

What can I do in the water?

You can swim, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, take a kayak, try gentle fishing, ride a sea scooter, and use the inflatable water slide. Inflatable noodles and a flamingo are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, and selected welcome drinks. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection cost extra.

Is food included?

Yes. Food is included, with the main description presenting a freshly cooked Mediterranean dinner. The inclusions also refer to a nutritionist-designed healthy meal, plus vegetarian and children’s options on request. Because the title mentions sushi, confirm the exact menu before booking.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 20 people. This is a shared cruise rather than a private charter.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.