Have Fun Cruising Agios Nikolaos – Elounda Bay

The best part of this Mirabello Bay cruise is its simple rhythm: one slow hour on the water, a swim at Kolokytha, a boat circuit around Spinalonga, then another swim at Skistra. You get clear water, sea views, and a half-day on the coast without paying for a private charter.

I like the easy meeting point in Agios Nikolaos and the chance to keep the price to about $24 per person. I also like that the cruise returns after roughly four and a half hours, leaving you the rest of the day for town, dinner, or a second outing. The main consideration is the group size, which can reach 200 people, and Spinalonga is viewed from the boat only.

Key points to know before you book

• Two swimming stops: Spend about an hour at Kolokytha Beach and another hour at Skistra Gulf.
• Spinalonga from the sea: The boat circles the island slowly for photographs, but you do not go ashore.
• Thursday and Saturday departures: The cruise leaves Agios Nikolaos Harbour at 11:00 AM.
• Low-cost half-day outing: At around $24, this is priced for a shared boat rather than a private experience.
• Onboard extras: Floating toys, local raki, and watermelon are included. Snorkeling equipment must be rented or bought onboard.
• Large group setting: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so expect a social cruise rather than a quiet sail.

Setting out from Agios Nikolaos at 11:00 AM

The meeting point is Koundourou 6 in Agios Nikolaos, with the trip beginning from the town harbour. That makes this a practical choice if you are already staying in Agios Nikolaos and want to avoid arranging a separate transfer to a distant marina.

The cruise runs every Thursday and Saturday at 11:00 AM. That fixed schedule is useful when planning a short Crete stay, though it gives you less flexibility than a daily boat trip. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The first hour is a slow cruise along Mirabello Gulf. This is not a quick transfer from one stop to the next. You have time to sit on the boat, watch the coastline, and settle into the day before the first swim.

I would treat this opening hour as part of the outing, not as dead time. The point is the view from the water, and the relaxed pace lets you see the bay rather than simply race across it. Bring something to protect yourself from the sun, since the information provided does not specify how much shaded seating the boat has.

The atmosphere is social. Music comes from an onboard DJ, and the boat has a snack bar selling food and drinks at what is described as reasonable prices. You can also have local raki and watermelon as part of the included offering.

Kolokytha Beach gives you the first long swim

After about an hour, the boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach. You get approximately one hour here, with time to swim in turquoise, clear water or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

This is the most straightforward part of the day. You are not being hurried through a string of short photo stops. An hour gives you a fair chance to get into the water, dry off, and relax before the boat moves again.

Floating toys are included, which adds a little fun for families and anyone who would rather lounge in the water than swim laps. Towels are not included, so pack your own. Food is also not included, although you can buy snacks and drinks from the boat.

The first stop may be the best place to make full use of your swim time. One piece of practical feedback from the trip points out that the water at the second stop can become choppy, with a noticeable pull from the tide. Conditions change, of course, but if Kolokytha is calm, I would not save all your swimming for later.

Snorkeling equipment is not simply supplied as a free inclusion. You can rent or buy it from the boat. If snorkeling matters to you, check the onboard cost before setting out, or bring your own equipment if that is practical.

Spinalonga is a photo stop, not an island visit

The boat then heads toward Spinalonga, also called Kalydon, one of Crete’s best-known coastal sights. You circle the island slowly by boat and have time to take photographs.

The important detail is easy to miss: you do not disembark at Spinalonga. This is a view from the sea, not a visit to the island’s buildings or historic site. If your main goal is to walk around Spinalonga, this cruise will not replace a dedicated island excursion.

Still, seeing the island from the water has its own appeal. The slow circuit gives you a different angle than a quick pass, and you can take pictures without spending the whole afternoon ashore. It also keeps the trip within its roughly 4.5-hour schedule.

I see this stop as a good compromise for someone who wants a look at Spinalonga but has limited time in Crete. You get the setting and a clear sense of the island’s position in the bay, while keeping more of your day free.

If you are choosing between a beach cruise and a history-focused trip, though, be clear about your priorities. This outing gives swimming and coastal views much more attention than guided interpretation. No guide names or detailed commentary are provided, so you should not book it expecting a narrated historical tour.

Skistra Gulf offers a second chance to swim

The final major stop is Skistra Gulf, described as another secluded spot for swimming, snorkeling, and rest. The boat stops for approximately one hour.

The appeal here is variety. You have already had a beach stop and a view of Spinalonga, so the second swim feels like a change of scene rather than a repeat of the first. You can swim, sunbathe, use floating toys, or stay on deck.

The water may not always be as calm as it is at Kolokytha. One account of the outing describes choppier conditions at the second stop and a feeling of being pulled outward by the tide. This is a useful reminder to judge the conditions for yourself and stay close to the boat if the sea feels uncomfortable.

Snorkeling is available here, but equipment is rented or bought from the boat rather than included at no cost. If you are a confident swimmer and the conditions are calm, Skistra could be the more rewarding place to look below the surface. If the sea is moving, you may prefer a shorter swim and more time relaxing aboard.

After the Skistra stop, the boat returns to Agios Nikolaos. The total outing lasts about four and a half hours, so you should be back with much of the afternoon still open.

What the boat atmosphere is like

This is a group cruise, not a private sailing trip. The maximum group size is 200 people, a figure that matters when you imagine the day. At that size, you can expect a lively shared setting, busy swimming stops, and less personal space than you would have on a small charter.

The music is part of the experience. The onboard DJ has been praised for keeping the mood enjoyable, and the combination of music, swimming, and a slow cruise gives the boat a party-leaning feel without making it only a party boat.

I like that the atmosphere appears to include more than loud music. The boat is described as well maintained, and the crew has received positive feedback for being friendly and capable. Still, the exact mood can vary with the crowd and the day.

The included local raki and watermelon are a pleasant Cretan touch. Raki is strong, so you may prefer to wait until after swimming, especially in the midday sun. The snack bar gives you a way to buy food and drinks, but you should not assume a full meal is included.

Families can use the floating toys, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the provided information does not give detailed advice about steps, ladders, changing areas, or mobility access. If you need specific assistance, ask Nostos Cruises before booking.

Is $24 good value for this Crete boat trip?

At about $24.06 per person, this is inexpensive for a 4.5-hour cruise with two swimming stops and a circuit around Spinalonga. You are paying for access to the bay, the boat ride, and the shared setup rather than for a private guide or a full meal.

The value is strongest if you want a simple way to reach coastal swimming spots. A private boat costs far more, while this trip bundles transport across the bay, time at Kolokytha, a Spinalonga view, and a second stop at Skistra.

The price is less of a bargain if you expect everything to be included. Meals are extra, towels are extra in the sense that you must bring your own, and snorkeling gear must be rented or bought from the boat. Plan for those small costs before you board.

The large maximum capacity also explains the low price. You trade quiet space and individual attention for an affordable shared outing. For many people, that is a sensible exchange, especially when the rest of the day remains free.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a relaxed water day with a clear schedule and modest cost. It suits couples, families, and friends who like swimming, music, sunshine, and scenery but do not need a guided history lesson at every stop.

It is also a good fit for a short stay in Agios Nikolaos. Since the cruise lasts only about half a day, you can combine it with time in town or another activity later. The harbour meeting point keeps the plan easy if you are based nearby.

You may want a different tour if Spinalonga is your central reason for going. This boat only circles the island. For a visit to the site itself, look for an outing that includes disembarkation and time ashore.

I would also think twice if you dislike large groups or want a quiet sailing experience. With up to 200 people, this is better viewed as a lively public cruise. The DJ and social setting will appeal to some people and annoy others.

Strong swimmers should still pay attention to the water at Skistra. The first stop may offer the calmer, more comfortable swim on some days, so use the full hour at Kolokytha if conditions are better there.

Simple ways to prepare

Bring a towel, since none is provided. Pack sun protection and anything you need for a comfortable half-day on the water.

If you want to snorkel, decide in advance if you will rent or buy equipment from the boat. The information does not state that snorkeling gear is free, so budget for it separately.

Plan to buy food and drinks from the snack bar if you need more than the included watermelon and raki. The exact menu is not provided, but snacks and drinks are available onboard.

Arrive at Koundourou 6 in good time for the 11:00 AM departure. The cruise is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, so check that the sailing day matches your plans before you reserve.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also requires a minimum number of participants, so if Nostos Cruises cancels for that reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos to Elounda Bay cruise?

Book it if you want good-value swimming time, clear bay views, music, and a simple half-day on the water. The two one-hour swim stops give the cruise a useful structure, while the slow circuit of Spinalonga adds a memorable sight without taking over the day.

Skip it if you need to step onto Spinalonga, prefer a small quiet boat, or want snorkeling equipment and meals included in the price. For everyone else, the low cost and easy harbour departure make this a practical way to enjoy Mirabello Bay, especially if you use the first calm swimming stop well and treat the second stop as dependent on sea conditions.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece, from Agios Nikolaos Harbour.

What time does the boat leave?

The cruise departs at 11:00 AM every Thursday and Saturday.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Does the cruise return to Agios Nikolaos?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Can I get off the boat at Spinalonga?

No. The boat circles Spinalonga slowly for photographs, but you do not disembark on the island.

How long do you stop at Kolokytha Beach?

The boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach for approximately one hour.

How long do you stop at Skistra Gulf?

The boat stops at Skistra Gulf for approximately one hour.

Is food included?

No. You can buy food and drinks from the snack bar on the boat. Watermelon and local raki are included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent or buy from the boat. It is not provided as a free inclusion.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 200 people.

Is cancellation free?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.