Crete · SPINALONGA ISLAND BOAT TRIPS
The crossing is short from Plaka, longer and prettier from Agios Nikolaos, and the island itself takes about an hour to walk. These 15 trips differ on where they sail from, whether lunch and a swim stop are included, and how much of the story you actually get told.
Crete day trip to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, plus a boat visit to Spinalonga. Guided history, lake views, and a sea swim stop.
“everything was superb can not fault thanks very much”
Cruise Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga, swim at Kolokitha, then explore the Venetian fortress with a live guide and drinks onboard.
“Love this trip! Can't fault it, was good value and staff were fantastic on board 😀”
Boat cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Bay with swim time, Cretan lunch on board, from $35 pp.
“Good views, and nice bbq. All in all a good day out.”
Sail from Heraklion to Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos, with a guided leper colony tour, Kolokytha beach lunch, swim time, and free town exploring.
“It was very fun! The guide, Irini, was really lovely and knowledgeable. She explained Spinalonga’s story very beautifully. The transport was also very comfortable (the shuttle, the bus, and the boat). The beach was amazing and Agios Nikolaos is such a charming town. Would totally recommend.”
Day trip from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Spinalonga fortress island with hotel pickups and a scenic boat cruise.
“Wonderful tour of Agios Nikolaos. The tour guide was very informative and very friendly. A very nice town by the water. Nice shops and restaurants. A beautiful ferry ride to the island.”
Air-conditioned day trip in Crete with an olive oil tasting, Agios Nikolaos lake stroll, Plaka lunch and swim, then guided Spinalonga ruins.
“I had the time if my life on this tour as a solo traveler. It was ran very efficiently and on time. I love the lunch spots by the beach at Plaka, very pleasant and beautiful view. Bring swimsuit. Elounda didnt have much to see other than a beautiful beach with public WC and changing room and outdoor shower area.”
Catamaran sail from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokytha with snorkeling, SUP, and an included meal plus unlimited drinks.
“Whole day was great although a lot of us on the boat ; our trip was made by the people we met and all had a laugh”
Crete’s northeast coast in one day: Spinalonga Island, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, plus Kolokytha Bay swimming and a BBQ lunch.
“Considering the short time available, it was a very nice day trip, And very well time-boxed. Of course, if you start from Heraklion, you’ll have to spend more time on the bus than the others picked up/dropped back along the way. But it’s also nice to enjoy the quiet road trip through the countryside. I really liked the visit at Spinalonga. A bit more time would have been nice, but it’s already the best you can do. The stop at the little beach for bathing was also very nice and at the right moment. I liked the lunch onboard; I found sad that many people threw food: if you don’t…”
Full-day Crete boat trip to Spinalonga, swimming at Kolokytha, BBQ lunch, plus Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
“We really enjoyed our day and felt it was good value for the money. Ms Mary was an informative guide on our Spinalinga tour. The one thing we didn’t enjoy was the very long bus journey with many pickups.”
Sail from Elounda to Spinalonga, walk a former Venetian fortress and leper colony, then return on the next available boat.
“A great couple of hours trip! Well worth the money, and the island is truly rich in history. Amazing view of the island from the sea and the fortress itself is impressive.”
A half-day boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga with a Kolokytha bay swim stop, live guide, and easy Cretan coast views.
“For the cost of the trip, it is a good value. There was plenty of seating on the boat. The tour guide provided an update in one place and pointed out various things, then we had plenty of time to explore on our own.”
Full-day Crete tour hitting Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka, with a ferry swim stop plus optional BBQ lunch.
“more time on Spinalonga, less time in Plaka, more time Elounda.”
Heraklion tour to Spinalonga, Kolokytha swim and BBQ, plus Agios Nikolaos and Elounda strolls, with guided history and free time.
“Swimming was lovely. A bit more free time at the leper colony would have been good. Very tired by St Nicholas… less time there perhaps. Overall it was a great day.”
Boat to Spinalonga Fortress, swim at Kolokytha Bay, and stroll Agios Nikolaos, with included lunch and Crete transfers.
“Great and interesting activity. Recommend the trip to spinalonga, interesting island and history. The lunch on board was good and the free time in Agios. The bay stop was good if you wanted to go for a swim, otherwise felt a bit long and overcrowded if you wanted a spot on the sand, very picturesque though.”
From Heraklion to Elounda by bus for a boat day to Kolokytha Bay and Spinalonga, plus BBQ lunch, olive oil tasting, and Agios Nikolaos.
“Really good experience and well worth the cost. Personally I thought you got a lot for the money. With transfers it was a full days excursion. Spinalonga was lovely, the tour was really informative. €20 for entry but for a UNESCO site - that’s pretty good. Lovely Olive oil co-op and factory. Also very interesting and reasonably priced if you decide to buy (no hard sell just delicious). I recommend wearing proper closed toe footwear. I wore sandals and would have been more comfortable with trainers or shoes but that was a personal recommendation. Overall great day, great tour guide and great coach driver too. 10/10.”
Every kind of day on the island, and the best of each.
