Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop offers a fantastic combination of history, scenery, and relaxation for travelers exploring eastern Crete. For just around $28.23 per person, you get about four and a half hours of adventure that includes a scenic cruise, a visit to the legendary Spinalonga fortress, and a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Guides are multilingual, and the experience is well-rated at 4.4 out of 5 based on over 2,300 reviews—a testament to its popularity and value.

What we particularly love about this tour is how accessible and engaging it is. First, the fully guided boat tour provides rich stories about the island’s past, especially at Spinalonga, where the stories of lepers and Venetian fortifications come alive. Second, the swim stop at Kolokitha Bay offers a chance to cool off in vivid turquoise waters, which is especially appealing after a morning of sightseeing.

That said, there’s a minor consideration: entry tickets to Spinalonga Island are not included in the tour price, which adds about 20 euros per person during peak season. This is worth noting for budget planning, especially if you’re traveling with family or on a tight schedule.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate history, scenic boat rides, and opportunities to swim. It’s also a good pick for those who want a relaxed, well-organized outing that balances exploration with leisure—perfect if you’re traveling with kids or seeking a hassle-free half-day adventure.

Key Points

• Historic Highlights: Explore the Venetian fortress and learn about the island’s past as a leper colony.
• Scenic Cruise: Cruise in Mirabello Bay with stunning views and informative narration.
• Swim Opportunity: Enjoy a refreshing stop in Kolokitha Bay, with time for snorkeling and relaxing.
• Well-Equipped Vessel: The boat includes two bars, a restaurant, and a lounge, offering refreshments and snacks.
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: The 4.5-hour duration and multiple language guides make it easy to join, even with children.
• Value for Money: At around $28, this tour delivers a rich experience, especially considering the guided tour and swimming included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Arrival
Your adventure begins at the small port of Agios Nikolaos, where the boats are easy to find—just look for the distinct white vessels marked with the Nostos Cruises logo. Meeting your guide at the blue kiosk, you’ll immediately notice how organized and straightforward the process is. The port itself is intimate, so locating your boat is simple, and you’ll likely be on one of the only boats docked there.

The Scenic Cruise in Mirabello Bay
Once onboard, you’re in for a treat. The boat departs smoothly, and you’ll soon be cruising across the shimmering waters of Mirabello Bay. The views of Crete’s coastline are captivating, and many reviews highlight how relaxing and beautiful the ride is. The crew is multilingual, and the guide provides insightful commentary—covering everything from Pirate Barbarosa’s cave to the sunken city of Olous—making the journey as educational as it is scenic.

Visiting Spinalonga Island
The main event is the visit to Spinalonga, a small island steeped in history. You’ll have the option to explore independently, walking around the Venetian fortress walls, old homes, and the Interpretive Centre. The tours are well-rated for their guides, with many reviews pointing out how knowledgeable and passionate their guides are—adding depth to the visit.

A common highlight is the ability to get close to the island’s fortifications and see the ruins up close, which many find quite moving. The island is a mix of history and haunting beauty, and if you’ve read Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island,” you’ll find the place even more meaningful.

Swim Stop at Kolokitha Bay
After the island visit, the boat anchors in Kolokitha Bay for a swim. The waters are described as turquoise and inviting, perfect for snorkeling or just cooling off. Several reviews mention how safe and fun this stop is, with one commenter noting that life jackets aren’t provided and the swim takes place in deeper waters. So, if you’re not a confident swimmer, bring your own floaties or consider whether this is the right choice for you.

Onboard Amenities & Food
The boat is well-equipped with two bars, a lounge, and a restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine. The reviews frequently mention the high-quality service and reasonable prices, making it easy to enjoy a snack or drink during the trip. Though meals and beverages are not included in the standard price, many travelers appreciate the variety and affordability of what’s on offer.

The Return Journey
After a few hours of fun and exploration, the cruise gently returns to Agios Nikolaos. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and the company of fellow travelers.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

In-depth history with an engaging guide makes this trip stand out. Many travelers, including those who have read about Spinalonga, praise the guides for their passion and storytelling. As one review notes, “Our guide was so amazing and honest about the island’s history.” This authenticity really enhances the visit—turning a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable learning experience.

The swimming stop is another highlight. The reviews speak highly of how refreshing and fun it is to jump into Kolokitha Bay’s clear waters. It’s not just a photo-op, but a genuine chance to relax and enjoy Crete’s natural beauty.

Value for money is also a recurring theme. For about 28 dollars, you get a guided cruise, a swim, and plenty of scenic views. This balance of affordability and quality makes it a popular choice, especially for families or those on a budget.

Practical Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few practical points emerge. First, entry tickets to Spinalonga are not included, which could add about 20 euros during peak season. Planning for this extra cost is wise if you want to explore the island in detail. Second, the timing of activities is designed to maximize your experience, but it’s worth noting that the swim and island exploration are timed, so if you’re eager to spend a lot of time on the island, you might find the allotted time a bit limited. Some reviews express a desire for more time on Spinalonga.

The group size tends to be comfortable, and the boat’s amenities allow for a relaxed, enjoyable outing. The cruise’s multilingual guides ensure that language isn’t a barrier, making it accessible for international travelers.

Why This Tour Works for You

If you’re seeking a mix of history, scenery, and leisure in one half-day activity, this trip hits the right notes. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy learning from passionate guides, and love the idea of combining a boat ride with a touch of exploration and swimming. Families, couples, or solo travelers will find it flexible and well-organized.

Travelers who’ve read “The Island” or who appreciate stories of resilience will find the visit to Spinalonga especially meaningful. And for anyone wanting a cost-effective way to see Crete’s coastal treasures, this tour offers great value—especially with the reviews praising the quality of the boats and the friendliness of the crew.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the price inclusive of entry to Spinalonga?
No, the tour price covers the boat cruise, guide, and swim stop. Entry tickets to Spinalonga cost about 20 euros per person and are paid on-site.

How long do we spend on Spinalonga?
Most reviews indicate around 1.5 hours on the island, which is enough to see the fortress, explore some ruins, and soak in the views.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, but the boat has two bars and a restaurant with reasonably priced options.

Is swimming safe and suitable for children?
Yes, many travelers report feeling safe during the swim, but note that life jackets are not provided, and the water is in deeper areas. Be mindful of your swimming ability.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Dutch, English, French, and German, so communication is accessible for most travelers.

How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Final thoughts

This boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga offers a balanced blend of history, scenic beauty, and relaxation. The knowledgeable guides bring stories alive, making your visit to the Venetian fortress and its poignant past truly meaningful. The swimming stop adds a refreshing touch, allowing you to enjoy Crete’s stunning waters firsthand. The vessel’s amenities and the overall organization make it a stress-free outing, especially for families and those new to Crete.

While the additional cost of entry tickets can be a minor consideration, most travelers agree that the experience is excellent value for money. If you’re interested in learning about Crete’s fascinating past, and want a comfortable, enjoyable way to see some of its most iconic sights, this tour is well worth considering.

This trip is particularly suited for history buffs, beach lovers, and travelers seeking a hassle-free, well-paced half-day adventure—an authentic taste of Crete’s coast with a healthy dose of storytelling and seaside fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: