Crete: Spinalonga Boat Tour with BBQ & Agios Nikolaos

A Full Day of Crete’s Charm: Spinalonga, Beach, and Town

If you’re looking for a well-rounded taste of Crete’s seaside life, history, and local culture, this Spinalonga Boat Tour with BBQ & Agios Nikolaos offers a lot for a reasonable price. For around $33.88, you get approximately 11 hours of adventure, starting with a scenic boat ride, stops at stunning beaches, a guided exploration of the historic island of Spinalonga, a taste of Crete’s olive oil, and a relaxed afternoon in a charming town.

Two things make this tour stand out: first, the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at Kolokitha Beach and enjoy a tasty BBQ onboard — perfect for those who love water and good food. Second, the guided visit to Spinalonga, with its fascinating history of pirates, Venetians, and leprosy colonies, offers an enriching peek into Crete’s layered past.

One possible drawback? The reviews suggest the guided tour at Spinalonga may feel rushed and not as engaging as some would hope. The guide, while informative, mostly reads from a script and doesn’t spend much time showing you around. Still, the experience itself is worthwhile for history buffs and those eager for a scenic day on the water.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balance of relaxation and culture—those who enjoy swimming, scenic views, and a quick taste of history, all wrapped into a single day.

Key Points

• Comfortable boat ride with onboard refreshments and a good vibe.
• Interesting visit to Spinalonga, with enough history and ruins to intrigue.
• Beautiful beach stop at Kolokitha for swimming and relaxing.
• Local flavor with olive oil tasting adds a cultural touch.
• Relaxed afternoon in Agios Nikolaos offers free time and sightseeing.
• Rushed guided tour may leave some wishing for more exploration.
• Good value for a full-day, multi-activity experience.
• Accessible from many pickup points around Crete, making logistics easier.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off with pickup from over 55 locations around Crete, including popular resorts and towns like Heraklion, Malia, and Kato Gouves. The luxurious, air-conditioned coach makes the morning ride comfortable, giving you a chance to relax and get oriented before the day’s adventures. The bus ride lasts about two hours, giving you a scenic overview of the island’s vibe.

A big plus here: the free pickup service from most major resorts and towns means you don’t have to worry about organizing transportation. The tour provider also handles the logistics, so you can sit back and enjoy the first glimpses of Crete’s countryside.

Sailing to Kolokitha Beach

The first highlight is the boat ride from Elounda to Kolokitha Beach. The vessel itself is described as comfortable, and onboard amenities include drinks and snacks you can purchase. The boat ride lasts roughly 40 minutes, offering sweeping views of the coastline and a good chance to snap photos of the rugged shoreline and distant mountains.

Once at Kolokitha, you’ll have about 95 minutes to relax on the sandy beach, swim in the clear waters, or snorkel around rocky outcroppings. The reviews mention the beach’s beauty—a peaceful spot perfect for unwinding after the bus ride. The water tends to be cool in May, but most find it refreshing. The BBQ feast is served onboard, featuring Mediterranean staples like pork chops, Greek salad, feta cheese, and freshly baked bread, paired with local wine or drinks, and finished with seasonal fruit. It’s a simple but quality meal that adds to the experience.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

Next, you’ll set sail for Spinalonga, a small island with a complex past: once a pirate hideout, then a Venetian fortress, and later a leper colony. Your guide will lead a guided tour—though reviews note that it’s mostly reading excerpts from a book and not a detailed personal tour. The roughly 95-minute stop includes some sightseeing and a walk through the ruins, with scenic views and plenty of photo opportunities.

The historical significance of Spinalonga is undeniable, but some visitors feel the timing is tight—just enough to see key spots without much free exploration. It’s worth noting that the entry fee to Spinalonga is about 20 euros—a good value considering the history you’ll encounter.

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Olive Oil Tasting and Cultural Stop

After exploring Spinalonga, the group moves on to a local olive oil factory. Here, you’ll learn about olive oil production and enjoy a tasting. The reviews suggest that this stop is more of a shopping experience, with explanations that are “basic” and rushed, especially when many buses arrive simultaneously. Still, it’s a chance to sample genuine Greek olive oils and learn about their cultural importance.

Afternoon in Agios Nikolaos

The final leg of the tour takes you to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque fishing town famous for its Lake Voulismeni. Here, you’ll have about an hour to wander, shop for souvenirs, or just relax with an ice cream or drink. The lake’s reputation as “having no bottom” adds a bit of intrigue, and the town’s narrow streets are full of local charm.

The reviews describe this part as “super cute and relaxing,” perfect for a gentle stroll after a busy day. It’s a fitting way to wind down before the return drive to your starting point.

Return and Drop-off

The bus ride back takes about 45 minutes, returning you to your pickup point with plenty of time to reflect on the day. The tour ends at the same locations where you were picked up, making logistics straightforward.

The Value and Who Will Enjoy It

For the price, this tour offers a well-rounded experience—a mix of water activities, historical sightseeing, cultural tastings, and leisure time. The included transportation, guided tours (albeit with some limitations), and meals make it a good value for travelers who want to see multiple sides of Crete without the hassle of planning each activity separately.

However, those seeking an in-depth, personalized tour or hoping for a completely unrushed exploration might find the schedule a bit tight and the guiding a little impersonal. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with plenty of swimming, scenic views, and a taste of history, this is a practical choice.

Travelers who enjoy meeting new people in a group setting, don’t mind a rushed tour, and want a blend of relaxation and cultural discovery will find this trip hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting with pickup times that vary based on your location, and ending back at your original pickup point.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at about $33.88 per person, which includes transportation, a guided tour, and some activities, but not the entry fee to Spinalonga or the boat and BBQ (around 15 euros).

Is transportation provided?
Yes, luxurious, air-conditioned buses with a professional driver, plus a free pickup service from many major resorts and towns.

What are the main highlights?
You’ll visit Kolokitha Beach for swimming and BBQ, explore Spinalonga Island’s ruins, enjoy a local olive oil tasting, and relax in Agios Nikolaos.

Are meals included?
The BBQ onboard is included in the tour price, featuring Mediterranean dishes and local wine. Additional drinks or snacks are available for purchase.

How much is the entrance fee to Spinalonga?
The general entry fee is 20 euros, though reductions are available for visitors over 65 or under 25, depending on nationality.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues due to walking on uneven ruins and the nature of boat and site visits.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, and a camera are recommended for enjoying all parts of the tour.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This Crete boat tour offers an engaging, full-day experience that combines water fun, cultural sights, and relaxation. The scenic boat ride, the chance to swim at Kolokitha Beach, and the history of Spinalonga are big draws for many travelers. While some may find the guided tour at Spinalonga somewhat rushed, the overall package provides good value for a cost-effective way to see multiple highlights of the island.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys combining outdoor activities with a bit of history, and doesn’t mind a bit of a schedule crunch, this tour could be a perfect fit. Plus, the local food, olive oil tasting, and scenic town of Agios Nikolaos add flavor to the day that makes it more than just a sightseeing trip.

For those wanting a balanced taste of Crete’s natural beauty and cultural depth, this tour delivers an enjoyable mix, packed into a well-organized, full-day itinerary.

In short, this tour is a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers eager to experience Crete’s sea, history, and local flavors in one go, with enough flexibility and comfort to make it worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here: