Elounda: Spinalonga Prof. Guided Boat Tour w/ BBQ + Swimming

Elounda: Spinalonga Prof. Guided Boat Tour w/ BBQ + Swimming offers a well-rounded day exploring Crete’s fascinating island history combined with relaxing seaside fun. For $29.04 per person, you get approximately six hours of sightseeing, swimming, and delicious food, making it a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of both culture and leisure without breaking the bank. The tour departs from Elounda, includes a guided visit to the infamous Spinalonga island, and features a scenic boat ride, a secluded swimming stop at Kolokytha, and a hearty BBQ lunch on board.

What we love most about this experience is the knowledgeable guides—who help bring Spinalonga’s complex past to life—and the quality of the BBQ, which is included in the price and offers a satisfying break during the day. The boat itself is well equipped with shady spots, a bar, and proper facilities, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.

One possible consideration is the limited time at Spinalonga—about 2 hours—so history buffs might find this brief if they’re eager to explore every detail. Also, note that transfer from and back to your hotel isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate engaging guided walks, want a balanced mix of history, swimming, and local cuisine, and are comfortable with a fairly active day. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a leisurely, social atmosphere combined with authentic insights into Crete’s storied past.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines historical storytelling with relaxing seaside activities.
• Affordable Price: Great value for the included boat ride, BBQ, and guided tour.
• Comfortable Boat: Well-equipped, shaded areas, bar, and facilities enhance the journey.
• Flexible Options: Tour guides speak English and German, with optional wine or lemonade.
• Limited Time at Spinalonga: About 2 hours, good for a quick overview but may leave history enthusiasts wanting more.
• No Included Transfers: You’ll need to organize your own transportation to the meeting point.

This experience made our article of Which Crete BBQ Experiences To Choose? Our Best 7 Picks.

A Complete Guide to the Elounda Spinalonga Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour kicks off in the morning at the Windmill small port in Elounda, a charming fishing village that serves as a perfect launchpad for this adventure. For just over 6 hours, you’ll get to enjoy a combination of scenic boat rides, historical exploration, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a hearty BBQ meal. The cost, at about $29, makes this a budget-friendly option, especially considering what’s included.

The day is particularly suited for those who enjoy easy-paced sightseeing combined with outdoor fun. It’s not overly strenuous but involves some walking, boat time, and a splash in the sea. The guides’ friendly demeanor and informative commentary (in English and German) help make this a smooth, engaging experience.

What We Love About This Tour

First, the guided tour of Spinalonga is a highlight. The island’s history is layered and complex—ranging from a natural barrier in ancient times, to serving as a leper colony, a Venetian fortress, and a Turkic settlement. Having knowledgeable guides like Giannis or Maria helps you understand why Spinalonga is such a compelling site. As one reviewer put it, “Very interesting tour from the guide we had at Spinalonga.”

Second, the secluded swimming stop at Kolokytha offers a peaceful break. The waters here are famously clear, perfect for a refreshing dip, especially after walking around historical sites. The BBQ lunch, served on the boat, is another real plus. It includes pork chops, salad, bread, and fruit, with an option to enjoy a glass of wine or lemonade—adding a touch of local flavor to the day.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Spinalonga (Approx. 2 hours)

This is the core of the tour—a walking exploration of the island’s remains and history. The island itself is quite striking, with crumbling walls, narrow streets, and remnants of its past as a leper colony. According to reviews, the guides make this segment particularly engaging, helping visitors appreciate the layers of history that have shaped Spinalonga.

Some travelers wish for more time, with one noting, “Deserve to stay longer,” but the allocated two hours provides a solid overview. The entrance fee (€8, or €4 for those over 65) is not included, so budget accordingly.

Stop 2: Kolokytha Bay & Swimming (Approx. 2 hours)

After the historical walk, the boat takes you along the coast through the St. George Gorge to reach Kolokytha Bay. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on the small beach. The boat’s facilities and shaded areas make lounging comfortable, and the BBQ on board ensures you’re well-fed during your break.

Reviews highlight how refreshing and enjoyable the swim is, especially in the October season, with one saying, “we stayed 1h30 with a guide, [it] deserves to stay longer,” reflecting the relaxing vibe.

Return & Additional Tips

The boat departs from Spinalonga around 14:45, heading back to Elounda by about 15:30. The return trip offers more scenic views across Mirabello Bay, perfect for photo opportunities.

Transportation & Practicalities

Since transfers are not included, you’ll want to plan how to get to the starting point at Windmill port. The tour is near public transportation, and most travelers find this convenient, but it’s wise to confirm your logistics ahead of time. The boat is well equipped, with shady spots and a bar, making the journey comfortable even on warmer days.

What the Tour Includes & What It Doesn’t

Included in the price are the boat tickets, guided tour of Spinalonga, BBQ meal, and a drink (wine or lemonade). Liability insurance by Generali adds peace of mind, too.

Extras to keep in mind include personal expenses, entrance fees to Spinalonga, and transportation to the meeting point. The tour’s price offers good value, given the comprehensive experience, especially when you consider the guided insights and included meal.

Authenticity and Group Size

With a maximum of 200 travelers, the group size is moderate, allowing for a more personalized experience. Reviews show that guides are friendly and knowledgeable, with some travelers appreciating the mix of English and German commentary.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of history and relaxation. It suits those who enjoy a leisurely pace, meaningful guided walks, and scenic boat rides. Families or groups who appreciate authentic experiences—such as swimming in pristine waters or learning about Crete’s layered past—will find this trip rewarding.

People who value good food, engaging guides, and a well-organized schedule will appreciate the balanced itinerary. However, those wanting an in-depth exploration of Spinalonga’s history might find the two-hour visit a bit brief, so consider this when planning your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the starting point included?
No, transfers are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the Windmill small port in Elounda, but it’s accessible by public transportation or taxi.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about six hours, including boat rides, time on Spinalonga, swimming, and lunch.

What is the price?
At $29.04 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the guided tour, boat ride, BBQ, and drinks included.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate. The only restriction is for alcohol consumption, which is only for those over 18 years old.

What is included in the tour?
Boat tickets, guided tour of Spinalonga in English and German, BBQ lunch with a drink, and liability insurance.

What about entrance fees?
Entry to Spinalonga costs €8 (or €4 for those over 65) and is not included in the tour price.

How much time do I get at Spinalonga?
Approximately two hours, which is enough for a guided walk and exploring the ruins, but some may wish for more time.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, it’s well equipped with shaded areas, a bar, and proper facilities, making the journey relaxing and enjoyable.

To sum it up, this tour from Elounda to Spinalonga offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and leisure at a budget-friendly price. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, insightful look at one of Crete’s most intriguing islands, combined with a refreshing swim and satisfying meal. If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized day that won’t overwhelm your schedule or budget, this trip hits the mark.