Minicruise: Spinalonga Island, Pirate Caves & Hidden Beaches

A Relaxing Journey Along Crete’s Coast: Spinalonga, Pirate Caves & Hidden Beaches

If you’re looking for a way to experience Crete beyond the usual sightseeing spots, this 7-hour minicruise offers a wonderfully laid-back way to see the island’s secret corners. Led by friendly guides (with names often shared by previous travelers, if available), this boat trip takes you around Spinalonga Island, famous for its past as a leper colony, and includes stops at Pirate Barbarossa’s Cave and some of Crete’s best-kept hidden beaches.

The price is quite reasonable considering the length and variety of experiences packed into the day. You’ll enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in crystal-clear waters, topped with delicious onboard food and drinks. We especially loved the chance to learn about Spinalonga’s history from the sea—seeing the island’s ruined fortifications and old buildings from a boat adds a layer of perspective that’s hard to match on land.

Another highlight is the opportunity to relax at Kolokytha Beach and Skistra Beach—both quiet, beautiful spots free from crowds. Plus, dancing to lively music and sipping local raki on deck creates a festive, authentic Cretan atmosphere.

A potential consideration: this trip isn’t suitable for those with back problems or seasickness, as the boat ride can be choppy at times. Also, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of gentle adventure and relaxation in a small-group setting. If you’re after a full day at a museum or walking tour, this isn’t it. But if you want a fun, scenic, and engaging day with a good balance of history, nature, and local flavor, this cruise could be just what you’re looking for.

Who will love this tour?
It’s perfect for travelers craving a relaxed day on the water with plenty of swimming, spectacular views, and a taste of authentic Crete. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a lively but laid-back atmosphere will find it especially appealing.

This experience made our article of 12 Of The Best Tours In Elounda.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: Cruise around Spinalonga and the surrounding crystal-clear waters, offering memorable photo opportunities.
• Historical Perspective: Learn about Spinalonga’s history as a leper colony from a unique vantage point at sea.
• Hidden Beaches: Drop anchor at Kolokytha and Skistra Beaches—perfect spots for swimming and sunbathing away from crowds.
• Authentic Crete: Enjoy traditional Cretan hospitality with onboard wine, raki, and lively music.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers except those with back problems or seasickness.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, lunch, drinks, and pick-up/drop-off, making it a convenient package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Setting Sail from Elounda

The journey begins in Elounda, a charming fishing village with a reputation for luxury but also genuine local character. The boat, usually a small to medium-sized vessel, has enough space for comfort but still retains an intimate feel that makes it easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers.

Departure times vary, so it’s worth checking the availability and confirming the pickup details a day in advance, when you’ll receive your voucher. The pickup service is appreciated because it removes any logistical stress, letting you relax from the moment you step out of your hotel.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

The highlight for many is cruising past Spinalonga Island. From the water, you’ll see the crumbling fortress walls, old buildings, and the intriguing layout of this former leper colony. Your guide, whose knowledge is often quoted as lively and engaging, will share stories of the island’s complex past, making the visit all the more meaningful.

You might find that viewing the island from the sea provides a different perspective—less about walking through museums and more about contemplating its history from afar. This perspective lends itself to reflection, offering a more emotional connection to the site.

Pirate Barbarossa’s Cave

Next, you’ll approach Pirate Barbarossa’s Cave, where legend has it the notorious pirate once sheltered. The caves are dramatic and offer some great photo opportunities. Hearing about Barbarossa’s daring exploits adds a dash of adventure to your cruise, and many mention the thrill of seeing the caves up close.

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Swimming and Snorkeling at Hidden Spots

After the historical sightseeing, the boat anchors at Kolokytha Beach, known for its pristine waters and natural beauty. Here, you’ll have ample time to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge in the sun. The water is often described as crystal clear, with vibrant marine life making snorkeling especially rewarding.

Later, the boat heads to Skistra Beach, a more secluded strip of sand where you can relax further. Several reviews praise the peaceful ambiance and unspoiled scenery, ideal for escaping the tourist crowds.

Lunch and Local Flavors

Lunchtime onboard is simple but satisfying: hot dogs, toast, fresh fruit, and a glass of local wine or raki. The food is described as fresh and well-prepared, perfect for fueling the day’s activities. The lively atmosphere, with music and dancing, makes the meal feel more like a festive gathering than a formal sit-down.

Additional Enjoyments

Throughout the trip, you’re encouraged to enjoy music and dancing, which adds a fun, authentic touch. Many travelers note how friendly the crew is and how they make effort to create a memorable, relaxed environment.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours on the water, with total experience around 7 hours including pickup and drop-off. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, and beachwear—the latter for enjoying the swimming stops.

Since the boat ride can sometimes be bumpy, it’s best to skip this if you’re prone to seasickness or have back problems. The tour ends around 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, making it a full but leisurely day.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For the price, you’re getting a well-rounded experience: scenic boat rides, historical insights, top-notch swimming spots, lunch, and drinks. The inclusion of pick-up and drop-off adds convenience, especially if you’re staying outside the port area.

The small group size (often mentioned in reviews) helps maintain a friendly, personal atmosphere—ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience over larger, crowd-filled tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for history buffs who want a different view of Spinalonga, water lovers eager to swim in clear, quiet beaches, and anyone looking for a laid-back day with authentic Cretan hospitality. It suits those who enjoy a social atmosphere with music, dancing, and local drinks, but might not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues or seasickness.

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and engaging way to see parts of Crete that are hard to access on foot, this cruise strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat trip?
The boat trip lasts about 5 hours, with the full experience around 7 hours including pickup and drop-off.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers boat transportation, onboard hot dogs, fruits, drinks (juice, wine, raki, water), and pick-up/drop-off services.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers except those with back problems or seasickness. Kids who enjoy swimming and a relaxed boat ride will likely have a good time.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The onboard menu is simple—mainly hot dogs, toast, fruits, and drinks. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s good to plan accordingly, as the tour doesn’t specify special meal options.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat for sun protection, a camera for photos, and beachwear for swimming. Don’t forget sunscreen!

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The flexible booking policy makes it less stressful to plan ahead.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, beach-appropriate clothing is fine. For swimming stops, bring swimsuits and towels.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In cases of bad weather, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll receive a full refund if that happens.

To sum it up, this minicruise offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local entertainment wrapped into a manageable, fun-filled day. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Crete’s coastal highlights without the hustle of land-based tours. The chance to swim in secluded beaches, learn about Spinalonga from the water, and enjoy authentic Cretan hospitality makes it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. Just remember to pack your sunhat, book in advance, and prepare for a lively, memorable day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: