Crete’s "Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ" offers an immersive experience for just $35.45 per person. This 9-11 hour adventure whisks you away on an air-conditioned bus, leading to a scenic boat trip where you’ll discover Kolokytha Beach’s crystal-clear waters. Indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch as you explore the historic Spinalonga Island with a knowledgeable guide. But the day’s highlights don’t end there – venture to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll find that there’s more to uncover. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day in Crete, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- The tour offers a full-day excursion to explore Spinalonga Island, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos, including transportation, guided tours, and a BBQ lunch.
- The cost is $35.45 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and liability insurance.
- Highlights of the tour include swimming and snorkeling in Mirabello Bay, a guided tour of the historical Spinalonga Island, and a 1-hour visit to Agios Nikolaos.
- The tour offers a variety of meal options, including chicken, pork, and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by Greek salad, bread, and beverages.
- Based on over 235 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the guides, transportation, and the scenic boat ride.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ is a popular day-long excursion that typically costs $35.45 per person.
The tour lasts 9-11 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from various locations, air-conditioned bus transportation, a guided tour of Spinalonga, liability insurance, a boat ticket, and a BBQ lunch.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing at Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos, and scenic views during the boat ride across Mirabello Bay.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour offers pickup from 25 locations across Crete, including popular resort towns like Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Agios Nikolaos, and Heraklion.
After a 1.5-hour bus ride, you’ll take a 40-minute boat trip to Kolokytha Beach.
The highlights include:
- Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Mirabello Bay.
- Enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch with options like chicken, pork, or vegetarian.
- Exploring the historic island of Spinalonga for 1.5 hours with a guided tour.
- Spending an hour sightseeing in the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos.
The scenic boat ride across Mirabello Bay offers breathtaking views throughout the day.
Included Services
This tour includes a range of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Pickup and drop-off from select locations in Crete are provided, along with air-conditioned bus transportation.
The guided tour of Spinalonga Island is offered in English, with French, German, and Polish available on specific days.
Liability insurance by Generali is included, as well as the boat ticket and BBQ lunch.
The Spinalonga entry fee is also covered, with discounted rates for students and seniors.
Guests are encouraged to bring sunglasses, sun hats, and swimwear, while pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
Food and Amenities
A BBQ meal with delectable options awaits guests on this tour, featuring chicken, pork, and vegetarian dishes.
The feast is served with a Greek salad, fresh bread, feta cheese, and a selection of fruits. Beverages include wine, lemonade, and water.
To make the most of the experience, visitors are advised to bring:
- Sunglasses to shield their eyes from the Mediterranean sun
- A sun hat for added protection
- Swimwear to enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea
- Some cash for any additional purchases or expenses
Pets, however, aren’t permitted on this excursion.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Over 235 customers have reviewed this boat tour, giving it an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Customers praised the knowledgeable guides, who received a 4.5/5 rating. The transportation was also well-received, earning a 4.2/5 rating.
While the service and organization received slightly lower scores of 3.9/5 and 3.8/5 respectively, the overall feedback highlights the tour’s beautiful locations, well-organized itinerary, and delicious BBQ lunch.
Customers particularly enjoyed the scenic boat ride across Mirabello Bay and the guided tour of the historic Spinalonga island.
With these strong customer reviews, this boat tour offers a highly rated experience for visitors to Crete.
Pickup Locations
The tour offers pickup from 25 different locations across Crete, including popular resort towns like Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Agios Nikolaos, and Heraklion.
This wide range of pickup points ensures convenience for travelers, allowing them to join the tour directly from their accommodations.
The pickup locations are as follows:
- Sisi
- Malia
- Stalis
- Hersonissos
The comprehensive pickup service minimizes the need for travelers to make their own way to a central meeting point, making the tour more accessible and hassle-free.
Boat Transport and Activities
After the bus transport from the pickup locations, participants board a boat for a 40-minute journey across the picturesque Mirabello Bay.
Once at Kolokytha Beach, the group can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters. A delicious BBQ lunch is served, with options for chicken, pork, or vegetarian.
Following the meal, the tour visits the island of Spinalonga for a 1.5-hour guided tour, where travelers can explore the former leper colony.
The final stop is Agios Nikolaos, where participants have an hour to sightsee in this charming coastal town.
Admission Fees and Discounts
Travelers enjoy access to Spinalonga with an 8 EUR entry fee for adults, while students and seniors can enter for 4 EUR. Children under 18 can visit the island for free.
Additional fees include:
- 15 EUR for the BBQ meal for adults
- 7.50 EUR for the BBQ meal for children aged 4-11
With these reasonable admission prices, visitors can enjoy the rich history and stunning scenery of Spinalonga, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos.
The tour also includes liability insurance, guided tours, and transportation, ensuring a well-rounded and convenient experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
Yes, the tour seems suitable for families with young children. It offers activities like swimming and snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and free entry for children under 18. The tour also provides hotel pickup and drop-off.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?
No, you can’t bring your own food and beverages on the tour. The tour includes a BBQ lunch and drinks, so outside food and drinks aren’t allowed. You’ll need to purchase any extra items during the tour stops.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors on this tour. Students and seniors can get 4 EUR off the regular adult entry fee to Spinalonga.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size, but it provides pickup options from multiple locations. Customers can expect a personalized experience with the small group transport and activities during the 9-11 hour tour.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour doesn’t offer customization options. It has a set itinerary that includes visiting Spinalonga, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Travelers can’t modify the activities or locations during the tour.
Recap
This Crete tour offers an exciting and affordable way to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can look forward to a memorable boat trip, guided tour of Spinalonga Island, and a delicious BBQ lunch, all while enjoying the picturesque towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. With hotel pickup and transportation included, this tour provides a hassle-free and immersive experience for those seeking to discover the best of Crete.