Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga With Swim Stop

Embark on an enchanting voyage from Agios Nikolaos to the historic island of Spinalonga. This 4.5-hour boat excursion offers a captivating blend of culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. Sailing through the stunning Mirabello Bay, you’ll witness the impressive Venetian fortress, explore its rich history, and observe the elusive Cretan Kri Kri goats. But the true highlight? A refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokitha Bay, providing the perfect respite from your cultural discoveries. Get ready to learn about the captivating allure of this island adventure.

Good To Know

• 4.5-hour boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Mirabello Bay, including a visit to the Venetian-era Spinalonga fortress and a swim stop at Kolokitha Bay.
• Priced from €50.01 per person, the tour offers opportunities to see Pirate Barbarosa’s cave, the sunken city of Olous, and Cretan Kri Kri goats.
• Boat features amenities like two bars, a lounge, and a restaurant, as well as a live tour guide in multiple languages.
• Participants can choose from different age categories, and towels are provided for the swim stop.
• Overall positive customer feedback, with high ratings for the guide, transportation, service, and organization of the tour.

Tour Overview

This boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga offers an engaging 4.5-hour adventure.

Priced from €50.01 per person, the tour includes a boat cruise across Mirabello Bay and a visit to the Venetian-era fortress on Spinalonga.

Guests can explore the island’s Interpretive Centre to learn about its history as a former leper colony.

The tour also provides opportunities to see the cave of Pirate Barbarosa, the sunken city of Olous, and Cretan Kri Kri goats.

Participants can swim in the turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this excursion provides flexibility for travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

The boat trip begins with boarding a vessel in Agios Nikolaos and cruising across the scenic Mirabello Bay.

The first stop is the historical Spinalonga fortress, a remnant from the Venetian era. Visitors can then explore the Interpretive Centre, learning about the island’s past as a leper colony.

Next, the boat sails past the cave of Pirate Barbarosa and the sunken city of Olous. Passengers may also spot the elusive Cretan Kri Kri goats on a nearby island.

The tour concludes with a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay.

Onboard Experience

The boat features a length of 40 meters and includes two bars, a lounge, and a restaurant.

Passengers can enjoy Greek and international cuisine options available for purchase.

Information booklets, towels, and a live tour guide are provided in multiple languages, including Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian.

The onboard experience offers a comfortable and informative journey, allowing travelers to sit back, relax, and take in the stunning coastal views as the boat cruises across the Mirabello Bay towards the historic Spinalonga fortress.

Participant Details

Participants for the boat trip to Spinalonga can choose from various age categories, including Adult (18-99), Youth (11-17), Children (4-10), and Infant (3 and younger).

The meeting point for the tour is the Port of Agios Nikolaos Town. Here are a few key details for participants:

1. The boat is 40 m long and features two bars, a lounge, and a restaurant.
2. Towels are provided, and a live tour guide is available in multiple languages.
3. Participants can enjoy Greek and international cuisine options available for purchase onboard.
4. The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with a swim stop in Kolokitha Bay.

Customer Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the overall rating for the boat trip to Spinalonga is 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 2,094 reviews.

The guide rating received a high score of 4.7, while the transportation, service, and organization aspects were also rated highly at 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6, respectively.

Customers generally enjoyed the experience, with opportunities for swimming, though some noted the swimming stop didn’t involve docking.

Suggestions were made for more exploration time on Spinalonga.

Visiting Spinalonga Fortress

One of the main highlights of the boat trip to Spinalonga is the opportunity to explore the historic Spinalonga fortress. This former Venetian fortress stands as a testament to the island’s turbulent past.

Visitors can:

1. Wander the winding streets and marvel at the well-preserved architecture.
2. Visit the Interpretive Centre to learn about the island’s history as a leper colony.
3. Discover the cave of Pirate Barbarosa and the sunken city of Olous.
4. Observe the Cretan Kri Kri goats on a nearby island.

Spinalonga offers a glimpse into the island’s captivating history, making it a must-see destination during the boat trip.

Exploring Mirabello Bay

The boat trip to Spinalonga also takes visitors on a scenic cruise through the stunning Mirabello Bay. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine waters, the bay offers a breathtaking backdrop for the journey.

Along the way, guests can admire the picturesque villages that dot the coastline and keep an eye out for the rare Cretan Kri Kri goats on nearby islands.

The cruise provides an opportunity to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the region before the main event – exploring the historical Spinalonga fortress.

With on-board amenities and a knowledgeable guide, the boat trip ensures a well-rounded and memorable experience.

Swimming at Kolokitha Bay

During the boat trip, passengers can enjoy a refreshing swim stop at the picturesque Kolokitha Bay.

This idyllic cove offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing dip.

The tour includes the following:

1. Opportunity to swim and relax in the bay’s inviting waters.
2. Observation of the Cretan Kri Kri goats on a nearby island.
3. Stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Spinalonga fortress.
4. Towels provided for the swim stop, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Whether you’re looking to cool off, take in the scenic beauty, or simply enjoy some leisure time, the swim stop at Kolokitha Bay is a highlight of the Spinalonga boat trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat, though some tour operators may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to confirm their policy.

Is There Storage Space Available for Personal Belongings?

The boat offers limited storage space for personal belongings. Passengers can safely store items like bags and towels during the cruise, but it’s recommended to keep valuables with you at all times.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in the Swim Stop?

No, participants don’t need to know how to swim to participate in the swim stop. The tour includes a swim in the shallow and calm waters of Kolokitha Bay, so even non-swimmers can enjoy the experience.

Are There Any Health or Medical Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no health or medical restrictions for this tour. However, the swimming portion may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water.

Can I Get a Discount for Booking as Part of a Group?

Yes, travelers can receive discounts for booking this tour as part of a group. Group rates are typically available for parties of 4 or more. Customers should inquire about group pricing when making their reservation.

The Sum Up

This boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation. Visitors can explore the historic Spinalonga fortress, sail through the stunning Mirabello Bay, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokitha Bay. With its well-curated itinerary and comfortable onboard experience, this excursion is a must-do for those seeking a unique and memorable adventure in this enchanting region of Crete.