Crete: Spinalonga Island and Kolokytha Bay Boat Cruise

Crete’s captivating beauty unfolds as one embarks on the Spinalonga Island and Kolokytha Bay Boat Cruise. This 8-hour adventure promises to transport visitors to a realm of rich history, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking coastal vistas. From exploring the former leper colony of Spinalonga to indulging in a refreshing swim in Kolokytha Bay, this immersive experience offers a glimpse into Crete’s remarkable past and present. With guided tours, onboard amenities, and delectable cuisine, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey that will leave you yearning to uncover more of this enchanting Greek island.

Good To Know

• The 8-hour experience includes a 1-hour boat cruise to Spinalonga Island, a guided tour, and a 30-minute swim break at Kolokytha Bay.
• Pickup is offered at 13 locations across Crete, with a 1.5-hour van ride to Agios Nikolaos before boarding the boat.
• The guided tour of Spinalonga, a former leper colony, is followed by 1 hour of free exploration on the island.
• Onboard amenities include bars, a lounge, and a restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine, offering excellent value.
• Admission fees for Spinalonga Island are €8 for adults, with discounts for EU citizens under 25 and over 65, as well as free entry for children under 12.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview and Duration

The boat cruise offers an opportunity to explore both the historical Spinalonga Island and the picturesque Kolokytha Bay.

Lasting 8 hours, the experience includes a van ride to Agios Nikolaos, a 1-hour boat cruise to Spinalonga, a guided tour and free time on the island, a short trip to Kolokytha Bay for a 30-minute swim break, and the return journey.

Guests can take advantage of the boat’s amenities, such as bars, a lounge, and a restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine.

With prices ranging from $52.48 to $65.60 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cruise is a convenient and affordable way to discover the natural and historic wonders of Crete.

Pickup Locations and Transportation

Pickup for the cruise is offered at 13 convenient locations across Crete, including Sisi, Milatos, Gazi, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos.

The journey begins with a 1.5-hour van ride to Agios Nikolaos, where guests board the boat for a 1-hour cruise to Spinalonga Island.

After a guided tour and free time, the boat sails for 15 minutes to Kolokytha Bay, where visitors can enjoy a 30-minute swim break.

The return trip includes a 45-minute cruise back to Agios Nikolaos and a 1.5-hour van ride to the hotel.

Guests are advised that pickup times can be up to 2 hours before the cruise’s scheduled departure.

Boat Cruise Itinerary

The 8-hour cruise takes guests on a scenic journey through the stunning Mirabello Bay. After a 1.5-hour van ride, passengers embark on a 1-hour boat trip to the historic Spinalonga Island. There, they’ll enjoy a 20-minute guided tour and 1 hour of free time to explore the island’s captivating past. The cruise then continues to the picturesque Kolokytha Bay, where guests can swim in the crystal-clear waters for 30 minutes. Finally, the boat returns to Agios Nikolaos, completing the 45-minute journey back.

Duration	Location	Activities
1.5 hours	Van ride	Transfer to Agios Nikolaos
1 hour	Boat cruise	Sail to Spinalonga Island
20 minutes	Spinalonga	Guided tour
1 hour	Spinalonga	Free time
15 minutes	Boat cruise	Sail to Kolokytha Bay
30 minutes	Kolokytha Bay	Swimming
45 minutes	Boat cruise	Return to Agios Nikolaos

Highlights and Amenities

Explore the island’s rich history and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha Bay on this immersive experience.

Visit the historic Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony, and learn about its fascinating past during a guided tour.

Then, unwind in the stunning Kolokytha Bay, taking a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean.

Throughout the journey, admire the breathtaking coastline and hidden Pirate Caves.

The boat offers several amenities, including bars, a lounge, and a restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

With the option to save up to 20%, this cruise provides an excellent value for money.

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Admission Fees and Discounts

Visitors to Spinalonga Island must pay an entrance fee of €8 for adults, while EU citizens under 25 enjoy free admission. Discounts are also available for EU citizens over 65, who can save €4 off the regular price. These fees help support the preservation of the historic island. The breakdown of admission costs is as follows:

Ticket Type	Cost
Adult	€8
EU Citizen (Under 25)	Free
EU Citizen (Over 65)	€4 discount
Child (Under 12)	Free

Visitors are advised to have a valid ID ready to present for any applicable discounts.

Accessibility and Recommendations

According to the knowledge provided, this boat cruise may not be suitable for certain travelers. The activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID card for the trip.

On the positive side, the overall rating of the experience is 4.6 out of 5, with high praise for the transportation and good value for money.

Customers highlight the helpfulness and satisfaction with the boat cruise to Spinalonga Island and Kolokytha Bay, offering a chance to explore the island’s rich history and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mirabello Bay.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers highlights the exceptional value and enjoyment of this boat cruise. With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 25 reviews, the experience has garnered high praise. The transportation aspect scored an impressive 4.9/5, while the value for money received a strong 4.2/5 rating.

Metric	Score
Overall	4.6/5
Transportation	4.9/5
Value for Money	4.2/5
Customer Feedback	Highlights helpfulness and satisfaction

Customers consistently commend the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the stunning scenery and activities included in the tour.

How to Reserve and Pay

Booking the cruise to Spinalonga Island and Kolokytha Bay is straightforward. You can reserve your spot directly on the activity provider’s website or through third-party booking sites.

Reserving in advance is recommended, as spots are limited. The best part? You don’t have to pay upfront – just book your place and pay later. This "reserve now, pay later" option allows you to secure your spot without any out-of-pocket expenses.

Should your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the cruise for a full refund. With flexible booking and payment options, you can easily fit this captivating boat tour into your Crete itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?

The provided information does not specify a minimum age requirement for the boat cruise. The activity seems suitable for all ages, though parental supervision may be recommended for young children.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

The cruise allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks on board. However, there are onboard bars and restaurants that offer a range of Greek and international cuisine for those who prefer not to bring their own.

Is Wifi Available on the Boat During the Cruise?

The booking information does not mention the availability of WiFi on the boat during the cruise. Passengers should expect limited or no internet access during the 8-hour excursion.

Can We Extend Our Time on Spinalonga Island if Desired?

According to the itinerary, visitors have 1 hour of free time on Spinalonga Island. However, they can’t extend their stay beyond the scheduled time as the boat will depart as planned to continue the cruise.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Boat Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private boat tour. This allows for more flexibility and a customized experience, though it’ll come at an additional cost compared to the standard group tour.

The Sum Up

The Spinalonga Island and Kolokytha Bay Boat Cruise offers a captivating journey through Crete’s history and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich past, take a refreshing swim, and enjoy stunning coastal views, all while indulging in onboard amenities and delicious cuisine. This 8-hour adventure provides a well-rounded experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the wonders of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: