The best part of this cruise is the chance to see three very different sides of Mirabello Bay in one half-day: a turquoise beach stop, a slow pass around Spinalonga, and a second swim in Skistra Gulf. The boat leaves Agios Nikolaos at 11:00 AM on Thursdays and Saturdays, giving you a clear morning plan without taking your whole day.

I like the low price of $24.06 and the simple meeting point at Agios Nikolaos harbour. I also like the balance between sightseeing and free time, with about an hour for swimming at each water stop. The main thing to consider is the group size, which can reach 200 people, and the second stop may have choppier water.

Key points to know before booking

• Two one-hour swim stops: You get time at Kolokytha beach and Skistra Gulf for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
• Spinalonga is viewed from the boat: The cruise circles the island for photographs, but you do not go ashore.
• A budget-friendly half-day: At $24.06 per person, this is a practical way to enjoy Mirabello Bay without paying for a private boat.
• Thursday and Saturday departures: The boat leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 11:00 AM and returns to the same meeting point.
• Food is extra: Local raki and watermelon are included, while meals and other drinks are sold at the onboard snack bar.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not supplied, and snorkeling equipment is available to rent or buy from the boat.

Setting out from Agios Nikolaos at 11:00 AM

This cruise begins at Koundourou 6 in Agios Nikolaos, near the town harbour. The meeting point is easy to reach, and the activity ends back where it starts, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or work out a return transfer.

The boat leaves at 11:00 AM every Thursday and Saturday. That timing works well if you want a relaxed start to the day, though it does mean the cruise occupies most of the early afternoon. The total outing lasts about four and a half hours, leaving the rest of your day open for Agios Nikolaos, a meal, or another short activity.

The first hour is a slow cruise across Mirabello Bay. Do not think of this as a fast transfer to the beach. The pace gives you time to look out over the bright blue water and take photos as the boat moves along the gulf. If you prefer a quiet ride, choose a spot where you can enjoy the view. If music is part of the atmosphere on your sailing, the onboard DJ may make the trip feel more like a casual party cruise than a silent sightseeing boat.

This is a group outing, with a maximum of 200 people. That keeps the fare low, but it also affects the feel of the trip. You should expect a shared boat rather than an intimate private charter. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all fit the format, but anyone wanting personal service or a peaceful sail with few people should consider that trade-off before booking.

Kolokytha beach and the first swim

After roughly an hour, the boat reaches Kolokytha beach and anchors for about one hour. This is the first major reward of the trip. The water is described as turquoise and clear, making it well suited to swimming and relaxed time in the sea.

You can get off the boat and swim, stay on deck, use the floating toys, or simply sit in the sun. The choice is yours, which is useful for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can spend most of the stop in the water, while anyone who prefers not to swim can still enjoy the bay from the boat.

I would make good use of this first stop. One practical point from the experience is that the water at the second stop may feel less settled, so Kolokytha can be the better place to spend extra time swimming if conditions are calm. Bring a towel, since none are provided, and pack sun protection for the time spent on deck.

Snorkeling is possible, but the equipment is not included in the price. You can rent or buy snorkeling equipment from the boat. That arrangement is convenient if you decide at the last minute that you want to look below the surface, but it adds to your cost. If keeping the total price as low as possible matters to you, plan around swimming and sunbathing rather than assuming snorkeling gear comes with the ticket.

The stop is also a good test of how you feel about a boat day. If you like open water, sun, and simple beach time, you will probably settle in quickly. If you need a structured shore visit, a guided talk, or lots of activities, this portion may feel too free-form.

Spinalonga viewed from the water

From Kolokytha, the boat continues toward Spinalonga, also known as Kalydon. This is the sightseeing section of the cruise, but it is important to understand exactly what happens.

The boat slowly circles Spinalonga so you can take pictures from the water. You do not disembark on the island. There is no shore visit, ticketed entry, or time to walk around the site. The appeal here is the view from the boat and the chance to see the island as part of the bay rather than as a full historical excursion.

That distinction matters when you compare this cruise with a dedicated Spinalonga tour. If your main goal is to explore the island on foot, this is not the right choice. You would need an experience that includes landing there. If you mainly want a boat view, photographs, and a broad look at the area, the slow circle adds a worthwhile sightseeing pause between the two swim stops.

Keep your camera ready during this part. The boat does not simply rush past. It takes time to circle the island, giving you a better chance to photograph the shoreline and surrounding water. The stop is also a useful break from swimming, especially for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery without getting wet.

The cruise does not appear to promise a detailed historical talk, so I would not book it expecting a full explanation of Spinalonga’s past. Its focus is the sea, the views, and easy time outdoors.

Skistra Gulf for a second hour in the water

The final major stop is Skistra Gulf, described as a quiet place for snorkeling and relaxation. The boat stops for approximately one hour, giving you another chance to swim, sunbathe, or use the floating toys.

Having two separate swimming stops is one of the strongest features of this outing. You get a change of setting rather than spending the whole swim period in one bay. It also helps families and groups with different energy levels. You can swim at the first stop, rest during the Spinalonga cruise, and decide again at Skistra Gulf whether you want another hour in the water.

Conditions may not be identical at both locations. The second stop can feel choppier, and the tide may pull you away from the boat. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat and pay attention to the water conditions. You can also choose to remain aboard and enjoy the view. The flexible format is helpful, but the crew cannot turn an open-water stop into a calm swimming pool.

Snorkeling is one of the suggested activities here, though equipment must be rented or bought onboard. The information provided does not promise a guided snorkeling session, so you should treat this as independent water time rather than a lesson. You swim, look around, and relax at your own pace.

The second stop may be especially appealing if you want a less structured hour. There is no scheduled shore walk or formal activity to complete. You choose how much of the stop to spend in the water, on the deck, or under the sun.

What is included, and what will cost extra

The fare covers the boat trip, the two planned swimming stops, floating toys, and local raki with watermelon. That is a fair package for a half-day outing at $24.06 per person, especially if you mainly want a scenic boat ride and time in clear water.

The price does not include meals. An onboard snack bar sells food and drinks at reasonable prices, so you can buy something during the trip rather than packing a full meal. Still, you should budget for any food, soft drinks, or extra beverages you want.

Towels are not supplied. Bring one from your accommodation if possible. You should also bring any personal swim items you need, since the boat only lists snorkeling equipment as something available to rent or buy, not as a free inclusion.

Local raki and watermelon are included. Raki is a traditional Greek spirit, so this small touch gives the cruise a local flavor. If you do not drink alcohol, the watermelon still provides a refreshing part of the offering. As always, take care with alcohol before swimming, especially in open water.

The price is strongest for people who value shared access to the bay rather than private service. A private boat would offer more space and control but normally costs far more. Here, you pay for a straightforward route, a boat ride, and two swim breaks. You are not paying for a long guided history tour or a meal package.

Group size, music, and the feel onboard

A boat that can carry up to 200 people will not feel secluded. You may find plenty of energy onboard, especially if the DJ is playing music during the ride. That can be a plus for friends, families, and anyone who likes a social day on the water.

The atmosphere may be less suitable for someone seeking quiet. Even with beautiful views, a large group can mean more activity around the deck and more competition for the best photo spots. Arriving at the meeting point on time and moving efficiently when the boat anchors will help you make the most of each stop.

The boat is described as well maintained, and the crew has been praised for being friendly. Those details matter on a trip built around simple comforts. You want a clean boat, a crew that keeps the schedule moving, and enough organization for boarding and swimming stops to run smoothly.

The outing is available in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is near public transportation. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The supplied information does not give specific details about step-free access, boarding assistance, or onboard facilities, so contact Nostos Cruises if you need those details before paying.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this trip to you if you want an affordable way to get on the water without spending an entire day at sea. The four-and-a-half-hour schedule is easy to fit into a Crete holiday, and the return to Agios Nikolaos leaves your afternoon and evening free.

It also suits groups with mixed interests. One person can swim, another can sunbathe, and another can take photos around Spinalonga. Since the stops are not built around a long guided walk, you are free to set your own pace.

Families may appreciate the floating toys and the simple route. Couples and friends may enjoy the music, views, and two swim breaks. Most people can participate, but open-water swimming requires sensible judgment, particularly if the sea becomes choppy at Skistra Gulf.

I would hesitate if your priority is a small boat, a quiet sailing experience, a full visit to Spinalonga, or an included meal. You should also think twice if you dislike spending time in crowded group settings. This is a social boat trip with free time, not a private coastal tour.

Practical booking advice for Thursdays and Saturdays

Because departures are limited to two days each week and the experience is booked about 14 days ahead on average, reserve early if your Crete schedule is fixed. The minimum number of participants must be reached for the trip to operate. If it is canceled for that reason, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling less than 24 hours ahead does not qualify for a refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Cutoff times follow local time in Crete.

Plan to arrive at Koundourou 6 with enough time to find the harbour meeting point. Wear swim clothes under your day clothes, bring a towel, and carry anything you need for sun protection. Since food and drinks are available for purchase but not included, decide in advance whether you want to buy lunch onboard.

Most of all, keep your expectations clear. You are booking a budget cruise with swimming and coastal views, not a guided archaeological visit. That honest understanding is what makes the price feel worthwhile.

Should you book Have Fun Cruising Agios Nikolaos to Elounda Bay?

Book it if you want clear water, two generous swim stops, a boat view of Spinalonga, and a low-cost half-day on Mirabello Bay. The route gives you a pleasant mix of scenery and free time, while the return to Agios Nikolaos keeps the rest of your day open.

Skip it if you need a small group, a quiet boat, or time ashore on Spinalonga. For most people who want a simple, social sea outing at a reasonable price, this cruise offers good value. Just bring a towel, allow extra money for food or snorkeling gear, and spend your best swimming time at whichever stop has calmer water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece, at the Agios Nikolaos harbour meeting point.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves at 11:00 AM every Thursday and Saturday.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Agios Nikolaos.

Does the boat stop on Spinalonga?

No. The boat slowly circles Spinalonga for photographs, but you do not disembark on the island.

How long are the swimming stops?

The boat stops for approximately one hour at Kolokytha beach and approximately one hour at Skistra Gulf.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented or bought from the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

Local raki and watermelon are included. Meals and other food or drinks are available to buy from the onboard snack bar.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.