This boat trip leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30 and spends 4.5 hours in the Mirabello gulf, crossing to Spinalonga and stopping to swim at Kolokytha bay on the way. Spinalonga carries Venetian fortifications and the buildings of the leper colony that operated there until 1957, and the route also passes the sunken city of Olous and Barbarossa’s cave. NOSTOS CRUISES runs it from €25, with a 4.41 rating across 3,526 reviews, ranking 37th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The boat makes a circuit of the gulf with one landing and one swim. Four things fill the 4.5 hours.
First is the cruise across Mirabello bay from the main harbour, with live commentary and views back at the coast. Second are the sights passed en route: the cave associated with the corsair Barbarossa, the submerged remains of the ancient city of Olous, and the island where the kri-kri goats live. Third is Spinalonga itself, with a guided walk covering the Venetian period and the colony years. Fourth is the swim stop at Kolokytha bay, entered straight off the boat by ladder and platform.
Live guiding runs in English and Dutch; French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
The route stays within the Mirabello gulf on the north-east coast.
The €25 covers the boat and the guiding; the island fee and everything you consume are separate.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the efficient way to do Spinalonga: half a day, from a town harbour you can walk to, at €25. It leaves your morning and evening free, which the full-day coach trips do not.
The swim stop is what reviewers rate highest, and it is better than it sounds. A New Zealand guest called it the highlight of the trip, jumping into the sea straight from the boat using the ladder and platform, far more convenient than wading off a beach. French and Polish reviewers describe the same thing, and one noted the swimming time is exactly right.
Guiding on the island earns specific praise. A Dutch reviewer named Dimitri for the history he gave on Spinalonga; a British reviewer described the island guide as very informative and happy to answer questions. A Greek guest said the guides were warm and attentive from the first minute to the last.
The boat itself gets good marks, clean, with a bar and restaurant, food and drink at reasonable prices, and plenty of facilities.
Two honest caveats, and one of them is the dominant complaint in this record.
The €20 island fee is not clear enough at booking. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers want clearer information on the additional entry fee, and two separate German reviewers raised it directly, one saying the price should be more clearly indicated, the other spelling out that an add-on ticket of €20 each is needed for the roughly 90 minutes on the island. At €25 for the boat, the fee nearly doubles your cost.
Language coverage is uneven. Only English and Dutch get a live guide; French, German, Polish and Greek passengers listen to a recording. Guiding scores 4.3 out of 5, the weakest dimension, and this is the likeliest reason.
If you would rather have the towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda included with a coach and a guide for the whole day, the full-day Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga trip covers all three.
Budget €45 not €25, bring a towel, and take the ladder rather than the beach.
The boat departs from Nostos Cruises at Akti Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, at 12:30. No hotel transfer is included.
French, German, Polish and Greek commentary is by audio guide rather than a live guide. Pets are allowed on board, towels are not provided, and the Spinalonga entry fee is paid separately.
The trip runs 4.5 hours, departing Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30.
No, the island entry fee of around €20 is separate, and it is the most common complaint in the review record.
The swim stop is at Kolokytha bay, entered directly from the boat by ladder and platform rather than from a beach.
A live guide covers English and Dutch. French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
No transfer is included. The boat leaves from the main harbour in Agios Nikolaos, walkable from the town centre.
Pets are allowed on board, which is unusual among the Spinalonga boats.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga.
Get directions to Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop
Find below list of stays near Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop:
Situated on a hillside with views over the beautiful Istron Bay or located at the entrance of Istron village, Istron Luxury Villas offers stylish accommodation with private swimming pool, free WiFi access and private parking. The beach lies within a short walk from the main property.
The fully equipped villas are elegantly furnished and decorated, creating a homely atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the private swimming pool, or soak up the sun on the terrace overlooking the sea. Some units are split level and some include a spa bath, while all villas include a microwave, a dishwasher and a flat screen satellite TV with DVD player.
Homemade Greek flavours can be enjoyed at the elegant setting of the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. Access to the facilities of the nearby Istron Bay Hotel, including a flood-lit court, a kid’s club and a number of bars and restaurants, is also provided to guests.
The centre of Istron Village lies within 700 metres from the property, while Agios Nikolaos Town is at a distance of 13 km. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 72 km away.
from
€266
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Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea is situated in Istron. It has a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A car rental service is available at the villa.
Popular points of interest near Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea include Pylos Beach, Istro Beach and Chartalami Kolibou Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 51 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Just 80 metres from the beach, Istron Collection Villas offers modern Mediterranean villas with unobstructed sea views. The private seawater swimming pools are complete with sun chairs and loungers.
Istron Collection Villas come with an open-plan kitchen with dining area, and large windows with mosquito nets. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas feature an elegant living room with fireplace. Amenities include Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV, home cinema and hi-fi equipment.
Guests can relax in their private terrace with a direct view to the bay. Table and chairs for open-air dining are featured.
Wine, water and fresh fruits will welcome you on arrival. Laundry and ironing service are available upon request. Personalised services include massage appointments and shopping service.
from
€216
/night
With an outdoor pool overlooking the Cretan Sea, Kounenos Apartments offers self-catered accommodation with a wonderful view over the bay. It is situated on the hill of Istron-Kalo Chorio, 300 metres from the beach.
Surrounded by a large garden and olive groves, each guest accommodation has a fully equipped kitchenette. Furnished in typical Cretan style, all units feature round wooden tables, stone floors and stone-built beds. Wi-Fi is free in the entire property.
Kounenos Apartments is approximately 900 metres from the village centre. Agios Nikolaos is some 11 km away. Free private parking is available, and guests can hire a car on site.
Other free services include: at Voulisma beach our guests can relax at our privately owned beachfront space, equipped with comfortable deck chairs and umbrellas, and also park their cars in the adjacent privately owned area
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€82
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