Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip

Outty Ranking 64 4.4 · 24 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $46
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip worth booking?

Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip is a 7-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $46 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (24)
Duration
7 hours
From
$46 per person

A beautiful day starts from Elounda with your final destination on the Spinalonga Island. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the leper island which is located in middle of Mirebello gulf, swim at the green clear sea, admire the view and explore the historical island.

What you get

    About this experience

    A beautiful day starts from Elounda with your final destination on the Spinalonga Island. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the leper island which is located in middle of Mirebello gulf, swim at the green clear sea, admire the view and explore the historical island.

    What's included

    Included

    • Cruise to and from Spinalonga Island
    • Professional guide
    • For the German speaking tour will be offered lunch with Chicken and potatoes
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Lunch
    • Drinks and beverages
    • Entrance Fees 20,00 euro

    What you'll see and do

    1. Spinalonga (Kalydon)

      You will spend this day at the Gulf of Mirabello on the Cretan Riviera. In the morning we will drive to the beautiful village of Elounda. In the harbor of Elounda the boat is waiting for you and the sea trip begins across the blue, shining bay to the Island of Spinalonga. This former leper colony includes preserved houses and churches, and a strong Venetian influence in the form of a fortress surrounding the village. With houses and churches that are more of less well preserved, see the proof of the Venetian occupation in the form of the fortress surrounding the abandoned village. Swim in the crystal blue water before enjoying a lunch with Chicken and potatoes. After returning back to Elounda you will be driven to the small, charming and touristic town of Agios Nicolaos, with its quaint harbor and supposedly "bottomless lake".

      360 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • From Elounda EN

      Pickup included

    • From Amoudara till Fodele DE

      Spinalonga German Guiding: Spinalonga German Guiding from Heraklion Area Pickup included

    • From Ag. Nikolaos EN

      Pickup included

    • From Karteros till Milatos DE

      Pickup included

    • From Ag. Nikolaos - Elounda DE

      Pickup included

    • From Kokkini till Sissi EN

      Spinalonga English Guiding: Spinalonga English Guiding from Heraklion Area - Entrance fees to Spinalonga excluded Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Thu, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cretan Holidays

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Guests from Elounda have to return on their own from Agios Nikolaos if they join the city tour.

    Photos

    Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, photo 2Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, photo 3Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, photo 4Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, photo 5Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, photo 6Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip in Heraklion, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    24 verified traveler reviews for Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    18
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Caroline_N · May 2026

    Excellent and very informative

    The trip to Spinalonga and Elounda was excellent. Our guide, Cristina was great. She spoke excellent English and kept us informed every step of the way. The bbq on the boat was lovely and the ambiance was lovely.

    Response from the operator: Dear Caroline, Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful excursion to Spinalonga and Elounda, as well as the relaxing atmosphere on board. It’s wonderful to know the day was such a pleasant experience for you. We hope to welcome you again soon on another Cretan Holidays excursion!

    via Viator

    Angela_C · June 2025

    Fabulous day out

    Poppy the tour guide was very knowledgable, she provided an interesting tour of Spinalonga & was very approachable & happy to answer questions. Swimming in the bay after was very welcome to cool down & the BBQ lunch after was nostimo 👌🏻 definitely recommend.

    Response from the operator: Dear Angela, Thank you for your lovely review! Spinalonga is such a fascinating place to explore, and we’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour! It’s one of those days that combines history, relaxation, and Greek flavours perfectly. A great choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Crete. We hope to see you again soon on another Cretan Holidays adventure!

    via Viator

    Gaynor L · December 2024

    Ok

    Busy....rushed....not great. The island itself is wonderful but I would make your own way instead. Going as part of a tour was not great

    Response from the operator: Dear Gaynor, Thank you for your feedback. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the island itself, but we're sorry the experience didn’t fully meet your expectations. While we understand the desire for a more relaxed pace, we kindly disagree that organizing the excursion on your own would be easier. Our tours provide the convenience of a professional guide to share insights about the destination, as well as seamless transport from your hotel to the port and back in the evening. Additionally, securing boat tickets independently may not always be guaranteed, especially during peak periods. We truly value your input and will take it into consideration to improve our services further. We hope to welcome you on another excursion soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    Georgia_C · June 2024

    Brilliant day out!

    Amazing day! Everyone was so friendly! The boat wasn’t over sold so it was comfortable and not too busy. The tour guide was great, lots of information. The food was incredible, was surprised at how much we got included with a drink with lunch also! Lots of time to swim and explore the beach if swimming isn’t your preference! Great value for money with transfer from hotels to the tour boat too, would 100% recommend!

    Response from the operator: Dear Georgia, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing day on our tour. It's fantastic that you found everyone to be friendly and enjoyed the comfortable, uncrowded boat. We're glad you appreciated the tour guide's insights and the delicious food provided, along with the added value of the drink with lunch. Your recommendation means a lot to us! We look forward to welcoming you back for more great experiences in the future.

    via Viator

    Matthew J · October 2023

    Great day out 👌🏽

    A very educational and exciting trip. The boat ride was smooth and beautifully picturesque. The island itself has so many areas to explore and lots to learn about. Good day for kids also, our 10 year old loved it.

    Response from the operator: Dear Palmers, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Cretan Holidays. We're thrilled to hear that you found our excursion educational and exciting, and that the boat ride was smooth and picturesque. It warms our hearts to know that your 10-year-old enjoyed the day as well! At Cretan Holidays, we are committed to providing memorable experiences for our guests, and your feedback is invaluable in helping us achieve that goal. We continuously strive to improve and enhance our excursions, ensuring that each visit with us is nothing short of exceptional. We hope to welcome you and your family back soon for another adventure on the beautiful island of Crete.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Thu, Sun
    Price range
    $46 to $70
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cretan Holidays, who run 37 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.6.

    See everything Cretan Holidays runs

    Why this scores 64

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)64
    Review evidence (18% weight)53
    Booking momentum (14% weight)44
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)37
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip cost?

    +

    Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip take?

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    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.

    Is Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip?

    +

    Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Heraklion?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Heraklion?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Heraklion?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip?

    +

    Included: Cruise to and from Spinalonga Island; Professional guide; For the German speaking tour will be offered lunch with Chicken and potatoes; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only). Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; Drinks and beverages; and Entrance Fees 20,00 euro. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 202 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip?

    +

    Across 24 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip?

    +

    There are 6 options to choose from, including From Elounda EN, From Amoudara till Fodele DE, From Ag. Nikolaos EN, From Karteros till Milatos DE. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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