
Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 130 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch worth booking?
Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch is a 9-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $57 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 130 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (130)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Exclusivity: We operate the only tour that starts sail from Agios Nikolaos and gives travellers the joy of cruising across Mirabello Bay for 1 hour! In addition, our boat is the only one that makes a stop at the beach of Kolokytha and give participants the time to swim and enjoy their lunch there. This tour combines both a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Fortress and a unique stay on the beach of Kolokytha for lunch and a swim stop. Our participants will enjoy a cruise through Mirabello bay, the crystal clear waters of Kolokytha beach, and the historic island of Spinalonga.
What you get
About this experience
Exclusivity: We operate the only tour that starts sail from Agios Nikolaos and gives travellers the joy of cruising across Mirabello Bay for 1 hour! In addition, our boat is the only one that makes a stop at the beach of Kolokytha and give participants the time to swim and enjoy their lunch there. This tour combines both a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Fortress and a unique stay on the beach of Kolokytha for lunch and a swim stop. Our participants will enjoy a cruise through Mirabello bay, the crystal clear waters of Kolokytha beach, and the historic island of Spinalonga.
What's included
Included
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
- Boat Tickets
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
- Lunch
Not included
- Extra Food/Drinks
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Heraklion
We start our tour from the pick-up points where we gather all participants in our busses. Our tour-leaders will welcome you in order to start the activity. In about 1.5 hour we will arrive at the town of Agios Nikolaos.
90 minutes here
Agios Nikolaos
The cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos. That's where the boat sails from, towards the island of Spinalonga.
Pass by without stopping
Spinalonga (Kalydon)
Boat Trip: 60' Time in Spinalonga: 1 hour 20 minutes After sailing from Agios Nikolaos, we will arrive to Spinalonga. Spinalonga is known as the island of tears. There will be a guided tour with a professional guide for about 45 minutes and then free time to take photos of the magical views. Entrance to Spinalonga Fortress: 20€
180 minutes here · Admission not included
After a 15' boat trip we arrive in the beautiful bay of Kolokytha for swimming and lunch for about 1h30min.
120 minutes here
Agios Nikolaos
Sail back to the town of Agios Nikolaos which will be the last stop of this day tour. Enjoy some free time, for about 1h30min, take a walk or have a coffee around the beautiful lake and port of the town. Embarkation on the buses and return to the resorts.
90 minutes here
Heraklion
Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
French: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
French: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Polish: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points:: Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
Itralian: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points:: Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
German: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points:: Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
English: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
Italian: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
German: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Italian: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
Polish: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
English: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano, Sisi Pickup included
German: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cretan Odyssey
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 130 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
130 verified traveler reviews for Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A very special experience.
This was such a great trip. The timings we spot on and the driver was excellent. Irene( I think that’s her name) our guide for the day was supportive without being patronising. I have moderate hearing loss and she took extra care to ensure I wasn’t excluded at all. The commentary the stops etc were all lovely. Spinalonga was breathtaking and Irene spoke with empathy, respect and compassion about the spirit of the sick, people left on the island to manage their own lives. Which they did with such grit and determination. The boat trip and buffet was so good. I’m guessing trying to organise so many holiday makers from different countries and cultures must feel like hearing cats at times… yet the whole crew pulled together and it worked really well. The boat has plenty of seats and eating off trays was easy and not a problem. The boat has a bar and toilets, where people who wanted to change, could do. I’ve been left with some precious memories of the whole experience. So thank you so much.
via Tripadvisor
Not disability friendly.
Unfortunately I have a disability which affects my mobility. I walk with a stick so is very visible. The coach arrived and there was no downstairs seating, so struggled to get up to the top deck. The same on the return journey. It’s so hard trying to enjoy trips when you are disabled, but I would’ve expected adjustments to be made to ensure I could sit in the lower deck. The pain getting up and down the steep stairs was extreme and left me in tears. It is a shame that this company is not disability friendly. Lots of very young able walking passengers in the lower deck and them, along with the tour guide watched my struggle. It was a good tour, but if you have a disability, I would avoid at all costs.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful, great guide, yet a bit overcrowded
My boyfriend and I were picked up by car and taken to the bus. Everything was right on time, which was great. We were also really happy that there was a vegetarian option available for us. Our guide was very nice and spoke both English and German really well, which made everything easy and enjoyable. The only downside was that there were quite a lot of people on the boat, so it felt a bit overcrowded. Other than that, we had a really good experience!
via Tripadvisor
Spinolonga tour, beach, bbq and Agios Nikalaus
Poppy our tour guide was fantastic. Great knowledge in German and English. She gave us good instructions on the bus, and some local knowledge. Air conditioned bus. Perfect timing for boat. Had to sit in sun. Tour was good. Enough information, then 30 mins free time. Beach was busy, but we found a small rock. Kids jumped off another boat. Bbq ok, salad was cabbage. They do not provide water, only one glass orange or wine. Then 1hour in Agious. Was a good day.
via Tripadvisor
Don't book
Absolutely avoid! Was a extremely stressful expirance. After reading the reviews before I was prompt to book. So we did. We have had a transport at 7.10am arrived promptly - no question asked, however after 25min journey we joined the bus which took us about 2.5 hours to reach to port. During the journey no information was provided. We arrived at Port of Nicolas at 10.30 we have been given vouchers and told to go and explore the city. Return 15min before departure. Again we follow all instructions - we arrive at the boat only to find out the lunch was served now and then and problems began. We couldn't sit were we wanted - very rude boat crew guide us to table. My husband asked for water the extremely uneducated lady responded shouting only white wine or juice-my husband politely responded that he doesn't drink alcohol and he doesn't want a juice as he has diabetes, he just want the water. She replay either wine or juice you want water you buy. The food was served on the boat, where we sat with stagers ( nothing wrong with that as the family what we sat with was really nice and shocked like us). The open beach bbq doesn't exist we were give 2 slices of bread, chicken leg from.oven and a bit of salad. I was fuming. We paid €130 for this "amazing" expirance only to sit where they want, eat when they want. When we finished our food plates were taken and we were told to move as they need space. Boat was overbooked, crowded people were sitting on the floor. In a heat of 35 deegres you can imagine the state of the boat and the smell. Fair enough I can't blame them for the odour. We stopped for swim - 30min with no safe access to water and out of water, people were jumping on each other as they wanted to make the best out of clear water and obviously the 30min what they had. Promptly we were asked to go back to boat. Arriving at Spinagola we have been given 1 hour exactly either to enter the tower/prison whatever it was for a cost of €20 not €8 as advertised. We decided to stay on a rocky beach. Way back was fast, crowded obviously. People had a mixed emotions some argued with the crew some didn't just tried to find the space to sit. Therefore if you advertise a trip please make sure is going according to people expectations as for tourist - ask as many questions as you can before wasting money because your 9 hours trip with no existing BBq on the beach will end up on 5 hours journey on the bus and 4 hours on water with one stop in scorching heat. Staff I understand you are tired and maybe even frustrated however you have chosen this job and you should provided a minimum polite service, is not even about the job - you represent your country and on that boat olimpia you have showed no manners, disrespect and annoyence by our presents.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $57 to $60
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 46
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cretan Odyssey, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything Cretan Odyssey runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $57 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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 130 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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch?
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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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch?
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Around 46 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?
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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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch 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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch?
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Included: Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants; Boat Tickets; In-vehicle air conditioning; Tour Guide; and Lunch. Not included: Extra Food/Drinks; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 221 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion.
What languages is Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, Polish and French. 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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch?
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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 Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch?
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Across 130 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch?
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There are 12 options to choose from, including French: Anisaras, Gouves area, French: Agia Pelagia area, Polish: Heraklion area, Itralian: Heraklion area. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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