Boat tour Panorama Spinalonga with BBQ and Agios Nicolaos

If you’re considering a day on the water around Crete, this Boat Tour Panorama Spinalonga with BBQ and Agios Nikolaos might be just what you need. We’ve looked into this tour based on real reviews and the detailed itinerary, and here’s what you can expect. It’s a flexible experience, with options for half or full-day adventures, designed to give you a taste of everything from history and scenery to local flavors.

What truly appeals is the chance to see the Venetian Fortress and the former leper colony of Spinalonga from the sea—a highlight that many travelers find fascinating—and the opportunity to enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters at two different stops. Plus, the included BBQ lunch and visit to a local olive oil park add a nice touch of local flavor. On the flip side, a potential concern is the length of the day if you choose the full experience: it can be quite long, especially if your hotel is farther out. Still, this tour suits those eager for a balanced mix of scenery, history, and relaxation, especially if you enjoy being on the water.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and iconic sights like Spinalonga from the water
• Swim stops at Kolokytha Bay and near Plaka, ideal for relaxing and cooling off
• Onboard BBQ lunch with options for meat and vegetarians, including Greek salads and fresh fruit
• Visit to an olive oil park with tastings, adding a local touch
• Flexible durations, from 4.5 to 12 hours, depending on your choice and pickup location
• Tour operated by TOURLINE, ensuring direct booking and reliable service

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour kicks off with a bus transfer from Heraklion or nearby resorts to Elounda port. If you choose the transfer option, just know that travel time can be up to 2.5 hours each way, depending on where you’re staying. Once at the port, your boat awaits, ready to take you on a scenic cruise that’s both leisurely and packed with interesting sights.

The Boat and First Swim Stop at Kolokytha Bay

The boat itself is comfortable enough for a half-day or longer journey, and the first highlight is the cruise across Kolokytha Bay. This is a natural, shallow beach with exceptionally clear water. It’s perfect for a first swim—whether you jump in from the boat or wade ashore. The reviews mention that the water is “crystal-clear,” making it a refreshing start, especially during the hot summer months.

While you’re swimming, the crew is busy preparing the BBQ lunch, which is included. The standard menu features grilled pork chop, Greek salad, fresh bread, and seasonal fruit, with a glass of wine or lemonade. Vegetarian and chicken options are available—just let your guide know during the bus ride, which means the tour is fairly accommodating, even if you’re not into meat.

Spinalonga: From the Sea

The highlight for many is the cruise past Spinalonga, the Venetian fortress and former leper colony. From the boat, you’ll get a panoramic view of this historic site, which is quite striking from the water. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who share stories about Spinalonga’s past, adding depth to the experience.

The boat doesn’t stop here, so if you want to explore the island itself, you’ll need to do a separate tour or visit independently. But the view from the water is impressive and offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially with the backdrop of the island’s fortress walls and scenic surroundings.

Second Swim at Plaka

After cruising past Spinalonga, you’ll stop again, this time in the open sea between Spinalonga and Plaka. This is a more open-water spot, where many guests float in the deep blue, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. Reviewers mention this as a “serene” part of the tour, perfect for unwinding after lunch.

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A Stroll in Agios Nikolaos

Returning to Elounda, the tour continues by bus to Agios Nikolaos, one of Crete’s most charming towns. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore—walk around Lake Voulismeni, enjoy a coffee at a seaside café, or browse local shops. Many travelers appreciate this finale, noting the town’s quaint streets and beautiful harbor.

The Olive Oil Park

The last stop is an visit to a local olive oil park. Crete is famous for its olive oil, and here you’ll discover the traditional production process. Tastings are included, allowing you to sample various oils and learn about their significance to local life. It’s a small but meaningful addition that adds some local flavor to the tour.

What It’s Like in Practice

The overall experience is a good balance of activity and relaxation. You’re on a boat for around 4.5 hours if you stick to the shorter option, but with the transfer and stop times, full-day options can extend up to 12 hours. That’s a lot of time, so if you’re not used to long days or traveling with children, you might find it a bit tiring.

The boat cruise is controlled and comfortable, but some reviews point out that food on board can sometimes be a letdown—pork, in particular, can be tough, and the chicken might be a bit processed. Still, the BBQ is a highlight for many and adds to the laid-back, picnic-style vibe of the trip.

The group size varies, but it tends to be a fairly social environment. The guide speaks English, making it easy to follow along and ask questions. Most reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who add value with their insights.

Price and Value

At $34 per person, this tour seems quite reasonable, especially considering the inclusions: bus transfer, boat ride, BBQ lunch, and visits to interesting sites. For those eager to pack in a bit of everything—swimming, sightseeing, and tasting—this tour offers good bang for your buck.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re after a relaxed day on the water, with plenty of swimming and a taste of local life, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s suitable for those who want a full experience without too much hassle, especially if you appreciate good views, historical sights, and a laid-back atmosphere. However, if you’re particularly sensitive to long travel times or strict dietary needs, you might want to plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour around Crete offers a well-rounded day of sea, sun, and stories. The scenic cruise past Spinalonga is a major draw, combined with swimming stops that let you cool off in the clear waters. The BBQ lunch and visit to the olive oil park add local flavor, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.

The experience is particularly good for travelers who want a combination of relaxation and exploration without the hassle of complicated logistics. It’s a solid choice if you’re staying near Heraklion or the surrounding resorts and want to see a mix of history, nature, and local produce.

While some found the food on board a little disappointing and the day quite long, most reviews speak highly of the friendly guides and beautiful scenery. It’s a tour that provides a genuine taste of Crete’s coastal charm and cultural highlights, making it a worthwhile addition to an island itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The basic boat cruise lasts about 4.5 hours, but with transfers and stops, the full experience can extend up to 12 hours depending on your pickup location and chosen options.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off (if the transfer option is chosen), transportation by air-conditioned bus, boat tickets, and a BBQ lunch with options for vegetarian and chicken meals, Greek salad, fresh bread, seasonal fruit, and a drink.

Can I choose a vegetarian meal?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, just let your guide know during the bus ride.

Are there swimming stops?
Absolutely. The first stop is at Kolokytha Bay, known for its clear, calm waters. The second is in the open sea near Plaka, perfect for relaxing and floating.

What about the visit to Spinalonga?
You’ll see Spinalonga from the water—great for photos and learning about its history, though the island itself isn’t part of the cruise itinerary.

Is there free time at Agios Nikolaos?
Yes, you’ll have some free time to explore the town, walk around Lake Voulismeni, or relax in a seaside café.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, beachwear, sunscreen, sun hat, towel, and cash for extras. Pets are not allowed on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for travelers comfortable on a boat and with a full day ahead, but keep in mind the long duration might be tiring for very young kids.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a nice balance of sights, activities, and local flavor—making it a solid choice for those wanting an engaging day on Crete’s waters. Whether you’re into history, swimming, or simply soaking up the scenery, you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy here.

You can check availability for your dates here: