Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ

Traveling around Crete, we often hear about the island’s stunning beaches, historic sites, and lively towns. If you’re considering a full-day boat tour that hits the main highlights—Spinalonga, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos—this excursion might just fit the bill. We’ve looked into a popular option offered by TOURLINE, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

What strikes us first about this tour is its affordable price point—around $36 per person—that includes quite a bit: transportation, guided tours, and relaxing stops. Plus, the chance to explore Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress with a knowledgeable guide, combined with time on the beach, a BBQ lunch, and free time in charming towns, makes it appealing. However, it’s also a long day, and some travelers noted that timing can feel a bit tight, especially on the island.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive taste of eastern Crete without breaking the bank. If you enjoy a mix of history, scenic sailing, and laid-back beach time, and don’t mind a busy schedule, it could be right for you. But if you’re after a more relaxed pace or want to spend extensive time at each stop, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At about $36, this tour offers a full day packed with diverse activities.
• All-in-One Experience: Combining boat rides, guided sightseeing, beach time, and a tasty BBQ.
• Historical Insights: Expert guides provide context about Spinalonga’s complex past.
• Variety of Stops: From sandy beaches to vibrant towns, there’s plenty to see and do.
• Long Day: Expect a 9-10 hour trip, with some reviews mentioning it can feel rushed.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is subject to weather conditions, especially sea travel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Itself

Starting Point and Transportation

The day begins with hotel pickup from multiple locations around Heraklion and other parts of Crete, which is convenient. The buses are air-conditioned, which is a relief given the long hours. We appreciate the flexibility this offers, though some travelers have noted that pickups can sometimes be delayed or confusing if you’re not familiar with the meeting points.

Once everyone is on board, the journey starts with a roughly 90-minute coach ride along the coast, passing through the scenic St. George Gorge. The ride itself is comfortable, and the landscape views are a nice preview of what’s to come.

First Water Stop: Kolokytha Beach

Around 10 a.m., you’ll board a boat and head for Kolokytha Beach, a small island with inviting sandy shores. This stop is arguably one of the highlights—crystal-clear waters and quiet surroundings—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on deck. It’s a refreshing way to start the day before diving into more history.

Reviewers consistently mention the quality of the water here—crystal clear, with some describing it as a “haven” for a quick dip. You’ll also have time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The boat cruise itself offers scenic views along the coast, which many travelers find enjoyable.

Visiting Spinalonga Island

Next, around 12:45 p.m., the boat travels across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga, famous for its Venetian fortress and complex past. Once ashore, you’ll join a guided tour of the fortress, learning about its role as a Turkic settlement, Saracen pirate refuge, and Venetian fortress. For history buffs, this offers a fascinating glimpse into different eras.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore on your own or with the guide. Some visitors find this enough time to walk around and absorb the atmosphere, but others wish for a little more—especially if they want to take a longer walk along the walls or visit the small museum.

One reviewer, Kestutis, mentioned, “The guide was professional and presents information in an interesting and clear manner,” which is a good sign that you’ll come away with some meaningful insights. However, some noted feeling a bit rushed on this part of the day.

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Lunch: BBQ on the Boat or a Secluded Island

Following the visit, around 2:45 p.m., you’ll depart Spinalonga and head toward Kolokytha, where most of the group will enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. The meal options include pork, chicken, or vegetarian burgers, with sides like Greek salad, bread, feta, and fresh fruit. All this is served onboard or on the beach—whichever is more scenic. You also get a drink—wine, lemonade, or water.

The quality of the food appears to be quite good, especially considering the price. One review raved about the pork chops and Greek salad, calling the meal “worthy of a very good rating.” The BBQ is a nice touch to break up the sightseeing and give everyone a chance to refuel.

Exploring Agios Nikolaos

By about 3:45 p.m., the tour moves on to Agios Nikolaos, a charming seaside town famous for its bottomless lake (Voulismeni). Here, you’ll have about an hour to wander the streets, browse shops, or enjoy a coffee by the lake. Many appreciate this time as the perfect way to soak in local life and snap some photos.

One traveler told us they enjoyed relaxing in a café next to the lake, finding it a peaceful and picturesque spot to unwind after a busy morning.

Return Journey and Drop-Offs

After exploring Agios Nikolaos, the bus takes you back to Heraklion, arriving around 6:30 p.m. The journey back wraps up a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural discovery.

What We Like About This Tour

Well-Organized and Packed with Highlights

The itinerary is designed to hit the main points in eastern Crete, giving you a balanced mix of history, beach time, and town exploring. It’s clear the tour is well-structured, with specific time slots for each activity, which helps manage expectations.

Knowledgeable Guides Make a Difference

Multiple reviews emphasize the quality of guides, describing them as professional, informative, and engaging. Their insights bring the sites to life, especially at Spinalonga, where history is layered and complex.

Good Value Considering the Cost

At roughly $36, including transportation, guided tour, and a BBQ meal, this experience offers great value. Additional costs like boat tickets and the BBQ are extra, but even with those, many find it reasonable compared to booking separately.

Scenic and Refreshing Experience

The boat rides provide beautiful views of Mirabello Bay, and the stops at Kolokytha and Agios Nikolaos add variety to the day. The swimming and snorkeling options are a definite plus for water lovers.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

Rushed Feel on Some Stops

While the itinerary is packed, some travelers, including Kiana, mentioned feeling a bit rushed at Spinalonga because they wanted more time to explore. If you’re a slow walker or a history enthusiast, be aware that the allocated time might not satisfy your curiosity fully.

Long Day for Some

With a duration of 9-10 hours, this tour is quite full. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, it could feel tiring, especially if you’re not used to long days of activity. Conversely, those keen to see everything in a single shot will appreciate the comprehensive coverage.

Weather Dependency

Since the tour relies heavily on sea and weather conditions, a rough sea or bad weather could impact your experience or even lead to cancellations. It’s worth considering the season and forecast before booking.

Extra Costs for Entrance and Food

While the tour covers many aspects, Spinalonga’s entrance fee (around 20 EUR for adults, free for under 18) isn’t included. The boat ticket and BBQ are also an additional 15 EUR per adult. Budgeting for these extras is wise, especially if you want to avoid surprises.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded day that combines history, scenery, and beach time without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It’s particularly good for those who want a taste of Crete’s diverse attractions in a manageable package.

If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and enjoy guided tours with plenty of commentary, you’ll enjoy the knowledgeable guides and scenic boat rides. Water lovers and history enthusiasts will find the stops especially rewarding.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely day or want to spend longer at each site, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues, given the walking involved and the nature of boat and island visits.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from multiple locations around Heraklion and nearby towns. The tour provider will confirm your pickup point and time at least 24 hours beforehand.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 to 10 hours, from pickup to drop-off, with many scheduled stops along the way.

What does the BBQ lunch include?
The meal offers a choice of pork, chicken, or vegetarian burger, paired with Greek salad, bread, feta, fruits, and a drink (wine, lemonade, or water).

Are boat tickets included?
No, boat tickets for Spinalonga are an additional cost—about 15 EUR for adults and 7.50 EUR for children. These can be purchased on the boat or in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, children who enjoy water activities, sightseeing, and walking should find it engaging. Be aware of the long day.

Can I customize or extend my time at each stop?
The schedule is quite fixed, so while you can explore on your own during free time, there’s limited flexibility to stay longer at any one place.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, cash for extras, and perhaps a towel or snorkeling gear if you want to swim and snorkel during stops.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour from Crete offers a solid balance of history, scenery, and relaxation. For a wallet-friendly price, you’ll enjoy scenic boat rides, a guided exploration of Spinalonga, beach time at Kolokytha, and a taste of local flavor in Agios Nikolaos.

While it’s a long, busy day, the reviews suggest that most travelers find it worthwhile and enjoyable. The most praised aspects are the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and delicious BBQ. Just be prepared for a packed schedule and possibly rushing through some sites.

If you’re eager to see Crete’s highlights in one go, and don’t mind a full day on the move, this tour could be a great choice. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, consider whether a shorter or less structured day aligns better with your travel style.

Happy planning, and I hope your trip to Crete is full of memorable moments—whether you choose this tour or explore the island on your own.

You can check availability for your dates here: