Elounda, with its calm waters, scenic coastlines, and proximity to historic sites, is a natural hub for tours. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat cruise, a deep dive into local culture, or a private day exploring Crete’s hidden corners, Elounda has a lot to offer. We’re particularly fond of the Spinalonga Boat Trip from Elounda Port, which combines ease, history, and the chance to feel the sea breeze on a traditional Greek boat. The island’s fascinating past as a leper colony makes this outing both educational and memorable. Plus, with flexible return options, you can spend just a short visit or linger longer.
In this guide, we’ll highlight a variety of tours, from quick half-day jaunts to full-day private adventures. Our list includes boat trips, cultural explorations, and luxury private cruises—all offering a unique way to experience Crete’s coast and inland treasures. Whether you prefer a lively group experience or an intimate tailored day, our top picks aim to help you find the perfect match.
Brief Overview of the Top Tours in Elounda
We’ve gathered options that cover scenic boat trips, island explorations, private tours, and cultural excursions. You’ll find spontaneous half-day trips like the Spinalonga Boat Trip, full-day adventures such as the Boat Trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach, and luxury private cruises like the Homemade Lunch Private Cruise. There are also cultural and scenic tours focused on Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and the surrounding villages. Below, we walk through each, highlighting what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
1. Spinalonga Boat Trip from Elounda Port
At number 1 is the classic Spinalonga boat trip, which is a quick, high-value option for those wanting a taste of Crete’s rich past. This tour offers a 2-hour cruise around Elounda’s bay, with a stop on the historic island of Spinalonga. The island’s Venetian fortifications are as intriguing as its story as one of Europe’s last leper colonies. You’ll walk along its deserted streets and learn about the island’s complex history from your onboard commentary.
What truly sets this trip apart is its flexibility and simplicity. You pay the 20-euro entrance fee directly on the island, and the boat operators offer multiple departures, so you can decide how long to explore. The reviews highlight the value: “We paid €10 for two cornettos and spent 1.5 hours on the island,” shares one traveler. The cruise feels refreshing, with the cool sea breeze and panoramic views making it a relaxing escape from land-bound sightseeing.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a short, scenic excursion with a historical twist. It’s affordable, straightforward, and offers the chance to explore one of Crete’s most famous sites without the hassle of a guided tour. The main drawback could be the limited time on the island if you’re eager for a deeper dive into its history.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those looking for a quick, affordable, and scenic experience with a chance to explore Spinalonga’s legendary past.
2. Crete: Boat Trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach
For around $71 per person, this 8-hour boat adventure offers a full day of activities, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive coastal experience. Starting with a boat cruise from Elounda, you’ll admire Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress and visit the Barbarossa cave—a highlight for those interested in Crete’s pirates and legends. The itinerary includes swimming at Skistra beach and relaxing on Kolokytha beach, both known for their clear waters and sandy shores.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy fresh fruit, traditional salad, and refreshments, which makes the day feel more like a picnic on the water. The pickup points are conveniently spread across Hersonissos, Malia, Heraklion, and others, offering flexible options for travelers staying in different parts of Crete. The review praises the boat’s comfort and the “fabulous scenery,” making it clear that this trip balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
This tour suits travelers who want a full-day outdoor adventure with varied experiences—history, swimming, and scenic cruising—without feeling rushed. The only potential downside is its duration, which may be too long for those preferring shorter outings.
Bottom Line: A great all-in-one day trip for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, beach time, and local legends in one outing.
3. Plaka, Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos – Small Group Winter Tour
This 8-hour winter tour offers a cozy, culture. Starting from various pickup points, you’ll visit Plaka’s peaceful shores, then explore Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress (weather permitting), and end in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos with its iconic lake. The tour also stops at a local olive oil park, where you’ll sample Cretan products.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on authentic local experiences in a small group, which creates a more personal feel. The guide shares stories and insights about the medieval, Venetian, and modern layers of the region, making it especially appealing to travelers who want to connect more deeply with Crete’s culture. The tour is perfect for cooler months, offering a mix of outdoor exploration and indoor tasting.
While the weather can affect visits to outdoor sites like Spinalonga, the tour’s flexibility and focus on local flavors and authentic sights make it worth considering. The reviews are positive, citing the “beautiful drive and memorable visits,” and it’s best suited for culturally curious travelers or those visiting in winter.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, culturally rich experience with small-group intimacy and local flavor.
4. Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming
Number 4 on our list is a guided boat tour that combines the historic with the relaxing. Starting from Elounda, this 6-hour trip takes you to Spinalonga Island, with time to explore the Venetian fortress. The tour also includes a sandy beach stop at Kolokytha, where you can swim in the clear waters or simply soak up the sun.
A standout feature is the BBQ lunch on board, with options including chicken, pork, or vegetarian dishes. This makes it a great choice for travelers who want a combination of culture and good food. The review mentions the “good value for money” and the friendly hosts, though it’s worth noting some guests find the rocky, uneven path to the beach challenging.
This tour is ideal for families or groups who enjoy a leisurely pace, swimming, and a hearty meal. Its main attraction is the combination of sightseeing and on-board dining, which elevates it from a simple boat ride to a full experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded trip if you want a mix of history, swimming, and a tasty BBQ, especially for those who enjoy a social, group environment.
5. Secrets of West Crete & Rethymno Private Tour from Elounda
For travelers seeking a personalized and comprehensive exploration, the Secrets of West Crete & Rethymno private tour is top of the list. At 10 hours, it covers village visits, gorge hikes, and the Byzantine monastery of Preveli. You’ll also stroll through Argyroupoli and enjoy local Cretan cuisine.
This tour is tailored to your interests, with a local driver guiding you through less-visited villages and scenic spots. The experience is ideal for those who want an intimate, in-depth look at Crete’s diverse landscape and culture. The reviews note that the guide’s personal stories and recommendations make the day more memorable.
Cost-wise, it’s more expensive, but the customized experience and the chance to visit off-the-beaten-path villages make it worthwhile for serious explorers. It’s suited for travelers with flexible schedules and a curiosity for local traditions.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a private, in-depth Crete experience with personalized attention.
6. Private Driver & Chauffeur Service in Crete from Elounda
For ultimate flexibility, the Private Driver & Chauffeur Service lets you customize your day. This 8-hour service offers tailored itineraries, from Minoan sites to charming villages and beaches. Your driver shares local insights, making each stop meaningful.
The main advantage is the customization—you can prioritize historical sites, scenic drives, or culinary stops. Reviews highlight the professional, friendly drivers who make your day stress-free. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups who want to avoid the hassle of self-driving or scheduled tours.
While more expensive, the personalized service ensures you see exactly what interests you, with plenty of tips along the way. Be prepared to plan your own itinerary or ask your driver for suggestions.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting total control over their day while enjoying local expertise and comfort.
7. Luxury Private Cruise with Homemade Lunch on Board
Number 7 is a luxury private boat experience, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or seeking utter privacy. With capacity for up to 8 people, this 7-hour cruise takes you around smaller islands, hidden caves, and bays accessible only by boat.
What makes this trip stand out is the homemade lunch and the array of activities like snorkeling, fishing, and sea scooter fun. The guide’s attention to detail and the ability to tailor the day make it ideal for relaxed, personalized experiences. The reviews give it a perfect score, noting the high quality of food, equipment, and the expert crew.
This tour is suited for adventurous couples, small groups, or families wanting luxury and exclusivity. The main downside is the high price, but the personalized service and top-notch facilities justify it.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a private, high-end day on the water with excellent food and flexible activities, this cruise is unmatched.
8. Minicruise: Spinalonga Island, Pirate Caves & Hidden Beaches
Number 8 keeps the adventure lively with a 7-hour minicruise exploring Pirate Caves, hidden beaches, and Spinalonga. This trip combines swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing with a focus on coastal exploration.
A highlight is the Pirate Barbarossa’s Cave, which adds a dash of legend to the trip. The lunch includes hot dogs, toast, and fresh fruit, paired with a glass of wine—simple but satisfying. The lively atmosphere, with music and raki, makes it a fun day.
This trip is suited for families and groups seeking a lively, social outing with plenty of water activities. Some reviews mention the rocky path to the beach, so this may not suit travelers with mobility issues.
Bottom Line: A fun, active choice for those wanting a mix of history, swimming, and entertainment.
9. Mirabello Luxuries with Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos
Number 9 offers an 8-hour private tour of Mirabello Gulf, combining scenic drives, boat trips, and visits to Rethymno’s Venetian port and Agios Nikolaos. This is a tailored, upscale experience with hotel pickups and drop-offs.
Highlights include visiting a Byzantine monastery, sampling Cretan olive oil, and enjoying the turquoise waters of Spinalonga. The tour’s reviews rave about the personalized service and the beautiful scenery, making it a favorite for travelers who want a more exclusive experience.
Perfect for luxury travelers or those celebrating special occasions, this tour offers comfort, privacy, and a deep dive into Crete’s eastern highlights.
Bottom Line: A high-end, flexible tour ideal for those looking for a personalized, luxurious exploration of Crete’s coast and culture.
10. Private Motor Boat Cruise, Snorkelling, Swimming, Fishing
Completing our list, this 6-hour private motor boat cruise is perfect for adventurers. It offers snorkeling with professional gear, fishing, and the chance to explore small islands and caves around Agios Nikolaos.
This tour emphasizes marine activities, with options to fish and snorkel in crystal-clear bays. The Sea Scooter activity adds a fun twist, making it ideal for active travelers who want to enjoy Crete’s underwater world in a more personalized setting.
The reviews highlight the quality of equipment and the expertise of the crew, ensuring a memorable day on the water. Its private nature also allows for tailored stops or extended swimming.
Bottom Line: Best suited for water lovers wanting a private, active day with plenty of opportunities to explore Crete’s marine life.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Elounda
When choosing a tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a quick taste of history, the Spinalonga Boat Trip offers great value. For a full day of beach and swimming, the Boat Trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach delivers a well-rounded experience.
If privacy and luxury are your priorities, the Homemade Lunch Private Cruise or the Mirabello Luxuries private tours are excellent choices. For those interested in local culture and authentic experiences, the Small Group Winter Tour offers a cozy, in-depth option.
Booking early, especially for private or luxury trips, guarantees availability and the best selection. Consider your preferred pace, whether a quick excursion or a full-day adventure, and pick the tour that best matches your style.
Final Thoughts
Elounda’s range of tours ensures every traveler can find a memorable way to explore this beautiful area. If you’re after a quick history fix, the Spinalonga boat trip is unbeatable. For a full-day, active experience, the Crete boat trip to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Beach hits all the marks. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion or want a personalized, luxurious day, the private cruises are hard to beat. Whatever your travel style, booking early will help ensure you get the experience that fits you best.
