Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming – An Honest Look
If you’re eyeing a day trip from Crete to explore one of its most iconic spots, this Spinalonga boat tour with BBQ might catch your eye. It promises a balanced mix of history, scenery, and relaxation—something that can suit many types of travelers, whether you’re into culture, beaches, or just a good boat ride.
We like that this tour offers a decent price point around $28.23 per person, and includes a guided exploration of Spinalonga, plus time for swimming and a tasty BBQ lunch. It’s not the most luxurious or exclusive experience out there, but it covers the essentials in a friendly, straightforward way.
One thing to keep in mind: the rating is 3.1 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, so it’s not perfect. The experience has its highlights, but also some quirks and minor inconveniences. Still, if you’re after a well-rounded and affordable day out, this one might work for you. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic boat rides, and a bit of history without the fuss or high price tag.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Affordable at around $28, offering good value for a full-day experience.
- Includes a guided tour of Spinalonga, providing historical insights.
- Offers swimming and beach time at Kolokytha, with options for snorkeling.
- Includes a BBQ lunch with pork, chicken, or vegetarian options, plus drinks.
- Limited details on hotel pickup, so plan accordingly.
- Reviews highlight friendly guides and scenic views, but some mention rocky paths and uneven terrain.
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Why You Might Like This Tour
If you’re curious about Crete’s medieval fortress island of Spinalonga, this tour hits the main points—a boat ride across Mirabello Bay, a walk through the Venetian fortress, and free time to explore. The fact that it combines history and leisure makes it appealing for travelers who want a taste of both without overextending their day.
The included BBQ lunch and scenic boat ride are real highlights. You’ll be taken along the coast through the St. George Gorge, which adds some drama to the scenery, and the time spent relaxing on Kolokytha’s sandy shores gives you a chance to unwind.
The guides are professional, and the tour is available in multiple languages on specific days, which is handy if you prefer to hear the story in your native tongue. Plus, the tour includes liability insurance, so there’s peace of mind.
What to Expect from the Tour
The Itinerary Breakdown
The day starts at the Windmill small port in Elounda, with the group meeting at 9:50 AM (or 11:50 AM on Thursdays). From there, you’ll board a boat to Spinalonga, with a 20-minute ferry ride to the island initially.
Your visit to Spinalonga itself will last about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll explore the Venetian Fortress and learn about its complex past—the island was once a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. The guided tour will help flesh out the stories behind the crumbling walls, giving you an appreciation for its layered history.
Afterward, you’ll take another 20-minute ferry ride to Kolokytha Beach, a peaceful spot perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. Here, you’ll enjoy the BBQ lunch, which features a pork chop, chicken, or vegetarian options, along with bread, fresh fruit, and a glass of wine or lemonade. Many reviews note the good quality of the food and the friendly hosts, making this part of the experience quite pleasant.
Following your beach time, you’ll return to Elounda, with a photo stop at the bay. The whole trip lasts around six hours, so plan for a comfortable and flexible day.
More Great Tours NearbyHighlights and Considerations
The scenery throughout the tour is definitely a plus. The boat ride offers scenic views of the coast, and the stops at the beach and Spinalonga provide contrasting experiences—history versus leisure.
The guided tour in English ensures you get some background, but the reviews suggest guides are knowledgeable, and some tour options are available in German, French, Polish, and Russian on specific days.
Swimming and snorkeling at Kolokytha are among the favorite parts, but keep in mind the terrain to reach the beach can be rocky, steep, and uneven. As one reviewer pointed out: “if you are unsteady on your feet, I would suggest you don’t go as the path to the beach you stop off at is rocky, steep and uneven in places. It’s more of a dirt track rather than a path.” This is an important consideration if you or your travel companions prefer flatter, easier terrain.
The BBQ lunch is generally seen as good value, with pork, chicken, or vegetarian options. The inclusion of a glass of wine or lemonade adds a little extra to the meal, making it a relaxed, satisfying break.
Practicalities and Logistics
The price point is quite attractive for what you get—boat transportation, guided tour, BBQ, and scenic stops. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at the Windmill small port in Elounda. Arrive 10 minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the boat.
The tour’s duration is about 6 hours, so it’s a good choice if you want a full day of activity without feeling rushed. Check availability for your preferred day, especially since the start time varies between 9:50 AM and 11:50 AM on Thursdays.
Children up to 18 years are free to visit Spinalonga, and there are discounted rates for students and seniors, which makes this accessible for families or older travelers.
The Reality from Reviews
Though the overall rating is 3.1, the reviews give a nuanced picture. One review states, “This is great value for money, good food and lovely hosts,” but also warns about the rocky paths. Others note the friendly guides and scenic views.
Some travelers are satisfied with the balance of history, scenery, and meal, but a few mention that the timing and logistics could be smoother, especially regarding the walks and terrain.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is good for travelers who want an affordable day of sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying a scenic boat ride. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with simple walking and don’t mind a bit of uneven terrain.
If you’re history buffs, the guided tour of Spinalonga offers insights into its layered past, while beach lovers will appreciate the time at Kolokytha.
It’s less suited for those looking for a luxurious or private experience or travelers with mobility issues, given the rocky paths and limited walking routes.
Final Thoughts
In the end, this tour offers a solid introduction to Crete’s coastal wonders and history at an accessible price. It’s a low-pressure, friendly way to spend a day—ideal for curious travelers who want a mix of scenic views, cultural stories, and beach time without breaking the bank.
While it might not be the most polished or exclusive experience, the friendly guides, scenic boat rides, and good-value BBQ lunch make it a worthwhile choice if those are your priorities. Just remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for uneven paths.
If you’re after an active, scenic, and educational day, this tour hits many of those notes at a price that won’t have you second-guessing your budget. It’s definitely worth considering if you want a relaxed but engaging way to explore one of Crete’s most storied islands.
Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming
“This is great value for money, good food and lovely hosts. My only advice is if you are unsteady on your feet, I would suggest you dont go as the p…”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the Windmill small port in Elounda, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation there.
How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 6 hours, including boat rides, stops, and free time.
What is the price?
It costs roughly $28.23 per person, which includes boat tickets, the BBQ, drinks, and guided tours.
Are children free?
Children up to 18 years are free to visit Spinalonga, and discounts are available for students and seniors.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes—especially if you’re planning to explore or walk to the beach.
Is there a guide?
Yes, a professional guide in English (and other languages on specific days) will accompany most of the tour.
Can I snorkel at Kolokytha?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available, but be aware that the terrain to reach the beach can be rocky and uneven.
What’s the best time to join?
Check the availability for your preferred day; the start times vary, so plan to arrive early to avoid missing the boat.
If you’re dreaming of a day that combines history, scenery, and beach time without a hefty price tag, this tour might just do the trick. Just go with realistic expectations and be prepared for some rocky terrain—that’s part of the authentic Crete experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:
