Elounda: Spinalonga Prof. Guided Boat Tour w/ BBQ + Swimming

If you’re planning a trip to Crete, a visit to the island of Spinalonga is usually on many travelers’ lists. This guided boat tour from Elounda promises a full-day experience—combining history, scenic beauty, and some well-deserved relaxation. While I haven’t done this exact trip myself, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a practical, honest overview of what you can expect.

What I really appreciate about this tour are the knowledgeable guides, who make the history of Spinalonga come alive, and the included BBQ lunch that adds a tasty touch to the day. The fact that you get to swim in crystal-clear waters at Kolokytha and enjoy a relaxed boat ride along the coast makes it feel like a well-rounded, enjoyable outing.

However, there’s a small caveat worth noting: the transfer to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to Elounda’s port on your own. This might be a minor inconvenience or a chance to explore the town beforehand, depending on your travel style.

This tour will suit those who love a mix of history, scenic boat rides, and some downtime by the sea. It’s especially good for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip from Elounda without the hassle of organizing each part separately.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of historical exploration, scenic boat rides, and relaxing swimming stops.
• Guided tours in English and German ensure clear, engaging commentary.
• Affordable price point around $29, offering good value for the full-day experience.
• Includes a BBQ lunch with pork chop, salad, bread, and fruit, plus a glass of wine or lemonade.
• No hotel transfers, so you must arrange your own transportation to the port.
• Limited time at each stop (around 2 hours), which suits those who prefer a quick overview rather than an in-depth visit.

What to Expect on the Tour

The day kicks off with a meeting at the Windmill small port in Elounda, where you’ll hop aboard a well-equipped boat. The ride itself is comfortable, with shady spots, a bar, and amenities that make the roughly 2-hour journey to Kolokytha Bay pleasant.

Swimming and Relaxation at Kolokytha

Once you arrive around 10:50 am, you’ll have time to swim in the clear waters of Kolokytha. The reviews highlight this stop as a secluded haven—a perfect place to unwind away from crowds. Pack your swimwear and towel because you’ll be encouraged to take a dip. The boat hosts a BBQ lunch here, so you can enjoy your meal with a view.

The Historical Journey to Spinalonga

At about 12:45 pm, you’ll depart for Spinalonga, crossing Mirabello Bay. This island has a layered past: it was once a natural barrier for ancient Olous, a pirate refuge, a Venetian fortress, and a Turkic settlement. The guided tour of Spinalonga lasts approximately two hours, with English and German commentary, bringing history to life.

One reviewer remarked, “The guide was perfect, and the visit very well organized,” which suggests you’ll get solid insights, making the 2-hour visit worthwhile. Keep in mind that the entrance fee to Spinalonga isn’t included, so it’s an additional cost to consider.

Return and Wrap-Up

After exploring Spinalonga, you’ll head back to Elounda around 2:45 pm, with the tour concluding back at the starting point. You’ll have a chance to reflect on your day, whether you enjoyed the historical stories, the swim, or the tasty BBQ.

The Food & Beverage Experience

The BBQ on board is a highlight for many. Included in the tour price is a pork chop, white cabbage salad with optional dressing, bread, fruit, and a glass of wine or lemonade. Several reviews mention the delicious food and friendly service, making the meal feel like a genuine part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

This is a relaxed, social part of the day—perfect after a swim or a stroll through Spinalonga’s streets. The quality of the BBQ has been praised, and the drinks add a nice touch of refreshment.

The Cost and Its Value

At around $29 per person, this tour offers a lot: boat rides, guided tours, swimming opportunities, and a meal. Compared to the cost of individual activities or transfers, it seems like a solid deal, especially given the detailed guidance and the scenic locations.

While you’ll need to pay an entrance fee for Spinalonga itself (not included), the overall cost still feels reasonable for what’s included. The tour also has good reviews, with travelers noting it as a “great day out” and “deserving of staying longer,” implying that for the price, it offers decent value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is well-suited for history enthusiasts, who enjoy learning about intriguing pasts through guided commentary. It’s also perfect for those who want a relaxed day on the water, with opportunities to swim and enjoy good food.

It’s not ideal if you prefer more time on the island or a more in-depth exploration—the two-hour visit is somewhat brief, but enough for a solid overview. Also, keep in mind the lack of hotel transfers, so you’ll need to coordinate how to get to the port.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cost-effective, scenic day that combines history, leisure, and good food, this tour from Elounda checks many boxes. The boat ride is comfortable, the guides are knowledgeable, and the swimming in Kolokytha is a treat. The BBQ lunch adds a casual, satisfying touch that makes the day feel complete.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more time exploring or full transfers included, you might find this experience a bit rushed or logistical. Still, for a well-organized, enjoyable outing that covers the highlights of Spinalonga and the surrounding waters, this tour offers pretty good bang for your buck.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, the tour does not include hotel transfers. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the Windmill small port in Elounda.

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, starting from the boat departure around 10:30 am and ending back at the port after 2:45 pm.

What should I bring?
Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring some cash if you want to buy souvenirs or additional drinks, as only basic amenities are included.

Is there an age limit for alcohol?
Yes, the minimum age for alcohol consumption on the tour is 18 years old.

Are the guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guided tours of Spinalonga are offered in both English and German daily.

Does the tour include Spinalonga entrance fees?
No, the entrance fee (notably 8 euros, with discounts for seniors) is paid separately by travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this suitable for families?
While the tour doesn’t specify restrictions for children, the focus on history and swimming makes it generally suitable for older kids. Always consider the boat ride’s duration and activities for younger children.

To sum it up, this guided boat trip from Elounda to Spinalonga offers a balanced glimpse into Crete’s layered past, with plenty of chances to unwind and enjoy the scenery. It’s a practical choice if you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable day that captures the essence of the island’s history and natural beauty.