Planning a day on the water in Crete? This 8-hour boat trip around Elounda and the Mirabello Gulf offers a mix of scenic views, historic sights, and relaxing stops. From the legendary Spinalonga Island to hidden beaches, it’s designed for those looking to experience Crete’s coast in a lively yet relaxed way.
What makes this tour appealing? We love the opportunity to see Spinalonga from the water, the chance to snorkel at Kolokytha Beach, and the fun vibe onboard with music, dancing, and local food. But, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention long travel times from certain resorts and variable guide quality—something to consider if you prefer shorter excursions or highly detailed commentary.
This tour is best suited for travelers craving beautiful scenery, swim spots, and a lively atmosphere. If you’re not adverse to spending a good portion of your day on a boat and enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxing, it could be a great fit. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a taste of Crete’s coast should find plenty to enjoy here.
Good To Know
- Scenic boat ride around Spinalonga and the Mirabello Gulf.
- Stops at iconic sites like Barbarossa Cave, Kolokytha Beach, and Skistra Beach.
- Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with the crew providing equipment and guidance.
- Onboard experience features local snacks, fruits, raki, and lively music, creating a festive atmosphere.
- Long transit times from some resorts might make it a full-day commitment.
- Variable guide quality noted in reviews, so experiences may differ.
The Journey Through Crete’s Coastline
This boat trip around Elounda and Spinalonga offers a wonderful blend of sightseeing, leisure, and local flavor. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel or designated point, you’ll head towards one of Crete’s most scenic coastal areas. The entire experience is designed to give you a different perspective of the island—viewing ancient sites from the water, stopping at iconic beaches, and enjoying the sun.
Enjoy boat trips? More Heraklion Regional Unit water tours we've written about
Starting Point and Comfort
The pickup process involves a large list of potential locations, including hotels, bus stops, and city landmarks. This broad list makes it accessible for many travelers, though the travel times from some locations, like Ammoudara or Malia, can be around 65-90 minutes each way. For those staying closer to Heraklion or central areas, the transit may be quicker, making the voyage more manageable.
The Boat and Crew
Once onboard, the boat itself is well-equipped for comfort and safety. Life jackets are provided, and the crew is described as friendly and experienced. Multiple reviews praise guides for their knowledgeable and bilingual commentary, though a few mention inconsistency—so don’t expect a detailed historical narration everywhere. Still, the crew’s lively attitude and willingness to make the trip enjoyable seem to be consistent highlights.
Exploring Spinalonga: The Iconic Leper’s Island
One of the main attractions is Spinalonga, a small island famous for its past as a leper colony. From the boat, you’ll get impressive views of the island’s walls and structures. The cruise allows a 20-minute pass-by, giving you a glimpse of the site’s historic ruins. For many, this is a highlight because it’s a chance to see a visually striking place that’s loaded with history and stories.
Travelers have expressed mixed experiences regarding the duration of the stop. One reviewer noted, “we spent two hours at the beach, but were told there would be a second two-hour stop,” indicating some inconsistency in schedule expectations. Others found the stop brief but still enjoyed the scenic views and photo opportunities.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBarbarossa Cave and Pirates’ Lore
Next, the boat swings by the Pirates Barbarossa Cave, which historically served as a hideout for the infamous pirate. The guide points out this site during the cruise, and there’s an opportunity for a photo stop. The cave’s story adds a dash of adventure and mystery to the trip, and travelers often enjoy this brief glimpse into Crete’s swashbuckling past.
The Beaches: Kolokytha and Skistra
One of the major reasons to choose this tour is the stop at Kolokytha Beach, renowned for its natural beauty and calm waters. Here, you’ll have around 105 minutes—enough time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the sand. Some reviews mention that the hot dog lunch (chicken sausage) and music create a festive vibe, turning a simple beach break into a lively event.
Snorkeling gear is available on board, supporting those eager to explore underwater. The clarity of the waters at Kolokytha is frequently praised, making it a worthwhile swim spot.
Next, the boat moves to Skistra Beach, a less-visited gem with crystal-clear waters. The quiet nature of this stop appeals to travelers seeking fewer crowds and a peaceful environment. You’ll have around 20-30 minutes here, enough for a quick swim and photos.
The Beach Stops’ Value
Reviews highlight that these stops are generally well-received, especially for their natural beauty and tranquility. However, some mention that the timing can be tight, and the long journey from some resorts might make the entire day feel quite full.
The Special Lunch Break at Akra Vangi
One unique feature is the 1.5-hour stop at Akra Vangi, offering free time, scenic views, swimming, and a meal onboard. The crew prepares hot dogs with chicken sausages, which many find satisfying after a morning of swimming. The live music and social atmosphere at this point help transform the cruise into a lively, festive event.
Travelers have noted that this stop can be a highlight, especially given the scenic setting and relaxed pace. It’s an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a casual meal with fresh fruits, orange juice, and local raki.
Returning and Drop-off
After your relaxing island adventure, the boat heads back towards the coast, passing by Elounda and other scenic spots. The return journey can be around 65 minutes, during which you can soak in the views or chat with fellow travelers.
The pickup and drop-off points are quite extensive, making it accessible for many travelers. However, some reviews mention the long transit times from certain resorts and variable experiences with guides, so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.
What’s Included and What’s Not
For the price, you get a comprehensive experience: boat ride around Spinalonga, a stop at Barbarossa Cave, swimming at Kolokytha and Skistra beaches, a hot dog lunch, and unlimited seasonal fresh fruits, orange juice, water, and local raki. The crew provides life jackets and safety info, ensuring peace of mind.
Extras like snorkeling equipment, towels, or additional food and beverages are not included, so you might want to bring your own gear and snacks if you prefer more variety. The tour does not accommodate vegetarians or vegans, as the meal options are limited to chicken sausages.
The Experience in Real Life: Pros and Cons
Based on reviews, this trip is generally fun and scenic, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities, socializing, and beautiful coastlines. The friendly crew and lively atmosphere stand out as key benefits.
However, some travelers found the guide’s English to be limited, which affected their experience. Others were frustrated by the long travel times from certain resorts, making the day feel quite full. The timing of stops can also be inconsistent—some get long beach stays, others just quick passes—so managing expectations is important.
The value for money is fair, especially considering the included food, drinks, and activities. For around 50 euros, you get a full day out with plenty of swimming and sightseeing. The lively onboard environment and scenic stops make it ideal for those seeking a fun, social, and visual experience rather than an in-depth historical tour.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This trip is perfect for sun-seekers and water lovers. If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on beaches, you’ll feel right at home. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a lively atmosphere on their cruise, with music, dancing, and good company.
Families with children who are comfortable on boats will find it a straightforward day, but those with mobility issues or who dislike long transit times might want to consider other options. Also, travelers who appreciate casual, social experiences with local flavor will likely find this tour appealing.
Final Thoughts
The Heraklion Areas: Elounda Boat Trip offers a lively, scenic way to explore some of Crete’s most iconic coastal sites. With stops at Spinalonga, Barbarossa Cave, and quiet beaches, it balances sightseeing with leisure perfectly.
While the experience can vary based on guide quality and timing, the overall vibe—fun, friendly, and picturesque—makes it a solid choice for those wanting a full day of sun, sea, and stories. The included food and drinks add good value, and the chance to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty from the water is hard to beat.
If you’re after a relaxed, social cruise that combines history, beaches, and lively fun, this trip could become one of your holiday highlights.
FAQs
What is included in this tour?
The tour covers the boat ride around Spinalonga Island, stops at Barbarossa Cave, swimming at Kolokytha and Skistra beaches, a hot dog lunch, fruits, orange juice, water, and local raki. Life jackets and safety equipment are also provided.
How long is the boat trip?
The overall activity lasts around 8 hours, including pickups, transit, stops, and the return journey. The actual cruise time is approximately 3-4 hours, with additional time allocated for stops and meals.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
No, vegetarian or vegan options are not offered. The onboard meal primarily consists of chicken sausages, so plan accordingly if you have dietary restrictions.
How do I get to the departure point?
Pickup is available from many locations, including hotels, bus stops, and landmarks across Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, and nearby areas. Expect transit times from some resorts to be around 65-90 minutes.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
No, snorkeling gear is not included but can be purchased separately if you wish to explore underwater at the beaches.
What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and any snorkeling gear if you have it. Also, consider motion sickness prevention if needed.
Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for those comfortable on boats and able to handle a full day out. The guide may not be able to accommodate mobility impairments, and the tour isn’t recommended for those prone to seasickness.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. You can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.
Whether you’re after a day of sun and swimming or a lively social outing, this boat trip around Elounda and Spinalonga offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s coast with plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and relaxation.
You can check if your dates are available here: