Agios Nikolaos & Spinalonga Island boat cruise and swim

Eight hours, three stops: a lake town, an island fortress, and a swim in the bay

A full-day tour from Crete's north coast combines the lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos, a boat cruise to Spinalonga Island (a former leper colony with Venetian fortress ruins), and a swim in Mirabello Bay on the return. A live guide in English, French or German leads the day. Pickup and transport by coach or minivan are included from your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Agios Nikolaos1h 30m
2. Spinalonga1h 30m

Explore Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

• Walk around Agios Nikolaos lake
• Shop and relax in Agios Nikolaos cafes
• Visit Elounda village and enjoy views
• Board boat at Elounda port
• Cruise to Spinalonga Island
• Tour Spinalonga historical sites
• Swim near Elounda on return

The experience

The day starts in Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lassithi prefecture, where the main draw is Lake Voulismeni: a deep crater lake in the town center connected to the sea by a small bridge. You'll have time to walk the waterfront, browse the shops, or sit in one of the cafes that ring the lake. On Wednesdays, an open-air market bazaar fills the streets. From there, the group travels to Elounda, a former fishing village on the northern coast now known for its luxury hotels, where the boat departs for the cruise.

Spinalonga Island is the centerpiece of the day. This small, uninhabited island has been a Venetian fortress, a Turkish garrison, and from 1913 to 1957, an isolation hospital for people with leprosy. You'll walk the ruins and learn the island's layered history from your guide. The island gained wider attention after 2005, when British writer Victoria Hislop published a novel called "The Island" based on the leper colony's story, and it has drawn steady visitors ever since.

On the return to Elounda, the boat anchors in the bay so you can swim in the water. Bring a swimsuit and towel. The operator does not provide food or drinks on board, so plan accordingly if you want to eat during the day.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan.
• a live guide in English, French or German.
• boat cruise to Spinalonga Island and swimming time in Mirabello Bay on the return.

Options for this experience

3 options

From Malia,Stalida,HersonissosGuide in English, French or German · 08:30Lasts 10 hours; includes pickup

Departs from Analipsi, Gouves, or GournesGuide in English, French or German · 08:00Lasts 9 hours; includes pickup

From Heraklion, AmmoudaraGuide in English, French or German · 07:30Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 8h–9h, runs Wednesday and Friday at 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30, from € 42 per person, with a live guide in English, French and German and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDepartures at 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30Last departure this season: 13 Nov

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 20

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Altino Travel Services

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine a guided town walk in Agios Nikolaos with a boat trip to Spinalonga Island and a swim stop, all departing from Elounda in one morning-to-afternoon outing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, and why is it worth visiting?

Lake Voulismeni is a deep crater lake in the center of Agios Nikolaos, connected to the sea by a small bridge. It's surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a natural gathering point for a walk, a drink, or a meal while you explore the town.

What will I see and do on Spinalonga Island?

Spinalonga Island holds the ruins of a Venetian fortress and the remains of an isolation hospital that operated from 1913 to 1957 for people with leprosy. Your guide will walk you through the site and explain its history across the centuries under Venetian, Turkish, and later Greek rule.

Is swimming included, and when does it happen?

Yes, the boat anchors in Mirabello Bay on the return journey to Elounda, giving you the chance to swim in the water. You'll need to bring your own swimsuit and towel.

How long is the full day, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs eight to nine hours and includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan, and a live guide in English, French or German. Food and drinks are not provided on board.

Which towns can I be picked up from?

Pickup is available from three zones: Malia, Stalida, and Hersonissos; Analipsi, Gouves, and Gournes; or Heraklion and Ammoudara. Choose the option closest to your hotel at checkout.