Catamaran from Agios Nikolaos: Kolokytha swim and Spinalonga sail

Swim in turquoise Kolokytha, then sail past the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga

A 5.5-hour catamaran from Agios Nikolaos Marina sails to Kolokytha bay for a swim stop with snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding, serves a three-course meal with wine and beer, then circles the UNESCO World Heritage island of Spinalonga before returning. An English-speaking guide leads the journey. Pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour with swimming and sightseeing

• Start at Agios Nikolaos Marina
• Attend safety briefing
• Sail along Mirabello Gulf coastline
• Swim and snorkel at Kolokytha Bay
• Try SUP paddle boarding
• Enjoy exclusive Cretan meal on board
• Sail around Spinalonga Island
• Admire Spinalonga from the sea
• Return to Agios Nikolaos Marina

The experience

The boat leaves Agios Nikolaos Marina after a safety briefing and heads across the Mirabello Gulf toward Kolokytha bay, a sheltered peninsula known for water so clear it draws snorkelers. You'll have about an hour to swim, try snorkeling gear, or paddle a stand-up board in water shallow enough to see the seabed. The bay sits directly across from Spinalonga Island, so you're already in sight of where the day goes next.

After the swim stop, a three-course meal arrives on deck: Cretan appetizers, your choice of shrimp linguini or mushroom risotto, a Greek salad, and tropical fruit for dessert, with white wine and beer included. The boat then sails around Spinalonga itself: a UNESCO-listed fortress built by Venetians in the 16th century when they were extracting salt from these waters. You stay on the boat to view the island from the sea rather than landing ashore, which keeps the schedule tight and the focus on the water and the architecture rising from it.

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel can be added at checkout. Without it, you make your own way to the Marina in Agios Nikolaos. The boat has a restroom on board. Infants travel on an adult's lap, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Catamaran sail across Mirabello Gulf.
• swim stop in Kolokytha bay with snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle board use.
• three-course meal with Cretan appetizers, choice of shrimp linguini or mushroom risotto, Greek salad and tropical fruit.
• white wine and beer.
• soft drinks.
• on-board restroom.
• English-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English09:00 and 15:00

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 13 Oct 2027

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (under 10)

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please follow the instructions sent to you via what's app or email to locate the boat. The name of the boat is ''Piedra Del Sol''. Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your cruise.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want a full day on the water combining swimming and snorkeling with a sit-down meal and cultural history, all without the logistics of renting a boat yourself. The fixed itinerary and included meal mean you pack less and plan less. The catamaran handles the navigation and the kitchen.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).

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.

How long is the swim stop at Kolokytha bay?

Kolokytha bay is the first major stop after leaving Agios Nikolaos, about an hour into the sail. You have roughly an hour to swim, snorkel, and paddle board before the meal service begins on deck.

What's included to eat and drink on the catamaran?

Cretan appetizers, a choice of shrimp linguini or mushroom risotto, freshly cut Greek salad, tropical fruit for dessert, white wine, and beer are all included. Soft drinks and water are also available.

Can I land on Spinalonga Island during the tour?

The catamaran sails around Spinalonga to view the UNESCO fortress from the sea, which offers the most complete view of the structure. Landing on the island is not part of this tour.

What water activities can I do at Kolokytha?

Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards are provided and included. You can swim freely in the turquoise bay, which is known for clean, sheltered water and good visibility for spotting marine life.

Is hotel pickup available from Agios Nikolaos?

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel can be added to your booking at checkout. Without this option, you'll need to arrive at Agios Nikolaos Marina on your own. Public transportation is available nearby.