Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island Cruise in Greece, Hersonissos

Highlights:

• Sail by boat from Agios Nikolaos through Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga Island
• Attend a Guided Tour in Spinalonga Island (one of the last leper colony of the world)
• Visit Kolokytha bay by boat
• Have lunch on boat
• Visit Agios Nikolaos and its Lake Voulismeni

Includes:

• Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus, according to the itinerary
• Pick-up and drop-off (from Malia to Ammoudara)
• Tour Guide and guided tour on Spinalonga
• Lunch on the boat
• Boat Tickets for the cruise
• All the legal taxes
• Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ

Not Included

• Entrance of Spinalonga site: 8 Euro
• Extra snacks / drinks

Please note: We offer pick-up from various points such us hotels and bus stops. As soon as you complete the booking, we will contact you to know the exact place and time of the Pick-up which is closer to your place of staying. What to bring: Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen; Swimsuit and BeachTowel; Comfortable shoes; Water.

Timetable Information:

Total Duration of the tour: 9-10 hours
Start at: 8.30am
Finish at: 18:00

Itinerary:

Morning Pick up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning.

Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.

Bus Drive: 1,5 hours

1st stop: Agios Nikolaos, 2 hours

Explore the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos, the place where the boat sails from, towards the island of Spinalonga.

Enjoy a morning walk and have a coffee around its beautiful port and Lake of the town.

During Wednesdays, visitors can also enjoy the traditional bazaar as an additional attraction of this town. At 12:00 we will embark onto the boat and start our cruise.

Boat Trip: 50minutes

Lunch:During the first 50 minutes of our cruise, lunch will be served on boat so travelers will enjoy their meal while crossing the unique Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos coast and Elounda.

2nd stop: Kolokytha Bay, 35 minutes

Then the boat will stop at the beautiful bay of Kolokytha where travelers will have the chance to swim and dive from the cruise boat into the crystal clear waters. Life jackets are provided by the crew on board.

Boat Trip: 15 minutes

3rd stop: Spinalonga, 30 minutes

After the short boat trip, our groups will arrive at Spinalonga, the island of tears.

There will be a guided tour by professional guides for about 30 minutes and some free time to admire the views and take photos!

Boat Trip: 1 hour

4th stop: Agios Nikolaos. End of the cruise. Arrival to resorts.

Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.

Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

Bus Drive: 1 1.5 hours

Hersonissos Boat Trip To Spinalonga And Mirabello Bay

A Hersonissos boat trip like this blends relaxation, history, and classic Mediterranean scenery into one well paced experience. The day begins with a comfortable transfer toward Agios Nikolaos, where the boat sets off across Mirabello Bay. During the cruise, travelers enjoy lunch on board while gliding past the coastline of Elounda, a stretch famous for calm seas and deep blue tones. Swimming time in Kolokytha Bay delivers crystal clear waters and an easy beach entry straight from the boat. The highlight is Spinalonga Island, where a guided tour reveals powerful stories and well preserved architecture. Compared with short boat trips, this longer excursion feels immersive, balancing sea time, culture, and a relaxed town visit in Agios Nikolaos before returning to Hersonissos.

Useful Tips Before You Go

This trip is suitable for most travelers, but preparation helps.

• Wear comfortable shoes for Spinalonga paths
• Bring sunscreen, hat, and water
• Swimsuit is essential for Kolokytha Bay
• Spring and early autumn offer the best weather
• Not physically demanding, moderate walking only

These tips help you enjoy one of the most varied tours near Hersonissos.

More Facts About This Experience

Spinalonga is one of the most recognizable historical sites in Crete and a rare case where popular culture meets real history. The island became internationally known through the BBC documentary series The Island, filmed on location at Spinalonga. It later inspired the bestselling novel and Greek TV series To Nisi, which was also filmed in Crete and featured Spinalonga extensively. These productions brought global attention to the former leper colony and its preserved fortifications. Today, the island stands as a symbol of resilience, making this boat cruise both educational and emotionally powerful.

Activities That Pair Well With This Cruise

After this cruise, many travelers add outdoor activities around Hersonissos. Renting a quad offers freedom to explore inland roads, while a hot air balloon flight adds a scenic contrast from above. For those wanting another sea focused tour, Balos and Gramvousa from Hersonissos showcase a very different side of Crete with lagoons and beaches.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience

This Hersonissos boat trip suits couples, families with older children, and curious solo travelers. History lovers, photography fans, and those seeking relaxed holiday activities without intense hiking will appreciate the balance of culture, swimming, and sightseeing.