Ag. Nikolaos: Catamaran Trip with Sushi, Drinks, & Water Toys

The best part of this Agios Nikolaos catamaran cruise is the easy mix of sea time and comfort. You sail through Mirabello Gulf, pause in clear bays, and see Spinalonga Island from the water while the crew handles the food and drinks. It feels more like a floating afternoon lounge than a bare-bones boat trip.

I like the strong choice of water gear, especially the SUP boards, kayak, snorkeling equipment, sea scooter, and inflatable slide. I also like the small-group limit of 20 people, plus the open supply of water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine.

The main thing to consider is that this may not be much of a sailing trip. One guest found the catamaran motored rather than sailed, and the boat can feel crowded even below full capacity. The meeting point at the marina can also take some finding, so arrive early.

Key points to know before you book

• Spinalonga views from the sea: The route through Mirabello Gulf gives you a different angle on one of eastern Crete’s best-known sights.
• A full water-toy setup: You can use SUP boards, a kayak, snorkeling gear, a sea scooter, an inflatable slide, noodles, and gentle fishing equipment.
• A prepared meal and open drinks: The cruise includes a cooked Mediterranean meal, vegetarian and children’s options by request, snacks, coffee, tea, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• Five hours on a modern catamaran: You get shaded lounges, sunbeds, an outdoor shower, an onboard WC, music, and free Wi-Fi.
• A late-afternoon setting: The timing suits a relaxed swim, meal, and sunset-style outing rather than an early morning excursion.
• Good value only if you use the extras: At about $150.18 per person, the price makes more sense if you swim, paddle, eat, and make use of the open bar.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

The cruise begins at Marina Kiosk in Agios Nikolaos. The boat returns to the same meeting point after roughly five hours, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

The route takes you across the calm waters of Mirabello Gulf. This is the scenic part of the trip, with wide sea views and photo opportunities from the catamaran deck. Spinalonga Island is the main visual prize. Seeing it from offshore gives you a broad view that you will not get while walking around on land.

You should plan a little extra time to find the boat. The meeting point has been described as vague, and one birthday outing lost time simply trying to locate the catamaran. Look for the marina kiosk area rather than assuming the boat will be obvious from the street.

The tour is offered in English, with a professional English-speaking crew. The maximum group size is 20, which is a useful middle ground. You get more room than on a large sightseeing vessel, but this is not a private charter. If you want the calmest experience, booking early may help, since the cruise is often reserved well ahead of departure, with an average booking lead time of about 38 days.

What the Artemis catamaran offers on deck

The catamaran is named Artemis and is set up for both lounging and active time on the water. You can choose a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, or move around the deck for photos. An onboard WC and outdoor shower make the five-hour outing easier, especially after swimming.

The layout matters because this is a long half-day activity. A simple boat with nowhere to sit comfortably would make five hours feel long. Here, you have places to stretch out, shade when the sun is strong, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off salt water.

Still, do not expect endless personal space. A group of 20 can feel close together, even if the boat is not at full capacity. The trip suits people who enjoy a social boat setting. It is less suited to anyone expecting a silent, private yacht charter.

Music plays onboard, and free Wi-Fi is available. That is handy if you want to send photos while you are still out on the gulf. You may prefer to put your phone away and enjoy the view, but having Wi-Fi gives you the choice.

Life jackets and swimming jackets are provided. Liability insurance is also included. These practical touches are easy to overlook when comparing boat trips, but they make the outing simpler, especially for families and anyone who is not fully confident in the water.

The swimming stop in Mirabello Bay

The main stop is in one of the calm, clear bays of Mirabello Gulf. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to playtime. You can swim, snorkel, use a SUP board, paddle the kayak, try the sea scooter, or fish gently from the boat.

The water equipment is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Many boat trips offer a swim stop and little else. Here, you can change activities every few minutes. Start with a swim, try a paddleboard, then relax on a noodle or sit on deck with a drink.

The snorkeling gear includes masks and fins. The information does not promise a particular marine life sighting, so keep expectations sensible. The real appeal is the clear water and freedom to explore near the boat, not a formal guided snorkeling lesson.

The SUP boards and kayak are useful for people who want active time without committing to a strenuous excursion. The inflatable flamingo adds a playful touch for photographs, while the slide and sea scooter give the stop more energy for children and adults who like water toys.

Gentle fishing equipment is provided as well. This is meant as a light, relaxed activity, not a serious fishing trip. Children can also use a box of toys by request, and children’s meal options are available by request.

The swim stop is a strong part of the experience, but the amount of time available for each activity can vary. The total cruise lasts about five hours, and the route, meal, and return journey all share that time. If swimming and snorkeling are your main goal, make that clear to yourself before booking. This is a combined cruise, not a dedicated water-sports session.

The meal, drinks, and onboard service

Food is served while you relax on the catamaran. The offering is described as a freshly cooked Mediterranean meal, with a nutritionist-designed menu, vegetarian choices, and children’s options available by request. Protein snacks and protein cocktails are also included.

The meal has been praised for its preparation and flavor, but the selection can be limited on some departures. That is worth knowing if you have a large appetite or expect a full restaurant-style spread. You will get a prepared meal, not a broad buffet with endless choices.

There is a useful range of included drinks. You can have water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and protein cocktails. The open selection adds real value to a five-hour outing, especially during warm weather when you will want more than one drink.

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the included beer and white wine cost extra. Towels, sunscreen, and personal care items are also not supplied, so bring those yourself. You should pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes if you prefer not to remain in wet swimwear.

The crew’s service is one of the most praised parts of the outing. Three crew members have been described as attentive and careful about passenger safety. That is important when people are moving between the deck, the water, paddleboards, and the slide.

For special occasions, the operator can provide a branded gift. Personal feminine hygiene products are also available onboard, a small but thoughtful convenience. Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not included as a standard feature.

Sunset timing and the Spinalonga views

The late-afternoon departure gives the cruise a softer feel than a midday boat trip. You get the bright sea views at first, then a more relaxed light as the outing continues. The timing works well for a birthday, date, or easy evening activity after a day of sightseeing.

Spinalonga Island is the key photo subject. The catamaran allows you to see the island from the water rather than only from a walking route. You can take photographs from the open deck, then return to the shaded lounge when you need a break.

The cruise is not presented as a detailed historical tour of Spinalonga. If you want extensive information about the island, you will need a separate visit or guide. Here, the value is the setting, the view, and the chance to combine the island with swimming and dinner.

Some people may also want to know how much actual sailing is involved. At least one departure was described as motoring throughout rather than using the sails. If the sailing sensation matters to you, ask the operator about expected conditions on your date. This is best booked as a catamaran cruise, not as a guaranteed wind-powered sailing lesson.

Is $150.18 a fair price?

At about $150.18 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Crete. The value depends on how much of the package you use.

You are paying for about five hours on a modern catamaran, an English-speaking crew, a prepared meal, open drinks, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, a kayak, a sea scooter, fishing gear, a slide, shaded seating, sunbeds, Wi-Fi, and onboard facilities. Buying food, drinks, and several water activities separately could quickly narrow the price difference.

I think the price is strongest for couples, families, and active visitors who will use the equipment and stay for the full outing. It is less attractive if you mainly want a short scenic cruise, do not drink, or plan to remain seated throughout.

Booking early may help with the cost. One person specifically felt an early reservation could make the price easier to justify, and the typical booking lead time suggests that popular dates fill ahead of time. The cruise is recommended by 95 percent of customers and has a 4.7 rating from 43 ratings, but the lower praise points to the same practical concerns: crowding, a limited meal selection, and possible confusion at the marina.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a good match for you if you want several activities in one outing. You can take photos, swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, eat, and relax without changing locations or arranging separate equipment.

Families should find the range of water toys useful. Swimming jackets, life jackets, noodles, children’s meal choices, and a toy box by request make the boat more adaptable for younger passengers. Parents should still expect to supervise children around the water and equipment.

Couples may like the late-afternoon timing, meal, drinks, and views of Spinalonga. The outing can feel romantic, but it is not a private cruise. Other passengers, music, and shared deck space are part of the deal.

This cruise is less suitable for you if you want a quiet, exclusive yacht experience, a serious sailing trip, or a detailed historical tour of Spinalonga. It is also not ideal if you dislike shared activities or feel frustrated by a loosely marked meeting point.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a social, well-equipped afternoon on the water, especially if you value included food and drinks as much as the views. The swim stop, SUP boards, kayak, sea scooter, snorkeling gear, and slide give you plenty to do, while the catamaran provides shade and comfortable places to rest.

I would book early, arrive well before departure, and bring a towel and sunscreen. I would also ask about the meal choices, expected sailing conditions, and private cabin availability if any of those details matter to you.

Skip it if your main goal is genuine sailing under wind power, a private boat, or an in-depth visit to Spinalonga. For everyone else, this is a polished way to combine Crete’s coast, a calm bay, a prepared meal, and a generous set of water activities in one afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is Marina Kiosk, Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity returns to the same meeting point at the marina.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. A professional English-speaking crew operates the cruise.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes a prepared Mediterranean meal, with vegetarian and children’s options available by request. Protein snacks and protein cocktails are also included.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and protein cocktails. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins are provided, along with SUP boards, a kayak, a sea scooter, fishing equipment, an inflatable slide, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. These are not included. Private cabin use can be requested but is not guaranteed.