Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip Catamaran Lunch and Water Toys

The best part of this Agios Nikolaos sailing trip is the long stop at Kolokitha Bay, where the sea turns a clear turquoise and the catamaran becomes a floating water park. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, slide, or simply stretch out on the bow and let Crete pass by.

I like the generous food and drinks, and I like that the Lagoon 450F gives you several ways to enjoy the day, from the shaded cockpit to the flybridge and bow sun deck. The main caution is that the trip is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness, and one summer departure did not have the slide and swim platform shown in the photographs, so confirm the equipment before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Kolokitha Bay is the main event: Plan on about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the water toys.
• Spinalonga gets a useful look from the sea: You’ll have time for photos and a short guided visit around the island by boat.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Mediterranean food, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are part of the package.
• The Lagoon 450F is built for comfort: Use the flybridge, bimini shade, bow sun deck, kitchen, refrigerator, and bathing platform.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not supplied, although snorkeling gear, fins, fishing equipment, and swim toys are included.
• The trip suits active families and adults: Children are allowed, but non-swimmers should choose another outing.

A full day on the Mirabello Gulf

At $165 per person, this is not a cheap harbor cruise. It is closer to a full-day boat outing, with lunch, drinks, equipment, and several hours in the best swimming water around Agios Nikolaos included.

That matters because a simple sightseeing cruise gives you a seat and a view. This one gives you a base for the day. You can eat aboard, use the snorkeling equipment, try the transparent canoe, take out the stand-up paddleboard, and spend time on the inflatable slide or platform when those items are available.

The exact length ranges from five to ten hours, depending on the departure you choose. That makes the trip flexible, but check the start time carefully. A longer sailing gives you more leisure at sea, while a shorter version may feel more like a scenic cruise with a swimming stop.

The meeting point is in front of the entrance to the main Marina of Agios Nikolaos. A crew member meets you there and walks you to the catamaran, so arrive on time. The activity is offered in English, and private groups are available.

Setting out from Agios Nikolaos

The first part of the outing is about getting settled. There is a short walk from the meeting area, followed by a safety briefing of about 30 minutes in Agios Nikolaos. Breakfast, coffee, tea, beer, and wine may be part of this early period, depending on the selected departure.

The catamaran is a Lagoon 450F, a wide sailing boat with more room than a standard monohull. That extra beam gives you several places to sit, which is useful on a long day. You can choose the flybridge for a higher view, the bow sun deck for open sun, or the shaded area beneath the bimini.

The boat also has air conditioning, a kitchen, refrigerator, ice box, audio system, Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor speakers, and a grill. These details are less exciting than the sea slide, but they make a real difference once you are several hours from shore.

Safety equipment includes life jackets, GPS, a chart plotter, depth finder, sonar, VHF radio, autopilot, anchor, and wheel steering. The boat is wheelchair accessible, though you should confirm the practical arrangements for boarding and moving around the catamaran before booking.

Sailing along Elounda

The route next heads toward Elounda, with about an hour of sailing listed for this section. This is the time to settle into the pace of the boat rather than expect a fast transfer from one attraction to the next.

The coast around Elounda is best seen from the water. You get a different view of the bays, headlands, and small islands than you would from a road or hotel terrace. On a calm day, the sailing itself can be wonderfully quiet. On a windy day, it feels more active, and the boat may move around more.

Drinks are available during the trip, including beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Alcohol is allowed onboard, but keep your swimming plans in mind. The combination of sun, wind, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

Spinalonga from the water

The boat then circles or passes Spinalonga, with roughly 30 minutes for sightseeing and photographs. This is not a full land visit to the famous former leper colony. Think of it as a short, efficient look at the island from the sea, with the captain or guide providing information along the way.

That format works well if your main aim is a swimming day and you want to add some culture. You get a close view, useful background, and good photo angles without giving up the best part of the outing at Kolokitha Bay.

If Spinalonga is your main reason for visiting the area, this trip may feel too brief. You will not have the same time to walk through the site as you would on a dedicated land excursion. If you already plan to visit Spinalonga separately, the boat view still adds a pleasant perspective without repeating the full visit.

Kolokitha Bay and the water toys

The two-hour stop at Kolokitha Bay is where the trip earns its price. The water is suited to swimming and snorkeling, and the catamaran provides fins and snorkeling equipment so you do not need to bring your own kit.

The supplied water gear includes a transparent canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sea scooter, inflatable platform, and inflatable slide. There is also a bathing platform for getting into the water without climbing over the side of the boat.

This setup works especially well for families with older children and for groups of friends who do not all want the same activity. One person can snorkel, another can paddle, and someone else can stay dry on the flybridge with a drink. The transparent canoe gives you a way to look down into the water without committing to a long swim.

The sea scooter and slide add a playful touch, but keep expectations practical. A June departure had rougher water and did not have the slide or swim platform shown in the photographs. The supplied information includes those items, yet equipment can vary by boat, sea conditions, or departure. Ask Sail Crete Yachts to confirm what will be onboard for your date if the toys are central to your decision.

Kolokitha Bay can also be the calmest part of the day when the open gulf is choppy. That is useful for swimmers who want a quieter place to get into the water. Still, this is not a good choice for anyone who cannot swim, since the main pleasure of the stop depends on being comfortable in the sea.

Lunch, drinks, and the pace of the afternoon

Lunch is included and described as Mediterranean cuisine. The captain has cooked for some departures, and the food has included a generous spread with fresh dishes. Wine, beer, cola, mineral water, and other soft drinks are available through the day.

The quantity is worth noting. The meal is not a token snack between stops. It is a proper part of the outing, and there may be more food than your group can finish. That is welcome after swimming, though anyone with dietary restrictions should ask in advance about available choices.

You also get coffee and tea, along with an aperitif during parts of the route. Private chef service costs extra, starting at 500 euros for a private trip. Private photography is also an added service from 300 euros, and wine tasting costs extra depending on the wine selection.

The relaxed meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing over a basic sailing trip. You do not need to return to shore hungry or carry a picnic. Just remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, camera, and towel. Towels are not included.

Comfort on the Lagoon 450F

The catamaran’s layout gives you a good mix of sun and shade. The bimini protects the main seating area, while the bow sun deck is better for lying out when the weather cooperates. The flybridge offers a raised view and is often the nicest place to watch the coastline while the boat is under way.

The kitchen, grill, refrigerator, and ice box support the included meal and drinks. Rod holders and fishing equipment are also available, although fishing is not the focus of the route. The audio system and speakers let you have music onboard, but the sound level will depend on the group and crew.

Air conditioning is included, though the most memorable parts of the day take place outside. Wi-Fi is listed as available, but I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The best use of your time is likely to be looking at the sea, swimming, and enjoying the boat.

The boat allows glass bottles, smoking, alcohol, and children. Those rules make the atmosphere more relaxed, but they also mean this is not necessarily a quiet wellness cruise. A private group is the better choice if you want control over the music, schedule, and general mood.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend it to families with confident swimmers, couples who want a full day on the water, and groups of friends who value food and activities as much as scenery. Teenagers and young adults have plenty to do, while less active passengers can remain on deck and enjoy the ride.

It is also a good fit if you want several experiences in one outing: sailing, coastal sightseeing, a brief look at Spinalonga, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and time with water toys. You do not need to pack separate equipment for each activity.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The boat can encounter choppy conditions, and the open-water sections may be uncomfortable even if the swimming bay is calm. Bring whatever seasickness remedy you normally use, but remember that the activity provider specifically lists people prone to seasickness as unsuitable.

Non-swimmers should not book this particular trip. Although you can remain aboard, the main stop and the water equipment are designed around getting into the sea. Children are welcome, but parents should judge their swimming ability and comfort around a catamaran for themselves.

Price, timing, and practical value

The $165 price makes more sense when you count what is bundled together: a Lagoon 450F catamaran, crew, a full sailing route, lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, fins, fishing equipment, paddleboard, sea scooter, transparent canoe, and inflatable water equipment.

You are also paying for space and time. The boat is not simply dropping you at a beach for 20 minutes. The Kolokitha Bay stop lasts about two hours, and the total trip can run as long as ten hours depending on the option.

That said, the value depends on what you actually use. If you do not drink alcohol, skip lunch, and prefer a short swim, a simpler boat excursion may cost less. If you want an active sea day with a meal and no need to rent gear, this price is easier to justify.

The free cancellation window is 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Crete schedule is still changing. Check the exact duration, departure time, boat setup, and meal details before finalizing the booking.

Should you book this Agios Nikolaos catamaran?

Book it if you want a social, active day that combines Spinalonga views with a long swimming stop. The strongest features are the well-equipped catamaran, generous lunch, all-day drinks, and choice of water toys. It is especially well suited to families with swimmers and groups that want both relaxation and movement.

Skip it if you want a quiet, short cruise, a full archaeological visit to Spinalonga, or a trip designed for non-swimmers. If the slide and inflatable platform are essential, confirm that they will be onboard for your departure. For the right group, this is one of the more complete ways to enjoy the Mirabello Gulf from Agios Nikolaos without arranging each part separately.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip meet?

The meeting point is in front of the entrance to the main Marina of Agios Nikolaos. A crew member meets you there and escorts you to the catamaran.

How long does the sailing trip last?

The duration is listed as five to ten hours. Starting times and the exact length depend on the option you select.

What places does the route visit?

The route includes Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Spinalonga, and Kolokitha Bay. The trip ends at one of three drop-off locations: Agios Nikolaos Marina, Vathi, or Schisma Eloundas.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as Mediterranean cuisine. Drinks including wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included.

What water activities are available?

The boat has snorkeling equipment, swim fins, a transparent canoe, stand-up paddleboard, sea scooter, inflatable platform, and inflatable slide. Equipment can depend on the boat and conditions, so confirm the setup if a particular item matters to you.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. Bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera as well.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Children are allowed. The trip is best for children who are comfortable around the sea and can swim, since non-swimmers are listed as unsuitable.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the provider before booking to confirm the boarding and onboard arrangements for your needs.

Can I book a private group?

Yes. A private group is available. A private chef, private photographer, and wine tasting can be arranged for additional costs.