Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip Catamaran Lunch and Water Toys

The sea is the main attraction here. Sail Crete Yachts takes you out from Agios Nikolaos aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran for a full day, or a shorter outing depending on your chosen departure. I like the mix of easy sightseeing and active water time: you circle Spinalonga, then settle into Kolokitha Bay for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and play on the inflatable slide.

I also like that the $165 price includes lunch, drinks, wine, beer, snorkeling gear, a transparent canoe, SUP, sea scooter, and other equipment. The main caution is that the advertised water setup may vary by departure. One guest on a sunset cruise found that the slide and swimming platform were not available, so confirm the exact boat and equipment before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• The Lagoon 450F gives you several ways to relax: stretch out on the bow sundeck, sit under the bimini, or head upstairs to the flybridge.
• Kolokitha Bay is the active heart of the day: swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a transparent canoe, and an inflatable slide are all part of the plan.
• Spinalonga is viewed from the water: you get a photo stop and a short sightseeing period rather than a full island visit.
• Lunch and drinks are included: expect Mediterranean food, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water.
• The trip works especially well for families and older children: the water toys give teenagers plenty to do while adults can enjoy the boat and scenery.
• Pack your own towel: towels are not included, and seasickness can be a serious concern on a choppy day.

Setting out from Agios Nikolaos on a Lagoon 450F

The meeting point is in front of the entrance to the main marina in Agios Nikolaos. A crew member meets you there and walks you to the catamaran, so you do not need to search the harbor alone. Arrive on time. A boat departure is not the place for a relaxed Greek five-minute delay.

The Lagoon 450F is a roomy cruising catamaran with two hulls, broad outdoor areas, and a layout made for spending many hours at sea. You have a bow sundeck, a shaded bimini, an upper flybridge, an inflatable bathing platform, a kitchen, refrigerators, an ice box, and indoor and outdoor speakers.

That variety matters. You are not trapped in one seat for the day. I would begin on the bow while the boat gets moving, shift to the shade once the sun becomes strong, and use the flybridge when you want a higher view across Mirabello Gulf.

Air conditioning is listed onboard, along with WiFi and a full set of navigation and safety equipment. Life jackets, GPS, VHF radio, autopilot, chart plotter, depth finder, sonar, an anchor, and wheel steering are all available. These details may not sound exciting, but they are reassuring on a long boat outing.

The crew speaks English, and the captain specializes in sailing, catamaran outings, snorkeling, fishing, island trips, and yacht tours. The crew’s friendly, helpful approach has been one of the strongest parts of the experience. One notable case involved a scheduling mistake, after which Giorgos apologized and arranged a different boat that still gave the group a very good day on the water.

The first hour: leaving Agios Nikolaos for Elounda

The opening period is gentle. You receive a safety briefing, and there is time for coffee, tea, breakfast, beer, wine, or another drink before the day settles into its rhythm. The exact timing can change because the listed duration ranges from five to ten hours and depends on the option you choose.

The route then heads toward Elounda, with about an hour of sailing and sightseeing. This is the part of the trip to enjoy at an unhurried pace. You can feel the wind, watch the coast from the water, and take in the shape of the gulf without having to steer, park, or plan the next stop.

A catamaran is a good fit for this kind of outing because it tends to provide more deck space than a smaller boat. You can move around, find a seat in sun or shade, and keep children occupied without everyone crowding into one narrow area.

Do not expect a fast transport ride. Sailing is part of the point, and the boat may spend time moving at a calm pace. If you want nonstop swimming, this first section may feel long. If you enjoy the boat itself, it gives you valuable time to settle in.

Seeing Spinalonga from the water

Spinalonga is the sightseeing centerpiece. The boat pauses for photographs and circles the island, giving you a view that is different from a land visit. The stop includes roughly 30 minutes for sightseeing, drinks, and photos.

You should think of this as a short introduction, not a full archaeological visit. You will not have the same time to walk among the island’s buildings or explore at your own pace as you would on a dedicated Spinalonga excursion. The trade-off is that you see the island as part of a broader sea day, with no need to leave the catamaran and reboard another boat.

The captain also provides information about Spinalonga during the route. That added explanation makes the pass-by more useful than a simple photo stop. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire crossing looking through a screen. The island, the water, and the changing angle from the boat are the real reward.

The route around Spinalonga can also be a good time to enjoy a drink before lunch. Beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are listed among the available refreshments. Alcohol is allowed onboard, though sensible moderation matters when you will soon be swimming in the sun.

Kolokitha Bay, where the day becomes playful

Kolokitha Bay is the main stop, with about two hours set aside for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, a boat cruise, and water activities. This is where the trip earns its place as more than a sightseeing cruise.

The water is described as exceptionally clear and turquoise, and the bay provides calmer conditions for getting in and out of the sea. You can use the bathing platform, swim fins, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, a transparent canoe, and a sea scooter. The inflatable platform and slide add a simple, slightly silly kind of fun that works particularly well for families and groups of friends.

The transparent canoe is a nice touch because it lets you look down at the water while paddling. The SUP offers a quieter way to explore close to the boat, while the sea scooter gives confident swimmers a more active option. Fishing equipment is also available, with rod holders and a fishfinder onboard, though the main focus of this itinerary is swimming and recreation.

This stop is not ideal for non-swimmers. You need to be comfortable entering the sea and following crew instructions around the platform and toys. Children are allowed, but adults should keep a close eye on them, especially when several people are using the water equipment at once.

Bring a towel from your hotel. It is the most obvious item missing from the included equipment list. You should also pack a hat, swimsuit, sunscreen, and camera. A waterproof phone pouch would be sensible, although it is not specifically supplied.

Lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is one of the better values in the package. Mediterranean food is served onboard, and the kitchen includes a grill and refrigerator. One guest described the meal as plentiful and fresh, while another praised the captain’s cooking and the good wine served with it.

The details of the exact menu are not fixed in the information provided, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. Instead, think of lunch as a generous meal built into a relaxed swimming stop. You are not losing beach time by searching for a restaurant, and you can return to the water whenever the schedule allows.

Drinks are available throughout the day. Beer, wine, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, and other refreshments are included according to the package details. That can add real value, particularly for a long summer outing where buying each drink separately at a marina or beach café would quickly increase your spending.

Private extras are available at additional cost. A private chef costs from 500 euros for a private trip, and a private photographer starts at 300 euros. Wine tasting is also extra, with the price depending on the wine selected. None of these add-ons are necessary for the standard experience.

How the boat works for families and groups

This is a strong choice for a mixed group. Adults can sit on the flybridge or bow, enjoy the sailing, and talk over lunch, while children and teenagers have a range of water activities to try. The inflatable slide and platform are especially useful when a group needs more than scenery to stay entertained.

The trip is also available as a private group, which may make sense for families who want control over the pace or couples celebrating a special occasion. The standard price is listed per person, but the private option may involve different costs and should be checked carefully.

The boat has indoor and outdoor speakers, an audio system, WiFi, air conditioning, and several seating areas. Those comforts become more important as the day gets longer. A five-hour outing is easy to picture, but a nine or ten-hour version requires shade, water, and the ability to change position.

The main limitation is the sea itself. A guest on a choppy day found that the swimming stops were calmer, but the ride between them still had rough patches. If you are prone to seasickness, this experience is specifically not recommended. Take that warning seriously. A beautiful boat does not cancel out a rolling sea.

Price and value at $165 per person

At $165, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Agios Nikolaos. The value comes from the bundle: a catamaran, crew, sailing route, Spinalonga sightseeing, lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, fins, SUP, transparent canoe, sea scooter, fishing equipment, and inflatable water toys.

If you only want a short boat ride and a swim, a simpler cruise may cost less and suit you better. If you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, snorkeling hire, and water activities, this package becomes easier to justify.

The included catamaran facilities also matter. A kitchen, grill, refrigerator, air conditioning, flybridge, bimini, bow sundeck, bathing platform, and several deck areas make the boat itself part of the experience. You are paying for a full day of comfort, not just transport from one bay to another.

Before booking, confirm the exact duration and equipment for your selected departure. The advertised boat amenities include the slide and platform, but the sunset outing did not have both available for one group. That does not cancel out the good parts of the trip, but it is a detail worth checking if the toys are your main reason for booking.

Timing, meeting point, and useful preparation

The meeting point is outside the main Agios Nikolaos marina entrance. A crew member escorts you from there to the boat. Pickup may differ according to the option chosen, so read the meeting instructions carefully rather than assuming every departure starts in exactly the same place.

Starting times vary. The trip can last between five and ten hours, which means you should allow most of a day unless your selected option clearly says otherwise. A sunset cruise is possible, and the sea may be choppier at times, depending on conditions.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Hat and high-SPF sunscreen
• Camera or waterproof phone case
• Light cover-up for the boat ride
• Any personal seasickness medication you normally use

Glass bottles and alcohol are allowed onboard, though drinks are already included. Smoking is also allowed, but you should follow crew directions about where it is safe and considerate to smoke.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since the experience includes swimming and boarding a catamaran, confirm the practical arrangements for your specific needs before booking. Accessibility can depend on the marina, boarding point, and chosen departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Crete plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to families with confident swimmers, couples who want a comfortable day at sea, and groups of friends who value food and drinks as much as sightseeing. It is especially appealing if you want to combine Spinalonga views with a proper swimming stop rather than spend the whole day on land.

It suits adults and teenagers well. The boat offers enough comfort for people who prefer to relax, while the water toys give active members of the group something to do. The high rating of 4.7 from 51 reviews reflects that broad appeal.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, uncomfortable in open water, or mainly interested in walking around Spinalonga. The island visit is brief, and the boat ride can be bumpy on a rough day.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a full marine day with clear water, a well-equipped catamaran, lunch, drinks, and plenty of ways to play in the sea. The strongest parts are the Kolokitha Bay stop, the friendly crew, the generous food and drink service, and the choice between active water toys and simple deck time.

Before confirming, ask whether your chosen departure includes the slide and inflatable platform, especially for a sunset sailing. If those details check out, the $165 price offers solid value for a long day around Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Spinalonga, and Mirabello Gulf.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

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 available duration ranges from five to ten hours. Starting times and the exact length depend on the option you select.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and features Mediterranean cuisine. The boat also has a kitchen, grill, refrigerator, and ice box.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, and other drinks are included according to the package details.

What water equipment is available?

The listed equipment includes snorkeling gear, swim fins, a SUP, transparent canoe, sea scooter, inflatable platform, and inflatable slide. Confirm the exact equipment for your departure because availability can vary.

Is Spinalonga included as a walking visit?

No. The itinerary includes sailing around Spinalonga, a photo stop, and sightseeing for about 30 minutes. It does not describe a full walking visit on the island.

Is the trip suitable for children and non-swimmers?

Children are allowed, but the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. Swimming and water activities are a major part of the stop at Kolokitha Bay.