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

Sunset looks better from the sea. This five-hour catamaran cruise from Agios Nikolaos combines calm sailing through Mirabello Gulf with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and an easygoing meal on deck. I especially like the small-group setting and the generous choice of water equipment. I also like that beer, white wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are included. The main caution is that the boat may feel crowded, and one guest reported that the catamaran motored rather than sailed under wind power.

Key points at a glance

• Spinalonga views from the water: The route gives you photo-worthy views of Spinalonga Island without the heat and crowds of a land visit.
• Two relaxing swim areas: You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, fish, or simply stretch out on deck.
• A full drinks package: Local beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and welcome drinks are included.
• Water toys for all ages: Expect SUP boards, a kayak, sea scooter, inflatable slide, noodles, fishing gear, and a flamingo float.
• Maximum of 20 people: This is more personal than a large party boat, though the layout may still feel busy when everyone is aboard.
• Good value for active couples and families: The price is $150.18 per person, with food, equipment, and drinks included.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

The cruise begins at Marina Kiosk in Agios Nikolaos, usually in the late afternoon. That timing matters. Crete can be hot in the middle of the day, while the softer light later on makes the coast and Spinalonga look much better in photographs.

I would arrive early. One birthday passenger found the meeting point vague and spent too much time trying to locate the boat. The official start point is Marina Kiosk, Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, but the information does not specify a berth number or a detailed landmark. Give yourself extra time around the marina rather than arriving at the last minute with sandals in one hand and a phone map in the other.

The catamaran is called Artemis, and it has sunbeds, shaded lounge areas, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. You get a practical mix of sun and shade, which is important during a five-hour trip. I would not plan to stay in one spot all afternoon. Move between the forward deck, shaded seating, and the swim platform as the light and temperature change.

The crew speaks English and includes three crew members on the cruise described in one review. Their work earned especially strong praise, with attention to safety and passenger comfort. That matters on a boat carrying children, swimmers, paddleboarders, and people who may prefer to sit quietly with a drink.

Do not assume the boat will spend the whole time under sail. At least one passenger reported that the catamaran motored throughout the trip. If the romance of wind-powered sailing is your main reason for booking, ask about expected conditions before you go. The scenery, swimming, and food are still central to the outing, but this may function more like a luxury motor cruise than a traditional sailing lesson.

Mirabello Gulf and the Spinalonga view

The first part of the route takes you across the calm waters of Mirabello Gulf. From the catamaran, you can photograph the coast and Spinalonga Island from a low, open-water viewpoint. This is one of the most appealing parts of the cruise because you get the island as part of a broader coastal scene rather than only as a destination reached by ferry.

You are not given a land visit to Spinalonga. The value here is the view from the water, along with the quiet ride through the gulf. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it carefully around the swim areas. You may want a dry bag because you will be moving between the deck and the sea.

This portion is also when I would settle into the pace of the outing. A catamaran gives you more room than a standard boat, but it is still a shared space. Find a seat early if you want a particular shaded place. The maximum group size is 20 people, which keeps the cruise smaller than many excursion boats, but the seating can still feel busy when everyone is relaxing, eating, and changing places.

The scenery is a better reason to book than the promise of constant action. The route offers pauses, open views, and a chance to watch the coastline from a comfortable platform. If you need an activity every minute, the cruise may seem slow between stops.

Two swim stops with boards, masks, and a sea scooter

The main stop is in a quiet, clear bay somewhere in Mirabello Gulf. The supplied schedule describes two swimming areas, although only the main stop is given a formal name. Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and gentle fishing rather than a guided marine-life tour.

The included equipment is unusually generous:

• High-quality masks and fins
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Kayak
• Sea scooter
• Inflatable water slide
• Swimming jackets and life jackets
• Inflatable noodles
• Fishing gear
• Inflatable flamingo

That range makes the stop work for mixed groups. I can picture one person snorkeling, another taking a paddleboard out, a child using the slide, and someone else staying dry with a drink. The noodles and jackets are useful if you want to enjoy the water without being a confident swimmer.

Snorkeling is available, but the information does not promise particular fish, reefs, or underwater sights. Keep your expectations sensible. You are getting leisure time in clear water, not a specialist snorkeling expedition with a marine guide. The same applies to fishing. It is described as gentle fishing, with a complete set provided, so treat it as a light activity rather than a serious catch.

The sea scooter adds a little excitement, but it is still part of a supervised recreational stop. Listen to the crew’s instructions, use the provided safety equipment, and do not assume every toy will be available the moment you arrive in the water. With up to 20 people aboard, popular equipment may be in rotation.

The flamingo float may sound silly, but it serves a purpose. It gives families and friends an easy photo prop and adds some fun to an otherwise calm swim. The box of toys for children is available by request, so mention your needs when booking rather than counting on it appearing automatically.

Food on deck, from welcome drinks to the main meal

Food is a major part of the price. The cruise includes a freshly prepared Mediterranean-style meal, described in the program as a nutritionist-designed healthy lunch, although the trip leaves in the late afternoon and is also described as including dinner. I would think of it as the main meal of the cruise rather than rely on the label.

Vegetarian and children’s options can be requested. That is useful, but you should make the request ahead of time. The meal received strong praise for taste and preparation, while one passenger found the selection limited. Those comments fit together: the food can be good without being an abundant buffet.

The drink package is one of the clearest strengths. You receive water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, and welcome drinks such as espresso, detox water, and protein cocktails. Light protein snacks and a protein cocktail bar are also included. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection cost extra.

The healthy-food focus may appeal to you if you want something lighter than standard excursion fare. It may be less appealing if you expect a large Greek feast with many dishes. I would eat a normal meal earlier in the day, especially if you have a large appetite or are traveling with teenagers.

Music and free Wi-Fi are available onboard. Wi-Fi is a nice extra for sending photos while you are still on the water, but I would not make it the main reason to book. The best moments will probably come from leaving your phone in your bag for a while, then taking it out when Spinalonga or the sunset light appears.

Is $150.18 a fair price?

At $150.18 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value depends on how much of the package you will use. You are paying for about five hours, a modern catamaran, a crew, a meal, an open selection of drinks, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, a kayak, a sea scooter, an inflatable slide, and return to the marina.

That is a stronger package than a simple coastal cruise with one swim stop. If you plan to swim, try several water toys, eat onboard, and have a few drinks, the cost becomes easier to justify. It is also useful for families because you do not need to rent each piece of equipment separately.

The price is harder to defend if you mainly want a short sail, a quiet seat, and a basic drink. One passenger felt that the cruise was enjoyable but not life-changing and suggested booking early for a lower price. This experience is booked, on average, 38 days ahead, so planning early may help with availability and cost.

I would compare the final price with other Crete boat trips based on what is included, not just the headline number. A cheaper cruise may not include the same food, open bar, water toys, or smaller group size. A more expensive private charter may offer more space and privacy. Here, the middle ground is the appeal: a polished shared cruise with plenty to do.

Comfort, group size, and what to pack

The catamaran has shaded lounges and sunbeds, but it is not a private yacht. The maximum is 20 people, and one passenger felt the boat was crowded even before full capacity. If personal space is your top concern, ask about the expected passenger count or private charter options.

Private cabins may be available by request, but they are not guaranteed and are not included. I would not book this trip expecting a cabin. Think of the cabin offer as a possible bonus, not part of the standard product.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. These are not included. The boat provides swimming jackets, life jackets, and an outdoor shower, but that does not replace basic sun protection. A hat, sunglasses, a waterproof phone pouch, and a light cover-up would also be sensible additions.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged upon request. If you are staying outside central Agios Nikolaos, confirm transfer costs before assuming the boat company will collect you.

The cruise requires good weather. If conditions cancel the trip, you can take another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy Artemis most?

I would recommend this cruise to couples who want a relaxed afternoon with good scenery, a meal, and sunset atmosphere. The open bar and comfortable deck make it easy to celebrate a birthday or another special occasion, and a branded gift is available for special events.

Families should also consider it, especially if children need options beyond sitting still. The slide, sea scooter, SUP boards, kayak, noodles, fishing gear, and children’s toys give the day some variety. Ask for children’s food and toys in advance.

Active swimmers will get the most from the price. If you intend to use only one mask and spend the rest of the time seated, you may find a simpler cruise better value. The same is true if you want a detailed history of Spinalonga. You see the island from the water, but this is not a guided cultural visit.

The cruise is less suitable for anyone who strongly dislikes shared spaces, needs guaranteed private accommodation, or expects pure sailing under wind power. The boat has a friendly service focus, but it remains a group outing with a fixed route and shared equipment.

Should you book this Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip?

I would book it if you want a polished, all-in-one day on the water around Agios Nikolaos. The best features are the strong crew service, Spinalonga views, two swim areas, generous water equipment, and included drinks. You can build your own afternoon: swim hard, paddle for a while, fish gently, or stay under the shade with a glass of wine.

I would hesitate only if you want complete privacy, a large gourmet meal, or guaranteed wind-powered sailing. Arrive early at Marina Kiosk, request any dietary needs ahead of time, bring a towel and sunscreen, and book well ahead if the date matters. For couples and families who will use the equipment, the $150.18 price is reasonable. For passengers seeking only a short scenic ride, it may feel expensive.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours and returns to the meeting point at Marina Kiosk in Agios Nikolaos.

Where does the experience begin?

It begins at Marina Kiosk, Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece. The boat returns to the same meeting point.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes a freshly prepared Mediterranean-style main meal, described as a healthy lunch in the inclusions. Vegetarian and children’s options are available upon request.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, detox water, and protein cocktails. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection are not included.

What water activities are available?

You can use snorkeling gear, SUP boards, a kayak, a sea scooter, an inflatable slide, noodles, fishing gear, and an inflatable flamingo. Swimming jackets and life jackets are also provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.