Agios Nikolaos: Spinalonga and Kolokitha Island Sailing Trip

Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town on the northern coast of Crete, offers a unique sailing adventure that promises to captivate both history buffs and nature enthusiasts. Departing from the charming harbor, this excursion takes passengers on a journey to explore the legendary Spinalonga Island, known for its Venetian fortress, and the serene Kolokitha Bay, where the opportunity to witness the vibrant underwater ecosystem and savor a local lunch awaits. With hands-on sailing involvement and stunning coastal vistas, this well-rounded experience immerses travelers in the rich tapestry of Crete’s cultural and natural wonders. What secrets might this sailing trip uncover, and how might it reshape your understanding of this captivating Mediterranean destination?

This experience made our list of the 21 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Agios Nikolaos.

Key Points

• A sailing trip from Agios Nikolaos offering the opportunity to explore the Cretan Sea, visit the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, and enjoy the tranquil Kolokitha Bay.
• The trip lasts 4.5 to 6 hours and costs $780.52 for a group of up to 10 people.
• Passengers can engage in sailing procedures, swim, snorkel, and try fishing in the sheltered Kolokitha Bay.
• The trip includes a local meal, complementary wine, and the use of stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling, and fishing equipment.
• The boat cruise provides scenic views of the Cretan coastline, Spinalonga island, and the Cretan Sea, with the opportunity to witness a Cretan sunset.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Sailing Trip

The sailing trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokitha Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the Cretan Sea and its captivating islands.

The adventure lasts between 4.5 to 6 hours, providing ample time to take in the scenic wonders.

Priced at $780.52 per group of up to 10 people, the excursion allows you to reserve now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

Throughout the journey, you’ll witness the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga from the water, sail to the picturesque Kolokitha Bay, and enjoy a delightful meal complemented by local wine.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely cruise or an engaging sailing experience, this trip caters to a diverse range of interests.

Departure and Arrival Points

The sailing trip departs from the Marina in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque seaside town located in eastern Crete.

After setting sail from the marina, the boat will cruise along the Cretan Sea, offering stunning views of the coastline.

The first stop is the island of Spinalonga, where passengers can admire the Venetian fortress from the water.

Following the visit to Spinalonga, the boat will sail to the tranquil Kolokitha Bay, which is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic landscapes.

At the end of the tour, the boat will return to the Marina in Agios Nikolaos, allowing passengers to witness the breathtaking Cretan sunset.

Sail to Spinalonga Island

Sailing to Spinalonga, the first stop on this Cretan odyssey, treats passengers to a captivating boat cruise past the Venetian fortress that has stood as a silent sentinel over the Mirabello Gulf for centuries.

As the boat draws near, the island’s rich history comes into focus, with visitors marveling at the impressive stone walls, watchtowers, and fortifications that once protected its inhabitants.

The journey offers a unique perspective, allowing passengers to:

• Admire the fortress’s architectural splendor
• Spot the remnants of the island’s past as a leper colony
• Capture stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
• Feel the sea breeze caress their faces
• Imagine the stories that these weathered walls could tell.

Exploring Kolokitha Bay

After the captivating voyage to Spinalonga, the sailing trip then takes passengers to the tranquil Kolokitha Bay.

Here, they can enjoy a leisurely 3.75-hour experience, indulging in local wine, a delectable meal, and ample time to swim, snorkel, and observe the diverse marine life.

Passengers can also engage in sailing procedures, feeling the exhilaration of powering the vessel across the serene Cretan waters.

The bay’s scenic views and the opportunity to relax on the sundeck make this part of the journey a highlight.

Equipped with SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and fishing rods, guests can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Kolokitha, creating cherished memories of their Cretan sailing adventure.

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Activities in Kolokitha Bay

Once arriving at the tranquil Kolokitha Bay, passengers can often indulge in a variety of engaging activities. They may savor local wines and a delectable meal prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Plus, guests can enjoy the natural wonders of the bay, swimming, snorkeling, and observing the diverse marine life.

The experience offers the opportunity to:

• Glide effortlessly across the clear waters on a stand-up paddleboard
• Dive beneath the surface to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem
• Cast a line and try your hand at fishing in the sheltered cove
• Relax on the sundeck and soak up the breathtaking scenery
• Engage in the sailing procedures and learn about navigating the Cretan Sea

Sailing Back to Agios Nikolaos

As the warm sun dips below the horizon, the boat gently glides back towards the Marina in Agios Nikolaos, capping off the day’s memorable sailing adventure.

During the hour-long return journey, passengers can sit back and savor the last breathtaking views of the Cretan Sea. The boat’s sails catch the evening breeze, creating a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.

As the Marina comes into sight, guests can reflect on the day’s highlights – the impressive Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, the serene beauty of Kolokitha Bay, and the thrill of actively participating in the sailing.

This seamless round-trip provides a well-rounded, immersive experience that showcases the natural wonders of this picturesque region.

Included in the Experience

The sailing experience includes a variety of inclusions that enhance the overall journey. Passengers can look forward to:

• Hands-on sailing involvement
• Savoring a meal prepared with local ingredients
• Enjoying complementary local wine and refreshments throughout the day

The experience also includes:

• Seasonal fruits to indulge in
• SUP, snorkeling, and fishing equipment for guests to explore the marine life
• Guidance from experienced sailing professionals to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip
• Opportunities to engage in sailing procedures and feel the sea breeze firsthand

Passengers can also enjoy stunning views of the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga and the tranquil Kolokitha Bay.

Important Considerations

Prospective passengers should be aware that this sailing trip may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women or individuals prone to seasickness are advised against participating, as the open-water sailing conditions could potentially pose health risks.

Plus, passengers are required to provide their personal details prior to departure to ensure a smooth and organized experience.

While the trip promises stunning scenery and a chance to take in the Cretan Sea, it’s important to consider one’s physical capabilities and comfort level with sailing. Those who suffer from motion sickness or have medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the maritime environment may find this experience challenging.

Advance planning and communication with the tour operator are recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Sailing Trip Suitable for Children?

The sailing trip may not be suitable for young children. It involves activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sailing procedures that could pose safety risks for children. However, older children may enjoy the scenic views and activities if properly supervised.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on board, but the sailing trip includes a meal with local ingredients and wine. Bringing additional items is allowed, though the inclusions provide a complete dining experience during the adventure.

Is There a Safety Briefing Before the Trip Starts?

Yes, there is typically a safety briefing before the trip starts. The crew will provide an overview of safety procedures, equipment, and protocols to ensure passengers’ well-being throughout the sailing excursion.

Can I Disembark at Any Point During the Tour?

Passengers can typically disembark at designated stops during the tour, such as Spinalonga and Kolokitha Bay, but they’re generally expected to remain on the boat for the full duration of the sailing experience. Disembarking at other points would not be permitted.

Is There Any Additional Cost for the Equipment Mentioned?

No, there is no additional cost for the equipment mentioned. The sailing trip includes the use of SUP, snorkeling, and fishing equipment as part of the standard inclusions, so travelers can enjoy these activities at no extra charge.

Recap

The sailing trip from Agios Nikolaos offers a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to explore the captivating Cretan Sea and its islands.

Passengers can witness the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, sail to the tranquil Kolokitha Bay, and enjoy a local meal and wine.

This 4.5 to 6-hour excursion provides hands-on sailing involvement, exploration of the vibrant underwater ecosystem, and stunning views of the coastline, immersing visitors in the beauty and history of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: