Nestled along the picturesque Mirabello Bay, the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation. Set out on a scenic ferry ride to the stunning Kolokytha Beach, where you’ll have the chance to unwind, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch. But the highlight of this excursion lies in the guided tour of the historic Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island, where you’ll explore the island’s captivating past. With hotel pickup, professional guidance, and a breathtaking setting, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility – an experience that’s not to be missed.
This experience made our list of the 7 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Elounda.
Key Points
- The 6-hour guided tour includes a ferry ride, BBQ lunch, and exploration of the historic Spinalonga Island and scenic Kolokytha Beach.
- The tour offers language options in English, German, French, Polish, and Russian on select days.
- Inclusions cover the boat ticket, BBQ menu, guided tour, liability insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off services.
- Customers can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with flexibility for changing plans.
- Essential items to bring include sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a small amount of cash for additional purchases.
Tour Overview
The Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming offers an immersive 6-hour excursion, allowing visitors to explore the historic Spinalonga Island and enjoy the scenic Kolokytha Beach.
Priced at $27.13 per person, this tour is available in English and German, with select days offering French, Polish, and Russian language options.
The journey begins with a 20-minute ferry ride to Kolokytha Beach, where guests can relax, take photos, and enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring chicken, pork, or vegetarian options.
The tour then proceeds to the iconic Spinalonga Island, where a guided tour provides insights into its rich Venetian history.
At the end, the ferry returns to Elounda, allowing for one last photo stop.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a 20-minute ferry ride from Elounda to Kolokytha Beach, where guests can take a break, snap photos, and enjoy a guided tour before indulging in a BBQ lunch of chicken, pork, or vegetarian options.
Following the beach activities, the group boards the ferry for a 20-minute journey to the historic Spinalonga Island, where they explore the Venetian fortress and learn about the island’s rich history during the guided tour.
The final leg of the tour involves a 20-minute return ferry ride to Elounda, with a brief photo stop along the way.
The tour highlights include:
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Relax on Kolokytha’s sandy shores and swim in clear waters.
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Explore Spinalonga Island, Venetian Fortress, and learn about its history.
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Visit charming Elounda on the Mirabello Bay coast.
Highlights of the Tour
Relaxing on Kolokytha’s sandy shores and swimming in the crystal-clear waters are just a couple of the highlights visitors can enjoy during this guided boat tour.
Exploring the historic Spinalonga Island and its Venetian fortress while learning about the island’s rich history is another captivating aspect of the experience.
Lastly, touring the charming coastal town of Elounda on the Mirabello Bay provides a picturesque glimpse into the local culture.
Guests can also savor a delicious BBQ lunch with a choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian options, accompanied by a refreshing glass of wine or lemonade.
This excursion offers an immersive and well-rounded experience for those seeking to discover the natural beauty and historical significance of this stunning region.
Inclusions in the Package
This guided boat tour from Elounda includes several key amenities to enhance the overall experience. Visitors receive a boat ticket for the full-day excursion, which covers transportation to and from the various destinations.
A delectable BBQ menu featuring a choice of pork chop, salad, bread, and fruit is provided, accompanied by either a glass of wine or lemonade.
In addition, the package includes:
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A professional guided tour to enrich the historical and cultural understanding of the sites visited.
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Liability insurance coverage from Generali, providing peace of mind.
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Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility and peace of mind. This generous cancellation policy allows customers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can receive a complete reimbursement if their plans change.
Whether due to unexpected circumstances or a change of heart, the tour operator understands that flexibility is crucial for travelers. This policy reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction and ensures that guests can book the tour without worrying about non-refundable fees.
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What to Bring
When embarking on this guided boat tour, visitors should remember to pack their sunglasses and sunscreen. These essential items will help protect against the bright Mediterranean sun and ensure a comfortable experience throughout the day’s activities.
Along With sun protection, it’s also a good idea to bring a few other items:
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A swimsuit and towel, as there will be opportunities to swim at Kolokytha Beach.
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Any necessary medications or personal items.
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A small amount of cash for any additional purchases or incidentals.
With these essentials packed, travelers can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the stunning scenery and rich history that this guided boat tour has to offer.
Meeting Point
The meeting point for this guided boat tour is the Windmill small port, located in Schisma Elountas, Greece.
Travelers can easily find this designated starting point, which sits along the scenic Mirabello Bay coastline. The port is a charming and picturesque area, with traditional Greek architecture and a lively atmosphere.
Visitors will meet their tour guide at the port before embarking on the boat journey to Kolokytha Beach and Spinalonga Island. Clear signage and directions are provided to ensure everyone finds the meeting point without any confusion.
With its convenient location and scenic setting, the Windmill small port serves as the perfect starting point for this immersive tour experience.
Customer Feedback
Reviews for the Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour have been mixed, with an overall rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 6 customer evaluations.
While some praised the scenic beauty and informative guides, others expressed disappointment with the large crowds and felt the experience didn’t meet their expectations.
Recurring points of feedback include:
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Overwhelming crowds that detracted from the experience
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Guides who rushed through the tour, leaving little time for exploration
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Concerns about the quality and variety of the BBQ lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour operator typically does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. This is to ensure that everyone enjoys the included BBQ lunch and beverages provided as part of the tour experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?
Children of all ages are welcome on the tour. However, there may be age-specific requirements or restrictions, such as minimum age for certain activities like snorkeling. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any child-related policies or guidelines.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?
Yes, the tour provides a vegetarian BBQ option. Customers can request this special dietary meal when booking the tour. The BBQ menu includes salad, bread, and fruit in addition to the vegetarian main course.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?
According to the tour details, the price includes the boat ticket, BBQ menu, and other specified inclusions. However, there may be additional fees or taxes not covered in the listed price, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for full pricing details.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?
The tour description does not mention any options to extend the duration or add additional activities. However, customers could inquire with the tour provider about customizing the experience to meet their specific needs and interests.
Recap
The Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour offers a captivating blend of relaxation and historical exploration.
From the serene Kolokytha Beach to the iconic Spinalonga Island, this excursion promises an unforgettable day under the Mediterranean sun.
With a guided tour, delectable BBQ lunch, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s the perfect way to experience the beauty and rich heritage of Elounda.
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