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

The best part of this cruise is the mix of easygoing sailing and active water time. You can watch Spinalonga and Barbarossa Cave from the sea, then spend a long stop in Mirabello Bay swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or trying the sea scooter. The setting does much of the work, but the crew keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed.

I like the small maximum group of 20 and the open bar, which includes local beer, Cretan white wine, soft drinks, and water. I also like that the lunch is built around fresh local ingredients rather than a basic buffet. The main caution is that the boat can feel busy when everyone wants the same water toys, and the advertised food should be clarified if you are specifically booking for sushi.

Key points to know before booking

• Spinalonga from the water: You see the former fortress island from several angles, but this is a sea cruise, not a shore visit.
• Long Mirabello Bay stop: About two hours and 45 minutes are set aside for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and water activities.
• A full water-toy setup: Expect SUPs, a kayak, inflatable slide, sea scooter, water tube, noodles, and snorkeling equipment.
• Open-bar value: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included, while cocktails and other alcohol cost extra.
• Food is health-focused: Lunch uses local, organic ingredients and can include vegetarian or children’s choices by request.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and sunscreen are not supplied, and port authorities require passenger identification details before departure.

From Agios Nikolaos Marina to Mirabello Gulf

You meet the crew 30 minutes before departure at the entrance to Marina Agios Nikolaos, near the Eurobank ATM. Look for the crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt. The municipal car park by the marina is convenient if you are driving.

The welcome is more polished than a basic boat outing. You are offered espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail before a short safety briefing. Then you settle into the catamaran, which has sunbeds, shaded seating, an upper deck, a front sofa, and netting at the bow.

That range of seating matters. You can stretch out in the sun, find shade, or lie over the netting with the water moving below. The boat also has an onboard toilet, an outdoor shower, music, and Wi-Fi. Shoes are not allowed indoors, so wear something easy to remove.

The exact duration varies from 5.5 to 7 hours, depending on the departure option and schedule. Some pickup choices are available, but hotel transfers are not automatically included. Pickup can be arranged for selected areas, including Ierapetra city and Agioi Saranta, so check the option carefully rather than assuming transportation is part of the $145 price.

Seeing Barbarossa Cave from the sea

The first scenic stop is near Barbarossa Cave, off Elounda. This is a photo stop rather than a long visit ashore. The catamaran slows for views, pictures, and a glass of wine while you take in the rocky coast and open water.

A boat gives you a useful angle here. From land, caves and coastal formations can be easy to miss. From the water, the shoreline opens up around you, and the captain can position the boat for a broader view.

Keep your expectations in check. This is not a guided archaeological stop, and you will not go inside for an extended exploration. It is one of several short points of interest woven into a longer sailing day. If you want a detailed lesson about every site, ask the crew questions directly. The English-speaking team can share local information, but the focus is mainly on scenery, food, and time on the water.

Spinalonga without the shore crowds

Spinalonga is the most important sight on the route. The island began as a Venetian fortress and later served as a place of exile. Its stone defenses and stark position in the bay make it easy to recognize from the water.

You spend about 20 minutes near the island for sightseeing and photographs. The catamaran gives you views from different sides, which is worthwhile even if you have already seen pictures of Spinalonga. The island looks especially striking against the calm blue water and the mountains around Mirabello Gulf.

The tradeoff is simple: you see Spinalonga, but you do not tour the fortress on foot. If walking through the old settlement and learning its full story is your priority, book a separate land excursion. This cruise treats the island as part of a scenic sea route, not as its main historical stop.

Mirabello Bay is the heart of the day

After the coastal sightseeing, the catamaran heads to a quieter part of Mirabello Bay. This is where most of your time goes, with about two hours and 45 minutes for swimming, food, drinks, and water activities.

The bay is the right setting for a flexible day. You can jump in as soon as the crew prepares the equipment, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the action. Swimming jackets are available, and inflatable noodles make it easier to float without working constantly.

The water program is unusually broad for a cruise at this price:

• Inflatable slide
• Sea scooter
• Kayak
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Water tube
• Snorkeling masks and fins
• Gentle fishing with supplied equipment
• Inflatable flamingo for photographs

You do not need to be an expert at any of these. The crew prepares the equipment and helps people get started. A sea scooter adds a little speed, while the kayak and SUPs offer a quieter way to look around the bay. Snorkeling is self-guided, so the appeal depends on water clarity and what you happen to see that day. Do not expect a formal marine-life tour.

The inflatable slide is likely to attract children and adults alike. That can create a short wait when the boat is full, especially with up to 20 people onboard. The same applies to the sea scooter and water tube. Still, the stop is long enough that you should get several chances to use the equipment rather than rushing through one quick swim.

Fishing is described as gentle fishing, not a serious angling trip. Think of it as an extra activity for children or anyone who enjoys trying something different while the boat is anchored.

A Cretan lunch, open bar, and the sushi question

Food is one of the strongest parts of this experience, but the details deserve attention. The main meal is described as a healthy Mediterranean and Cretan lunch, prepared with fresh, local, biological, and organic ingredients from a Cretan farm. Menus change with the season.

You can expect a main course followed by dessert. Vegetarian dishes and children’s meals are available by request. The food is designed with help from a nutritionist, so the focus is balanced and fresh rather than heavy. One sailing specifically credited Irini for a particularly good meal, which suggests that the onboard kitchen can be a real pleasure when she is preparing the food.

The title of this experience refers to sushi, but the fuller food description emphasizes Cretan lunch, Mediterranean snacks, protein snacks, and dessert. If sushi is the deciding factor for you, confirm the day’s menu before booking. The supplied details do not clearly promise a particular sushi selection on every departure.

The open bar includes still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Coffee and tea are also available, and welcome service includes espresso and protein drinks. Cocktails and alcohol outside the listed selection are not included. Red wine is not allowed onboard.

At $145 per person, the food and drink package adds real value. You are not paying only for transportation around the bay. The price also covers a long sailing period, lunch, open-bar service, equipment, crew, and use of the catamaran facilities. If you would rather have a quiet cruise with no swimming or shared water equipment, you may find the price harder to justify.

What the crew and boat add

The crew is central to the quality of the day. The most consistent praise goes to their friendliness, attentiveness, and ability to keep people comfortable. The captain is also described as engaging, which matters because a good captain can turn a simple view of the coast into a more interesting outing.

The catamaran itself is described as clean and comfortable, with enough seating for the group. A maximum of 20 people keeps this smaller than a large excursion boat, though it is not a private cruise unless you select the private group option.

For a special occasion, tell the company in advance. A complimentary branded gift can be arranged for birthdays and anniversaries. This is a small touch, but useful if the cruise is part of a celebration.

The boat carries life jackets, swimming jackets, liability insurance, and personal feminine hygiene products. A box of children’s toys is available by request. These details will not matter to everyone, but they make the day easier for families and anyone who prefers a well-equipped boat.

Sunset sailing back to Agios Nikolaos

After lunch and more time in the water, you can dry off on deck and enjoy the return sail. The schedule includes roughly an hour on the catamaran after the main bay stop.

The return is quieter than the outward journey. The music is soft, the sun drops toward the horizon, and the coastline takes on a different look. You can sit in the shade, stretch out on a sunbed, or stay near the front of the boat for the view.

The cruise returns to Marina Agios Nikolaos, with possible drop-off points listed around eastern Crete, including Elounda, Plaka, Hersonissos, Malia, Milatos, Ammoudara, Ierapetra, Sisi, Stalida, Vathi, and other locations. Because drop-off arrangements depend on the option selected, check the exact return point before paying.

How the $145 price works out

The price is reasonable for a half-day or longer outing if you plan to use the inclusions. The biggest value comes from combining several costs in one booking:

• Modern catamaran cruise
• Professional English-speaking crew
• Lunch and light snacks
• Unlimited listed drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUPs and kayak
• Sea scooter and inflatable slide
• Life jackets and insurance
• Onboard toilet and outdoor shower

A meal, drinks, and rental equipment can add up quickly at a beach club or separate boat rental. Here, they are part of one organized experience. The cruise also saves you from arranging separate transport to several coastal viewpoints.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol, do not plan to swim, or prefer a very private boat. The group can reach 20 people, and the boat is designed for a shared social day. A private group is available, but the cost and exact arrangements should be confirmed before booking.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want several kinds of activity in one day. It works particularly well if you are staying around Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or another eastern Crete base and want to combine sightseeing with a proper swim stop.

Families should request children’s meals and the toy box in advance. Children must not be left unaccompanied, and the water toys require sensible supervision. The boat is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95. Anyone prone to seasickness should check the forecast and speak with the crew before booking.

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card. A copy of the identification document is accepted. Port authorities require each passenger’s full name, birth date, identification number, and nationality before permission can be issued, so provide those details accurately.

The cruise depends on weather and may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered. Arrive on time, since port regulations do not allow the boat to wait for late arrivals.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-equipped day on the water with good scenery, a long swim stop, local food, and drinks included. The friendly crew, comfortable boat, Spinalonga views, and broad selection of water toys make this more than a simple sightseeing sail.

Think twice if your main goal is a detailed visit to Spinalonga, a completely private experience, or a guaranteed sushi menu. You will see the island from the sea, share the catamaran with up to 19 other people, and should confirm what food will be served. For an active, social, and food-focused cruise around Mirabello Gulf, though, the $145 price is fair and the itinerary gives you plenty to do.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts between 5.5 and 7 hours, depending on the selected option and departure time.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is at the entrance to Marina Agios Nikolaos, near the Eurobank ATM. A DanEri crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt welcomes you there 30 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included automatically. Transfer service may be arranged if you choose an eligible option, including pickup from Ierapetra city or Agioi Saranta.

What food is included?

You receive welcome refreshments, light snacks, and a nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch with a main course and dessert. Vegetarian and children’s meals can be requested. Since the detailed menu focuses on Mediterranean and Cretan food, confirm the sushi offering if that is important to you.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, and welcome protein drinks are also provided. Cocktails and other alcohol are not included.

Can I use water sports equipment during the cruise?

Yes. The equipment includes snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, an inflatable slide, a sea scooter, a water tube, noodles, and fishing equipment. Swimming jackets and life jackets are available.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. You should also bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled because of weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.