Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip Catamaran Lunch and Water Toys

The best part of this Agios Nikolaos sailing trip is the long stop at Kolokitha Bay, where a beautiful catamaran becomes a floating playground. You can swim, snorkel, paddle a transparent canoe, try the sea scooter, or simply stretch out on the bow while lunch is prepared.

I like the combination of Spinalonga sightseeing and unhurried time in the water. I also like that lunch, beer, wine, soft drinks, and the water equipment are included, which makes the $165 price easier to justify. The main caution is sea conditions: a choppy day can make the ride uncomfortable, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Kolokitha Bay is the main event: Plan on about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and the inflatable slide.
• You sail a Lagoon 450F: The catamaran includes air-conditioning, a flybridge, a bow sun deck, a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and shaded seating.
• Spinalonga adds a cultural stop: You circle the island and have time for photos and sightseeing before returning to the water.
• The price covers plenty: Mediterranean lunch, wine, beer, other drinks, snorkeling gear, swim fins, SUP, canoe, sea scooter, and fishing gear are included.
• This suits active families and groups: Children are allowed, and the private-group option gives you more control over the day.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not included, even though swimwear and water activities are central to the outing.

A catamaran day built around Kolokitha Bay

This is not mainly a transport ride from one port to another. It is a full day on the water, with the catamaran serving as your base for swimming, lunch, sunbathing, and short sightseeing stops.

The Lagoon 450F is a large sailing catamaran with two hulls, plenty of deck space, and the kind of stability that generally makes a boat day more comfortable than a smaller motorboat ride. You can sit under the bimini, lie on the bow sun deck, or head up to the flybridge for a higher view across Mirabello Gulf.

I especially like the balance between activity and downtime. You are not pushed from one stop to the next. After sailing past Elounda and Spinalonga, the main stop at Kolokitha Bay gives you time to decide how energetic you want to be.

The advertised duration ranges from five to ten hours, depending on the option and departure time. That is a wide range, so check the exact schedule before booking. A sunset version is also possible, and one experience included a calm evening stop despite rougher conditions earlier in the day.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

Meet the crew in front of the entrance to the main marina in Agios Nikolaos. A crew member escorts you to the catamaran, so you do not need to search the harbor for the right boat. Arrive on time. A sailing departure depends on the whole group, and a late arrival can delay everyone.

The crew begins with a safety briefing. The boat carries the expected safety equipment, including life jackets, GPS, a chart plotter, depth finder, sonar, VHF radio, autopilot, and wheel steering. That matters on a water day with children, swimmers, and several inflatable toys in use.

As the catamaran heads out, you can settle into the rhythm of the trip. Drinks are available throughout the day, including water, soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee, and tea. Alcohol is allowed onboard, but I would save most of it for lunch or the return portion. The sun and motion can catch up with you quickly.

Mirabello Gulf is best appreciated from the water. The view opens up as Agios Nikolaos recedes, and the boat gives you a different angle on Crete’s northeastern coast than you get from a road or beach.

Elounda gives the sailing portion room to breathe

The first substantial sailing section heads toward Elounda and lasts about an hour. This is when the trip feels most like a proper sailing excursion rather than a boat transfer.

You may find that the actual sailing pace varies with wind and sea conditions. The captain can use the boat’s sailing ability when conditions allow, while the crew manages the route and onboard comfort. On calmer days, the ride should feel smooth and relaxed. On a windy or choppy day, it can be more physical.

The catamaran has an outdoor sound system, indoor speakers, an ice box, refrigerator, and kitchen. These features are practical rather than flashy. They mean lunch and drinks can be handled onboard, and you are not dependent on a beach restaurant or a short stop in port.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is the point to be cautious. The activity specifically excludes people who struggle with motion on boats. Sit where you can see the horizon, avoid drinking heavily early in the trip, and tell the crew if you feel unwell.

Spinalonga adds a worthwhile change of pace

The boat continues toward Spinalonga for a photo stop and sightseeing. The listed stop lasts about 30 minutes, with time to circle the island and take pictures. You should think of this as a short introduction rather than a full land visit.

Spinalonga is one of the most recognizable sights in the Gulf of Elounda. Seen from the catamaran, its position in the water makes sense at once, and the view is especially good for photographs. The captain or guide provides information as you go, giving the sailing portion some local context.

I like this stop because it breaks up the swimming day. Without it, the outing would be almost entirely about sun and water toys. With Spinalonga included, you get a little sightseeing and a stronger sense of place.

The limit is time. If you want to explore Spinalonga’s fortifications on foot, this itinerary does not appear to include a longer island visit. The stop is designed for views, photos, and a quick look from the boat.

Kolokitha Bay is where the day comes alive

The catamaran then heads to Kolokitha Bay for roughly two hours. This is the heart of the experience, and you should expect the schedule to revolve around this stop.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, with calm conditions suitable for swimming and snorkeling. You can use the bathing platform to get into the sea, then climb back aboard without scrambling up a high ladder. Swim fins and snorkeling equipment are included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer a personal set.

The included water toys give the stop more variety than a standard swim break:

• Transparent canoe
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Sea scooter
• Inflatable bathing platform
• Inflatable slide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing equipment

The transparent canoe is a fun choice if you want to look into the water without committing to a full snorkeling session. The SUP suits anyone who wants a quiet workout, while the sea scooter and slide add a more playful edge for older children, teenagers, and adults.

Do not assume every photograph of the boat shows every toy in use. One departure had fewer of the advertised water features available, including the slide and swimming platform. Equipment can depend on the specific boat, setup, or day, so confirm what is included with your selected departure if a particular toy is the reason you are booking.

The two-hour stop is long enough to mix activities with rest. You can snorkel for a while, dry off on deck, eat lunch, then return to the water. That pacing is one of the strongest reasons to choose this over a short sightseeing cruise.

Mediterranean lunch, prepared onboard

Lunch is served on the catamaran and is included in the price. The food is Mediterranean in style, and the onboard kitchen and grill allow the crew to prepare a proper meal rather than hand out only packaged snacks.

The meal has been described as fresh, generous, and tasty, with enough food that some people could not finish it. Wine, beer, cola, mineral water, coffee, and other drinks are available as part of the outing. For a full-day boat trip, that is a meaningful saving over buying lunch and drinks separately at a beach stop.

The exact dishes are not specified, so do not book this expecting a fixed menu or a private chef. You can add a private chef for private trips at an extra cost of €500. Wine tasting is also an optional extra, with the price depending on the wine selected.

I would treat lunch as another relaxed part of the stop rather than a formal dining event. You can eat with the sea around you, then return to the water when you are ready. If you have dietary needs, ask before booking because no special menu details are provided.

What the Lagoon 450F offers between stops

The boat’s design matters on a long day. You are not confined to one bench or a small cockpit.

You can choose from:

• Flybridge seating for a higher view
• Bow sun deck for lying out
• Bimini shade
• Air-conditioning inside
• Kitchen and refrigerator
• Bathing platform
• Indoor and outdoor speakers
• Wi-Fi
• Wheel steering and navigation equipment

The flybridge should appeal to anyone who wants to watch the coast from above, while the bow sun deck is better for quiet sunbathing. The bimini gives you a needed break from direct sun, especially around midday.

Air-conditioning is useful if you need to cool off inside, though most of the day naturally takes place outdoors. There is also a sound system, so you can expect music as part of the atmosphere. That can be enjoyable for a group, but it may not suit someone seeking a silent sailing day.

Private groups are available. That option is worth considering for a family celebration, a group of friends, or anyone who wants more control over music, timing, and how much time is spent on the water toys.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this outing most strongly for families with older children, teenagers, couples who want an active day, and groups of friends. The slide, sea scooter, transparent canoe, and SUP give people several ways to enjoy the water without everyone having to do the same thing.

Children are allowed, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Still, swimming ability matters. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the sea toys are not a substitute for close adult supervision.

This is also a good choice if you want several experiences in one day: sailing, a view of Elounda, Spinalonga sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, and time at a bay. You may prefer another option if your main goal is a quiet sail with no music, no group activity, and no schedule around water sports.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. One departure had rough patches on a choppy day, even though the swimming stops were calmer. The sea can change, and a stable catamaran does not remove all motion.

Is $165 a fair price?

At $165 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value depends on how much of the day you use.

The price includes a large catamaran, crew, lunch, drinks, wine, beer, snorkeling equipment, swim fins, SUP, transparent canoe, sea scooter, fishing equipment, and the inflatable water setup. Add the time spent sailing past Elounda and Spinalonga, and the package compares well with buying a meal, drinks, equipment rental, and separate boat transport.

The value is weaker if you only want a short swim and a quick coastal view. You are paying for a long outing and a broad set of included features, so the trip makes the most sense when you plan to stay onboard for much of the day and use the water equipment.

Towels are not included. Pack one, along with sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, camera, and any personal medication. Glass bottles are allowed, and smoking is allowed onboard, details worth knowing if your group has strong preferences about the boat atmosphere.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is conducted in English. Departure and drop-off options can include Agios Nikolaos Marina, Vathi, and Schisma Eloundas, depending on the selected option.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a full water day with good food, steady drinks, and lots to do in the sea. The strongest features are the generous Kolokitha Bay stop, the range of included water toys, the comfortable Lagoon 450F layout, and the chance to see Spinalonga from the water.

I would be more careful if you dislike boat motion, need a quiet atmosphere, or want a detailed visit inside Spinalonga. Also confirm the exact boat setup if the inflatable slide or bathing platform is essential to your plans.

For most families and active groups staying around Agios Nikolaos or Elounda, this is a well-rounded use of a day in Crete. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and leave room in your schedule for the trip to run closer to the longer end of its five to ten hour range.

FAQ

Where does the sailing 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 activity last?

The duration is listed as five to ten hours, depending on the selected option and available departure time.

What places does the catamaran visit?

The route includes Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Spinalonga, and Kolokitha Bay. The Spinalonga stop is mainly for sightseeing and photos, while Kolokitha Bay is used for swimming and water activities.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Mediterranean lunch is included, along with drinks such as wine, beer, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water.

Which water equipment is included?

The included equipment includes a transparent canoe, SUP, sea scooter, inflatable platform, inflatable slide, snorkeling equipment, swim fins, and fishing equipment.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel, as well as swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera.

Is the boat suitable for children and wheelchair users?

Children are allowed, and the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.