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

The best part of this late-afternoon catamaran cruise is the mix of easy swimming, good food, and open water views around Mirabello Gulf. You’ll pass Spinalonga Island from the boat, then anchor in calm bays where you can use a SUP, kayak, sea scooter, snorkel gear, inflatable slide, or fishing equipment.

I like the generous food and drink setup, especially the local beer, white wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and protein snacks. I also like that the crew provides so much equipment, so you can switch between swimming, paddling, fishing, and simply stretching out on a sunbed.

The main caution is that the experience may feel crowded even below its 20-person limit. One birthday outing also found the meeting point hard to identify, and the boat motored rather than sailed that day. Arrive early and confirm exactly where the catamaran is moored.

Key points to know before booking

• Spinalonga views from the water: The cruise passes through Mirabello Gulf with clear photo opportunities toward one of Crete’s best-known islands.
• Two swim areas: You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP use, kayaking, gentle fishing, and inflatable water toys.
• Food and open bar included: Dinner, local beer, white wine, water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and light protein snacks are part of the price.
• Small group, but not private: The boat carries a maximum of 20 people, though the deck can still feel busy.
• Five hours in the late afternoon: This timing gives you a relaxed half-day on the water and the chance to enjoy changing light over the gulf.
• Bring your own towel: Towels, sunscreen, and personal care items are not included.

Setting out from Agios Nikolaos

Your meeting point is the Marina Kiosk at the marina in Agios Nikolaos. The cruise returns to this same spot after roughly five hours, and the harbor is near public transportation.

The meeting instructions deserve attention. One person found the meeting point vague and spent too long searching for the boat, so I would arrive with extra time rather than cutting it close. Confirm the catamaran’s exact berth or ask the operator where to look once you reach the marina.

The cruise is offered in English, and the professional crew handles the practical work on board. Life jackets, swimming jackets, liability insurance, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower are included. Most people can take part, though you should consider your own comfort with swimming and water activities.

The boat is described as a modern luxury catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges. That mix matters in Crete, where you may want full sun for a while, then a cooler place to sit with a drink or meal. A maximum of 20 people keeps this smaller than a large excursion boat, but it does not guarantee a quiet or private outing.

Mirabello Gulf and the Spinalonga views

The opening part of the cruise takes you across the tranquil waters of Mirabello Gulf. This is the scenic portion, so keep your camera ready as the catamaran moves toward views of Spinalonga Island.

Seeing Spinalonga from the water gives you a different angle than a land visit. You are not scheduled to go ashore, so this is best understood as a photographic and scenic stop rather than a historical tour. If you want a close look at the island’s buildings or a guided explanation of its past, this cruise will not provide that.

Still, the position from the catamaran is useful. You can photograph the island without dealing with a crowded walking route or a separate boat transfer. The broad deck also gives you several ways to enjoy the view, from a sunbed to a shaded lounge.

The late-afternoon timing should appeal to anyone who dislikes a hot midday excursion. The light changes as the cruise continues, and the trip can feel especially pleasant if you want a slower final half of the day. The schedule is not presented as a guaranteed sunset sailing, however, so do not book it solely for a specific sunset view.

Anchoring for swimming and water toys

The main stop is in one of Mirabello Gulf’s calm, clear bays. Here you can get into the water for swimming and snorkeling, or stay on deck and use the boats and inflatables at your own pace.

The equipment list is unusually broad for a five-hour cruise:

• High-quality masks and fins for snorkeling
• Stand-up paddleboards
• A kayak
• A sea scooter
• An inflatable water slide
• Inflatable noodles
• An inflatable flamingo
• Fishing gear for gentle fishing
• Swimming jackets and life jackets

This variety is valuable because not everyone in a group wants the same kind of water break. You can paddle while another person swims, or try the sea scooter before relaxing with a drink. Families can request a box of toys for children, and children’s food options are available on request.

The phrase gentle fishing is important. This is a light recreational activity, not a serious fishing trip with specialist instruction or a promise of a catch. It works as something to try between swims.

Snorkeling is also dependent on conditions and visibility. The equipment is supplied, but no specific marine life or underwater sighting is guaranteed. Think of it as an enjoyable way to look around the bay, not as a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

The two swimming areas are a real strength. One outing found the swim stops excellent, and the chance to use both paddleboards and snorkeling equipment gives the middle of the cruise a good rhythm. The possible downside is space. With equipment spread across the deck and people moving between the water and the seating areas, the boat may feel less spacious than the word luxury suggests.

Dinner, drinks, and the open bar

While you are in the bay, the crew prepares a freshly cooked Mediterranean dinner. The food is described as nutritionist-designed, with vegetarian and children’s options available when requested.

The menu may suit you if you prefer lighter, health-focused food rather than a large formal meal. Protein cocktails and light protein snacks are also included, along with welcome espresso, detox water, teas, and protein drinks.

The main drinks package includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. That is a meaningful part of the value, especially on a warm afternoon when you may want several nonalcoholic drinks as well as a glass of wine after swimming.

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection cost extra. If you are expecting a full cocktail menu, adjust your expectations. The supplied information also refers to sushi in the experience title, but the detailed food description focuses on a cooked Mediterranean dinner and healthy options. I would confirm the exact menu if sushi is the deciding reason for your booking.

Food quality appears to be a strong point, though portions and selection can vary. One outing found the meal well prepared and delicious, while another found the food good but limited. That suggests you should enjoy the included dinner as part of the cruise rather than book it expecting a large buffet.

Is this really a sailing trip?

The name suggests sailing, but the boat may spend much of the outing motoring. One birthday cruise had no sailing at all and traveled under engine power.

That is not unusual for a scheduled cruise with several activities and fixed swim stops. Motoring keeps the route predictable and helps the crew reach the bays on time. It also means you should not book this mainly for the sensation of sailing under canvas.

If the wind is right and the captain chooses to sail, that is a bonus. The guaranteed part is the catamaran outing, scenic movement through the gulf, anchoring, food, and water activities. The actual amount of sailing can depend on conditions and timing.

Comfort, space, and onboard extras

The catamaran includes sunbeds, shaded seating, music, and free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a nice extra if you want to share photos during the cruise, though you may prefer to put your phone away while you are in the water.

An outdoor shower makes it easier to rinse off after swimming. The onboard toilet is useful because you will be away from shore for several hours. Personal feminine hygiene products are also listed among the included supplies.

The crew provides a branded gift for special occasions. If you are marking a birthday or another event, mention it when booking rather than assuming the crew will know. Private cabin use may be requested, but it is not guaranteed and is not included as a standard feature.

You need to bring a towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. These are easy things to forget when the equipment list is so generous. A small dry bag for your phone and valuables may also be useful, though it is not supplied in the tour details.

What the $150 price really buys you

At about $150.18 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value depends on how many of the included features you use.

The price covers approximately five hours aboard a modern catamaran, a professional English-speaking crew, dinner, an open selection of drinks, snorkeling gear, SUPs, a kayak, a sea scooter, fishing equipment, the inflatable slide, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment. You are also paying for a smaller group than a large harbor cruise, with a maximum of 20 people.

For someone who wants only a short scenic boat ride, the cost may feel high. For a couple or family that will use the swimming equipment, eat on board, have several drinks, and spend a full half-day at sea, the package is easier to justify.

Booking early may help with price. One person specifically felt the cruise offered better value when booked at a lower rate. The experience is booked, on average, 38 days in advance, so leaving it until the last moment may limit your options.

The rating is 4.7 from 43 ratings, and 95 percent of customers recommend it. Those figures suggest a strong overall experience, but they do not remove the practical concerns about crowding, the meeting point, limited food selection on one day, or motoring instead of sailing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it for couples who want a relaxed afternoon with food and drinks, families who appreciate supplied water toys, and small groups that want several activities without arranging them separately.

It also suits people who prefer a comfortable boat day over a hard-charging adventure. You can be active for an hour, then spend the next hour on a shaded lounge with a drink. The range of equipment makes it easier for mixed-age groups to share the same outing.

This may not suit you if you want a private yacht, a serious sailing lesson, a dedicated snorkeling trip, or an in-depth visit to Spinalonga. It is also not the best choice if you need a highly specific meal or a guaranteed cocktail menu.

The cruise is listed as suitable for most people, but you should still take an honest look at your swimming ability and comfort around boats. Life jackets and swimming jackets are provided, and the crew handles safety, but the outing centers on time in and around the water.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking. The tour requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in Crete.

Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request. Since the meeting point is at the Agios Nikolaos marina and public transportation is nearby, check your route in advance and leave enough time to locate the boat.

My verdict: book it for the full boat-day package

I would book this cruise if you want a flexible half-day on the water, not a formal sailing lesson or a dedicated island tour. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, the well-equipped swimming stop, the included meal and drinks, and the chance to view Spinalonga without adding another excursion.

I would hesitate only if the price is a concern, if you expect a completely empty deck, or if the word sailing is central to your plans. Confirm the meeting point, request any special meal needs early, bring a towel and sunscreen, and treat the exact menu and amount of wind-powered sailing as variable.

For the right kind of day, this is a practical way to combine Crete’s sea views, swimming, food, and relaxed social time in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at the Marina Kiosk at the marina in Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at the marina.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. A professional English-speaking crew operates the experience.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Is dinner included?

Yes. A freshly cooked Mediterranean dinner is included. Vegetarian and children’s options can be requested.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Welcome drinks include espresso, detox water, teas, and protein cocktails.

Are cocktails included?

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins are provided, along with SUPs, a kayak, a sea scooter, fishing equipment, and other water toys.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. You should also bring sunscreen and personal care items.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.