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

Catch Crete from the water. This five-hour catamaran trip from Agios Nikolaos combines Spinalonga views, swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, fishing, and a sunset-style meal. I especially like the small-group format and the generous open bar, though the boat may feel crowded and the trip can involve more motoring than sailing.

The crew earns strong marks for friendly, careful service, and the catamaran Artemis offers plenty of room to stretch out. I also like that the water equipment is included rather than charged separately. The main caution is value: at $150.18 per person, you will want to use the swim gear, enjoy the meal, and make good use of the drinks to feel the price is justified.

Key points to know before you book

• Spinalonga views from the catamaran: The route through Mirabello Gulf gives you a fine offshore view of one of Crete’s best-known islands.
• Two hours of water time: You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, fish gently, or try the inflatable slide and sea scooter.
• A real meal, not just snacks: The crew prepares a Mediterranean meal, with vegetarian and children’s options available on request.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, and welcome beverages are included.
• Maximum group size of 20: This is more personal than a large excursion boat, though the deck may still feel busy when everyone is aboard.
• Plan for a vague marina meeting point: The stated start is Marina Kiosk at the Agios Nikolaos marina, but allow extra time to locate the boat.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

The trip begins at Marina Kiosk, Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00. That sounds simple, but the meeting point can be hard to identify in a busy harbor. I would arrive early, look for the catamaran Artemis, and keep the provider’s contact information handy rather than arriving at the last minute.

The late-afternoon departure is a smart choice. The light is softer, the heat is usually less harsh than at midday, and the return offers a good chance for warm evening color over the water. The five-hour schedule gives you enough time for a relaxed outing without taking an entire day from your Crete plans.

The route passes through Mirabello Gulf, a broad body of water known for clear coves and dramatic coastal views. From the deck, you can photograph Spinalonga Island from a different angle than you get on a regular land visit. You are not touring the island itself, so this is best for scenery and photographs, not for exploring its buildings or history.

The catamaran is fitted with sunbeds and shaded lounges. That matters because a boat trip can quickly become tiring if you have nowhere to get out of direct sun. You can switch between the open deck and shaded seating, depending on the weather and how active you feel.

One practical detail: the vessel may motor for much of the route rather than sail under wind power. If you are picturing a quiet sailing trip with sails raised throughout, adjust your expectations. The attraction here is the boat, the water, the views, and the swim stop, not a traditional sailing lesson.

Spinalonga views without the crowded shoreline

Spinalonga is the visual centerpiece of the cruise. Seeing it from the water gives you a clear sense of its island setting and makes for better wide photographs than you might get from a crowded viewpoint on land.

The boat does not appear to make a full sightseeing stop at Spinalonga. Instead, you pass through the gulf and take in the island from the catamaran’s deck before continuing toward a sheltered bay. That works well if you want a scenic cruise combined with swimming, but less well if Spinalonga is your main reason for booking.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep it secure while the boat is moving. The cruise includes free Wi-Fi, so you can share photographs while onboard, though it is worth giving yourself time to enjoy the view without spending the whole crossing on your screen.

The calm bay and the two-hour water session

The main stop is a quiet, clear bay in Mirabello Gulf. The catamaran anchors for roughly two hours, giving you a substantial block of free time rather than a rushed ten-minute swim.

You can enter the water for swimming or snorkeling, then switch to a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or inflatable noodle. High-quality masks and fins are supplied, along with swimming jackets and life jackets. The equipment list is unusually broad for a half-day cruise, especially at no separate charge.

The water toys give the stop a playful feel. You can use an inflatable slide, try the sea scooter, or pose with the inflatable flamingo. Fishing gear is also available for a gentle fishing session. This is not presented as serious sport fishing, but it gives children and curious adults another way to spend time at anchor.

The bay stop suits mixed groups particularly well. One person can swim, another can relax in the shade, and children can use the toys or paddleboards. You do not need to commit to one activity for the whole stop.

There are limits. A maximum of 20 people is modest for a boat trip, but it is not private. When several people are in the water and others are moving around the deck, the boat can feel crowded. One account also found the boat busy even below full capacity, so do not assume that the advertised group limit guarantees a quiet, yacht-like mood.

Snorkeling is included, but the experience depends on the bay, the weather, and sea conditions on your date. You should expect a pleasant chance to look around underwater, not a specialist reef excursion. Sunscreen is not supplied, and towels are not included, so pack both.

Food, sushi references, and the open bar

The meal is one of the cruise’s stronger features. The crew prepares a Mediterranean dinner onboard, using a menu designed to offer healthy choices. The included information also describes a nutritionist-designed lunch, so the exact meal label is a little unclear. Since the departure is in the late afternoon, dinner is the more natural expectation, but I would confirm the menu and serving time before booking if food is important to you.

Vegetarian and children’s options are available on request. A protein cocktail bar and light protein snacks are also included, along with welcome espresso, detox water, teas, and protein cocktails. The emphasis is more health-conscious than you might expect from a boat outing.

The title highlights sushi, but the detailed food information focuses on a Mediterranean meal, protein snacks, and drinks rather than promising a specific sushi menu. If sushi is your main reason for booking, ask the operator what will actually be served on your departure. That small check can prevent a mismatch between expectation and reality.

The drinks package adds real value. You get unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine, plus coffee and tea. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside that open-bar selection cost extra, and private cabins are not included in the standard price.

The meal is not described as a large buffet. One birthday outing found the food good but limited, while another praised the preparation and taste. I would think of it as a well-timed onboard meal, not a long restaurant-style feast with endless choice.

What the crew and boat do well

The professional English-speaking crew handles safety and service. Life jackets, liability insurance, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower are included. Those basics matter more than flashy extras once you are several miles from shore.

The boat’s layout gives you several ways to spend the afternoon. You can lie on a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, use the Wi-Fi, listen to music, or take part in the water activities. The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, especially before the meal.

The crew of three on the Artemis has been praised for attentive service and for keeping people safe. That is especially helpful when a group includes children or people who are not fully comfortable in open water. The crew also prepares the food, manages the equipment, and keeps the drinks moving, so the quality of the service can shape the whole outing.

No guide names are provided, so you should not expect a named historian leading a formal talk about Crete or Spinalonga. This is a leisure cruise with practical crew support, not a history tour.

For families, a box of toys can be supplied by request. Children’s meal options are also available on request. The sea scooter, slide, flamingo, and paddleboards give younger passengers plenty to do, but parents should still pay attention to the water and follow the crew’s safety instructions.

Is $150.18 good value?

The fare is not cheap, but it covers five hours, a modern catamaran, a meal, an open selection of drinks, and a large set of water activities. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, rental gear, and drinks, the package begins to look reasonable.

I see the strongest value in the all-inclusive nature of the water stop. Snorkel gear, kayaks, SUP boards, fishing equipment, a sea scooter, a slide, and flotation aids are all part of the price. You can try several activities without worrying about a meter running for each one.

The price feels less attractive if you mainly want a quiet scenic cruise. You may spend much of the trip motoring, and the catamaran can feel busy. If you skip the swim stop, drink little, and do not use the gear, a cheaper sightseeing cruise may suit you better.

Booking about 38 days ahead is common for this experience, which suggests that you should not leave it until the final day of your Crete stay. Booking early may also help you secure a better price, as one practical assessment noted. Since the trip is weather dependent, check the forecast before you commit your best evening to it.

What to pack for a comfortable afternoon

Towels and sunscreen are not provided. Those are the two items I would put at the top of your packing list, followed by a swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch.

The boat supplies swimming jackets and life jackets, but you should still wear secure footwear while moving around the deck. Personal care items are not included, apart from feminine hygiene products supplied onboard.

If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion, ask about the branded gift listed for special occasions. It is a small touch, but it may make the outing feel more personal.

Hotel transfers are not included. They may be arranged on request, but you should not assume they are part of the fare. The marina is near public transportation, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point, which makes planning the way back easier.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Late cancellations or changes are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a rescheduled date or full refund.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to couples looking for a relaxed evening on the water, families who want a wide range of included activities, and small groups who prefer a boat with food and drinks already arranged.

It also works well for people who dislike choosing between a sightseeing cruise and a swim excursion. You get Spinalonga views, an anchorage, dinner, and water toys in one outing.

I would be more cautious if you want a silent, traditional sailing experience, a formal tour of Spinalonga, or a large and varied gourmet meal. The boat may motor more than expected, the meal selection may be limited, and the atmosphere can become busy even with a maximum of 20 people.

Most people can participate, but the experience involves boarding a catamaran and using open-water equipment. If you have specific mobility or safety concerns, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on the general participation statement.

Should you book it?

Book this Agios Nikolaos catamaran trip if you want an easy package of scenery, swimming, food, and drinks without arranging each part yourself. The excellent crew service, strong selection of water equipment, Spinalonga views, and return to the same marina make it a practical choice.

Before paying, confirm the meal details, ask exactly where the boat will be waiting at Marina Kiosk, and accept that the route may be powered rather than sail-driven. If those points suit you, $150.18 can be fair value for a five-hour outing. If you mainly want peace and quiet or a full Spinalonga visit, choose a more focused excursion instead.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Marina Kiosk, Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise finish?

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

Is Spinalonga Island visited?

The catamaran sails through Mirabello Gulf and provides views and photo opportunities of Spinalonga Island from the boat. The supplied details do not indicate a landing on the island.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Is the crew English-speaking?

Yes. A professional English-speaking crew is provided.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, life jackets, inflatable noodles, SUP boards, a kayak, and other water equipment are included.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, detox water, and protein cocktails. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection are not included.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

No. You need to bring your own towels, sunscreen, and personal care items.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, while weather cancellations allow a different date or a full refund.