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

Sunset, sea, and dinner on deck. This five-hour catamaran cruise from Agios Nikolaos combines views of Spinalonga Island with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, drinks, and a cooked Mediterranean meal. I like the generous selection of water equipment, especially the SUP boards, kayak, inflatable slide, and sea scooter. I also like the friendly three-person crew and the relaxed setup with sunbeds, shaded lounges, music, and Wi-Fi.

The main caution is that this may feel more like a motorized cruise than a true sailing trip. One birthday outing had no sailing at all, only motoring, and the meeting point at the marina kiosk was not easy to find. The boat can also feel crowded, even below its maximum of 20 people.

The cruise at a glance

• Spinalonga views from the water: The catamaran passes through Mirabello Gulf, giving you a fresh angle on one of eastern Crete’s most famous sights.
• Two good swim areas: The itinerary includes stops in calm, clear bays for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and gentle fishing.
• Water toys included: You can use a sea scooter, inflatable slide, kayak, SUP boards, noodles, and a floating flamingo without paying extra.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: The experience includes a prepared Mediterranean meal, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, and other listed refreshments.
• A small-group format: Capacity is limited to 20 people, with a professional English-speaking crew and space for both activity and quiet time.
• Good flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and poor weather brings a new date or full refund option.

Leaving Agios Nikolaos for Mirabello Gulf

The trip begins at the Marina Kiosk in Agios Nikolaos. From there, the catamaran heads into Mirabello Gulf in the late afternoon, when the light should be especially pleasant for photographs.

The first part is less about scheduled activity and more about getting settled. You can find a place on the sunbeds, sit in one of the shaded lounge areas, or remain near the outer deck for the best views. The boat has an onboard toilet and outdoor shower, useful additions once swimming becomes the main event.

The route gives you a view of Spinalonga Island from the water. That matters because the island looks very different from a boat than it does from the mainland or from a land-based excursion. You get time to take photographs without having to rush through an organized walking visit.

Do keep expectations realistic about the word catamaran. The boat is modern and comfortable, but at least one outing involved motoring rather than sailing with the sails in use. If your dream is a quiet sail powered by the wind, ask about the operating plan before booking. If you mainly want a stable platform, coastal views, and time in the water, the motorized format is less of a problem.

The swim stop in Mirabello Bay

The main stop is in a calm bay somewhere in Mirabello Gulf. The water is described as clear and inviting, and the stop lasts about two hours. That is a useful amount of time, since you are not forced to choose between swimming and the other activities.

Swimming is the simplest option. You can use the provided swimming jacket or inflatable noodle, then rinse off with the outdoor shower afterward. The crew also provides high-quality masks and fins for snorkeling. The information does not specify the marine life or underwater sights, so treat this as a pleasant look beneath the surface rather than a specialist snorkeling trip.

The SUP boards and kayak give you a quieter way to move around the bay. They are also a good choice if you want to stay active without spending the entire stop in the water. The inflatable flamingo adds a playful touch for photos, while children can request a box of toys.

The boat carries an inflatable water slide and a sea scooter. These extras make the trip more appealing for families and for anyone who wants more than a standard swim stop. They can also create a busier feel on deck, especially if several people want to use the same equipment at once.

Fishing is described as gentle fishing, with a complete set of gear supplied. This sounds like a casual activity rather than a serious fishing trip. Think of it as something to try between swims, not the main reason to book.

Dinner, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere

While you are using the water toys or relaxing on deck, the crew prepares a fresh Mediterranean meal. The food has been praised as well prepared and delicious, though one outing had a more limited selection. Vegetarian and children’s options are available upon request, and the meal is described as nutritionist-designed with light protein snacks and a protein cocktail bar.

The title of the experience mentions sushi, but the supplied meal details focus on Mediterranean food, so I would not book this expecting a particular sushi menu. Ask for the current food plan if that detail matters to you.

Drinks are one of the stronger parts of the package. Included options cover water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine, along with espresso, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and light snacks. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection cost extra.

This setup gives you a pleasant choice: sit down for the meal, keep a drink nearby while watching the coast, or return to the water after eating. Music plays onboard, and free Wi-Fi lets you send photographs while you are still at sea. That is convenient, though you may prefer to put the phone away for at least part of the cruise.

The boat includes both sunbeds and shaded lounges. That balance is important on a five-hour outing. You can chase the late-afternoon sun for a while, then move into shade when you have had enough. Bring a towel, since towels are not included, and bring your own sunscreen and personal care items.

How personal is a 20-person cruise?

The maximum group size is 20 people, with a professional English-speaking crew. That is smaller than a large excursion vessel, and the three-person crew has been praised for being attentive and careful about safety.

Still, small group does not always mean private. One outing felt crowded even though the catamaran was not at full capacity. The available deck space, sunbeds, shaded areas, and water equipment can make the boat feel busy when many people want to relax at once.

You should think of this as a shared premium cruise, not a private yacht charter. It suits couples looking for a romantic afternoon, families who will use the water toys, and friends who want food and drinks included. It is less suitable if you need silence, a guaranteed private cabin, or a great deal of personal space.

Private cabins may be available on request, but they are not guaranteed and are not part of the standard package. The experience ends back at the Marina Kiosk, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from another harbor.

What the price really covers

The listed price is $150.18 per person for about five hours. That is not a budget boat ride, but the fare includes far more than transport along the coast.

You are paying for a modern catamaran, crew, fuel-related operating costs, a prepared meal, an open selection of drinks, and a long swim stop. You also receive use of the snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, kayak, sea scooter, slide, fishing gear, and other inflatables. Life jackets, swimming jackets, liability insurance, Wi-Fi, the onboard toilet, and outdoor shower are included as well.

The value improves if you plan to use several parts of the package. Someone who swims, paddles, has dinner, drinks wine, and enjoys the boat for the full five hours will probably find the fare easier to justify. If you mainly want a short scenic ride and do not care about the food or water equipment, the price may feel high.

Booking early may help. The experience is often reserved around 38 days ahead, and one practical tip from the feedback is to book early in hopes of finding a lower price. That is not a guarantee, but it does suggest that popular dates can fill well before departure.

Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged on request. Public transportation is nearby. Plan extra time for the marina because the meeting point has been described as vague, and one person spent too long trying to locate the boat.

The crew, safety, and comfort details

The English-speaking crew is one of the clearest strengths of the trip. The staff have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and focused on passenger safety. That matters when people are moving between the boat, the water, the slide, the kayak, and the paddleboards.

Life jackets are supplied, and swimming jackets are also available. The boat carries liability insurance and has an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, and personal feminine hygiene products. Those are modest details, but they make a half-day at sea more comfortable.

Most people can take part, and the activity is near public transportation. The supplied information does not give a detailed accessibility statement, so you should ask the operator directly if you need specific boarding or mobility arrangements.

The tour needs good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want one organized outing that combines scenery, food, swimming, and drinks without having to plan each part separately. It is particularly well suited to couples, families, and small groups who value comfort but still want some active time.

Families should appreciate the slide, floating flamingo, noodles, kayak, SUP boards, fishing gear, and children’s meal and toy options by request. Parents should still confirm the current equipment arrangements and keep in mind that the boat’s space is shared.

Couples may enjoy the late-afternoon timing, sunset light, food on deck, and views toward Spinalonga. The cruise has a romantic feel, but it is not an adults-only escape. Music, children, and water activities can change the mood depending on the day.

You may want another type of excursion if your priority is serious sailing, a private cabin, a quiet luxury setting, or a dedicated snorkeling tour. The cruise offers many activities, but that variety can make the experience feel less focused.

Should you book the Agios Nikolaos catamaran cruise?

I think you should book it if you see value in an all-in-one outing. The combination of Mirabello Gulf scenery, Spinalonga views, two swim areas, a cooked meal, open drinks, and a strong collection of water toys gives you plenty to do for five hours.

Book with realistic expectations. This is a shared catamaran cruise, not a private yacht day, and it may motor rather than sail. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and patience for finding the Marina Kiosk. If you want the best chance of a good price and a preferred date, reserve well ahead.

At $150.18, the trip makes the most sense when you use the equipment, eat onboard, and stay for the full experience. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon on Crete, it offers a comfortable and good-value way to see the coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is the Marina Kiosk at Marina, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, Greece.

Where does the experience end?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at the marina.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. The main swim and activity stop in Mirabello Bay lasts about two hours.

Is the crew English-speaking?

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

What food is included?

A freshly prepared Mediterranean meal is included. Vegetarian and children’s options can be requested. The meal details do not guarantee a specific sushi menu.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks consist of water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, protein cocktails, and light protein snacks. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed open-bar selection cost extra.

Is swimming and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The boat provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, a kayak, an inflatable slide, a sea scooter, fishing equipment, swimming jackets, noodles, and a floating flamingo.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.