Spend a half-day sailing Mirabello Bay with a small group: circle Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress, anchor in Kolokitha’s crystalline bays for snorkelling and SUP, and enjoy a lunch of local ingredients and wine on deck.
Spend a half-day sailing Mirabello Bay with a small group: circle Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress, anchor in Kolokitha’s crystalline bays for snorkelling and SUP, and enjoy a lunch of local ingredients and wine on deck.
You step off the marina’s stone edge where the Eurobank ATM stands and the boat’s cushions and canvas promise a slow day at sea. The captain nods, sheets are trimmed, and Mirabello Bay unfurls—blue that pushes the horizon flat and islands cutting silhouettes into the light.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Avanti Sailing · Agios Nikolaos, Crete
You step off the marina’s stone edge where the Eurobank ATM stands and the boat’s cushions and canvas promise a slow day at sea. The captain nods, sheets are trimmed, and Mirabello Bay unfurls—blue that pushes the horizon flat and islands cutting silhouettes into the light.
The route circles Spinalonga so the Venetian fortress looms from the water, its weathered walls reading centuries of trade, disease control and naval strategy; Spinalonga later served as a leper colony into the 20th century. Geologically, Mirabello is a broad, sheltered bay formed in Crete’s limestone and thrust-fault terrain, giving way to pebbled coves and clear, shallow shelves at Kolokitha where the boat drops anchor.
Onboard, local ingredients arrive for lunch, complemented by Cretan wine and seasonal fruit. Guests can choose to relax on deck, try the SUP, or use snorkelling gear to explore seagrass beds and small reef casts. The vessel includes an onboard restroom and experienced crew who brief swimmers and help rig lines for those curious about sailing techniques.
Practical note: the cruise runs roughly six hours with about three to four hours anchored for swimming and exploring; morning departures usually mean gentler seas. Bring sun protection, a light windlayer for the return, and your ID for booking. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures and inform the crew—weather cancellations are possible and the operator requires 24-hour notice for full refunds.
This small-group sail balances leisurely sun and active sea time, giving travelers a clear view of Spinalonga’s history from the best possible vantage: the water itself.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step aboard a boat and swim short distances from the anchored tender.
Yes—snorkel masks and fins are provided as part of the cruise; guests may bring their own if preferred.
Children are welcome; the trip is family-friendly but children should be supervised during swim and boarding activities.
The operator may cancel for unsafe conditions; full refunds are typically issued if the cruise is cancelled due to weather, and guests are advised to book flexible travel plans.
Lunch, bottled water, snacks and premium local wine are included on the full-day cruise—alcohol is served only to guests over 18.
Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress dominated maritime traffic; later it became Greece’s best-known leper colony until the mid-20th century, adding a complex human history to the landscape.
Mirabello Bay includes sensitive seagrass habitats—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid anchoring on seagrass where possible, and follow crew guidance to minimize impact.
Avanti Sailing operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step off the marina’s stone edge where the Eurobank ATM stands and the boat’s cushions and canvas promise a slow day at sea. The captain nods, sheets are trimmed, and Mirabello Bay unfurls—blue that pushes the horizon flat and islands cutting silhouettes into the light.
You step off the marina’s stone edge where the Eurobank ATM stands and the boat’s cushions and canvas promise a slow day at sea. The captain nods, sheets are trimmed, and Mirabello Bay unfurls—blue that pushes the horizon flat and islands cutting silhouettes into the light.
The route circles Spinalonga so the Venetian fortress looms from the water, its weathered walls reading centuries of trade, disease control and naval strategy; Spinalonga later served as a leper colony into the 20th century. Geologically, Mirabello is a broad, sheltered bay formed in Crete’s limestone and thrust-fault terrain, giving way to pebbled coves and clear, shallow shelves at Kolokitha where the boat drops anchor.
Onboard, local ingredients arrive for lunch, complemented by Cretan wine and seasonal fruit. Guests can choose to relax on deck, try the SUP, or use snorkelling gear to explore seagrass beds and small reef casts. The vessel includes an onboard restroom and experienced crew who brief swimmers and help rig lines for those curious about sailing techniques.
Practical note: the cruise runs roughly six hours with about three to four hours anchored for swimming and exploring; morning departures usually mean gentler seas. Bring sun protection, a light windlayer for the return, and your ID for booking. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures and inform the crew—weather cancellations are possible and the operator requires 24-hour notice for full refunds.
This small-group sail balances leisurely sun and active sea time, giving travelers a clear view of Spinalonga’s history from the best possible vantage: the water itself.