Crete’s natural landscapes offer an abundance of adventures for the intrepid traveler. One such excursion is the Spinalonga and Milatos Cave Safari, which promises an exhilarating 7-hour journey filled with off-road thrills, captivating history, and breathtaking seascapes. Participants can anticipate an unforgettable experience, from navigating the rugged terrain to exploring the enigmatic Milatos caves and discovering the Venetian fortifications of the island of Spinalonga – a former leper colony with a fascinating past. But the true highlight of this tour may just lie in the unexpected moments and the chance to witness the true essence of Crete’s captivating beauty.
Key Points
- This tour offers a 7-hour safari excursion and speedboat transfer to the historical island of Spinalonga, with a visit to the Milatos caves.
- The tour includes off-road driving, an olive oil factory visit, and a speedboat ride across the Gulf of Mirabello to Spinalonga.
- Participants can explore Spinalonga’s Venetian fortifications and learn about its history as a former leper colony, with an optional visit to a hidden gem.
- The tour provides pickup from 13 locations, including Elounda and Malia, and offers a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option for convenience.
- Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable tour guides, quality of lunch, and the enjoyable exploration of the Milatos Cave as part of the excursion.
Activity Overview
This safari excursion and speedboat tour allows visitors to explore the historical island of Spinalonga and discover the natural wonder of Milatos Cave.
Priced from $108.22 per person, the 7-hour small-group tour is limited to just 6 participants. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it offers flexibility.
Pickup is available from 13 locations, including Milatos, Sisi, and Agios Nikolaos. Guided by multilingual tour hosts, the excursion features off-road driving, an olive oil factory visit, and a speedboat transfer to Spinalonga.
Guests can also opt for an additional visit to a hidden gem for an extra fee. The tour culminates with scenic views of the Gulf of Mirabello on the return journey.
Itinerary and Highlights
The safari excursion and speedboat tour begins with pickup from one of 13 convenient locations, including Milatos, Sisi, Elounda, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos.
The main activities include off-road driving over the mountains and visiting the Milatos caves. Guests will also enjoy sightseeing over the Elounda Bay and Aegean Sea.
Plus, the tour includes a guided visit to a local olive oil factory.
The highlight of the tour is the speedboat transfer to Spinalonga, a historical island that served as a leper colony. Participants will have a short tour of Spinalonga, and an optional visit to a hidden gem is available for an additional fee.
The scenic return trip offers views of the Gulf of Mirabello.
Inclusions
The tour includes boat transfer to Spinalonga, as well as the use of a Land Rover and speedboat. Gratuities and entry costs for Spinalonga are also covered.
The inclusions for this excursion are:
- Boat transfer to the historical island of Spinalonga.
- Access to a Land Rover and speedboat for transportation.
- Gratuities for the tour guides and other staff.
- Entry fees to visit the Spinalonga island.
These inclusions provide a comprehensive and convenient package, allowing participants to fully experience the highlights of the Spinalonga and Milatos Cave adventure without having to worry about additional expenses.
The tour aims to deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Customer Feedback
Customers have generally offered positive feedback about the Safari Excursion & Speedboat tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.
Reviewers praised the knowledgeable tour guides and the quality of the included lunch. However, some customers critiqued the speedboat experience, noting a lack of a guide during the visit to Spinalonga.
On a positive note, many mentioned enjoying the restoration efforts at Spinalonga and the highlight of exploring the hidden gem of Milatos Cave.
Booking Information
Booking the Safari Excursion & Speedboat tour is straightforward, with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option available.
Customers can check availability for start times and select their preferred participants and dates. Tour pickup is directly from the hotel or villa, with the orange Land Rover Discovery serving as a recognizable identifier. After the tour, 13 drop-off locations are available. It’s important to note that itineraries are subject to change for operational reasons.
The booking process includes:
- Checking availability for desired start times and participant numbers.
- Selecting the preferred tour dates.
- Arranging for pickup directly from the hotel or villa.
- Selecting one of the 13 drop-off locations upon tour completion.
Pickup Locations
Travelers can choose from 13 convenient pickup locations for the Safari Excursion & Speedboat tour, including Milatos, Sisi, Elounda, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel or villa, the tour operators will pick you up directly from your accommodation. Look for the distinctive orange Land Rover Discovery to start your adventure.
After the full-day tour, you’ll be dropped off at one of the 13 available locations, ensuring a seamless end to your excursion.
With these multiple pickup and drop-off points, the tour offers exceptional flexibility and convenience for travelers exploring the stunning Cretan landscape and historic sites.
Speedboat Transfer to Spinalonga
After exploring the Cretan countryside by off-road Land Rover, the tour transitions to a speedboat transfer that takes visitors to the historical island of Spinalonga.
This 15-minute boat ride across the Gulf of Mirabello offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Aegean Sea.
Once on the island, guests will have around an hour to:
- Wander the narrow streets and explore the well-preserved fortifications from the Venetian era.
- Visit the former leper colony, learning about the island’s somber past and the efforts to restore this important historical site.
- Soak in the serene atmosphere and capture panoramic photos of the surrounding waters.
- Optionally, pay a small additional fee to visit a hidden gem on the island for an even more immersive experience.
Scenic Views on Return
On the return journey, the speedboat glides across the serene Gulf of Mirabello, offering captivating views of the rugged Cretan coastline and the sparkling Aegean Sea. Passengers can’t help but be enchanted by the breathtaking panorama unfolding before them.
The boat skims along the azure waters, providing a unique perspective of the picturesque landscape. Towering cliffs, secluded coves, and verdant hillsides create a mesmerizing natural tapestry.
As the speedboat makes its way back, the salty sea breeze caresses the skin, and the rhythmic lapping of the waves soothes the senses. This tranquil voyage serves as a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating day of exploration and discovery in this captivating corner of the Mediterranean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Excursion?
The maximum group size for this excursion is limited to 6 participants. This small group size ensures a more personalized and intimate experience for the travelers.
Is There Any Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour allows for extended duration, though this may incur additional fees. Customers can inquire with the tour operator about options to customize the itinerary and lengthen the overall experience beyond the standard 7-hour tour.
Are There Any Accessibility Considerations for the Off-Road Driving?
The off-road driving may present accessibility challenges for some travelers. It’s recommended to discuss any mobility concerns with the tour provider beforehand to ensure they can accommodate individual needs and provide guidance on the terrain and activity level.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat to Spinalonga?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the boat to Spinalonga. The tour allows participants to bring their own snacks and beverages for the boat journey. This can be a convenient option during the excursion.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary Based on My Preferences?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. Guests can discuss their specific interests with the tour operator, who’ll work to accommodate any special requests within the tour’s structure and duration.
Recap
The Spinalonga and Milatos Cave Safari Excursion & Speedboat tour offers an unforgettable day exploring Crete’s stunning landscapes.
Visitors can look forward to an off-road driving experience, a guided visit to the Milatos caves, and a scenic speedboat ride to the historical island of Spinalonga.
With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views, this excursion promises a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.
