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Gramvousa and Balos: Island Cruise Adventure
3.3
42 Ratings
Gramvousa
Embark on a mesmerizing day cruise from Chania to Gramvousa and Balos. Explore ancient castles, swim in turquoise waters, and discover breathtaking landscapes.
Embark on a mesmerizing day cruise from Chania to Gramvousa and Balos. Explore ancient castles, swim in turquoise waters, and discover breathtaking landscapes.
Duration:
11 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gramvousa - Upon arrival at the port, the operator boards the ship to embark on the cruise. The ship leaves the port at 10:20. An hour later, the ship arrives at the small island of Gramvousa. The ship remains at the island for two hours. The castle of Gramvousa is located at the island’s peak, constructed by Venetians atop steep cliffs as a…
- Gramvousa - Upon arrival at the port, the operator boards the ship to embark on the cruise. The ship leaves the port at 10:20. An hour later, the ship arrives at the small island of Gramvousa. The ship remains at the island for two hours. The castle of Gramvousa is located at the island’s peak, constructed by Venetians atop steep cliffs as a fortification to protect the island. Today, it offers visitors a panoramic view of the stunningly blue waters of the Cretan sea.
- Balos Lagoon - The ship departs from Gramvousa Island at 13:30, heading towards the breathtaking Balos Lagoon. The journey is brief, lasting only about 20 minutes. The ship arrives at Balos at 13:45 and stays for 2 hours. Words cannot adequately describe the wild beauty that awaits at Balos. The white and occasionally pink sand, the turquoise warm and shallow waters, and the rocks reaching skyward around the lagoon all combine to create a heavenly landscape that visitors will want to return to repeatedly.
- Kastelli Kissamos Old Port - Onboard, throughout the journey, guests can enjoy meals at the ship’s self-service restaurants, offering traditional Cretan dishes, or at the ship’s bar. The ship reaches Kissamos Port an hour later, where a bus will be waiting to return guests to their hotel.
What's Included
- All Taxes
- Ecological fee
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Local Guide
- Boat ticket to Gramvousa 19 euro per person
- All Taxes
- Ecological fee
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Local Guide
- Boat ticket to Gramvousa 19 euro per person
What's Not Included
- Tips
- Tips
Additional Information
We commence our journey either from your hotel or somewhere nearby, aboard our bus. The end goal is the Kisamos port. Upon arrival at the port, we board the ship and get ready for the adventure ahead. The ship is slated to leave the harbour at 10:20. One hour into the sail, we arrive at the beautiful little Gramvousa Island. Here, the ship will anchor…
We commence our journey either from your hotel or somewhere nearby, aboard our bus. The end goal is the Kisamos port. Upon arrival at the port, we board the ship and get ready for the adventure ahead. The ship is slated to leave the harbour at 10:20. One hour into the sail, we arrive at the beautiful little Gramvousa Island. Here, the ship will anchor for two hours. At the summit of the island lies the Gramvousa Castle. You have the choice to either hike up to the castle (minimum 20 minutes with appropriate hiking footwear) or relax and take a dip in the beach’s waters. The ship is scheduled to leave Gramvousa Island at 13:30, heading toward the mesmerizing lagoon of Balos. It’s beyond words to describe the sight that greets you at Balos - the combination of pristine white, sometimes pink sand, clear turquoise waters, towering craggy landscapes - the entire panorama is simply celestial!
- Remember to have with you :Swimsuit -Beach towel-Hat -Sunscreen
- You will receive a confirmation email with your pickup location and time.
Location
Gramvousa
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.3
(42 Ratings)
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Hyacinth_d
Aug 15, 2025
Amazing beach trip! - Great trip to Balos and Gramvousa Beach! The ferry to the beach was quite large and clean with convenient cafe for drinks/food and "beach stuff". Balos Beach was incredible with amazing clear water! Gramvousa beach was more rocky but nice and it you want, you can climb up to the castle. My only criticism is that the ferry should leave a little ealier (like 10am) to give us more time at Balos Beach.
But we loved this trip and would recommend to everyone!
Review provided by Viator
Laura
Oct 20, 2023
A paradise - A paradise... a place that remains in your heart 💓... comfortable cruise... possibility of having lunch on board... very kind staff
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passenger29190257908
Oct 11, 2023
A bit disappointing... - Somewhat overrated but the sail there was visually awesome!
Off the boat onto very sharp rocky walk to beach...not pleasant!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
734teirat
May 26, 2023
Organize yourself - If you are going to go to in this tour, beware it is long due to pick ups st hotels. I would suggest, especially if you have a car, to go to the port in Kissamos and get a ferry ticket that takes you to the 2 beaches. It will shave about 21/2 hours off your day. Beautiful places to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrick
Mar 9, 2023
Underwhelming - This was nothing more than a ferry ride with two stops at some nice beaches. There was no interpretation or any discussion of the area's flora, fauna, or geology. We were allocated 90 to 120 minutes at the two stops. We were disappointed that there wasn't more commentary. It appeared to d=be designed for getting to the two beaches. Since I grew up in southern California, the beach scene doesn't impress me. Others, I suppose would think this is great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meister_meyer
Oct 14, 2022
Poor tour never again. - Very nice water and beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, totally overrun. We felt on the (ship) like sardines and overpriced for the price. Better take a private tour. Once and never again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaritaapanasevich
Aug 2, 2022
Not worth it - Neither of us (4 friends) enjoyed it. It was VERY windy and EXTREMELY crowded. We had to think about securing seats on time (to and from the destination) - otherwise you could end up being very uncomfortable or standing on the boat. Same about dinner - being smart with timing to not stand in a long line which is the last thing you want to think about on vacation.
Overall - read descriptions carefully, do research: # of people on the trip, travel time (our's was 4 hours to and from which is not worth it) at the minimum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hayley_d
Jul 2, 2023
Misleading and Disappointing - This was an extremely disappointing experience. My partner and I were excited to explore Balos in particular, but when the boat stopped 100 metres from shore with no explanation and then people just started jumping off the back of the boat for a swim, we were very confused. We did some research online only to find that the boat company had announced on their website a week prior that the boat was not allowed to dock at the beach anymore and this was as close as we’d get to Balos. We’re both strong swimmers, but did not want to just jump off the back of the boat and tread water with everyone else. We had no choice but to sit on the overcrowded boat for 2 hours waiting for the time to be up. There was no communication of this change prior to boarding and if we had known this, we would not have gone. We were allowed off the boat in Garmvousa but there was hardly any shade on a very hot day so everyone was crowded together under tiny trees. The water was nice but there were so many rocks and coral to step over to get to where it was nice to swim.
The lack of communication of this IMPORTANT change was the major issue and we were very disappointed that we paid this money, came all this way and then just had to stare at Balos from the ocean and not even get to experience it.
Review provided by Viator
795stefys
Jun 15, 2023
Poor organization - We booked the day by ferry to Gramvousa and Balos. Nice stop in Gramvousa, but after getting back on (2 adults and 2 boys) we are told that the ship can not get to Balos and for those who want can take a swim in the water near the ship. All the tourists on board showed their disappointment, we were angry because nothing had been said, we also paid the fee for Balos... we did 2 hours on the way out and 2 on the way back, we lost a day or almost a holiday. We should have been warned right away.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim
Feb 19, 2023
Poor - Don’t bother unless you like overcrowded boats, beaches, bathrooms, vendors. Lack of sand and any type of sun cover. Everyone is fighting for themselves and make the whole trip uncomfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
