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Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa: Rib Boat Adventure
4.9
44 Ratings
Trachilos
Embark on a luxury Rib cruise from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Experience thrilling speed, stunning views, and refreshing drinks.
Embark on a luxury Rib cruise from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Experience thrilling speed, stunning views, and refreshing drinks.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gramvousa Beach - Gramvousa Beach is located beneath the Venetian fort at Imeri Gramvousa, in the bay area at the southern tip of the island. Its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters warmly welcome all island visitors. The tranquil waters and the shade of tamarisk trees provide a serene retreat from everyday life. Its boat-only access…
- Gramvousa Beach - Gramvousa Beach is located beneath the Venetian fort at Imeri Gramvousa, in the bay area at the southern tip of the island. Its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters warmly welcome all island visitors. The tranquil waters and the shade of tamarisk trees provide a serene retreat from everyday life. Its boat-only access enhances its exclusivity.
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Balos Lagoon - Balos Lagoon, once visited by Princess Diana and Prince Charles, is renowned for its stunning exotic landscape, untamed natural beauty, and breathtaking turquoise waters. The lagoon features a mix of turquoise, vivid blue, and exotic white waters. In some areas, the sand has a striking pink hue due to countless crushed shells. Venturing further into the sea, beyond the natural rock boundaries, the water becomes colder and deeper, perfect for snorkeling.
Balos Lagoon is protected under the Natura 2000 program due to its rare flora and fauna. Approximately 400 plant species have been documented in the area, with 25 species native to Crete, and three unique to Balos. The lagoon is a haven for numerous migratory birds that feed and breed here, including Eleonora falcons, cormorants, and shags nesting in nearby caves. The area also serves as a sanctuary for the protected loggerhead or Caretta-Caretta sea turtle and monk seal.
What's Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Swim stops
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All Fees and Taxes
- Fuel
- Pick up & drop off (if option selected)
- On-board restrooms
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Swim stops
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All Fees and Taxes
- Fuel
- Pick up & drop off (if option selected)
- On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
- Towels
- Tickets to enter Gramvousa fortress
- Towels
- Tickets to enter Gramvousa fortress
Additional Information
Discover the enchanting Balos Lagoon and the captivating Gramvousa Island aboard Crete’s most esteemed Rib boat. The adventure sets sail from Kissamos Port. Once the engines roar to life, feel the exhilaration of speeding across the Cretan Sea. After approximately 30 minutes, the first stop is Gramvousa Island. The boat will anchor as close as possible…
Discover the enchanting Balos Lagoon and the captivating Gramvousa Island aboard Crete’s most esteemed Rib boat. The adventure sets sail from Kissamos Port. Once the engines roar to life, feel the exhilaration of speeding across the Cretan Sea. After approximately 30 minutes, the first stop is Gramvousa Island. The boat will anchor as close as possible for disembarkation, though a short swim or walk through shallow water may be necessary to reach the shore. Enjoy around 2 hours of leisure time on the island. Following this, the journey continues to the next thrilling destination, Balos Lagoon. The boat will again anchor near the beach, allowing you to swim or walk to the shore, or simply dive into the pristine waters from the boat. You will have about 2 hours to explore before departure. Throughout the cruise, unlimited refreshments are available from the open ice cooler, except during high-speed cruising.
Location
E65 18
E65
If you are in the morning cruise please be at the the meeting point at 8:45.
If you are in the afternoon cruise please be at the meeting point at 14:15.
Please wait for our crew at the floating bar.
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
4.9
(44 Ratings)
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Jeffreycx1692xo
Oct 28, 2025
Amazing Views, Balos bay Is a must visit! - Was a great experience, well worth the money! Total time aboard was around 4 hours, had some less than ideal conditions towards the end but the Captain tried his best to accommodate and find spots with less rain/wind.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter
Oct 26, 2025
Well-run cruise, small group, knowledgeable captain - My wife Kim and I just completed this boat tour with Captain Paul (Pavlo). It was everything we hoped it would be. Although the season is almost over, the weather was partly sunny, and when the sun was out it really warmed us up.
The first leg was to Gramvoussa Island where we docked and had about an hour to climb up to the fortress and look around. Beautiful views in all directions. Sneakers recommended.
Next we went to Balos Beach for about 90 minutes. We waded ashore (with a short bit of swimming). Dry bags are provided to carry your towel etc through the water. Be sure to fold them at least 3 times over at the opening to ensure a good seal, but remember, there are no guarantees with a "dry" bag.
The sand is gorgeous here and the water is crystal clear. There is a very long stretch of sandy bottom where the water is less than waist deep.
After swimming at Balos, sandwiches and drinks were provided for lunch on the boat.
A third stop was provided as a bonus: snorkeling at a quiet cove on the way back to Kissamos. The water this time of year is a tad on the cold side, so only a few of us went in here, snorkeling from the boat. The white sand bottom was clearly visible at 4.5 meters depth. Some small fish were seen. Very relaxing, but after 30 minutes we had been in the water long enough.
A high point of the cruise was the skill, caring, and attentiveness exhibited by Pavlo. It was truly a pleasure to chat with him, and no doubt that he is an expert at piloting the boat.
I also have to point out the excellent and fast communication from the tour company management. All of my questions were answered quickly and thoroughly before and after booking.
We would highly recommend this tour if you are up for some adventure or just a beautiful time on the water in Crete.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2935qbaudreyr
Oct 26, 2025
Great. - Very nice way to visit Balos and Gramvousa more intimately. It is extremely beautiful.
The view of Gramvousa Fort is breathtaking. We were alone on the island.
The beach of Balos is very beautiful and is also pink sand, the water is clear and turquoise. We left when the ferry arrived. We were treated to a third spot for snorkling. It was an extraordinary ride. Drinks and sandwiches taken from the boat. Mood was very good.
I recommend.
Communication with the agency before the excursion was very good. The skipper who took us was very friendly.
On the other hand, you must be aware that you will be well anchored during the crossing on the outboard and that to go to Balos, you have to swim from the boat. We didn’t get off the boat (we were provided with a small waterproof bag to put the stuff on).
We loved that outing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K1830lcaliceb
Oct 24, 2025
Great cruise - Great experience! We had a great guide!
The landscapes are beautiful!
He took us according to time so that we have the best experience
Thank you very much to him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scottd0575
Oct 22, 2025
Beautiful views and fun on the speedboat - This was a great boat trip. We set out at 3pm and headed to a small cove along the headland where we jumped in off the boat. Thankfully they were able to supply masks as I didn’t have one. We spent about 30 mins there before heading to Imeri Gramvousa island. We spent an hour there which was just enough time to head up to the fortress (recommend taking trainers with you for the climb), spend 15 mins admiring the views before heading back down again. We then went to Balos beach and spent 1.5 hours there before heading back around 6:30pm with enough time to stop at a lovely view point to watch the sunset which was beautiful. We got back to the harbour at 7:20pm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
150clelieg
Oct 21, 2025
Perfect. - Perfect! captain very warm and very considerate, tourist guide at these lost hours. A superb moment suspended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest02280533364
Oct 16, 2025
A Day in Paradise - Pavlos delivered outstanding hospitality and skill on a luxurious rib boat made of the finest materials, including teak edging and shock absorbant, cushioned seats that eliminated vibrations and bumps on our journey. The terrain was stunning and I have never seen the color and clarity and gem-like sparkle of water like the water at Balos Beach. The beach was romantic and breathtaking. The whole day was unsurpassed for me and I will remember it always.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iris1960
Oct 14, 2025
Injoyable day - The boat and driver were very good.
The driver helpful, explained about the area.
Very nice and polite.
The trio was very nice we had a great day
Review provided by Viator
Frank
Oct 14, 2025
Avoid the crowds and enjoy Balos even more - Pavlos (the captain) could not have been friendlier or more welcoming. He made us feel right at home and made the journey to and from Gramboussa and Balos even more enjoyable.
It was definitely worth the extra money over the ferry to take this trip to Balos/Gramboussa
Review provided by Tripadvisor
213maksymk
Oct 14, 2025
Excellent speed boat trip - Everything was excellent- from the boat itself to the Skipper Pavlos. We were the first ones at every location. Particular highlight was the fortress of Gramvousa
Review provided by Tripadvisor
