Water activity

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

Activity provider: CRETAN DAILY CRUISES
Water activity

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

Activity provider: CRETAN DAILY CRUISES
Save up to 10%

From US$ 31.45 US$ 28.31 per person

Take a full day boat cruise from the Kissamos Port to see one of the most amazing places in Greece. Visit Venetian Castle on Gramvousa Island and then swim in the clear waters of the fabulous Balos Lagoon.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Valid 1 day
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Host or greeter
English

Experience

Itinerary
  • Kissamos

  • 1 hour
  • Gramvousa

  • Hiking, swimming

    • Optional
  • Balos Beach

  • Swimming

    • Optional
  • 1 hour
  • Kissamos

Pickup included
Main stop
Other stop
Highlights
  • Walk in the world-famous Balos Lagoon and swim in the clear waters of Crete
  • Explore the island of Gramvousa and see the Greek Orthodox church on the seaside
  • Take a 20-minute hike up to the Venetian Castle and enjoy views of Balos
  • Cruise in the bay and see a huge cave thought to have been an ancient shipyard
  • Try Cretan specialties and drinks at the on-board self-service restaurant bar
Full description

Go on a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon by a round-trip cruise. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress—a castle that offers incredible panoramic views.

Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then the lagoon of Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route.

Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. 

At the end of the bay, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa. Soak in the scenic landscape against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos Lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. Arrive in the small port of Gramvousa and spend the next 1.5 hours here. Enjoy the magical environment created by the Cretan nature, the legends, and the area's turbulent history. See the beach is adorned by a lonely shipwreck.

See the famous castle of Gramvousa, the highest point on the island, that sits atop a steep rock. You can swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, stay on the ship to relax, or have some fun on the water slide. After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to the Balos Lagoon. Listed as one of the world's best beaches, this exotic beach lagoon is situated between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani.

Choose to swim in the turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach, or admire the natural beauty, the rocks, and the cliffs rising above you during your 2.5 hours at the beach.

Includes
  • Round-trip boat cruise
  • Captain
  • Crew
  • 1.5-hour stop on Gramvousa island
  • 2.5-hour stop at Balos Lagoon
  • Hotel transfer
  • Food and beverages
  • Towels
  • Administrative fee per passenger over 13 years old (€1)
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The boat departs from the Port of Kissamos (Kastelli), which is accessible by car or bus from the Chania area. There is a free parking area at the Port of Kissamos. The day before your cruise you will receive by e-mail your Boarding Pass from Cretan Daily Cruises. Please arrive at the boat at least 40 minutes before the departure time. At the entrance of the boat you have to present your Boarding Pass.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Water

Know before you go

  • In order to hike up to the castle you must wear walking shoes
  • The Municipality of Kissamos, before boarding, collects €1 from every ticket as an administrative fee for passengers over 13 years old visiting Balos Lagoon
  • The bar on the boat offers traditional Cretan delicacies and other food dishes and accepts both credit card and cash
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 2228 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    3.9/5
  • Transportation
    4/5
  • Service
    4.1/5
  • Organization
    4/5

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Star rating:

It was a beautiful day! We had experienced Balos last year by walking down. Taking the ferry was much easier and allowed us to see the region and the absolute beauty. Only issue was that I tripped walking out of the water closet. I tripped over a crate and fell head on to the steel pole. Experienced major pain and a headache. Unfortunately no one on the ferry was equipped to help except for a bag of ice. My eye turned black and blue the next day and I ended up staying on the ferry snot getting to experience myths beach. I have been on multiple tours while here inCrete and a suggestion I have is that the tour providers need to have processes in place when dealing with adverse events.

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March 28, 2023

第一次参加学习了浮潜,开船带到我们去了三个地点,在20分钟左右。细心的教练还给我们带了水果和矿泉水。碧蓝的海水,漫步的小鱼。如果下次还有机会参加,还会来Omega divers! 非常感谢工作人员。 The first time I participated in learning snorkeling, the boat took us to three locations, about 20 minutes. The attentive coach also brought us fruit and mineral water. Blue waters, small fish roaming. If I have a chance to participate next time, I will come to Omega divers again! Thank you very much to the staff.

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March 28, 2023

water shield are an absolute MUST. I fell twice on Balos as the rocks in the water are extremely slippery. I have a swollen elbow and bruised behind to show for it. scenery is stunning though. a very crowded activity, get to the port earlier than recommended if you want a seat on the ferry. the food provided was actually quite good. walk that bit further when you get to Balos to get to the sandy part, pink sand even. if you have young children there is a large very shallow part on the other side. but be careful because it can be slippery in there too.

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March 28, 2023

Product ID: 157110