The private tour to Balos Lagoon from Chania offers a chance to discover one of Greece’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Travelers embark on a scenic sightseeing drive and off-road adventure, taking in panoramic views of the coastline, mountains, and the lagoon itself. After a hike down and up a 20-40 minute path, visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe, and explore the unique rock formations. With hotel pickup and drop-off, an off-road vehicle, a multilingual driver-escort, and a packed lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the beauty of Balos Lagoon. What’s more, the opportunity to customize the meal options…
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Balos Beach.
Key Points

- This private tour to Balos Lagoon near Chania offers an 8-hour experience with scenic sightseeing, off-road driving, and a hike to the crystal-clear lagoon.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an off-road vehicle with a multilingual driver-escort, a packed lunch, and liability insurance.
- Participants will enjoy free time to swim, sunbathe, and explore the unique rock formations and caves at the Balos Lagoon.
- The off-road route to the lagoon includes a combination of paved roads, dirt tracks, steep inclines, and rocky paths with panoramic views.
- Dietary restrictions and medical conditions may impact participation, and the itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.
Tour Details

This private tour to the Balos Lagoon includes an 8-hour duration with pickup and drop-off services.
Guests will enjoy a scenic sightseeing drive to the lagoon, followed by an off-road route with panoramic views.
The tour features a hike down and up, taking 20-40 minutes and 30-40 minutes respectively, to reach the stunning Balos Lagoon.
Once there, visitors will have free time to swim and explore the area. A packed lunch and water are provided.
The tour includes an off-road vehicle with a multilingual driver-escort, as well as liability insurance and local taxes.
However, towels and sunbed costs in the lagoon, as well as gratuities, aren’t included.
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Itinerary

The tour begins with a scenic sightseeing drive to the Balos Lagoon, offering guests panoramic views along the way.
Travelers then embark on an off-road route to reach the lagoon, taking in the stunning landscapes.
Once at the lagoon, guests will hike down a 20-40 minute path to reach the breathtaking Balos Lagoon.
After exploring the lagoon and swimming in its crystal-clear waters, the hike back up, which takes 30-40 minutes, allows guests to take in the incredible vistas one last time.
Throughout the journey, guests are provided with a packed lunch and water to keep them refreshed and energized.
Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenient transportation for participants.
Plus, an off-road vehicle with a multilingual driver-escort is provided, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey.
Lunch packs and water are also included, keeping travelers refreshed throughout the day.
Liability insurance and local taxes are covered as part of the tour package.
The inclusions ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Balos Lagoon without having to worry about logistics.
These thoughtful additions enhance the overall value of the tour, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded and stress-free exploration of this stunning Cretan destination.
Exclusions

While the tour includes a range of convenient services, there are a few exclusions to be aware of.
Towels or the cost of sunbeds at Balos Lagoon aren’t covered in the tour price, so travelers will need to bring their own or pay separately for these items on-site.
Plus, gratuities for the driver-escort aren’t included, allowing guests to provide their own discretionary tips based on the level of service received.
The exclusions for this tour are:
- Towels
- Cost of sunbeds at Balos Lagoon
- Gratuities for the driver-escort
Important Information

Certain medical conditions and physical limitations may preclude travelers from participating in this tour, which involves a hike of 20-40 minutes down and 30-40 minutes up to access the Balos Lagoon.
The tour itinerary may also be subject to change due to weather conditions.
Notably, children under 18 aren’t allowed to consume wine during the tour. However, the tour operator is accommodating, offering vegetarian and allergy-friendly meal options with prior notice.
Participants should keep in mind that towels and the cost of sunbeds at the Balos Lagoon aren’t included in the tour price, and gratuities for the driver-escort are at the discretion of your.
Pickup and Drop-off

For this private tour to Balos Lagoon, the tour operator provides pickup and drop-off services from participants’ hotels or other designated locations within the Chania region.
This convenient service ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.
Guests are picked up at their accommodation or a pre-determined meeting point within the Chania area.
The tour’s off-road vehicle, driven by a multilingual driver-escort, transports participants to the starting point of the Balos Lagoon excursion.
After the tour, the driver-escort returns guests to their original pickup location, concluding the day’s activities.
This door-to-door service saves time and effort, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and experiences of the Balos Lagoon tour.
The pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price, providing a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Off-road Route

The tour’s off-road vehicle navigates a scenic route with panoramic views as it transports participants to the starting point of the BalosLagoon excursion. This off-road journey provides a unique opportunity to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the region. Along the way, guests can enjoy the stunning vistas of the rugged terrain, the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, and the surrounding mountains.
| Terrain | Duration | Difficulty | Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paved Roads | 25 mins | Easy | Coastal Scenery |
| Dirt Tracks | 35 mins | Moderate | Mountain Vistas |
| Steep Inclines | 15 mins | Challenging | Panoramic Landscapes |
| Rocky Paths | 10 mins | Moderate | Lagoon Overlooks |
This off-road adventure sets the stage for the hike down to the magnificent Balos Lagoon.
Free Time and Swimming

Once guests arrive at the Balos Lagoon, they can relish in the opportunity to freely explore the stunning natural wonder. Visitors can indulge in swimming in the lagoon’s crystal-clear, turquoise waters, taking in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and surrounding islands.
The lagoon’s shallow, warm waters and sandy beaches provide an idyllic setting for visitors to unwind, sunbathe, and simply enjoy the beauty of this unique Mediterranean destination.
The Balos Lagoon offers a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy:
- Swimming in the warm, azure waters
- Sunbathing on the soft, golden sand
- Exploring the unique rock formations and caves
- Hiking along the scenic trails
- Picnicking and enjoying the provided lunch
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Expected Group Size on This Tour?
This is a private tour, so the group size is typically small, often just the traveler and their party. The tour operator provides personalized attention and flexibility with the itinerary to cater to the specific needs of the private group.
Are There Restrooms and Changing Facilities Available at the Balos Lagoon?
Yes, there are restrooms and changing facilities available at Balos Lagoon. Visitors can use the amenities provided on-site to prepare for swimming and enjoy their time at this picturesque destination.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks to the Lagoon?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Balos Lagoon. The tour itinerary provides packed lunches, but guests are free to supplement this with their own provisions if they prefer.
Is There Any Shade or Shelter Available at the Lagoon?
There is limited natural shade and shelter available at Balos Lagoon. Visitors may want to bring their own umbrellas, canopies, or find a spot under the few trees for protection from the sun during their visit.
Are There Any Extra Fees or Charges at the Balos Lagoon?
There are a few extra fees or charges at Balos Lagoon, including the cost of towels and sunbeds. Visitors should also consider bringing their own umbrellas or other sun protection, as there’s limited natural shade at the lagoon.
Recap
The private tour to Balos Lagoon from Chania offers a breathtaking adventure. Guests can enjoy a scenic sightseeing drive, an off-road journey, and a hike to the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.
They’ll have free time to swim, sunbathe, and explore the unique rock formations.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, an off-road vehicle, a multilingual driver-escort, and a packed lunch, it’s a comprehensive experience showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
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