Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

The Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise offers an enthralling 15-hour adventure through some of Crete’s most captivating landscapes. Travelers can explore the rugged beauty of Gramvousa Island and the crystal-clear waters of the renowned Balos Lagoon. With convenient pickups from 17 locations, the cruise provides comfortable transportation and a roundtrip ferry ride. Whether you opt for an onboard lunch or simply learn about the stunning scenery, this excursion promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. But there’s more to discover about this unique opportunity to experience the enchanting wonders of Crete.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Crete.

Contents hide

1 Cruise Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary and Experience

3 Inclusions and Fees

4 Important Information

5 Customer Reviews and Ratings

6 Pickup Locations

7 Activities and Highlights

8 Travel Considerations

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Immersive 15-hour cruise experience across Crete, including visits to Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon.
Convenient pickup from 17 locations across Crete, with air-conditioned bus transportation and roundtrip ferry tickets included.
Opportunity for marine life observation, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic enjoyment during the cruise.
Onboard lunch available for an additional fee, with a cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Potential for travel delays due to limited road infrastructure, so recommended to plan for extra time to ensure a smooth experience.

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Cruise Overview and Pricing

The Balos and Gramvousa Cruise provides an immersive 15-hour experience, with prices starting from SEK 464 per person.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, along with the flexibility to reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The cruise offers convenient pickup from 17 different locations, including popular destinations like Agios Dimitrios, Hersonissos, and Heraklion.

Whether you’re seeking an adventurous sightseeing trip or a relaxing day at the beach, this cruise promises to deliver a memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of Crete.

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Itinerary and Experience

This cruise offers an immersive itinerary that combines sightseeing, marine life viewing, and ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

Travelers are first transported by air-conditioned bus to Kissamos, where they board a boat for the scenic cruise to their destinations.

The first stop is Gramvousa Island, where guests can spend 2 hours exploring the island’s natural beauty and observing its diverse bird and plant species.

Next, the cruise continues to the stunning Balos Lagoon, where travelers can enjoy 3 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Throughout the journey, guests can opt for an onboard lunch to refuel.

Inclusions and Fees

The cruise package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transfers by air-conditioned coach, and a roundtrip ferry ticket, along with a driver and guide, as well as liability insurance.

Travelers get to spend 1.5 hours on Gramvousa and 3 hours at Balos Lagoon as part of the experience.

However, there are additional fees to consider. The boat ticket costs €17.50 for adults and €9 for children aged 4-12 years. An optional on-board lunch is available for €7.50 per person. Plus, there’s a municipality fee of €1 per person.

Travelers should also note that the cruise isn’t suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility impairments.

Important Information

Before embarking on the cruise, travelers should consider that the activity isn’t suitable for children under 5 or individuals with mobility impairments. Plus, pets aren’t allowed on the cruise.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to bring:

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses and sun hat
Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen

While the cruise offers a chance to explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, travelers should be mindful of the potential for high traffic and extended travel times due to the lack of highways in the area.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on a review of 173 customer ratings, the Balos and Gramvousa Cruise boasts an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Travelers have shared a mix of positive and constructive feedback regarding their experiences on this excursion. Many praised the stunning scenery and helpful guides, while others suggested more time on Gramvousa Island and exploring the Balos Lagoon.

Some travelers also had mixed experiences with the guide’s interaction and lunch options.

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Pickup Locations

The cruise offers pickup locations across 17 different spots on Crete, including popular tourist hubs like Agios Dimitrios, Hersonissos, Malia, and Heraklion. This wide range of pickup options ensures convenient access for travelers from various parts of the island. The pick-up service is included in the tour price, providing a hassle-free start to the day’s adventure.

Some key pickup locations include:

Agios Dimitrios
Hersonissos
Malia

These strategically placed pickup points allow participants to join the cruise with ease, regardless of their starting location on Crete.

Activities and Highlights

The Balos and Gramvousa Cruise offers an array of engaging activities and stunning highlights for participants to enjoy throughout the day’s excursion.

On Gramvousa Island, travelers can explore the scenic landscapes, spot unique bird and plant species, and take in the breathtaking views.

At the Balos Lagoon, they’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and marvel at the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

Throughout the cruise, sightseeing and marine life viewing provide ample opportunities for discovery and appreciation of Crete’s natural wonders.

With an air-conditioned bus transfer, roundtrip ferry tickets, and a knowledgeable guide, the cruise delivers a well-rounded experience that immerses participants in the beauty and charm of this remarkable destination.

Travel Considerations

Although the Balos and Gramvousa Cruise delivers a well-rounded experience, travelers should be aware of a few important travel considerations.

The lack of major highways in the region may affect travel time, and high traffic can occasionally cause delays, so participants should plan accordingly.

Some key considerations include:

The journey to the cruise departure point may take longer than expected due to the limited road infrastructure in the area.
Potential high traffic on the roads leading to the cruise departure point could lead to delays, so it’s advisable to factor in extra time.
Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of itinerary disruptions or schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances on the roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. While an optional lunch is offered, travelers have the freedom to pack their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the excursion.

Is There an Audio Guide Available During the Tour?

There’s no mention of an audio guide being available during the tour. The details provided focus on the cruise’s itinerary, inclusions, and customer reviews but don’t indicate if an audio guide is provided.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance or Can I Buy Them on the Day?

You can purchase tickets on the day, but it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. This ensures availability and allows you to take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The cruise offers discounted tickets for seniors and students. Seniors aged 65 and above can receive a reduced rate, while students with valid ID can also access discounted pricing. Customers should inquire about these discounts when booking their tickets.

Will the Cruise Operate in Inclement Weather Conditions?

The cruise may operate in inclement weather, but the company reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary for safety reasons. Travelers should check the weather forecast and be prepared for potentially rougher conditions.