Crete: Balos Cruise Late and Direct

Crete’s Balos Cruise offers a captivating full-day experience that immerses travelers in the breathtaking beauty of the Balos Lagoon. Priced at just €62 per person, this excursion provides a seamless journey with hotel pickup, a scenic boat ride, and ample time to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Flexible booking options and a free cancellation policy ensure a worry-free experience, while the chance to witness diverse marine life in a stunning setting makes this a must-do activity for those visiting the island. But the true allure of the Balos Cruise lies in the opportunity to escape the crowds and discover a hidden gem that will leave a lasting impression.

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

Key Points

• Balos Cruise offers convenient pickup from multiple locations across Crete, including Sissi, Malia, and Heraklion.
• Journey times may be longer than expected due to Crete’s limited road infrastructure, so arriving early at pickup points is recommended.
• Cruise package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, modern air-conditioned coach transportation, and a boat ticket to Balos Beach.
• Passengers can enjoy up to 2 hours and 45 minutes of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the stunning Balos Lagoon.
• The cruise offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to modify their plans up to 24 hours prior without additional fees.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Experiencing the Balos Cruise offers visitors an opportunity to explore one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, with prices starting from €62.00 per person.

This full-day excursion lasts 11-13 hours, providing ample time to fully take in the stunning natural surroundings.

What’s more, travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or opt for the convenient reserve now and pay later option.

With such flexible and affordable pricing, the Balos Cruise is an appealing choice for those seeking a memorable experience in Crete.

Itinerary and Experience

The Balos Cruise itinerary begins with pickup from 17 different locations across Crete, including popular tourist hubs like Sissi, Malia, and Heraklion.

Travelers are then transported by air-conditioned bus to Skaleta for a 20-minute break before continuing the journey to Kissamos, where they board a boat for the 50-minute cruise to the stunning Balos Beach.

Once there, visitors can spend 2 hours and 45 minutes swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the marine life.

The return journey follows the same route, with another boat cruise and a brief stop in Skaleta before the bus ride back to the original pickup points.

Inclusions

The Balos Cruise package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by modern, fully air-conditioned coach.

Along with the boat ticket, the tour also provides a live guide who speaks English and Russian. Liability insurance, snacks, and drinks are all part of the package.

But the highlight is the 2 hours and 45 minutes you’ll spend at the stunning Balos Lagoon, where you can swim, snorkel, and explore the marine life.

Some key inclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Modern, air-conditioned coach transfers

• Boat ticket

• Live English and Russian-speaking guide

• Liability insurance

• Snacks and drinks

Important Information

According to the provided information, this Balos Cruise isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

The cruise is intended for participants aged 12-99, with children between 4-11 and infants 3 and younger also welcome, though they don’t require a ticket.

Passengers should come prepared with recommended items like sunglasses, sun hats, towels, sunscreen, and beachwear, as they’ll have 2 hours and 45 minutes to swim, snorkel, and explore the marine life at Balos Lagoon.

It’s important to note that pets aren’t allowed on the cruise.

Travelers should also allocate sufficient time for transportation, as Crete’s lack of highways can affect travel times.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Travel Considerations

Crete’s lack of highways can pose challenges for travelers, affecting journey times as coaches must adhere to regulation speeds. High traffic at pickup points may also lead to delays, so it’s crucial to allocate sufficient time when planning the trip.

Some key travel considerations include:

• Expect longer transit times compared to destinations with more developed road infrastructure.

• Factor in potential delays at pickup locations due to heavy traffic.

• Be prepared for the journey to take longer than anticipated.

• Arrive at pickup points with ample time to avoid missing the departure.

• Adjust your schedule to accommodate the unique transportation landscape of Crete.

Customer Reviews

Reviewers rave about this Balos Cruise, awarding it a remarkable 5/5 overall rating based on 1 review.

Customers highlight the guided tour’s seamless organization, from the convenient hotel pickup to the well-planned itinerary. They praise the modern, air-conditioned coach transportation and the boat ride that delivers an up-close experience of Balos Lagoon’s stunning natural beauty.

Visitors enthusiastically describe the ample time allotted for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the idyllic beach.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can book the Balos Cruise online and take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans. This hassle-free booking process allows guests to secure their spot while giving them the freedom to adjust their itinerary if needed.

Key booking and cancellation details:

• Reserve the cruise online with a flexible payment option

• Cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund

• Explore the picturesque Balos Beach with peace of mind

• Modify plans easily without incurring additional fees

• Enjoy a seamless booking experience from start to finish

Explore Balos Beach

While on the boat cruise, travelers can marvel at the stunning Balos Lagoon, one of Greece’s most picturesque and popular beaches. Featuring turquoise waters and white sandy shores, the lagoon offers an idyllic setting for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the diverse marine life.

Once at the beach, visitors can spend nearly 3 hours indulging in these activities or simply relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. The crystal clear waters are perfect for spotting a variety of fish and other marine creatures. For a deeper look into the local ecology, the three-column table below highlights some of the key species found in the area.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Habitat
Mediterranean Monk Seal	Monachus monachus	Coastal Caves
Loggerhead Sea Turtle	Caretta caretta	Open Waters
Posidonia Oceanica	Posidonia oceanica	Seagrass Meadows

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food Provided During the Cruise?

Yes, snacks and drinks are provided during the Balos Beach cruise. The inclusions for the tour specifically mention that snacks and drinks are provided, allowing travelers to enjoy the journey and their time at the beach.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Yes, passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the Balos Beach cruise. The tour includes complimentary snacks and drinks, but travelers are welcome to pack additional items if they prefer.

Is There a Bathroom Available on the Boat?

Yes, there are bathroom facilities available on the boat during the Balos Beach cruise. Passengers can access the onboard restrooms throughout the 50-minute boat rides to and from the beach.

Can I Leave Personal Belongings on the Boat?

Passengers can safely leave their personal belongings on the boat during the cruise to Balos Beach. The boat staff will monitor the vessel to ensure the safety of all items left behind while guests explore the lagoon.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?

If the weather is bad, the cruise may be canceled or rerouted for safety reasons. Customers will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule the tour for another day with better conditions.

Recap

Balos Cruise offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Crete’s natural wonder. With its seamless organization, flexible booking, and free cancellation policy, travelers can explore the breathtaking Balos Lagoon with peace of mind.

The all-inclusive experience, including hotel pickup, boat ride, and ample time for swimming and snorkeling, provides an unforgettable day of discovery in this idyllic setting.

Diverse marine life and crystal-clear waters await those who embark on this Crete adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: