Crete: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise With Transfer

Crete, the largest and most populous Greek island, offers a wealth of natural beauty and historical wonders for visitors to explore. One such gem is the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island Cruise, a full-day adventure that promises to captivate the senses. Priced at $59.90 per person, this tour provides a seamless experience, with convenient pickup and drop-off services across the island. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas, a glimpse into the past, or a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, this excursion has something to entice even the most discerning traveler. As you explore the itinerary, the allure of this Cretan gem becomes increasingly apparent, piquing your curiosity to explore further.

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Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Kissamos Port that includes a 1.5-hour boat cruise to Gramvousa Island and 2.5 hours of swimming at the Balos Lagoon.
• Explore the historical Gramvousa Fortress for 2 hours and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged cliffs.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off options from 21 different locations across Crete, with transportation provided to and from Kissamos Port.
• Multilingual information available in English and Russian, ensuring a seamless experience for international travelers.
• Visitors advised to bring water shoes due to the rocky terrain at Balos Beach, which is a protected natural area under the Natura 2000 program.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Crete: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise activity offers a full-day excursion from Kissamos Port, priced from $59.90 per person.

This 8-hour tour allows visitors to explore the breathtaking Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Lagoon.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required to reserve their spot.

The tour includes a 1.5-hour boat cruise to Gramvousa Island, where guests can visit the historical Gramvousa Fortress and spend 2 hours taking in the panoramic views.

After that, they’ll have 2.5 hours to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos Beach before the 1.5-hour return cruise to Kissamos Port.

Itinerary and Experience

This full-day excursion departs from Kissamos Port, where travelers embark on a 1.5-hour boat cruise to the uninhabited Gramvousa Island.

Upon arrival, guests will have 2 hours to explore the Gramvousa Fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and secluded beaches.

The next stop is the breathtaking Balos Beach, where visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters for 2.5 hours.

The highlights of this experience include:

• Exploring the uninhabited Gramvousa Island
• Swimming in the turquoise waters of Balos Beach
• Admiring the rugged cliffs and secluded shorelines
• Taking in panoramic views from the Gramvousa Fortress
• Experiencing the natural beauty of this unique Cretan region

After the beach visit, the boat will cruise back to Kissamos Port, completing this 8-hour adventure.

Pickup and Drop-off Information

For this tour, travelers have a variety of pickup locations to choose from, with 21 different options across Crete, including Paralia Kourna, Malia, and Heraklion.

The pickup time varies between 5:00 and 9:30 AM, depending on the distance from the hotel. After the day’s activities, the return drop-off time is between 7:00 and 10:30 PM, again varying based on the hotel’s location.

Whether you’re staying in the western or eastern part of the island, the tour company provides convenient transportation to and from the Kissamos Port, where the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island cruise departs and returns.

Important Tour Details

Although the tour is multilingual, with information provided in both English and Russian, visitors can expect a seamless experience regardless of their primary language.

Infants are welcome but must sit with their parents, as the boats don’t offer separate seating for children.

On top of that, the pristine Balos Beach is protected under the Natura 2000 program, so the ferries aren’t permitted to dock directly on the shore, instead anchoring approximately 10 meters away.

The tour’s important details include:

• Multilingual information in English and Russian

• Infants must sit with parents, no separate seating

• Balos Beach is protected by Natura 2000 program

• Ferries anchor 10 meters from the beach, can’t dock

• Visitors should bring water shoes due to sharp stones

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overall rated the Crete: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise tour 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews.

Common feedback includes praise for the tour’s beautiful lagoon and crystal-clear waters, but some issues have been noted with the overcrowded ferry and the quality of the provided food.

Recommendations suggest that visitors should bring water shoes due to the presence of sharp stones at the Balos Beach.

While the majority of customers have enjoyed the tour’s highlights, such as the exploration of the uninhabited Gramvousa and the swimming at the secluded Balos Beach, a few have expressed concerns about the tour’s organization and amenities.

Activity Description

The Crete: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise offers an 8-hour adventure that departs from Kissamos Port, taking visitors on a 1.5-hour boat journey to the uninhabited Gramvousa Island.

Once there, travelers can explore the Gramvousa Fortress for 2 hours, taking in the panoramic views. The tour then offers 2.5 hours of free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos Beach, a protected Natura 2000 site.

The return journey covers another 1.5 hours back to the port.

Key highlights of this excursion include:

• Visiting the remote Gramvousa Island

• Admiring the rugged cliffs and secluded beaches

• Swimming in the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon

• Experiencing the natural beauty of Crete’s coastline

• Exploring the historical Gramvousa Fortress

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the roundtrip boat transportation from Kissamos Port, along with entrance fees to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach.

You’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour boat cruise to the uninhabited Gramvousa Island, where you can explore the 16th-century Venetian fortress and take in panoramic views.

After, you’ll have 2.5 hours to swim and relax at the stunning Balos Lagoon, known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque setting.

However, the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so you’ll need to bring your own snacks and water.

Plus, you’ll need to wear proper footwear, as the beaches can have rocky terrain.

Additional Information

Although travelers should exercise caution when exploring Balos Beach, as it’s a protected natural area, the tour operator ensures a safe and responsible experience.

The cruise includes multilingual assistance, ensuring guests can easily navigate and learn about the destination.

Infants are welcome, though they must sit with their parents as there are no separate seats.

Plus, the tour provides convenient pickup and drop-off options from various locations across Crete, with times tailored to each hotel’s distance.

Lastly, guests should bring water shoes due to the rocky terrain and be prepared for potential crowds on the ferry during peak seasons.

This tour offers a comprehensive way to explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island.

• Multilingual assistance provided

• Infants welcome, must sit with parents

• Convenient pickup and drop-off options

• Bring water shoes for rocky terrain

• Potential for crowds during peak seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. The itinerary involves significant walking, including a 2-hour hike to the Gramvousa Fortress and navigating rocky terrain at Balos Beach. Visitors would need to be able to embark and disembark the boat easily.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and beach attire are recommended. Bring swimwear, a towel, and water shoes, as the tour involves swimming and exploring rocky areas.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Infants must sit with their parents as there are no separate seats provided. The tour is suitable for all ages, though younger children may require assistance during the boat cruise and beach activities.

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

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. Most tour operators allow and encourage guests to bring their own provisions to enjoy during the excursion, as there may be limited food and beverage options available.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time at Balos Beach?

Passengers can’t extend their time at Balos Beach during the tour. The standard itinerary allows for 2.5 hours at the beach, which is determined by the boat’s schedule and logistics. Extending the stay would require booking a separate tour or activity.

Recap

The Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island Cruise offers a captivating day exploring Crete’s stunning natural beauty.

Guests can enjoy a scenic boat ride, visit the historic Gramvousa Island fortress, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos Beach, all while benefitting from convenient transportation services.

This full-day adventure, priced at $59.90 per person, provides a seamless and immersive experience in one of Crete’s most picturesque regions.

You can check if your dates are available here: