Crystal-Clear Waters of Balos & Gramvousa Cruise & Pick-up

Exploring the crystal-clear waters of Balos and Gramvousa in Crete can be a truly breathtaking experience. This full-day cruise offers convenient pick-up from various locations across the island, ensuring a hassle-free adventure. Guests can look forward to a scenic bus ride, followed by a ferry journey to the stunning Balos Beach, where they’ll have ample time to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa, providing panoramic views and flexible dining options. With a new protocol in place, travelers can embark on this exceptional journey with peace of mind, but the true allure lies in the stunning natural beauty that awaits.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Crete offers a visit to the stunning Balos Lagoon and the historic Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island.
• Pickup is available from 16 locations across Crete, and the tour is available in multiple languages.
• The itinerary includes a 2-hour bus ride, a 1-hour ferry to Balos, and a 15-minute ferry to Gramvousa, providing a multi-modal transportation experience.
• Guests can enjoy 3 hours of free time at Balos for swimming and snorkeling, as well as 2 hours and 45 minutes at Gramvousa, including a fortress visit.
• The tour is priced from $71.88 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and optional pre-purchase meals available at discounted rates.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The ‘Crystal-Clear Waters of Balos & Gramvousa Cruise’ offers a full-day excursion from various pickup locations across Crete, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and the historic Venetian Fortress on the island of Gramvousa.

Priced from $71.88 per person, the tour lasts between 14 to 16 hours and is available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Polish, and Italian.

Pickup is included from 16 different locations on the island, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour also features a convenient ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later‘ option, allowing guests to secure their spot without any upfront payment.

Itinerary Details

The itinerary details the various modes of transportation used throughout the cruise, including bus/coach and ferry.

Visitors start with a 2-hour bus ride each way, with breaks in between, to reach the Kissamos Port. From there, they board a ferry for a 1-hour journey to Balos Beach, followed by a 15-minute ride to Gramvousa.

Once at Balos, guests have 3 hours of free time to swim and snorkel in the pristine waters. The tour then moves on to Gramvousa, where visitors can spend 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a visit to the historic Venetian Fortress.

Transportation Logistics

The cruise features a multi-modal transportation approach, combining bus/coach and ferry services to transport guests to the destination highlights.

Travelers begin their journey with a 2-hour bus ride, complete with periodic breaks, to reach the Kissamos Port. From there, they board a ferry for the 1-hour crossing to Balos Beach, followed by a 15-minute ride to Gramvousa. The return trip mirrors this journey, with a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Gramvousa back to Kissamos Port and a 2-hour bus ride to the original pickup locations.

The key transportation details include:

1. 2-hour bus ride to Kissamos Port

2. 1-hour ferry to Balos Beach

3. 15-minute ferry to Gramvousa

4. 1.5-hour ferry back to Kissamos Port

Destination Highlights

Crystal-Clear Waters of Balos & Gramvousa Cruise & Pick-up

Destination Highlights

Cruise passengers can enjoy the pristine beauty of Balos Lagoon and scale the heights of the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island during this comprehensive tour.

At Balos, they’ll have 3 hours to swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, snorkel along the stunning coastline, and admire the breathtaking landscape.

On Gramvousa, they’ll spend nearly 3 hours exploring the historic Venetian Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

Throughout the journey, passengers can purchase meals and refreshments from the onboard restaurant, enhancing their experience.

With ample time allotted at each destination, travelers can fully soak in the natural wonders and rich history of this scenic Greek cruise.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

New Protocol Changes

As part of the new protocols, the boat will now anchor approximately 100 meters from Balos beach, requiring guests to swim to the shore if they wish to access the beach. This change aims to minimize environmental impact and ensure the preservation of the delicate ecosystem in the area.

Here are some key details about the new protocol:

1. Guests must be able-bodied swimmers to reach the beach from the anchored boat.

2. Life jackets will be provided for those who wish to swim to the shore.

3. There will be a designated swimming area monitored by staff to ensure guest safety.

4. Those unable to swim to the beach can enjoy the scenic views from the boat.

Food and Dining Options

Along With the scenic journey, the cruise offers several options for food and dining during the excursion.

Guests can pre-purchase meals at a discounted rate prior to the trip, allowing them to enjoy a convenient and cost-effective dining experience onboard.

Alternatively, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic items to enjoy at the destinations.

The boat features an onboard restaurant where snacks and light refreshments can be purchased throughout the day.

Whether opting for a pre-paid meal or packing a personal lunch, travelers have the flexibility to fuel up and recharge as they explore the crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes of Balos and Gramvousa.

Additional Fees Information

Travelers should be aware of additional fees associated with the Balos & Gramvousa cruise.

There’s a 7€ per person charge for pickups from the locations of Lygaria and Agia Pelagia. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Pickup Fees: Guests booking from Lygaria and Agia Pelagia will be charged an extra 7€ per person.

2. Balos Beach Access: There’s no additional fee to access Balos Beach, but guests will need to swim approximately 100 meters from the anchored boat to reach the shore.

3. Venetian Fortress: Admission to the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island is included in the tour price.

4. Onboard Meals: Pre-purchased meals and snacks are available at discounted rates, or guests can bring their own picnic.

Customer Feedback Summary

The customer reviews for the Balos & Gramvousa cruise paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

While some travelers enjoyed the beautiful views and scenery, particularly the climb up to the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa, others were frustrated by the difficulty in accessing Balos beach due to the distance from the anchored boat.

Plus, some customers complained about the long return trip duration and reported issues with disinterested guides and rude drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

This tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility, as it involves significant walking, swimming to access the beach, and climbing to the Venetian fortress. Guests must be able-bodied to fully enjoy the activities and destinations on this excursion.

What Types of Snorkeling Equipment Are Available on the Boat?

The tour provides snorkeling equipment onboard, including masks, snorkels, and fins. Guests can rent this gear to explore the crystal-clear waters around Balos Beach. The boat’s crew offers guidance and assistance to ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for children and seniors. Children under a certain age often receive free admission, while seniors may be eligible for reduced ticket prices. Specific discounts can vary, so customers should inquire about any available offers when booking the tour.

Can We Extend Our Time at Balos Beach or Gramvousa Beyond the Scheduled Hours?

The tour generally doesn’t allow for extended time at Balos Beach or Gramvousa beyond the scheduled hours. The itinerary is fixed, and extending the stay would likely disrupt the tour’s logistics and schedule. Guests should plan to make the most of the allotted time at each destination.

How Reliable Is the Transportation From the Pickup Locations to the Port?

The transportation from pickup locations to the port is generally reliable, with buses/coaches making the 2-hour journey each way. However, some reviews note issues with disinterested guides and rude drivers, potentially impacting the overall experience.

Recap

This full-day cruise offers a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of Balos and Gramvousa.

Guests can enjoy a scenic bus ride, ferry journey, and ample time to swim, snorkel, and explore the historic Venetian Fortress, all with convenient pick-up and flexible dining options.

The tour provides a hassle-free adventure to discover Crete’s crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: