Day Cruise to Gramvousa & Balos

The Day Cruise to Gramvousa & Balos offers travelers an opportunity to explore Crete’s stunning coastline in an unforgettable way. Departing from Heraklion, this scenic adventure takes visitors to the historical Gramvousa, known as "Pirates Island," and the breathtaking Balos Lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters. With hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transport, and knowledgeable guides, guests can enjoy swimming, photography, and panoramic views in a group of up to 50. Whether you’re seeking an immersive experience in the region’s natural beauty or simply want to create lasting memories, this day cruise promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure.

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

About Your Stay

• A day cruise that explores the scenic wonders of Gramvousa and Balos in Crete, featuring breathtaking views and opportunities for swimming and exploration.
• The cruise departs from Heraklion, Greece, and includes hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transport, boat ticket, and a guide for up to 50 travelers.
• Highlights of the tour include visiting Gramvousa, known as "Pirates’ Island," and the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon for swimming and photography.
• Travelers are advised to wear sturdy footwear, bring their own water, food, and sunscreen, and be prepared for potentially crowded conditions based on previous reviews.
• The day cruise is rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews, with positive feedback on the scenic beauty and knowledgeable guides, but mixed opinions on crowd levels.

Overview

This day cruise offers travelers a chance to explore the scenic wonders of Gramvousa and Balos, two captivating destinations along the coast of Crete.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews, the tour departs from Heraklion, Greece, allowing guests to experience Crete by sail while admiring breathtaking views.

The itinerary includes a visit to Gramvousa, known as "Pirates Island," and a swim in the turquoise waters of the Balos Lagoon.

The cruise provides hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transportation, a boat ticket, and a guide, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for up to 50 travelers.

Itinerary and Activities

The day cruise to Gramvousa and Balos begins with a hotel pick-up by an air-conditioned vehicle, whisking travelers away to the departure point.

Once aboard the boat, the adventure unfolds as the group sails towards Gramvousa, also known as "Pirates Island." After arriving, visitors have the opportunity to explore the island, swim, and take in the stunning panoramic views.

The highlight of the trip is the visit to the famous Balos Lagoon, where travelers can enjoy the turquoise waters and capture breathtaking photos from various vantage points along the shore.

Throughout the journey, guides provide information and assistance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions

The day cruise to Gramvousa and Balos includes several key elements to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Travelers are provided with hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as transportation via air-conditioned coach or minivan. The boat ticket, guide, and municipality fee are all included in the package. While food and drink options are available for purchase, travelers are advised to bring their own supplies to fully experience the scenic beauty.

Inclusions
Hotel pick-up and drop-off	Transport via air-conditioned coach or minivan
Boat ticket	Guide
Municipality fee	Food and drink options available for purchase

Additional Information

Alongside the key inclusions, the day cruise to Gramvousa and Balos adheres to several additional guidelines.

The tour group is limited to a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. Confirmation is provided upon booking, and guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with serious medical conditions.

Fortunately, there’s a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

To ensure a comfortable journey, sturdy footwear is recommended, as the terrain can be rocky. Bringing water, food, and sunscreen is also advised, as options for purchases may be limited on the boat.

Reviews and Recommendations

Mixed feedback on crowd levels is reported, with some guests finding the tour overcrowded despite it being in the off-peak season.

Sturdy shoes or sandals are recommended, as flip-flops can be unsuitable for the rocky terrain. Travelers are advised to bring their own water, food, and sunscreen, as options for purchases on the boat are limited.

However, the tour receives notable mentions of excellent guides and the scenic beauty of the locations visited, including the turquoise waters of the Balos Lagoon.

Tour Rating and Details

According to the provided overview, this day cruise to Gramvousa and Balos in Crete boasts a respectable 3.8-star rating based on 11 reviews.

The cruise departs from Heraklion, Greece and offers the opportunity to:

• Explore Crete by sail and admire scenic views
• Swim in the turquoise waters of the Balos Lagoon
• Take photos from the viewpoints on Balos and Gramvousa (Pirates Island)
• Enjoy hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transportation, and a boat ticket with a guide and municipality fee included

While the tour has a maximum of 50 travelers, some reviewers noted issues with overcrowding, particularly during off-peak seasons.

Bringing proper footwear, water, food, and sun protection is recommended for an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Departure Location and Time

The day cruise departs from Heraklion, Greece, the largest city and capital of the island of Crete. This strategic location allows for easy access to the destinations of Gramvousa and Balos.

Travelers are picked up from their hotels in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey to the embarkation point. The cruise then sets sail, offering guests the opportunity to admire the scenic coastal views of Crete as they make their way to the islands.

With a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Tour Highlights

The day cruise offers a captivating combination of natural wonders, starting with the exploration of Gramvousa, also known as "Pirates’ Island" for its historical ties to swashbuckling adventurers.

Guests can wander the island’s rugged terrain, taking in stunning vistas from the Venetian castle’s viewpoints.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the breathtaking Balos Lagoon, where travelers can:

• Swim in the turquoise waters
• Bask on the white sandy beaches
• Capture photographs of the picturesque landscape
• Explore the unique geology and flora of the region

Throughout the day, knowledgeable guides provide insights, ensuring a enriching and memorable experience.

Questions About Staying Here

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Cruise?

The tour typically accommodates up to 50 travelers per group, offering a moderately sized experience to explore the scenic islands and lagoon. Group size is capped to ensure a comfortable and personalized cruise excursion.

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

Yes, travelers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, food and drink options are available for purchase on board as well.

Is There an Option to Extend the Cruise Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the cruise duration. However, travelers can enjoy their time at the destinations and arrange for independent transportation back to their starting point if they wish to extend their stay.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

You don’t need any special equipment, but it’s recommended to bring sturdy shoes or sandals, water, snacks, and sunscreen. The terrain can be rocky, so flip-flops aren’t ideal. Packing light and being prepared for the elements will ensure you enjoy the cruise.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or requirements. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to the rocky terrain at some sites.

Worth The Stay

The Day Cruise to Gramvousa & Balos offers an unforgettable adventure exploring Crete’s stunning coastline. With hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transport, and knowledgeable guides, travelers can enjoy swimming, photography, and panoramic views of the historical Gramvousa and the breathtaking Balos Lagoon. It’s a perfect way to take in the natural beauty of the region.