From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

Set out on a captivating boat cruise from Kissamos Port and explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and historic Gramvousa Island. This popular excursion promises an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty and rich history. Spanning approximately 5 to 7 hours, the cruise offers a unique opportunity to hike to the Venetian Castle, swim near the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, and witness the breathtaking scenery of exotic beaches and crystal-clear waters. With convenient hotel transfers and options for lunch, this excursion is a must-do for anyone seeking to discover the hidden gems of Crete.

Key Points

• Departing from Kissamos Port, the 5-7 hour cruise visits the picturesque Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon in Crete.
• The cruise includes round-trip boat transportation, visits to the Gramvousa Greek Orthodox church and Venetian Castle, and exploration of the Balos Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters.
• Priced starting at $32.67 per person, the cruise is a popular excursion that often sells out, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Convenient hotel transfers are included, and participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sun protection for the immersive experience.
• The cruise receives an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with common praise for the stunning scenery and natural beauty, though some concerns regarding crowds and limited time at destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Cruise Experience

The boat cruise departs from Kissamos Port and takes travelers to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and the renowned Balos Lagoon, lasting approximately 5 to 7 hours.

Priced from $32.67 per person, it’s a popular excursion that often sells out. Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The cruise presents the opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes of this region, including secluded beaches, cliffs, and a large cave believed to be an ancient shipyard.

With the convenience of hotel transfers, this cruise offers an immersive experience in the natural wonders of Crete’s northwestern coast.

Itinerary and Highlights

The round-trip cruise takes travelers to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and the renowned Balos Lagoon, allowing them to explore these captivating destinations.

At Gramvousa, visitors can venture to a Greek Orthodox church, hike up to the Venetian Castle, and swim near the Church of Agioi Apostoloi.

The highlight of the cruise, however, is the visit to Balos, famous for its exotic beach lagoon, crystal-clear emerald waters, and stunning natural beauty.

Along the way, the cruise sails past cliffs, secluded beaches, and a large cave believed to be an ancient shipyard, offering breathtaking views of the Cretan coastline.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the boat cruise are the round-trip boat ride, the captain and crew, visits to Gramvousa and Balos, and hotel transfer. However, food and beverages are excluded unless booked with a lunch option. Plus, the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and an extra €1 administrative fee applies for passengers over 13 visiting Balos and Gramvousa.

Inclusions	Exclusions	Additional Information
Round-trip boat cruise	Food and beverages (unless booked with lunch)	Not suitable for wheelchair users
Captain and crew	N/A	€1 administrative fee for passengers over 13
Visit to Gramvousa	N/A	N/A
Visit to Balos	N/A	N/A
Hotel transfer	N/A	N/A

Important Information for Participants

Participants should be aware that the meeting point may vary depending on the booking option selected. Options available include a noon cruise to Balos only, a cruise with lunch, and a morning cruise to Balos only.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

• The cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

• Passengers over 13 visiting Balos and Gramvousa will have to pay an additional €1 administrative fee.

• The duration of the cruise is approximately 5-7 hours.

• The cruise is known to often sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa often receives positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 3,870 reviews.

The guide and transportation aspects of the tour are rated slightly lower at 3.9/5, but the overall service and organization are praised, earning 4.1/5 and 4/5 ratings respectively.

Common feedback highlights the stunning scenery, though some note the crowds and limited time at the destinations.

Despite these minor drawbacks, most customers seem to have had a positive experience, captivated by the breathtaking natural beauty of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa.

Exploring Gramvousa Island

The cruise takes visitors to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa, where they can explore a historic Greek Orthodox church, hike up to the impressive Venetian Castle, and swim near the Church of Agioi Apostoloi. Gramvousa offers a unique opportunity to discover:

The remains of the 16th-century Venetian Castle, which sits atop a rugged, 137-meter-high peninsula, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

The Church of Agioi Apostoloi, a small chapel built into the cliffs, providing a peaceful setting for a refreshing swim.

Remnants of past human habitation, including ancient shipyard ruins and abandoned buildings, adding to the island’s captivating historical atmosphere.

The opportunity to hike and explore the island’s natural landscapes, including its coves, beaches, and diverse flora and fauna.

Visiting the Balos Lagoon

After exploring Gramvousa, the cruise then takes visitors to the renowned Balos Lagoon, celebrated for its exotic beach, crystal-clear emerald waters, and stunning natural beauty.

Travelers will be awed by the lagoon’s unique geography, which features large cliffs that create a sheltered, serene environment.

The shallow, warm waters are perfect for swimming and wading, offering a refreshing respite from the summer heat.

Visitors can marvel at the diverse marine life and vibrant colors that populate the lagoon.

With its picture-perfect setting, Balos is undoubtedly a highlight of the cruise experience, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Crete’s natural splendor.

Getting to the Departure Point

From the picturesque town of Kissamos, travelers can make their way to the port for the boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa. The departure point is conveniently located just a short distance from the town center, allowing easy access for participants.

The port is well-signposted, making it easy to find.

Public transportation options, such as buses, provide convenient transport to the port.

Ample parking is available near the port for those driving to the departure point.

The port area offers cafes and shops, allowing visitors to arrive early and explore before the cruise.

With its prime location and accessibility, the Kissamos Port provides a hassle-free starting point for this unforgettable island adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Under 13 Visit Balos and Gramvousa for Free?

Children under 13 don’t pay the additional €1 administrative fee to visit Balos and Gramvousa. However, they’ll still need to purchase a ticket for the boat cruise, which starts at $32.67 per person.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch Option?

The cruise offers a lunch option, but it doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions. Passengers should contact the tour operator for details on any available accommodations for dietary needs or preferences.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Cruise?

There is no minimum group size requirement for the cruise. Passengers can book the cruise as individuals or in small groups. The cruise operates regardless of the number of participants.

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

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, the cruise operator may have restrictions or additional fees for bringing outside items. It’s best to check with them beforehand to avoid any issues.

How Reliable Is the Boat Schedule in Case of Weather Delays?

The boat schedule is generally reliable, but weather conditions can cause delays. Operators closely monitor weather forecasts and make timely adjustments to ensure the safety of passengers. Travelers should plan for potential delays and bring necessary gear in case of unexpected schedule changes.

Recap

The captivating boat cruise from Kissamos Port to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore the breathtaking scenery, hike to the Venetian Castle, and swim near the Church of Agioi Apostoloi.

With convenient hotel transfers and options for lunch, this excursion offers the chance to discover Crete’s natural beauty and rich history.

Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this popular and immersive adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: