From Rethymno: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Peninsula & Pick-up

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Crete’s Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula is an adventure that awaits travelers from Rethymno. This comprehensive excursion promises a day filled with breathtaking vistas, opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and even a visit to a historic Venetian fortress. With convenient pick-up services and a small admission fee to the natural park, this 11-hour journey offers an unparalleled chance to take in the captivating beauty of the region. But the true allure lies in the experiences that await, each moment sure to leave a lasting impression on the senses.

Key Points

• Excursion from Rethymno to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula with pickup services from various locations in the Rethymno area.
• Boat cruise exploring the scenic Cretan coastline and Aegean Sea, including opportunities for swimming and snorkeling at Gramvousa Peninsula.
• Visit Balos Lagoon for 1.5 hours of swimming and relaxation, with a small admission fee of €1 for visitors over 13 years.
• Comprehensive 11-hour excursion with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
• Onboard food and beverage options available for purchase, with the option to bring a packed picnic.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Starting from a base price of €10.00 per person, this all-day excursion to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors.

Lasting approximately 11 hours, the tour provides the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option to accommodate traveler preferences.

This Rethymno-based tour is a popular choice, transporting guests by air-conditioned bus from various pickup locations to Kissamos Port, where they’ll embark on a boat cruise to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the Gramvousa Peninsula and Balos Lagoon.

With an emphasis on value and convenience, this excursion promises an unforgettable day of adventure and relaxation.

Itinerary and Locations

The tour begins from Rethymno, where guests are transported by air-conditioned bus to Kissamos Port.

From there, they embark on a boat cruise to explore the stunning Gramvousa Peninsula and the renowned Balos Lagoon.

Travelers can choose from five pickup locations – Stavromenos, Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Sfakaki, and Rethymno – and will be dropped off at one of the five corresponding locations upon returning.

The boat cruise offers scenic views of the Cretan coastline and the Aegean Sea, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

With a duration of 11 hours, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Activities and Experiences

What can travelers expect to experience during this excursion?

Guests will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Gramvousa Peninsula, where they can admire the vibrant marine life.

On top of that, they’ll be able to hike up to the Venetian Fortress on the peninsula, which offers panoramic views of the stunning Aegean Sea and Cretan coastline.

After exploring Gramvousa, the tour will take visitors to the serene Balos Lagoon, where they can spend 1.5 hours swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

Throughout the boat ride, guests will be treated to scenic views of the picturesque Cretan coastline and the vast Aegean Sea.

Inclusions and Costs

This tour package includes several cost-effective components, such as pickup and drop-off services from Rethymno to Kissamos Port, air-conditioned bus transport, and boat tickets that range from €38 per adult (12+ years) to €19 per child (3-12 years).

Plus, there’s a small admission fee of €1 for visitors over 13 years to access the natural park.

While food options are available for purchase on the boat, travelers may also choose to pack a picnic or buy provisions at Kissamos port before boarding.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a ‘reserve now, pay later‘ option, this excursion provides excellent value for money.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Drop-off Services

The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off services, with five designated locations in the Rethymno area – Stavromenos, Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Sfakaki, and the city of Rethymno itself.

Travelers can board the air-conditioned bus at any of these pickup points and will be dropped off at the same locations upon returning from the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula excursion.

The pickup and drop-off locations are:

1. Stavromenos

2. Adelianos Kampos

3. Skaleta

4. Sfakaki

5. Rethymno

This ensures easy access and seamless transportation for participants, allowing them to focus on the stunning natural beauty and activities that await at their destination.

What to Bring and Recommendations

For the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula excursion, visitors should bring along a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for the hike up to the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa, as the trek takes around 20 minutes and may involve uneven terrain. A sun hat and sunscreen are also highly recommended, as the Mediterranean sun can be intense.

Plus, visitors should pack their swimwear and a towel, as they’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Gramvousa.

It’s also a good idea to bring some cash for the boat ticket fees and any food or refreshments they may want to purchase during the tour.

Natural Park Admission

Admission to the natural park at Balos Lagoon costs €1 for visitors over 13 years of age, an important fee to account for when budgeting for the excursion. This small fee helps maintain the stunning natural environment and supports the conservation efforts in the area. The natural park admission is payable directly to the boat driver or guide upon arrival at Balos Lagoon.

Key things to remember about the natural park admission:

1. It applies to all visitors over the age of 13 years old.

2. The fee is €1 per person.

3. Payment is made in cash to the boat driver or guide.

4. The fee supports the upkeep and preservation of the Balos Lagoon nature reserve.

Food Options Onboard

Onboard the boats, passengers have the opportunity to purchase a variety of food and beverage options to sustain themselves during the day-long excursion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a more substantial meal, the boats are equipped with a selection of choices to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. From refreshing drinks to hearty sandwiches and light salads, the onboard menu ensures that you can refuel and recharge as you explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula.

Food/Beverage	Description
Sandwiches	Selection of classic sandwich fillings (e.g., ham, cheese, tuna)
Salads	Fresh green salads and Mediterranean-inspired options
Snacks	Crisps, cookies, granola bars, and other light bites
Beverages	Water, soft drinks, juices, and hot drinks like coffee and tea

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Visitors can inquire about language options when booking to ensure the tour is provided in their preferred language for a more engaging and informative experience.

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

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour operator encourages guests to pack a picnic or purchase supplies at the Kissamos port before boarding the boat for the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula excursion.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The activity doesn’t have a minimum number of participants required. Customers can book the excursion individually or as part of a group. The price remains the same regardless of group size.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Gramvousa Hike?

The Gramvousa hike isn’t restricted by age, but it does require sturdy shoes and takes about 20 minutes. Visitors should ensure they’re physically able to complete the trek and prepare accordingly.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Boat During the Cruise?

The tour operator doesn’t provide Wi-Fi on the boat during the cruise. Passengers should expect to be disconnected from the internet and able to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the Gramvousa Peninsula and Balos Lagoon.

Recap

This unforgettable excursion from Rethymno showcases the breathtaking beauty of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula.

Guests can look forward to a scenic boat cruise, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities, including a visit to the Venetian Fortress.

With convenient pick-up services, flexible booking, and a small admission fee, this adventure promises to create lasting memories in a picturesque Cretan setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: