Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Chania(Boat Ticket Is Included!)

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon from Chania, Greece is an unforgettable experience. This convenient day trip includes comfortable transportation and boat tickets, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s natural splendor. From hiking to the historic Gramvousa Castle for panoramic vistas to capturing stunning photos of the crystal-clear waters, the tour offers an intimate adventure with a maximum of 50 participants. Travelers rave about the tour’s ability to transport them to a world of unspoiled beauty, leaving them eager to uncover more of what this enchanting destination has to offer.

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

Contents hide

1 Good To Know

2 Tour Overview

3 Location and Duration

4 Included and Excluded

5 Pickup and Schedule

6 Environmental Fee and Capacity

7 Highlights of the Experience

8 Feedback From Travelers

9 Recommendations and Tips

10 Frequently Asked Questions

Good To Know

This day trip from Chania, Greece, offers pickup/drop-off, boat tickets to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, and pre-recorded in-bus guiding for a full-day adventure.
The tour schedule varies by season, with daily departures from May 13 to October 31 and limited availability from April 26 to May 12.
The package includes a 1 euro environmental fee for adults, and the maximum group size is 50 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.
Highlights of the tour include capturing stunning photographs of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, as well as hiking to the historic Gramvousa Castle.
Travelers should come prepared with recommended items such as sunscreen, swimwear, and water shoes, and be mindful of the rules regarding rubbish disposal and seashell removal.

Tour Overview

This tour, known as the Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania, is a day trip that departs from various locations in the city of Chania, Greece.

With a 3.5-star average rating from 102 reviews, the tour includes pickup and drop-off via air-conditioned bus, boat tickets to the scenic Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, and pre-recorded in-bus guiding.

The tour lasts the full day, and the maximum number of participants is 50 travelers.

Exclusions include personal expenses, extra beverages/meals, and gratuities/tips.

Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Chania

Location and Duration

The Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania is a day trip that departs from various locations in the city of Chania, Greece, with pickup times typically between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM.

The tour takes travelers on an excursion to explore the scenic Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon.

Depending on the season, the tour runs on different schedules, with Monday to Saturday departures from May 13 to October 31, and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departures from April 26 to May 12.

Regardless of the date, the tour provides a full day of adventure, allowing visitors to capture breathtaking photos and soak in the natural beauty of these picturesque destinations.

Included and Excluded

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off transportation in an air-conditioned bus, boat tickets to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, as well as the mandatory 1 euro municipality fee for adults (which is free for children).

In-bus guiding with pre-recorded instructions is also provided.

However, the tour doesn’t include personal expenses, extra beverages or meals, or gratuities/tips.

Travelers should also note that rubbish disposal and removal of seashells from the beach are prohibited.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, giving customers the flexibility to plan their trip accordingly.

Pickup and Schedule

Various pickup locations are available throughout Chania, with the exact time depending on the traveler’s accommodation. Pickup times typically range from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, with the schedule varying slightly based on the time of year.

From April 26th to May 12th, the tour operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while from May 13th to October 31st, it runs daily, Monday through Saturday. Travelers are advised to specify their accommodation name when booking to receive the correct pickup time.

The tour also includes a 1 euro environmental fee that’s paid on the spot. With a maximum capacity of 50 participants, this day trip offers a convenient way to explore the stunning Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.

Environmental Fee and Capacity

Along With the pickup and schedule details, travelers should be aware of the 1 euro environmental fee paid on the spot for this tour. This environmental fee helps support the preservation and maintenance of the stunning natural landscapes that visitors will encounter, such as the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon.

The tour also has a maximum capacity of 50 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. The limited group size allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable excursion, with ample opportunities to explore the scenic wonders without feeling overcrowded.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Chania

Highlights of the Experience

Travelers exploring the Gramvousa and Balos tour can capture stunning photographs of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters that characterize these picturesque locations.

The tour offers an opportunity to hike up to the historic Gramvousa Castle, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and coastline. Appropriate footwear is recommended for this activity.

Plus, travelers can relax on the beautiful beaches without the need for a designated driver, as the tour includes transportation to and from the sites.

The tour highlights the natural beauty of this region, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery and create unforgettable memories.

Feedback From Travelers

Reviews of the Gramvousa and Balos tour from Chania offer a mixed assessment, with travelers providing both positive and negative feedback.

On the plus side, many praise the tour’s beautiful locations, organized pickup, and friendly staff. The stunning views of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island are frequently highlighted.

However, several travelers report feeling rushed, with only 1.5 hours in Balos and 1 hour in Gramvousa. Some found the boats overcrowded and disorganized.

Recommendations include considering a private boat or public bus for more flexibility. The tour seems to divide opinion, with both highlights and drawbacks noted by those who’ve experienced it.

Recommendations and Tips

To make the most of the Gramvousa and Balos tour, travelers should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, a swimsuit, a beach towel, and water shoes for rocky entries.

Rubbish disposal and removal of seashells from the beach are prohibited.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

It’s important to note that the tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, so booking early is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours, unless explicitly stated otherwise. However, it’s recommended to check the tour details or ask the operator for any restrictions or recommendations prior to the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend My Time at Balos Lagoon?

According to the tour overview, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the time at Balos Lagoon. The tour itinerary specifies 1.5 hours at Balos, which some travelers have found limiting.

Can I Rent Snorkeling Gear or Other Equipment at the Sites?

Visitors can rent snorkeling gear and other beach equipment at the Balos Lagoon. However, the tour itself doesn’t include these rentals, so travelers would need to pay extra to use them on-site. It’s best to come prepared with one’s own gear.

Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not appear to have any age or mobility restrictions. However, some activities like hiking to Gramvousa Castle may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Appropriate footwear is recommended for such activities.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, the inclusion of a "Municipality fee (1 euro for adults, free for children)" suggests children may receive a discount, but no information is provided about reduced rates for seniors or students.