The Rethymno: Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon Tour offers a captivating full-day excursion that’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its scenic bus ride, boat cruise, and ample time to explore the breathtaking Balos Lagoon, this tour promises unforgettable experiences. However, it’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for non-swimmers or individuals with certain medical conditions. For those who can participate, the opportunity to visit the historic Venetian Fortress and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this Greek destination is simply too tempting to pass up.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Balos Beach.
Key Points
- This full-day excursion from Rethymno provides access to the picturesque Gramvousa Island and the serene Balos Lagoon.
- The tour includes roundtrip bus transfers, a boat cruise, and 3 hours of free time at Balos Lagoon for swimming and exploration.
- Pricing starts at $18.45 per person, with additional costs for an eco fee and boat ticket.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or those with certain medical conditions.
- Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and cash for the eco fee and boat ticket.
Tour Overview
The Rethymno: Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon Tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors to the stunning Gramvoussa Island and the renowned Balos Lagoon. Priced from $18.45 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience lasting a day.
Guests can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve their spot without upfront payment. The tour departs from Rethymno, with pick-up and drop-off from specific points.
Travelers will enjoy an air-conditioned bus ride to Kissamos port, where they’ll board a boat for a cruise with swim stops and a visit to the Venetian Fortress.
Afterward, they’ll have 3 hours to explore and relax at the Balos Lagoon before returning to Rethymno.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Balos Beach.
Itinerary and Experience
This full-day trip to Gramvoussa Island and Balos Lagoon takes travelers on an adventure that starts with an air-conditioned bus ride from Rethymno to Kissamos port.
At the port, they’ll board a boat for a cruise featuring swim stops and a visit to the Venetian Fortress. Explorers will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to roam the fortress or relax on the boat.
After the fortress visit, travelers will spend 3 hours of free time at the breathtaking Balos Lagoon. There, they can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun.
The return journey includes a cruise back to Kissamos and a bus transfer to Rethymno, completing this immersive day of discovery.
Inclusions and Costs
Aside from the hotel pickup and drop-off, the tour includes roundtrip bus transfer to and from the departure point.
Onboard food and drinks are available for purchase, while an eco fee of 1 EUR per person is payable in cash. Plus, the boat ticket costs 34 EUR per person, also to be paid in cash.
The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, including wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, babies under 1 year, those with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and those with claustrophobia.
Passengers are advised to come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun hats, towels, sunscreen, and cash for any additional expenses.
Preparation and Recommendations
Passengers should bring comfortable shoes, sun hats, towels, and sunscreen to prepare for the tour. Plus, they’ll need to have cash on hand for the 1 EUR eco fee and 34 EUR boat ticket. The tour operator also recommends packing beachwear and comfortable clothing. Travelers should keep in mind that the trip involves a 2-hour bus ride from Rethymno to Kissamos and a 1-hour boat journey.
| What to Bring | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | Protect feet during the tour |
| Sun Hat | Shield from the sun’s rays |
| Towel | For swimming and sunbathing |
| Sunscreen | Prevent sunburn |
| Cash | Pay for eco fee and boat ticket |
Customer Feedback
Travelers have shared a mix of positive and challenging experiences with the Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon tour. Many reported timely bus service and enjoyment of the tour’s locations, though some noted difficulties due to rough seas encountered during the boat ride.
Several customers recommended bringing snacks, as the travel time from Rethymno to Kissamos can be lengthy, about 2 hours by bus and 1 hour by boat.
While the overall tour rating is 4.2 out of 5, the guide received a high rating of 4.9, suggesting that the tour staff provided an enjoyable experience despite the occasional rough conditions at sea.
Booking and Reservations
You can book the Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon tour directly through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service. The tour can be reserved with a flexible booking policy that allows for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later is available, enabling you to secure your spot without an upfront payment.
The pricing and booking details are as follows:
| Feature | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tour Price | From $18.45 per person |
| Eco Fee | 1 EUR payable in cash |
| Boat Ticket | 34 EUR per person in cash |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |
| Reservation Policy | Reserve now & pay later |
Transportation and Logistics
The tour includes roundtrip bus transfers from specific pickup points in Rethymno to the Kissamos port, where participants board a boat for the Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon cruise.
The air-conditioned bus ride takes approximately 2 hours each way. Once at the port, travelers embark on a scenic boat journey to explore the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon. The total boat travel time is around 1 hour.
Guests have ample time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at the picturesque Balos Lagoon before returning to Kissamos and then Rethymno.
The convenient transportation arrangements make this tour an accessible and hassle-free way to discover these remarkable natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
As common inquiries arise about this tour, some of the frequently asked questions include whether it’s suitable for families with young children, individuals with mobility challenges, or those with certain medical conditions. The tour provider has specified that it’s not recommended for wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, babies under 1 year, those with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or claustrophobia. To help address these concerns, the following table outlines the tour’s suitability:
| Traveler Type | Suitable? |
|---|---|
| Families with young children | No (not suitable for babies under 1 year) |
| Individuals with mobility challenges | No (not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments) |
| Those with medical conditions | No (not suitable for those with epilepsy or pre-existing conditions) |
| Non-swimmers | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Under 4 Years Old Participate in the Tour?
According to the tour details, children under 1 year old are not suitable for this tour. However, it doesn’t explicitly mention whether children aged 1-4 years can participate. Guests should check with the tour operator for the specific policy on young children.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?
There are no specific dress code requirements for this tour. Passengers should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and bring appropriate beachwear for swimming and relaxing at the lagoon. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on the island.
Is There an Option to Extend the Stay at Balos Lagoon?
The tour itinerary provides 3 hours of free time at Balos Lagoon. There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the stay beyond this allotted time. Travelers should plan their activities accordingly to make the most of their time at the lagoon.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the boat, but the tour includes onboard food and drinks available for purchase. It’s recommended to check the tour’s policies to understand what you’re allowed to bring.
Is the Boat Accessible for People With Limited Mobility?
The boat is not suitable for people with limited mobility. According to the tour details, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. Guests should review the accessibility details carefully before booking.
Recap
The Rethymno: Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Crete’s stunning natural landscapes.
With a scenic bus ride, boat cruise, and ample time to enjoy Balos Lagoon, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for nature enthusiasts.
While it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, the tour’s affordable price and diverse inclusions make it a must-consider for those seeking an unforgettable day in Crete.
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