An amazing cruise. Enjoy a relaxing trip, golden sands and turquoise waters, an old shipwreck, a Venetian castle and the authentic natural beauty of the Cretan island.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
- Valid 1 day
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Host or greeter
- English
Experience
Itinerary
Starting location:
Kissamos
Ferry
(1 hour)
Gramvousa
(2 hours)
Hiking, Swimming
Balos Beach
(2.5 hours)
Swimming
Ferry
(1 hour)
Arrive back at:
Kissamos
Main stop
Other stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Delight your palate with Cretan specialties and drinks at the onboard restaurant
- Cruise in the bay and see a huge cave thought to have been an ancient shipyard
- Explore the island of Gramvousa and see the Greek Orthodox church on the seaside
- Take a short hike up to the island's Venetian Castle and enjoy views of Balos
- Walk in the world-famous Balos Lagoon and swim in the clear waters of Crete
Full description
Take a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon on a round-trip cruise. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress—a castle that offers incredible panoramic views.
Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then the lagoon of Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route. Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. At the end of the bay, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa. Soak in the scenic landscape against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos Lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa.
Arrive in the small port of Gramvousa and enjoy the magical environment created by Cretan nature, the legends, and the area's turbulent history. See the beach is adorned by a lonely shipwreck. See the famous castle of Gramvousa, the highest point on the island that sits atop a steep rock. Enjoy a swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi.
After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to the Balos Lagoon. Listed as one of the world's best beaches, this exotic beach lagoon is situated between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani. Choose to swim in the turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach, or admire the natural beauty, the rocks, and the cliffs rising above you during your rest at the beach before heading back.
Includes
- Round-trip boat cruise
- Captain and crew
- Visit to Gramvousa island
- Visit to Balos lagoon
- Lunch (if option selected)
- Hotel transfer
- Food and beverages
- Towels
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Meeting point
The boat departs from the Port of Kissamos (Kastelli), which is accessible by car or bus from the Chania area. There is a free parking area at the Port of Kissamos. The day before your cruise you will receive by e-mail your Boarding Pass from Cretan Daily Cruises. Please arrive at the boat at least 40 minutes before the departure time. At the entrance of the boat you have to present your Boarding Pass.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
Know before you go
- The Municipality of Kissamos, before boarding, collects €1 from every ticket as an administrative fee for passengers over 13 years old visiting Balos Lagoon
- The bar on the boat offers traditional Cretan delicacies and other food dishes and accepts both credit card and cash