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Balos Beach

Gramvousa

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Ano Koufonisi

Acqua Plus Water Park

Falassarna Beach

Vai Beach, Crete

Ammoudara Beach

Monastery of Arkadi

Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete

Richtis Gorge

Aptera

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Archaeology

UNESCO sites

Museums & exhibitions

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Churches & cathedrals

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Rethymno

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Analipsi

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Kissamos

Anissaras

Kokkini Hani

Nearby destinations

Attica tours

South Aegean tours

Greek Islands tours

Cyclades tours

Peloponnese tours

Santorini tours

Nearby sights

Acropolis of AthensAttraction in Athens, Greece

EphesusAttraction in Selcuk, Türkiye

ErechtheionAttraction in Athens, Greece

ParthenonAttraction in Athens, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus, AthensAttraction in Athens, Greece

Temple of ArtemisAttraction in Selcuk, Türkiye

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  • Interests
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Beach trips

Sailing trips & boat tours

Hiking

Snorkeling

Cave tours

Water taxis & ferry tickets

Jeep & 4WD tours

Fishing tours

Horse riding

Water parks

Scooters & motorcycles

Jet Skis

Outdoor activities

Food & drinks

Water sports

Outdoor sports

Marine life

Driving experiences

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Hidden gems

Nightlife & bars

Safaris & wildlife activities

Fitness & health

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Good for groups

Family-friendly activities

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Certified by GetYourGuide

From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town

4.3536897 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.3536897 out of 5 stars
393 reviews
Certified by GetYourGuide
From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town
4.3536897 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.3536897 out of 5 stars
393 reviews

Discover Balos on a magical cruise to Crete’s west end, with crystal waters and white sands. Then explore Chania’s charming alleys and iconic Venetian harbor — all in one unforgettable day!

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 14.5 - 16 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Italian, French, Polish, German
Pickup included
You will receive a personalized email about the exact place and time of pickup, within 24 hours after making the booking. If your accommodation is not accessible by bus or out of the referred areas there will be an extra charge, depending on the area. Please check your spam folder. Pickups are available from specific points in the areas of Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Agkisaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia and from centrally located points in Heraklion town.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Sanduni – United Kingdom

It was absolutely amazing! Elizabeta was a really good guide and the excursion was truly out of this world and a must visit! It's worth the money, boat can get crowded and might not have spaces to sit at times but don't be put off by it. Bus journey from Heraklion was about 3 hours which wasn't too bad but some might not enjoy it. Overall amazing excursion and we loved it!

K
Kobus – United Kingdom

The service was great. We just happen to have picked a windy day, the day after the zionists sprayed chemtrails in the air.

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    13 pickup location options:

    Ligaria, Stalida, Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Gazi, Kato Gouves, Karteros, Analipsi, Sisi, Anissaras, Limenas Chersonisou, Malia, Crete, Agia Pelagia

  • Bus/coach

    (105 minutes)

  • Latzimas S.A.

    Break time (20 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (85 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Kasteli

    Boat cruise (5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gramvousa

    Photo stop, Scenic views on the way (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Balos Beach

    Photo stop, Free time, Swimming, Snorkeling, Scenic views on the way (2.5 hours)

  • Kasteli

    Boat cruise (5.17 hours)

  • Bus/coach

    (40 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Chania Regional Unit

    Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing, Walk (2 hours)

  • Bus/coach

    (85 minutes)

  • Latzimas S.A.

    Break time (20 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (105 minutes)

  • 13 drop-off locations:

    Ligaria, Stalida, Agia Pelagia, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Crete, Heraklion, Kato Gouves, Analipsi, Sisi, Limenas Chersonisou, Karteros, Gazi, Anissaras

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Gasp at the immense natural beauty of the quiet western coast of Crete
  • Navigate along the shoreline and admire the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea
  • Relax and swim in the crystal clear Balos Lagoon, away from Cretan crowds
  • Enjoy a relaxing boat ride while taking in the incredible coastal views.
  • Visit the charming town of Chania with its stunning Venetian harbor and narrow streets.

Full description

Morning Pick-up:
Start your adventure with a convenient pickup from Heraklion or nearby areas. Relax on a comfortable bus ride to Kasteli Port, located on the western side of Crete. Depending on your hotel’s location, the journey takes around 4 hours. A short 20-minute stop will be made along the way for restrooms, refreshments, and snacks.

1st Stop: Kasteli Port (around 4 hours from Heraklion)
Arrive at Kasteli, the departure point for your boat trip to the Gramvousa Peninsula and Balos Lagoon. Get ready for an unforgettable 5-hour cruise!

2nd Stop: Cruise to Balos Lagoon
Sail along the impressive Gramvousa Peninsula and see the historic fortress before arriving at the stunning Balos Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time for swimming in the crystal-clear waters, walking on the golden sand beach, and exploring the unique natural surroundings.

Lunch:
The boat’s restaurant and snack bar will be open throughout the cruise, offering meals and refreshments for purchase (lunch not included in the tour price).

3rd Stop: Return to Kasteli (end of cruise)
After a memorable experience at Balos, the boat will return to Kasteli port. Your bus will be waiting to take you to the final stop of the day: Chania.

4th Stop: Chania (2 hours)
Explore the charming town of Chania, famous for its picturesque old town and stunning Venetian harbor. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to stroll through the quaint streets, visit local shops, or relax at a seaside café.

End of the tour – Return to resorts:
After your visit to Chania, relax on the return bus trip to Heraklion. Drop-off time will vary depending on traffic and your hotel location.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional driver
  • Tour guide
  • Boat cruise
  • Entrance fee to the natural park
  • Liability insurance coverage
  • Lunch and drinks (available for purchase)

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Beachwear

Know before you go

  • The programme of this excursion might change due to environmental regulation, that changes from time to time, in order, to protect the natural park of Balos. That means there might be less remaining time on the beach or even no disembarkation on the beach at all.

From $81 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 393 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.3/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

+29
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S
Sanduni – United KingdomOctober 23, 2023 – Verified booking
It was absolutely amazing! Elizabeta was a really good guide and the excursion was truly out of this world and a must visit! It's worth the money, boat can get crowded and might not have spaces to sit at times but don't be put off by it. Bus journey from Heraklion was about 3 hours which wasn't too bad but some might not enjoy it. Overall amazing excursion and we loved it!
K
Kobus – United KingdomSeptember 18, 2023 – Verified booking
The service was great. We just happen to have picked a windy day, the day after the zionists sprayed chemtrails in the air.
V
Virginia – GermanyAugust 25, 2023 – Verified booking
So glad we booked this excursion…amazing natural beauty! Wear some good water shoes…very rocky. Very well organized, pick up/drop off right from your hotel.

Product ID: 419055

Activity provider:Cretan Odyssey
  • Greece
  • Crete
  • Balos Beach

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