Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

The Rethymno Area tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Combining stunning landscapes with a glimpse into the region’s Venetian past, this all-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience. While the tour itself covers the transport and guided exploration, visitors should be aware that a separate boat ticket is required to access the lagoon and island. With the additional cost in mind, travelers can look forward to an adventure that showcases the best of Crete’s natural and cultural gems.

Key Points

• The tour includes a 2-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port and a 1-hour ferry ride to Balos Bay, where visitors can spend 2.5 hours swimming and sunbathing.
• Gramvousa Island can be accessed by a 20-minute ferry ride, allowing 1.5 hours for exploration of the Venetian Fortress and hiking for panoramic views.
• The boat ticket to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island is an additional cost of €30 per adult and €15 per child (ages 5-12).
• Recommended items include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, towels, and sunscreen, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking, including a climb to the Venetian Fortress.
• The best prices for the tour are available by avoiding Wednesday and Saturday tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay, located at the westernmost tip of Crete.

It runs for 10-12 hours, with pickup from 21 locations in the Rethymno area. The price starts at $18.57 per person, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is available in English, German, and French. After a 2-hour bus transfer, you’ll take ferries to Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island, with ample time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the Venetian fortress.

This comprehensive tour offers excursions to Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the Venetian fortress.

The return journey takes around 3 hours.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a 2-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port, where participants board a ferry for the 1-hour journey to the stunning Balos Bay.

Here, they’ll have 2.5 hours to swim, sunbathe, and admire the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.

Next, the group will take a 20-minute ferry ride to Gramvousa Island. During the 1.5-hour stop, visitors can:

• Explore the impressive Venetian Fortress

• Go for a refreshing swim in the turquoise coves

• Hike up to the island’s highest point for panoramic views

Finally, the return journey takes 1 hour by ferry and 2 hours by bus.

Included Services

The tour package includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned bus and ferry tickets.

An English, German, and French-speaking guide will accompany the group, providing insights and assistance throughout the day. The tour also includes liability insurance coverage.

Visitors will have free time to explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island at their own pace. An optional lunch can be purchased on the boat, and sun umbrellas are available for rent.

With the included services, travelers can focus on enjoying the stunning natural beauty of these western Cretan destinations.

Additional Costs

Although the tour package includes various services, there are additional costs visitors should be aware of. The boat ticket to access Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island costs €30 per adult and €15 per child (ages 5-12). This combined ticket also covers entry to the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island.

The boat ticket to access Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island costs €30 per adult and €15 per child, also covering entry to the Venetian Fortress.

Plus, visitors may choose to:

• Hire a photographer on the boat for an extra cost

• Purchase lunch and water on the boat

• Rent sun umbrellas for their time on the beach

These optional expenses can add up, so budgeting accordingly is recommended for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

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Important Information

Visitors will want to come prepared for the day-long excursion to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, towels, and sunscreen are essential.

Bringing water and beach attire is also recommended. The tour involves a fair amount of walking, including a climb to the Venetian Fortress, so travelers should be able-bodied. Wheelchair users won’t be able to participate.

Those seeking the best prices should avoid Wednesday and Saturday tours, when demand and prices are higher.

Transportation Options

For this excursion, transportation is provided by a combination of air-conditioned buses and ferries.

The bus transfer from various pickup locations takes around 2 hours to reach Kissamos Port. From there, you’ll board a ferry for a 1-hour journey to the stunning Balos Bay.

After 2.5 hours of exploration and swimming, the ferry takes you to Gramvousa Island for 1.5 hours of sightseeing and optional hiking to the Venetian Fortress.

The return journey follows the same route in reverse, with a 1-hour ferry ride and a 2-hour bus transfer back to the drop-off points.

• Transportation via air-conditioned buses and ferries

• Convenient pickup locations throughout the Rethymno area

• Seamless transitions between bus and ferry legs

Meeting Points and Pickup Locations

Where can travelers be picked up for this excursion?

Travelers have 21 convenient pickup locations to choose from, including Adele, Pigianos Kampos, Platanias, Missiria, and Rethymno Old Town.

Travelers can choose from 21 convenient pickup locations, such as Adele, Pigianos Kampos, Platanias, Missiria, and Rethymno Old Town.

The tour provides air-conditioned bus transfers from these various points along the Cretan coast, ensuring easy access for participants.

This wide range of pickup options allows travelers from different areas to join the tour with minimal hassle.

Whether you’re staying in a resort or a central town, you can find a pickup location nearby to start your adventure to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

Travelers reviewing this excursion have awarded it an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 543 evaluations.

Reviewers consistently praise the tour guides, highlighting their:

• Knowledgeability

• Language proficiency

• Engaging presentation style

Customers also commend the organization and efficiency of the transportation, noting the smooth bus transfers and ferries.

Some cite the gorgeous scenery at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island as the tour’s standout features.

With these positive customer experiences, this Crete adventure delivers an excellent value for the price.

Things To Know

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, optional meals and water can also be purchased onboard the ferry at an additional cost.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Gramvousa Island Hike?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions for the hike to the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island. However, it may not be suitable for younger children or those with mobility issues due to the strenuous nature of the climb.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is a flat rate per person, regardless of age or student status. However, children aged 5-12 can get a reduced boat ticket price.

Can We Leave Our Belongings on the Boat During the Island Visits?

Passengers can leave their belongings on the boat during the island visits. The tour operator provides secure storage space so visitors can enjoy their time on shore without worrying about their items.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is bad on the day of the tour, the operator will likely cancel or postpone the trip. They’ll provide full refunds or rebook passengers for another day with better conditions.

Sum Up

The Rethymno Area tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay promises an unforgettable experience. Travelers can explore stunning natural landscapes, discover the Venetian Fortress, and enjoy the area’s rich history. Though the boat ticket to these destinations comes at an additional cost, the tour’s comprehensive itinerary and included services make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an exceptional adventure in Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: