Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

Chania’s scenic Kalyves area offers an exhilarating excursion to Gramvousa Island and the enchanting Balos Beach. While the tour provides bus and ferry transportation, boat tickets must be purchased separately. Boasting breathtaking coastal vistas and ample time for swimming and exploration, this adventure promises an unforgettable Cretan experience. Prepare accordingly, as the day’s activities are sure to delight all who embark on this captivating journey.

Key Points

• The bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay starts from £16.56 per person, with boat tickets costing €34 for adults and €17 for children.
• The 10-12 hour tour includes pickup and drop-off at various locations, air-conditioned bus and boat transfers, and guided by an English-speaking professional.
• Visitors can enjoy 3 hours of free time at Gramvousa Island for swimming, hiking, and exploration, and 1.5 hours at Balos Beach.
• Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and beach shoes are recommended for the tour, which includes the option to visit the Venetian Fortress.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 964 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the scenic views, ample free time, and well-organized schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay starts from £16.56 per person.

The tour lasts 10-12 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Boat tickets to the island and lagoon cost €34 for adults and €17 for children.

An optional Venetian Fortress entry ticket is €1.

The pricing and duration offer an excellent value for this comprehensive excursion exploring the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Chania.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup locations at 26 points, including Chania, Kalyves, and Almyrida, before transferring by bus to Kissamos Port, a journey of around 1 hour.

From there, guests embark on a 1-hour ferry to Gramvousa Island, where they’ll have 3 hours to swim, hike, and explore.

Next, the tour takes a 20-minute ferry to Balos Beach, offering 1.5 hours for swimming and relaxation.

Finally, the group returns to Kissamos Port and is transported back to the starting point.

Included Services

The tour package includes several services to enhance the overall experience. Guests will enjoy pickup and drop-off at various locations, including Chania, Kalyves, and Almyrida. The air-conditioned bus and boat transfers, guided by an English-speaking professional, ensure a comfortable and informative journey. Free time at both Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach allows for independent exploration. All legal taxes and liability insurance coverage are included, providing peace of mind. The table below outlines the key included services:

| Service | Inclusion |

| — | — |

| Pickup/Drop-off | Various locations |

| Transportation | Bus and boat transfers |

| Guide | English-speaking professional |

| Insurance | Legal taxes and liability coverage |

Recommendations and Tips

To make the most of the tour, visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Lunch can be purchased on the boat, but visitors may prefer to bring their own vegetarian or vegan options.

Sturdy walking shoes are necessary for climbing to the Venetian Fortress, and beach shoes are recommended for accessing the Balos Lagoon.

With these essentials, travelers can fully enjoy the scenic views, hiking opportunities, and swimming at both Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach during this comprehensive day trip.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the highly positive reviews, the tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach seems to be a hit with customers.

With an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 964 reviews, the tour offers scenic views, ample free time, and a well-organized schedule.

The tour offers scenic views, ample free time, and a well-organized schedule, earning an overall 4.2-out-of-5 rating from 964 reviews.

Customers particularly enjoyed the hiking opportunities at Gramvousa and the beautiful, though often crowded, Balos Lagoon.

Some suggested improvements include more time at Gramvousa and better food options on the boat.

However, the professionalism of the guide and driver received praise, and the tour appears to provide a satisfying experience for most visitors.

Tour Logistics and Pickup Locations

This tour offers pickup locations from 26 different points, including Chania, Kalyves, and Almyrida.

Guests will take a bus transfer to Kissamos Port, which takes approximately 1 hour. From there, they’ll board a ferry to Gramvousa Island, a 1-hour journey.

After 3 hours of free time to explore, swim, and hike, they’ll take another 20-minute ferry ride to Balos Beach, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy the lagoon.

The tour concludes with the return to Kissamos Port and bus transfer back to the starting point.

Some key logistics:

1. 26 pickup locations available

2. 1-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port

3. 1-hour ferry to Gramvousa, 20-minute ferry to Balos

Exploring Gramvousa Island

What makes Gramvousa Island such a captivating destination? Its dramatic history, stunning natural beauty, and opportunities for exploration await visitors. The island was once home to a 16th-century Venetian fortress, now in ruins, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters. Visitors can hike up to the fortress, swim in the crystal-clear coves, and discover the island’s diverse flora and fauna. With 3 hours of free time, there’s ample opportunity to take in Gramvousa’s serene atmosphere and capture breathtaking photos.

| Gramvousa Island Highlights |

| — | — | — | — | — |

| Venetian Fortress | Crystal-Clear Coves | Hiking Opportunities | Panoramic Views | Diverse Flora & Fauna |

Discovering Balos Beach and Lagoon

Why is Balos Beach and Lagoon a must-visit destination on this tour? Tucked away in a remote corner of northwest Crete, Balos Lagoon enchants visitors with its turquoise waters and striking landscapes.

After a brief 20-minute ferry ride from Gramvousa, you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore this natural wonder. The key highlights include:

A brief 20-minute ferry ride from Gramvousa provides 1.5 hours to explore the natural wonder that is Balos Lagoon.

1. Breathtaking Scenery: Gaze upon the lagoon’s vivid azure hues contrasted by the white sand and dramatic cliffs surrounding it.

2. Unique Ecosystem: Balos is a protected area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

3. Tranquil Relaxation: Unwind on the secluded beach, wade in the shallow, warm waters, and soak up the sun-drenched atmosphere.

Things To Know

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. Children between 5-12 years old can participate and purchase discounted boat tickets, while infants and toddlers under 5 may be able to join for free.

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

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, there are food and drink options available for purchase on the boat as well. Bringing one’s own snacks and beverages is a convenient option.

Is There an Option to Visit Just One of the Locations?

The tour offers visits to both Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, but there’s no option to visit just one location. The full-day excursion includes transportation, guided tours, and free time at both scenic destinations.

How Reliable Is the Tour Operator for Punctuality and Schedule?

The tour operator is highly reliable for punctuality and schedule. Based on customer reviews, the trip is well-organized, with the guide and driver providing professional service. Customers report the tour runs on time and as described in the itinerary.

Can I Pay for the Boat Tickets With a Credit Card?

Unfortunately, the boat tickets to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon must be paid in cash on site. Credit cards are not accepted for these tickets. The tour operator does not handle the boat ticket purchases directly.

Sum Up

This excursion from Chania to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay is a must-do for those seeking stunning coastal scenery and a chance to explore Crete’s natural wonders. While the tour includes transportation, the boat tickets are an additional cost, but the opportunity to swim and relax in this breathtaking setting makes it well worth the investment. Prepare for a day of adventure and create unforgettable memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: