Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise With Transfer and Boat Ticket

Chania, a picturesque town on the island of Crete, offers visitors a chance to experience its breathtaking natural beauty. The Balos Gramvousa Cruise is a popular excursion that showcases two of the region’s most stunning coastal gems. Travelers can embark on this 12-hour adventure, which includes convenient round-trip transfers and boat tickets, allowing them to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. What awaits those who choose to embark on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This tour offers a guided cruise to the picturesque Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon, with round-trip transportation and boat tickets included.
• Travelers can hike to the Venetian castle on Gramvousa Island and enjoy ample free time to swim and explore the natural wonders.
• The tour is 12 hours long and includes a 2-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port, followed by the sightseeing cruise.
• The tour is priced at $56.58 per person, with a free cancellation policy and a "reserve now, pay later" option available.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and customers recommend bringing comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sun protection.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise" is a comprehensive tour that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Chania region.

A comprehensive tour that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Chania region.

Priced from $56.58 per person, the 12-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, boat tickets, and a guided cruise to the iconic Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also features a "reserve now, pay later" option, making it easy for travelers to secure their spot without upfront payment.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup from 11 locations across the Chania region, including Daratsos, Maleme, and Chania itself.

After a 2-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port, there’s a 20-minute break before boarding the sightseeing cruise.

The first stop is Gramvousa Island, where guests have 105 minutes to hike to the Venetian castle, swim, and explore.

Next, the cruise visits Balos Lagoon for 2.5 hours of free time to swim in the stunning blue waters and lounge on the white sandy beaches.

The tour then returns to Kissamos Port with another 20-minute break before the journey back.

Highlights and Experiences

Cruising along the coast, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the region’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.

The highlight of the excursion is the hike to the Venetian castle on Gramvousa Island, which offers panoramic vistas. Guests can also savor the stunning beauty and unique landscape of the Balos Lagoon by taking a refreshing swim.

The comfortable boat features an open deck and a bar-restaurant, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

With ample free time at both Gramvousa and Balos, travelers can fully enjoy the natural wonders of this captivating destination.

Inclusions and Important Information

This cruise package includes a range of convenient and comprehensive services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, boat tickets for Balos and Gramvousa, and a 1 Euro environmental fee for Balos Lagoon.

A bilingual tour guide (English and Greek) accompanies the tour, and free time is provided at both Balos and Gramvousa.

Lunch is available as an option. Sun umbrellas can be rented, and a photographer is on board for an additional cost.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for this Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise based on 866 reviews.

Highlights include great organization and communication, beautiful destinations worth visiting, and an amazing boat ride with breathtaking views.

The tour guide scored 4.2 out of 5, while transportation received 4.1 and value for money 3.9.

Reviewers recommend bringing comfortable shoes, swimwear, hiking gear, and sun protection.

This tour seems to offer a memorable experience for those able to navigate the boat and terrain, with stunning scenery and natural wonders in Crete.

Tour Logistics and Preparation

Travelers planning to embark on the Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise can expect a well-organized experience.

The tour includes pickup from 11 convenient locations, followed by a 2-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port. After a brief break, you will board a comfortable boat for a 1-hour sightseeing cruise to Gramvousa.

At the destinations, guests will have ample time to hike, swim, and explore the stunning landscapes. The return journey follows a similar schedule, with an additional break.

Guests will have ample time to hike, swim, and explore the stunning landscapes on the return journey with an additional break.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and pack snacks and water to make the most of this immersive excursion.

Exploring Gramvousa Island

After the scenic boat ride, guests disembark on Gramvousa Island, home to the impressive Venetian castle ruins.

Adventurous travelers can hike up the steep path to the top of the 16th-century fortress for panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and rugged coastline.

The castle’s crumbling walls and towers offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

With free time to explore, visitors can wander the ancient ruins, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful, natural setting before heading back to the boat for the next leg of the cruise.

Relaxing at Balos Lagoon

Following the cruise to Gramvousa Island, the boat then sets sail for the highlight of the excursion – the breathtaking Balos Lagoon.

Passengers have 2.5 hours to explore the lagoon’s stunning natural beauty. Swim in the shallow, turquoise waters, walk along the soft, white sand beach, and take in the dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and small islands.

The lagoon’s unique combination of geological features and vibrant colors make it a must-see destination. With free time to relax and enjoy the surroundings, visitors can fully enjoy the tranquil paradise of Balos Lagoon.

Since You Asked

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

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour information notes that there’s a bar-restaurant on the boat, but doesn’t explicitly prohibit bringing personal items.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available on the Boat?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on the boat. The cruise provides comfortable on-board restrooms for passengers to use during the journey.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

There’s no age limit for the tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for young children or those with mobility issues due to the hike and access to the beach.

Can I Book the Tour for a Smaller Group?

Yes, travelers can book the tour for a smaller group. The tour allows flexibility in group size, so customers can reserve spots for themselves and their companions as per their preferences.

How Much Additional Spending Money Should I Bring?

Travellers should plan to bring around $20-$40 in additional spending money for the tour. This can cover extra activities, snacks, drinks, or any incidental expenses not included in the tour package.

Final Words

The Balos Gramvousa Cruise in Chania offers an unforgettable day of breathtaking scenery, from the hike on Gramvousa Island to the stunning Balos Lagoon. With convenient round-trip transfers and boat tickets included, it’s an easy way to experience Crete’s natural wonders. The guided tour and ample free time allow visitors to fully enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, creating lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: