Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

Crete’s breathtaking Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island are the stars of this 15-hour cruise. For just $43.78, travelers can venture to these stunning natural wonders, spotting wildlife along the way and enjoying ample time to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. With high customer ratings, this adventure promises unforgettable vistas and an immersive coastal experience. What hidden gems await amidst the alluring landscapes of this Cretan getaway?

Key Points

• This 15-hour cruise explores the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island in western Crete, featuring scenic landscapes, wildlife, and free time for swimming and snorkeling.
• The cruise includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and roundtrip ferry rides, with the option to add a lunch package for an additional cost.
• Pickup and drop-off services are available at 17 locations across Crete, providing a convenient and stress-free experience for travelers.
• The tour has received positive reviews from customers, who praise the professionalism and expertise of the tour guides and the overall value of the excursion.
• Travelers should account for additional costs, such as the boat ticket, municipality fee, and personal expenses, when budgeting for the cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview and Pricing

The cruise activity, titled "Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise," offers an opportunity to explore the western regions of Crete.

Priced from $43.78 per person, the 15-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and roundtrip ferry rides.

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

The "reserve now & pay later" option enables travelers to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

With comprehensive inclusions and flexible booking, this cruise provides an enticing way to discover the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of western Crete.

Itinerary and Highlights

Travelers embark on this immersive cruise by first heading west across Crete, with a stop in the small village of Skaleta for coffee and breakfast.

They then board the boat in Kissamos to explore Gramvousa Island. After a 50-minute voyage, visitors spend 2 hours climbing the hill for panoramic views and spotting diverse wildlife including 100 bird species and 400 plant species.

Next, they sail 20 minutes to the stunning Balos Lagoon, where they enjoy 3 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and scenic exploration before returning to their pickup locations.

Pickup and Drop-off Information

With pickup locations spanning across 17 sites, including Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Heraklion, and Agia Pelagia, the activity provider contacts participants 24 hours prior to the tour with the specific pickup details.

The drop-off locations mirror the pickup sites, ensuring a seamless return journey. This convenient transportation arrangement caters to the diverse needs of travelers:

• No need to worry about driving or finding your own way

• Stress-free transfers to and from the cruise

• Time-saving service that gets you to the departure point promptly

• Flexibility to join the tour from various locations across Crete

• Personalized attention with the 24-hour contact for pickup details.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

While the Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise includes a comprehensive package, there are some additional costs travelers should be aware of.

The cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned coach transfers, roundtrip ferry boat, driver, guide, and liability insurance. Plus, guests get 1.5 hours of free time on Gramvousa and 3 hours at Balos Lagoon.

However, the boat ticket costs €17.50 for adults and €9 for children 4-12. An optional €7.50 lunch is available, and there’s a €1 municipality fee.

Travelers should also budget for personal expenses like snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

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Suitability and Recommendations

The Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise may not be suitable for all travelers. The activity isn’t recommended for:

• Children under 5

• People with mobility impairments

However, the cruise offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Recommendations include bringing:

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunglasses and sun hat

• Swimwear and towel

• Sunscreen

Travelers should also allocate sufficient time for transportation, as the lack of highways may affect travel duration.

Travel Considerations

Although the lack of highways in the region may affect travel time, travelers should allocate sufficient time for transportation to and from the cruise. The provider contacts passengers 24 hours prior with pickup details, mirroring the 17 total pickup locations across cities like Sissi, Malia, and Heraklion. Once on the cruise, the journey involves a 50-minute boat ride to Gramvousa Island and a 20-minute ferry to the Balos Lagoon.

| Pickup Locations | Travel to Gramvousa | Travel to Balos |

|——————|——————-|—————-|

| Sissi | 50 minutes | 20 minutes |

| Malia | 60 minutes | 30 minutes |

| Heraklion | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |

Customer Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the professionalism and expertise of the tour guides, who provide insightful commentary that enhances the overall experience.

Tour guides praised for their professionalism and expertise, providing insightful commentary that enhances the overall experience.

The scenic beauty of the locations leaves a lasting impression on visitors, with many describing the views as "breathtaking" and "awe-inspiring".

However, some travelers note that the boat can feel crowded at times, particularly during peak season.

Despite this, the tour is praised for its value, with customers highlighting the reasonable pricing and convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

The Balos and Gramvousa Cruise receives strong reviews, with a 4.2/5 rating based on 195 reviews.

• Professionalism and expertise of tour guides

• Scenic beauty of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island

• Potential for crowding on the boat

• Reasonable pricing and convenient transportation

• Overall 4.2/5 rating based on 195 reviews

Exploring Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon

Nestled along the western coast of Crete, Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Lagoon beckon visitors with their untamed natural beauty.

Climbing to the top of Gramvousa’s rugged hill rewards trekkers with panoramic vistas of the Cretan Sea and the nearby lagoon. Keen-eyed explorers might spot diverse wildlife, including over 100 bird species and 400 plant varieties.

At Balos, the turquoise waters and white sand invite travelers to swim, snorkel, and simply bask in the scenic splendor.

Though the boat ride can feel crowded, the isolated atmosphere and striking landscapes make the journey well worth the effort.

Things To Know

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

The cruise allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks. However, there’s an optional lunch available for purchase at an additional cost. Bringing your own provisions can help save money and provide more flexibility during the cruise.

Is There a Bathroom on the Boat?

Yes, the boat has bathroom facilities on board for passengers’ convenience during the cruise. The cruise provider ensures a comfortable experience by offering this essential amenity.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Elderly Passengers?

The cruise may not be suitable for all elderly passengers, as it involves significant walking and climbing. Though the provider notes it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues, some mobile seniors may still enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands.

Is There an Option to Extend Time at Each Location?

The cruise doesn’t offer an option to extend time at Gramvousa Island or Balos Lagoon. The set itinerary provides 2 hours at Gramvousa and 3 hours at Balos, which may not be flexible based on the information provided.

Can I Rent Snorkeling Equipment on the Cruise?

The cruise doesn’t provide snorkeling equipment for rent, but you can bring your own. While there’s time for swimming, the focus is on exploring the islands’ landscapes and wildlife rather than extensive snorkeling activities.

Sum Up

The "Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise" offers an unforgettable 15-hour excursion, providing travelers with the opportunity to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. With a high customer rating, this cruise promises breathtaking views, wildlife spotting, and a chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. At just $43.78 per person, it’s an excellent value for an experience that’s sure to create lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: