Crete: Balos Cruise Late and Direct

Crete’s Balos Cruise offers a chance to explore one of the island’s most stunning natural wonders. This late and direct tour provides an efficient way to experience the breathtaking Balos Beach and lagoon. With convenient hotel pickup, a scenic bus ride, and ample time to swim and relax, the excursion promises an unforgettable day. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply the chance to witness Crete’s renowned beauty, this cruise may just be the perfect fit.

Key Points

1. The Balos Cruise is a full-day excursion that departs from multiple locations across Crete, with a total travel time of approximately 11-13 hours.
2. The tour includes a 1.5-hour bus ride to Skaleta, followed by a 50-minute boat cruise to the stunning Balos Beach, where visitors can spend 2 hours and 45 minutes.
3. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it involves extensive transportation and walking.
4. Participants should pack essentials such as sunglasses, sun hats, towels, and sunscreen, as the tour takes place in a scenic coastal environment.
5. The Balos Cruise is a popular activity in Crete, with an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 5 reviews, offering the opportunity to experience the pristine waters and natural beauty of the Balos lagoon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Crete: Balos Cruise is a late and direct activity that costs from €62.00 per person and lasts 11 – 13 hours.

A late and direct Crete: Balos Cruise activity that costs from €62.00 per person and lasts 11 – 13 hours.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The cruise offers 17 pickup locations across Crete, including Ammoudara, Gournes, Anissaras, and Heraklion.

After a 1.5-hour bus ride, guests will board a boat for a 50-minute cruise to Balos Beach, where they’ll have nearly 3 hours of free time to swim, snorkel, and view marine life.

The return journey follows the same route, totaling over 6 hours of transportation.

Itinerary Details

Seventeen pickup locations across Crete, including Ammoudara, Gournes, Anissaras, and Heraklion, provide guests convenient access to the Crete: Balos Cruise.

The journey begins with a 1.5-hour bus ride to Skaleta, followed by a 20-minute break.

Next, it’s another 1.5 hours to Kissamos, where guests embark on a 50-minute boat cruise to Balos Beach.

Visitors enjoy 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life.

The return journey retraces the route, with a 50-minute boat ride, 1.5 hours to Skaleta with a 10-minute break, and finally, 1.5 hours back to the drop-off locations.

Highlights and Experience

Visitors can expect to experience the pristine waters of the Balos lagoon, where they can admire the vibrant coastal colors and geological phenomena.

This cruise offers the opportunity to potentially spot sea turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat. Guests will have 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time to relax, swim, and snorkel in the picturesque setting.

The Balos Beach is known for its natural beauty, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience for travelers.

This excursion allows visitors to fully enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes of Crete.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The cruise package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the main road, as well as transfers by air-conditioned coach. Boat tickets, a live tour guide, liability insurance, and snacks and drinks are also provided. However, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Hotel pickup and drop-off | Not suitable for mobility impaired or wheelchair users |

| Air-conditioned coach transfers | N/A |

| Boat ticket, tour guide, liability insurance, snacks and drinks | N/A |

This well-rounded package offers a convenient and inclusive experience for exploring the stunning Balos lagoon on Crete.

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Important Information

Travelers should pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hats, towels, and sunscreen for their Balos Beach visit.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Due to Crete’s lack of highways, travel times may be longer than expected. Coaches must adhere to speed regulations, and high traffic can cause delays. Guests should allocate sufficient time for transportation.

The overall rating for this tour is 4.6/5 based on 5 reviews, with feedback on time spent at Balos and return bus issues.

Wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments should note the tour isn’t suitable for them.

Pickup Locations

There are 17 pickup locations available for the Crete: Balos Cruise, including Ammoudara, Gournes, Anissaras, and Heraklion. This ensures convenience for travelers across the region. The pickup options are organized in a table below:

| Location | Duration | Distance |

| — | — | — |

| Ammoudara | 1.5 hours | 105 km |

| Gournes | 1.5 hours | 100 km |

| Anissaras | 1.5 hours | 102 km |

| Heraklion | 1.5 hours | 110 km |

This diverse range of pickup points allows participants to easily access the tour, minimizing travel time and hassle. With these convenient options, the Crete: Balos Cruise is readily accessible to visitors across Crete.

Boat Cruise and Beach Time

After the coach transportation, the Crete: Balos Cruise takes participants on a 50-minute boat journey to the breathtaking Balos Beach.

Once there, guests enjoy 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time to swim, snorkel, and view the diverse marine life. The lagoon’s vibrant coastal colors and geological formations create a picturesque setting for relaxation.

The lagoon’s vibrant coastal colors and geological formations create a picturesque setting for relaxation, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the diverse marine life.

Visitors may even spot sea turtles or dolphins during their time at Balos.

The return journey retraces the route, with a 50-minute boat cruise back and further coach transportation to the original pickup locations.

Return Journey

After the relaxing time at Balos Beach, the cruise’s return journey takes passengers back along the same route.

The 50-minute boat cruise transports them back to Skaleta. From there, the air-conditioned coach departs for the 1.5-hour drive, with a 10-minute break.

The final 1.5-hour journey back to the pickup locations concludes the day. Travelers should allocate sufficient time for the return transportation, as Crete’s road network and traffic conditions can impact travel times.

Since You Asked

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

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour includes snacks and drinks, so there’s no need to bring your own. However, make sure to bring cash for any additional purchases you may want to make.

Is There an Option for a Private or Small Group Tour?

There’s no option for a private or small group tour mentioned in the activity details. The cruise offers shared group transportation and activities, with set pickup locations and a standard itinerary for all participants.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for children or seniors. However, it provides a flexible pickup location and free cancellation policy, making it an accessible option for families and older travelers.

Can I Extend My Time at Balos Beach if I Wish?

You can’t extend your time at Balos Beach beyond the scheduled 2 hours and 45 minutes. The tour has a fixed itinerary, and extending your stay would disrupt the timing for the return journey.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned?

There don’t appear to be any additional costs or fees not mentioned in the activity overview. The inclusions and exclusions clearly list what’s covered, and the tour price of €62 per person seems to be the only charge.

Final Words

The Crete: Balos Cruise Late and Direct offers an incredible opportunity to explore Crete’s breathtaking natural wonders. With convenient transportation, a scenic boat cruise, and ample time to enjoy the stunning Balos Beach, this excursion provides a hassle-free and memorable experience. Travelers can enjoy the beauty of the island’s crystal-clear waters, spot marine life, and simply relax in the stunning lagoon setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: