Full-Day Balos Cruise From Kissamos

Full-Day Balos Cruise From Kissamos, 7 hours, rated 4.1 across 8,807 traveller reviews.

Overview

This cruise runs from Kissamos Port out to two of Crete's best known coastal sights: the island of Gramvousa and the Balos lagoon. The crossing each way takes about an hour, and the order of the two stops depends on the itinerary route that day. Between the two destinations the boat passes cliffs, secluded beaches and a large cave that is thought to have served as an ancient shipyard.

At Gramvousa you get two hours ashore. The stop allows for swimming near the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, a look at the shipwreck on the beach, and an optional hike up to the Venetian castle on the rock above, which gives views over the lagoon. The boat then moves on to Balos for about two and a half hours of free time for swimming, snorkelling, photos or simply lying on the sand.

The day is best suited to travellers who want beach time paired with a short walk and who are staying near, or can reach, Kissamos. Hotel transfer is not included, though the port has free parking and can be reached by bus from the Chania area.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kissamos PortCheck in at the Port of Kissamos (Kastelli) at least 40 minutes before departure and present the Boarding Pass sent by email the day before.
2. Ferry to the baySail for about an hour past cliffs, beaches and a large cave believed to be an ancient shipyard.
3. Gramvousa islandTwo hours ashore, with swimming optional and an optional hike up to the Venetian castle. A shipwreck sits on the beach near the small port.
4. Ferry to BalosA short hop between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani to the lagoon.
5. Balos lagoonAround two and a half hours for swimming, snorkelling, photos and free time on the lagoon beach.
6. Ferry back to KissamosThe return crossing takes about an hour, arriving back at the port.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews, and they shape how the day goes.

• Arrive early. Getting there well before departure makes it easier to find a seat, and the listing asks you to arrive at least 40 minutes before the boat leaves.
• Shoes for the hike. The walk up to the Venetian castle sits on top of a steep rock, and the listing asks for comfortable shoes. The climb is optional; one reviewer did not rate the view from the top, while another found the pace and timing plenty.
• Sun protection. The listing lists a hat and sunscreen among what to bring, and most of the day is spent outdoors on a boat or an open beach. Swimwear and a towel are obvious additions.
• Food and drink. Lunch is included only if you select the food option; otherwise snacks are sold on board. Reviews of the meal are mixed, with one traveller calling it appalling and another describing a Greek salad plus a choice of mains as good. Bringing your own fruit was one reviewer's suggestion.
• Card only on board. The operator states that purchases on board are made by credit or debit card, not cash. A credit card is also on the what-to-bring list.
• Sea and wind. A few reviewers mention wind and cold water affecting swimming, though most still enjoyed the day. Packing a windproof layer is a sensible precaution for the crossings.

Common issues. A one euro administrative fee per passenger over 13 is collected by the Municipality of Kissamos before boarding, and it is not in the ticket price. Lunch draws complaints from some reviewers, and one said the whole trip ran about an hour later than scheduled. Hotel transfer is not included, so you must make your own way to Kissamos Port.

Common Questions