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Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise
Boat trip

Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise

Kissamos port, west Crete
About 7 hours
Boat trip
Aerial view of Balos Lagoon and Cape Tigani
Swimmers in the shallow water at Balos beach
View over Balos Bay from Gramvousa's Venetian fortress
Cruise boat anchored in the turquoise water off Balos

Overview

Balos is the lagoon on every Crete postcard: shallow, turquoise water over white sand, framed by the Gramvousa peninsula. The easiest way to get there is by sea, on a large cruise boat from Kissamos port.

The boat heads out along the Gramvousa peninsula to the island of Imeri Gramvousa. Here you can climb the path to the Venetian fortress for wide views over the bay, or swim from the little beach by the old shipwreck. Then it's on to Balos, where you have a couple of hours to wade across the lagoon, swim and relax on the sand before sailing back to Kissamos in the late afternoon.

The boats have a bar and a snack bar on board. Coach transfers to Kissamos can be added from Chania and the resorts along the coast.

Highlights
  • Swim in the shallow turquoise lagoon at Balos
  • Climb to the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa
  • Views along the wild Gramvousa peninsula
  • Bar and snack bar on board

What's included

What's included
  • Return boat trip from Kissamos port
  • Stops at Gramvousa and Balos
Not included
  • Balos environmental fee, if charged
  • Food and drinks
  • Transfer to Kissamos (can be added)
  • Sunbeds and umbrellas
Price on request

Request this tour

Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.

Travel dates

Itinerary

1
Kissamos port
Board the cruise boat in the morning and sail west along the Gramvousa peninsula.
2
Imeri Gramvousa
About two hours to climb to the Venetian fortress or swim from the beach near the shipwreck.
3
Balos Lagoon
Around two and a half hours to swim, wade across the lagoon and relax, then sail back to Kissamos.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get to Kissamos without a car?

Yes. We can add a coach transfer to the port from Chania and the resorts along the north-west coast.

Is there shade at Balos?

Very little. Bring a hat, sun cream and water; umbrellas may be available to rent on the beach.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The lagoon is very shallow and calm, which makes it popular with families. The climb to the fortress is optional.

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