Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!)
Overview
Mobile ticket
Join us for an incredible day of sun, sea, and adventure! We start from Chania Town at 08:00 AM and head towards the port of Kissamos, where our journey by boat begins. After a relaxing 1-hour ferry ride across the turquoise waters, we reach the stunning island of Gramvousa. Here you’ll have two full hours to explore the famous Venetian fortress perched high on the hill, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the golden beach surrounded by wild, untouched beauty. Next, we sail to the world-famous Balos Lagoon, a true paradise of white sands and shallow, turquoise waters. You’ll have three magical hours to swim, sunbathe, explore the unique landscapes, and capture unforgettable photos at one of Crete’s most iconic locations. At around 16:30, we depart from Balos and cruise back to Kissamos Port, arriving around 17:45, where our bus will be waiting to comfortably take you back to Chania after a full day of memories.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Remember to bring the following items: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, swimsuit and beach towel
You are advised to bring appropriate shoes for the hike up to Gramvousa Castle
Rubbish disposal as well as removing seashells from the beach is prohibited
Environmental Fee of 1 euro is paid on the spot
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pick up/Drop off with A/C Luxurious Bus
24/7 Superior Service
Boat tickets to Gramvousa and Balos
InBus Guiding + Pre-Recorded Instructions on boat
Municipality fee (1 euro for adults, free for children)
Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
Gratitude/Tips
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon with its amazing crystal clear waters, is considered to be one of the most spectacular beaches all over the world and one of the 10 best beaches around Europe. A fantastic place which you cannot afford to miss and is a must while visiting Chania. Get aboard with our team and get a unique experience.
Gramvousa Beach
Gramvousa Island with it's famous pirate history is considered a unique attraction all over Greece. While visiting it's worth visiting its amazing pirate castle or swimming around the famous cargo ship wreck which is located in the shore of the island. While visiting, make sure you also lit a candle in the historic church of St. George, located on the shore.
Options
Gramvousa and Balos Cruise
Pickup included
Reviews
114 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice holiday in Crete.
aniellos171,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful day spent at the lagoon of Balos. Simply a spectacle of Nature recommend getting there by Sea it takes 60 minutes from Kissamos.
Beautiful beaches, best in September!
K9436GH,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience thanks to a thoughtful guide and a very skilled driver. The water at both beaches is crystal clear and absolutely stunning. There is very little natural shade, but you can rent an umbrella directly on the boat for €7 per day. The boat itself is large and comfortable, equipped with everything you need: after-beach showers, a canteen, and plenty of space. Overall, a wonderful trip — I highly recommend it if you can avoid the high season!
Good thing if you don't want trouble!
Luca F,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized, mostly comfortable, They pick you up and take you back to the hotel, they buy tickets x You, They give you instructions x boarding then the rest of the day is autonomous, without a guide but would not serve.aboard all the instructions on schedules, stops and various blah are in all languages, including Italian. Food available at cheap prices, an espresso €1.5🤷🏻♂️... right stops really nice places both Balos and Gramosa, in short if you are not equipped with your own vehicles as a rental car, it is better to do it but only to “be comfortable” here, it costs but at least zero stress!
Balos + Gramvoussa
Damien B,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Departure and pick-up from Chania by air-conditioned Bus, then towards the Port of Kissamos for departure by boat , about 1 h 15 to arrive at Balos, meals then music on the boat. Great with beautiful water the swimming was perfect in Balos then Gramvoussa Great day 😊
Well Organized | Good Value for What It Is
linda a,
Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had to scramble to book this experience with less than 24 hours notice, when another provider on a different website (not Viator) cancelled at the last minute a trip that I had booked and paid for months in advance. That trip went to these same destinations on a small boat with a provided lunch -- and charged 4x as much. This experience is essentially the Chania-Kissamos RT transfer and includes the purchase of your RT ticket on a big ship (no guide or escort aside from port drop off/pick-up). They delivered what was promised; it was well organized and ran smoothly. I am grateful Viator and this provider came through...
Fab boat trip to avoid the crowds
Elaine B,
Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After researching many boat trips we booked with Balos Star Cruises via Check Yeti- prompt booking response and questions answered. It's an early start from Kassimos port but you avoid the bigger ferrys and arrive at Balos while the beach is virtually empty. We had a smaller boat that could take upto 14 people but here was only 6 on our day trip so plenty of room to stretch out - everything was just perfect - Captain and crew were great fun - lunch was lovely and provided in a cool bag and you could bring your own food and drink on board if you wanted. We even stopped off at an extra island so we could jump off the boat and go snorkeling - def recommend this trip
Value for money
Roving62768412101,
Sep 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. It was very well organised. All schedule was clearly communicated so everybody knew what to expect. We had sufficient time in Balos and Gramvousa. It was a lot of people on the boat, but everybody could find space to seat and enjoy the views. Food and drinks are accesible on the boat and prices are not that expensive. Departure times of the boat were displayed everytime we were leaving the boat so everybody knew exactly what time it departures. There was a bridge from boat to the beaches so there was no need to swim... Overall it was great experience and as I have mentioned all schedule was displayed and communicated in the bus so there was no suprises. Driver and tour quide took great care of us so the whole journey was comfortable and with no stress at all.
Nice experience
L7235CNchiaram,
Sep 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour We went to the port of Kissamos very punctual we boarded them There is everything to eat and if you want there is also a photo service where at the end you leave the photo and personalized key chains and magnets
Balos is not what it is said to be!
RablerT,
Sep 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We booked through io tours, but were dissapointed with the trip. The boat we were on took 1000 people and several other smaller ones arrived while we were at Balos. If the beach is ideal when quiet, it certainly isn't with 1000+ people arriving at a time. The bus trip back from the ferry was chaotic taking over 2 hours from landing with the ferry and the tour guide leaving the bus part way back with no briefing on what was to happen. One trip and one company to avoid.
Very much dimensions , little class .
norbertsH344ZR,
Aug 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Extreme mass tourism. Everyone wants to see, of course, but hardly enjoyable with the crowds, unless you go there very early but then by car. Departure boats (many boats) only around 11 am return around 6 pm .
From €65.00
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