GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!
Description
Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !
Tour Options
Itinerary
During our bus trip we pass Rethymnon.
We pass the old capital of Crete on our way to the boat in Kissamos port.
After between 4-4.5 hours bus drive we will arrive at the port of Kissamos where the boat will depart for our Cruise. On our way to and back from the Kisamos port, the coach stops about 20min so you can buy something to eat or drink and use the toilets.
After a boat trip of about 1 hour, you have 1.5 hours to walk up to the Venetian Castle and swimming in the crystal clear waters.
After a boat trip of 15 min, you can enjoy this breathtaking area for about 2.5 hours. Your lunch is served on the boat any time between 12h and 17h.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
GENERAL: Area Malia: +/- 5.30 am Area Stalida/Stalis: +/- 5.50 am Area Chersonissos: +/- 5.55 am Area Anissaras: +/- 6.15 am Area Analipsi: +/- 6.25 am Area Gouves: +/- 6.30 am Area Gournes: +/- 6.40 am Area Kokini Chani: +/- 6.40 am Area Karteros: +/- 6.45 am Area Heraklion: +/- 6.50 am Area Amoudara(Gazi): +/- 7.00 am HOTELS: See the list. If your hotel is NOT in the list, there is a pick up place NEARBY. TIME: Between 5.25 am - 7.00 am
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Travel time is added on the time duration. Keep in mind that the way to the boat, and back, is a LONG drive!
Reviews(7)
Honestly a really well organised day, the bus trip was about 3 hours from Ammoudara but that was expected. The food provided was really nice and the tour guides were very helpful. Only downside was that we didn’t actually get to go to Balos beach because of a reason to do with anchoring, which they only informed us when we were on the bus there as appose to 3 days before when they actually found out. We went to another similar beach which was still very nice and overall we had a really nice day. Boat views are to die for. Thank you
Really sorry for the change but luckely you enjoyed it. Because of the strong winds the boats are not all the time able to anchore. Thank you for your feedback!
It really is not worth it. Considering the price and the amount of time you get to spend on the beaches. Don’t get me wrong the beaches are beautiful and really live up the hype. But the bus drive from Sisi was 10 hours in total. And you only get to stay for 1,5 hour at Gramvousa and 2 hours at Balos Lagoon. The food options on the boat were not as the tour operator said on the bus. Very limited choice of dishes. And beware you can get very sick on the boat because of the waves, the boat trip is about 2 hours long in total. And one thing they didn’t say is that the majority of the people you are traveling with are Polish people. The problem with that is that the tour operator was more focused on them, in terms of information about the history of these places that you will visit. The English translation was very short and it was obvious that this was more directed to people from Poland. So considering the fact that you will spend more time traveling, than actually enjoying the beaches i really don’t recommend this trip. They overcharge way too much.
Sorry to read this, but for sure there is a mistake by writing this on our page because we are not a tour operator! So please write it to the correct company.
the beach and the lagoon were very beautiful but the road to get to the harbor where the boat departs was very long. we had to come from sisi, to make it to the harbor it was a 5 hour bus drive. so if you are planning this trip know that it might take a long time to get to the harbor. it was also very busy on the boat and on the beaches so keep that in mind as well.
Thank you for your feedback. That's why it's always very important to read all the information. The pick up times and schedule are clearly mentioned.
The trip was very nice and perfectly suited for me as I was far from the destination, without a driver's license, in the hotel. I had hoped for more from the stop at Rethymno, but the stay in the lagoon and on the island was beautiful. Even the food on the ship was okay. However, it has been a really long day for me just under 17 hours.
Danke für Ihre Rückmeldung. Die lange Reise wird auf Viator/Tripadvisor deutlich erwähnt (zwischen 14 und 18 Uhr) und die Erklärung beginnt mit den Worten, dass es ein früher Start ist ...
