Boat Trip to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Peninsula from Heraklion

This full-day tour combines a scenic road trip across Crete with a relaxing boat cruise to some of the island’s most stunning natural spots. Your day begins with a comfortable bus ride from Heraklion or nearby areas to the west side of the island. The journey takes around four hours, with a short stop along the way to stretch, grab a snack, or enjoy a coffee. Once you arrive in Chania, you’ll have free time to explore this charming coastal town, known for its colorful alleys, traditional architecture, and lively harbor lined with cafés and shops. You can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, browse local boutiques, or simply relax with a drink by the water. From there, the trip continues to Kasteli Port, where you’ll board a boat for a cruise along the dramatic coastline of the Gramvousa Peninsula. As you sail past rugged cliffs and the ruins of the old Venetian fortress, you’ll make your way to the famous Balos Lagoon. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to swim in shallow turquoise water, walk along the soft golden sand, or explore the natural surroundings. During the cruise, a snack bar and restaurant are available on board, offering drinks, meals, and light refreshments for purchase. You can enjoy lunch with a sea view as the boat gently sails back toward Kasteli. After the cruise, the bus will be waiting to take you back to Heraklion. The return trip is a chance to relax and take in the changing scenery across the island, with drop-offs arranged according to your hotel location.

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Highlights - Board a boat and sail to Gramvousa and Balos - Enjoy relaxing moments on the exotic Balos Lagoon - Explore the vibrant town of Chania, its famous old harbor, and admire the Venetian architecture

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Itinerary - Departure from one of the pick-up location - Chania - Kasteli - Balos Lagooon - Kasteli - Return to the starting point

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How to get there We meet at the meeting point 30 minutes before the starting time. There, our bus will pick-you up to bring you directly to the port from where our trips starts. At the end of the trip, we return to our starting point and bring you back to the same place from where we picked you up.

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Characteristics of the boat - Number of passengers: 300 to 1000 passengers (depending on the boat) - Bar/restaurant (with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), payment with cash only - Sun-protected area - Restrooms

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Included services - Transportation in air-conditioned buses - Professional driver - Tour guide - Boat tickets (day cruise) - Entrance fee to the natural park of Balos - All applicable taxes - Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ

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Not Included - Food & drinks (available for purchase on board) - Umbrellas

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Additional services - We offer pick-up from various locations, including hotels and nearby bus stops.

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Bring along - Swimsuit - Beach towel - Sun protection - Comfortable shoes - Water - Backpack

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Good to know - Suitable for children of all ages, pregnant women and the elderly - Accessible to strollers - Accessible to wheelchairs - No pets allowed - Payment at our bar is possible with cash only - Our restaurant on board is opened between 12pm and 5pm * Please note that the itinerary of this trip may be adjusted in accordance with environmental regulations, which are subject to change in order to protect the natural park of Balos. Should any modifications occur, travelers will be informed in advance of the trip.