Water activity

From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

Activity provider: TOURLINE
Water activity

From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

Activity provider: TOURLINE

From US$ 45.61 per person

Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece on a fantastic cruise to the most western part of Crete. Stop at the island of Gramvousa and the lagoon at Balos.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 15 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
French, Polish, German, English
Pickup included
Pickup and drop-off will be conducted from the main road outside of your hotel. After booking the tour the local partner will contact you within 24 hours with a detailed description of your pickup point and time.

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover an extraordinary geological phenomenon
  • Sail to the "Pirates' Island" of Gramvousa
  • Swim in the lagoon at Balos
Full description

Travel by air-conditioned bus to the west of Crete. Enjoy a cup of coffee or breakfast at the small village of Skaleta and then continue to Kissamos to board a boat and start your cruise. Admire a vast cave that was most likely an ancient shipyard. See sea turtles and dolphins playing in the water.

Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, also known as "Pirates' Island". Here, you can encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species. Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Alternatively, feast from an (optional) lunch on board. 

Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon, before the return journey to the meeting point. 

Includes
  • Transfers by modern fully air-conditioned coach
  • Transportation by reliable boat
  • Experienced drivers
  • Guide
  • Boat ticket (€17 for adults, €8.50 for children aged 4-12 years)
  • Lunch (€7.50 per person, optional)
  • Municipality fee (€1)
Not suitable for
  • Children under 5 years
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen

Know before you go

  • English, French, and Polish speaking tour guide every Wednesday
  • English and German-speaking tour guide every Friday
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 127 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.1/5
  • Transportation
    3.9/5
  • Service
    4/5
  • Organization
    4/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

It was a good experience. Only few points to raise: the pick-up was 30 mins late. It was very windy and the boat was packed, it took very long to get off the boat, so shorter time was available to stay on the beach. If you choose to walk up to the castle, beware that there is no health and safety, few places was very dangerous, I would not do it again. Otherwise the view was beautiful, it is worth the hassle and money but the terrible wind made the experience less enjoyable.

Read more

March 23, 2023

The destinations are breath taking, there's no need for any more word. But the tour is definitely not 12 hours and wasn't on time. I was supposed to be picked up by 6:40, but the bus arrived at 7:10, and I wasn't dropped off until 21:00. I recommend this tour to anyone who isn't mobile, but if you could, just rent a car and drive there yourself. Also the guide wanted to charge me 17e for the ship, while the tour manager told me it was 16e, which was sketchy.

Read more

March 23, 2023

Très belle excursion je dirais même un passage incontournable en crête, la beauté de ces îles est incroyable et vaut carrément le détour. Le trajet en bus est très long, et le temps passé sur les îles est assez rapide je trouve. Je recommande cette excursion dans l’ensemble

March 23, 2023

Product ID: 69506