Kissamos: Full day boat trip to Balos Beach and Gramvousa

4.5 out of 5 based on 4 Reviews
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  • Cruise recommendation

Swimming in the dream bay of Balos and visit the Venetian castle on Gramvousa during our day trip from Kissamos. On board our comfortable cruise ship you will reach two special sights in the west of Crete and enjoy around 5 hours of free time there.

  • Tour / activity duration: ~ 7 hours
  • Languages: English
  • Transfer: no, not included
  • The best insider tips
  • English-speaking service
  • Hassle-free booking change or cancellation
  • Usually cheaper than at site

Kissamos to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island by boat

Boat trip in Crete with the most beautiful stops on the west coast: Balos & Gramvousa.

Booking option: Balos & Gramvousa day trip from Kissamos

See the beautiful bay of Balos and the famous island of Gramvousa on this day trip. You will depart from the harbour of Kissamos by a large ferry boat and enjoy a one hour cruise around the bay of Kissamos, which is well worth seeing. We drop anchor in the harbour of Gramvousa where you can take a walk to the famous Venetian castle or relax on the beach. It is also possible to use the facilities on board, such as the waterslide, while moored. We continue our journey and reach the area of Balos in about 20 minutes. We drop anchor about 100 metres off the coast for a swim.

Overview

  • Duration: ~ 7 hours
  • Time: 10:40 am to 5:45 pm
  • Days: daily
  • Months: 18th of April - October
  • Languages: English
  • Pick-up not included
  • Starting points: Kissamos
  • Not included: administrative fee of 1 euro per ticket for passengers over 13 years old visiting Balos Lagoon (payable at boarding).

Included

  • Fees, boat ride, bar / cafeteria on board, toilet on board

Not included

  • Food and/or drinks

Price overview

  • Boat trip from Kissamos to Balos & Gramvousa (7h) - per person (age 13+) 45.-€
  • Boat trip from Kissamos to Balos & Gramvousa (7h) - per child (ages 3-12) 27.-€
  • Boat trip from Kissamos to Balos & Gramvousa (7h) - per infant (ages 0-2) 0.-€
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island in one day
Important information

As swimming in the Balos lagoon is not permitted, we will anchor about 100 metres off the coast of Balos and stay there for about 1.5 hours to swim - the stay in Gramvousa will be extended accordingly.

Please bring

Swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sun blocker, snacks, backpack, camera, snorkeling equipment

Day trip Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay from Kissamos

The dream bay of Balos and the island of Gramvousa are situated close to each other in the west of Crete - and it makes sense to visit both destinations during a day trip. In this way, the bathing paradise of Balos can be combined with the cultural history and sightseeing on Gramvousa. Most excursion boats to Balos & Gramvousa depart from Kissamos. The trip through the bay of the same name takes about 1 hour and offers a lot of views along the coast, including pirate caves, cliffs, beaches and bays. You will experience the boat trip from Kissamos to Balos and Gramvousa on board a spacious ferry boat with two open decks, bar service and many other amenities.

The island of Gramvousa and its impressive fortress are day destination number 1 of this Kissamos boat tour. For about 2 hours we will anchor in the harbour and you will have the opportunity for a longer walk or a swim at the beach. Of course you can also spend the time on board and use the service facilities or swim around the boat. Gramvousa is an island full of legends and scenic beauty. At the highest point of the island we can see the famous fortress built by the Venetians in 1579. The walk from the harbour takes about 20 minutes and rewards with a breathtaking view.

Less than 20 minutes away by boat, Balos is the highlight of the day. The dream bay reminds us of everything but the Mediterranean. The exotic lagoon is a rare natural monument and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you want to visit the lagoon, you can either drive a very arduous way by car or take a boat from Kissamos to Balos. Enjoy the surroundings of warm, shallow, emerald waters and the pink shell soil that gives the place an exotic touch. We allow around 3 hours for the stay in Balos. You can stock up on umbrellas and provisions for the beach day on board.

Conditions

Valid on the reserved day or for 12 months after date of purchase if no date has been selected. You will receive the tour operator's details with the purchased ticket. Attention: reservation is required! The reservation can be made through sunbonoo as part of the booking process or later by contacting the tour operator directly via phone or email.

Customer Reviews Kissamos to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island by boat

4.5  /5
based on 4 Reviews
Michał P. wrote on Jun 13, 2025
Overall rating
4 von 5

A beautiful day!

The trip to Balos and Gramvousa was a wonderful experience for the whole family. The views were breathtaking and the time spent on the beach was relaxing. The only downside was the lack of an included transfer. Highly recommended!

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Piękny dzień!

Wycieczka na Balos i Gramvousa była cudownym przeżyciem dla całej rodziny. Widoki zapierały dech w piersiach, a czas spędzony na plaży był relaksujący. Jedynym minusem był brak wliczonego transferu. Polecam!

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Fritz W. wrote on May 24, 2025
Overall rating
5 von 5

Super trip!

What an awesome trip! The views on the way to Balos and Gramvousa were absolutely spectacular. The stop at the Venetian castle was fascinating and the swim from the boat near Balos was just fantastic! 🌊🏝️ Highly recommended!

Show review in original language

Super Trip!

Was für ein geiler Ausflug! Die Aussicht auf dem Weg nach Balos und Gramvousa war absolut spektakulär. Der Stop am venezianischen Schloss war faszinierend und das Schwimmen vom Boot aus in der Nähe von Balos einfach traumhaft! 🌊🏝️ Sehr empfehlenswert!

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Freddie J. wrote on Aug 12, 2024
Overall rating
5 von 5

great day exploring balos beach and gramvousa island

This boat trip was fantastic! The ferry from Kissamos was spacious and comfy. Gramvousa's Venetian castle offered stunning views, and Balos Beach was breathtaking. Perfect way to spend a summer day with a friend. Remember to bring snacks and sunblock!
Rolf69 wrote on Aug 5, 2024
Overall rating
4 von 5

Boat trip was really nice

The boat trip to Balos and Gramvousa was definitely a highlight. Great views, but food on board is expensive. Bring snacks with you! Unfortunately no transfer, but the beaches and water are worth the effort.

Show review in original language

Bootsfahrt war echt schön

Die Bootsfahrt zu Balos und Gramvousa war definitiv ein Highlight. Tolle Aussicht, aber Essen an Bord ist teuer. Bringt Snacks mit! Leider kein Transfer, aber die Strände und das Wasser sind die Mühe wert.

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