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Stunning Crete Boat Trip to Balos & Gramvousa with All-Inclusive Comfort
The Balos & Gramvousa Catamaran Trip offers a full-day adventure, departing from Kissamos Port in Crete and lasting around 8.5 hours. This tour is perfect for those looking to explore Crete’s most iconic beaches in comfort, with luxury amenities, included meals, and water activities. Travelers can choose between Comfort and VIP ticket options, with the latter offering reserved sunbeds, towels, and a small bottle of wine or beer for an extra touch of indulgence.
This trip stands out for its huge, modern catamaran equipped with sunbeds, shaded lounges, and a VIP relaxation area. The friendly crew and lively onboard animator help create a relaxed, fun atmosphere. With over 298 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it’s clear that many find this cruise a memorable highlight of their Crete holiday. The tour is especially suited for those who enjoy water activities, scenic views, and high-quality food.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Luxury catamaran with spacious sunbeds and shaded lounges for comfort and relaxation
- All meals, drinks, and water activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and inflatables are included
- Two main stops: Balos Lagoon early in the morning for calm waters, and Gramvousa Island with its rugged scenery
- VIP options provide reserved sunbeds, towels, and drinks, enhancing the experience
- Professional crew and lively entertainment keep the atmosphere friendly and engaging
- Weather-dependent itinerary means changes might occur, but safety is prioritized
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Crete’s Most Photographed Spot: Balos Lagoon
The trip’s highlight is Balos Lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters and pink sands. Arriving early allows for peaceful swims before the crowds arrive. The tender boat takes guests closer to the lagoon, where swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun are on the menu.
Guests enjoy regional snacks, light brunch, and a delicious onboard lunch while taking in breathtaking scenery. The lagoon is legendary for its beauty, and the early access ensures a more tranquil experience. The waters are perfect for snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboarding, with inflatables like pink flamingo floats adding fun photos.
Exploring Gramvousa Island’s Wild Shores
After the lagoon, the cruise heads to Gramvousa Island, an uninhabited area that once sheltered pirates. The island features timeless landscapes, rugged coastlines, and the remains of a Venetian fortress. Visitors can swim near the shore, explore the wild scenery, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views from the deck.
The extra time at Gramvousa allows for more swimming or exploring the island’s natural beauty. The crew ensures safety and comfort, and the atmosphere remains lively with music and entertainment onboard.
Water Activities and Onboard Entertainment
A key feature of this cruise is the variety of water activities available throughout the day. Guests can try stand-up paddleboarding, use snorkeling gear, or lounge on inflatable noodles and pool floats. The pink flamingo float is a popular photo prop.
An onboard professional animator keeps the mood upbeat with live entertainment, music, and traditional Greek dance lessons like the Sirtaki. The crew’s attentiveness and friendly attitude frequently receive praise, making the day more engaging and enjoyable.
More Great Tours NearbyDining on Board: Local Flavors and Generous Servings
Food and drinks are included throughout the cruise, with regional snacks, a light brunch, and a hearty onboard lunch featuring local ingredients. Guests can also order cocktails or premium drinks for an additional fee, adding a layer of indulgence.
The food quality garners positive comments, with many noting the generous servings and delicious regional dishes. Beverages such as coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are available all day, ensuring hydration during the sun-soaked hours.
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The Catamaran: Spacious, Modern, and Comfortable
The large, brand-new catamaran is one of the tour’s main attractions. Its size allows plenty of space for everyone, including up to 120 guests, without feeling crowded. The boat’s cleanliness, comfort, and modern amenities receive frequent praise from reviewers.
Travelers opting for the VIP package enjoy a reserved sunbed with a shade, a towel, and a small bottle of wine or beer, making the experience more private and relaxed. The bathroom facilities onboard are noted as being better than those on similar cruises, adding to the overall comfort.
From Pick-Up to Drop-Off: Easy and Organized Transfers
The tour departs from one of 22 pickup locations around Kissamos and nearby hotels. Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early for the safety briefing and welcome refreshments.
The transfer service is included, but it cannot wait if guests are late. The return drop-off is at the same 22 locations, making the entire process smooth and convenient. The group size is capped at 120 travelers, maintaining a lively but manageable atmosphere onboard.
Safety and Weather Considerations
The cruise is weather-dependent, and it may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsafe. The crew prioritizes safety, and the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly. For those with mobility issues, pregnancy, or health concerns, it’s recommended to check the forecast and consult the staff before booking.
Guests are asked to bring essentials like sun hats, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, and are prohibited from touching marine life, bringing glass objects, or smoking indoors. The cruise’s flexibility and safety measures are highly appreciated, especially in unpredictable weather.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This luxury cruise is perfect for families, couples, and groups seeking a relaxing, scenic day on the water. The all-inclusive food and drinks, water activities, and VIP options make it suitable for those wanting extra comfort and indulgence.
Active guests will enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming, while those after stunning scenery will appreciate early access to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. The entire crew’s professionalism and lively onboard atmosphere consistently earn high praise, making it a well-organized, enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts on the Crete Catamaran Experience
The Balos & Gramvousa cruise offers exceptional value with its luxurious amenities, included meals, and water activities. The large, comfortable catamaran combined with professional staff creates an experience that many rate highly.
While the trip is weather-dependent and the timing at stops can feel short for some, the overall experience is impressively seamless and enjoyable. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate good food, water fun, and breathtaking scenery. For those looking for a relaxing yet engaging day on the sea in Crete, this cruise delivers a memorable outing.
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Balos & Gramvousa Catamaran Trip: Meals, Drinks & Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of this cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting early from Kissamos Port and returning in the late afternoon.
Are meals included?
Yes, regional snacks, a light brunch, and a full onboard lunch are included. Drinks like coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are available all day.
What water activities are available?
Guests can try stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and float on inflatables such as pink flamingo floats. All water gear is provided.
Can I upgrade to VIP?
Yes, the VIP ticket offers a reserved sunbed with shade, towels, a souvenir bracelet, and a small bottle of wine or beer.
How early should I arrive for pickup?
Guests should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Pickup points are designated, and the transfer service is included.
Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or health issues. Guests should check the weather and their health status before booking.
What should I bring?
Bring sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and ID or passport. No glass objects, pets, or smoking are allowed onboard.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The cruise depends on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons. Crew will notify guests if changes occur.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 120 travelers, ensuring ample space and comfort for all guests.
Is the itinerary fixed?
The itinerary can change without notice due to weather, but the crew always prioritizes safety and will ensure guests enjoy the best possible experience.
Would you recommend this cruise?
Absolutely—the combination of comfort, scenic beauty, and well-organized water activities makes this cruise a standout choice for exploring Crete’s most famous spots in style.
