ELAFONISI&BALOS CRUISE:Discovering the Crown Jewels of Crete

Explore Crete’s Iconic Highlights on a Private Speed Boat Tour

The ELAFONISI&BALOS CRUISE offers a full-day adventure from Chania Old Port that takes you to some of Crete’s most celebrated beaches and islands. Priced at $1,863 per group, this private boat experience accommodates up to 9 guests, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking an exclusive, personalized day on the water.

Spanning approximately 10 hours, the tour promises visits to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, Falasarna Beach, Kedrodasos, Elafonisi, and Menies. The trip is led by a professional skipper, and snorkeling equipment is available upon request, adding to the day’s enjoyment. While the itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, the core experience remains a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s most stunning coastal sites.

This tour suits travelers craving a flexible, private experience with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and learn about each destination. It’s a good fit for those comfortable with a full-day outing and prepared with essentials like passport, sun protection, and a towel. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

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Key Points

• Private group experience for up to 9 guests at $1,863.
• Full-day tour lasting approximately 10 hours starting from Chania Old Port.
• Visits include Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, Falasarna, Elafonisi, and Menies, covering Crete’s key coastal landmarks.
• Snacks, a light lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.
• Weather-dependent schedule adjustments are possible, and the boat may vary from the images shown.
• The tour provides insightful commentary about each destination from a knowledgeable skipper.

Embark from Chania Old Port on an Exclusive Boat Journey

The tour begins at the historic Chania Old Port, where the private speed boat awaits your group. As you depart, the skipper starts your full-day exploration of Crete’s coastline, with the flexibility to reschedule depending on sea conditions. This personalized approach ensures a comfortable and smooth journey.

The boat used can differ from the pictures, based on availability, but safety and comfort are prioritized. Throughout the day, the crew remains attentive, providing insightful comments about each stop and making sure you’re equipped with snorkeling gear if desired.

This tour offers both relaxation and adventure—perfect for small groups seeking an intimate experience with the flexibility to customize the itinerary a little, depending on the weather.

Discover the Stunning Waters and Beaches at Balos

The trip’s first highlight is Balos Lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can float in the calm, shallow waters or stroll along the expansive shoreline. The scenery here frequently captures the imagination, with striking contrasts between the bright sands and clear waters.

Balos is a perfect spot for photos or simply relaxing by the sea. The tour allows enough time to enjoy this natural wonder before moving on to next destinations. We appreciate how the crew explains the geological and cultural significance of the area, adding depth to the visit.

Explore the Venetian Fortress and Panoramic Views on Gramvousa Island

Next, the boat heads toward Gramvousa, an uninhabited island crowned by a Venetian fortress. The fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding seascape, making it a must-see spot. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the island’s history, all while enjoying the scenic backdrop.

The island’s unspoiled landscape and historical features provide a striking contrast to the beaches. The time spent here balances sightseeing with opportunities for snorkeling or relaxing on the deck to take in the vistas.

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Relax on the Golden Sands of Falasarna Beach or Spot a WWII Shipwreck

Falasarna is renowned for its wide, golden sandy beach and gentle surf. It’s an ideal place to unwind, soak up the sun, or take a swim. For those interested in history or unique sights, the WWII shipwreck near Falasarna adds an intriguing element.

The spacious setting makes it perfect for lounging, while the shallow waters are suitable for swimming. The crew can guide you to the best spots, ensuring you maximize your time at this tranquil stretch of coast.

Experience the Unique Pink Sands and Cedar Forest at Elafonisi and Kedrodasos

One of the tour’s star attractions is Elafonisi Beach, famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters. This beach’s distinctive hues and calm shallows make it a favorite for swimming and photos. The surrounding cedar forest of Kedrodasos offers a peaceful backdrop, perfect for a brief walk or relaxing in nature.

The soft sands and tranquil environment make Elafonisi a highlight of the trip. The crew provides insights into the area’s natural features, and the stop is long enough to explore or simply enjoy the scenery.

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Menies Secluded Waters

Menies is a lesser-known destination on this route, offering secluded waters and a scenic landscape. Its crystal waters and quiet atmosphere make it a lovely spot to relax away from crowds.

This location adds a special touch to the tour, allowing for peaceful swimming or simply soaking in the natural surroundings. It’s a perfect ending point for a day filled with memorable views and refreshing dips.

Practical Details and What to Pack for the Tour

The tour includes light snacks, a pasta salad, fruits, along with soft drinks, water, and beers—perfect for staying refreshed throughout the day. Snorkeling equipment is available upon request, making it easy to explore underwater life at each stop.

Travelers should bring passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, and sunscreen to stay comfortable. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users and requires some mobility to enjoy walks at stops like Gramvousa or Elafonisi.

Flexible, Weather-Dependent Scheduling

The departure time and itinerary are flexible, subject to weather conditions. The boat used might differ from the images shown, depending on availability, but the core destinations remain the same. This flexibility helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience regardless of sea conditions.

The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk option for flexible travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This Crete Boat Tour?

This private tour is perfect for small groups seeking an exclusive, tailored experience. It suits those who value comfort and personalized attention, and who want to visit multiple iconic spots in a single day. Good for families, couples, or friends who enjoy beach days, snorkeling, and scenic views.

The tour is best for those prepared to spend 10 hours on the water and onshore, with a flexible schedule based on weather. Travelers should be comfortable with being active at various stops and bringing essentials like sun protection.

ELAFONISI&BALOS CRUISE: A Worthwhile Crete Coastal Adventure

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Crete’s most celebrated beaches and islands in an exclusive, private setting. The combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and relaxing beach time makes it a well-rounded experience.

While the price may seem high, it reflects the luxury of a private group, personal attention from the skipper, and the all-inclusive snacks and drinks. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a relaxed yet adventure-filled day on the water.

The tour’s flexibility and focus on quality over quantity make it stand out among similar experiences. Whether you’re after stunning scenery, underwater exploration, or just a day of leisure, this Crete speed boat tour delivers a memorable, personalized coastal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with departure times varying by availability.

What is included in the price?
Guests receive snacks, a light lunch (pasta salad), fruits, soft drinks, water, beers, and snorkeling equipment if requested. The boat and fuel are also provided.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly guests?
The experience is best suited for those comfortable with a full day on the water and moving around at stops. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, sun hat, towel, and sunglasses for comfort and sun protection.

Will the itinerary change?
Yes, departure times and stops may be rescheduled depending on weather conditions, and the boat used might differ from the images.

What kind of boat is used?
The boat employed can vary based on availability, but it is a private speed boat designed for comfort and safety.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Chania Old Port, a historic and scenic departure point.

Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling equipment is available upon request for interested guests.

Who leads the tour?
An English-speaking skipper guides the group, ensuring safety, comfort, and informative commentary throughout the day.

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