Mystic Blue | Balos & Cretes Hidden Paradise Cruise

Explore Crete’s Coastal Wonders with the Mystic Blue Cruise

The Mystic Blue | Balos & Cretes Hidden Paradise Cruise offers a full-day private boat experience around some of Crete’s most breathtaking spots. Priced at $1,477 per group up to 9 people and lasting 7.5 hours, this tour is designed for those seeking an exclusive, relaxed day on the water. The provider, Heliophilia, holds an impressive rating of 4.7, reflecting quality and customer satisfaction.

This tour departs from Port of Kolymbari and takes you on a curated journey through Crete’s lesser-known but visually stunning beaches and islands. The private cruise includes visits to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, Menies Beach, and Chironisia Bay, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and enjoying delicious local food and drinks. A key strength is the focus on secluded spots accessible only by boat, perfect for travelers craving solitude and untouched natural beauty.

While the tour offers a range of activities and sights, it’s important to note that the itinerary is quite packed for 7.5 hours, which means some stops may feel brief. It suits those who want an intimate, personalized experience rather than a rushed group tour.

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Key Points

• Private full-day cruise exploring Crete’s iconic and hidden beaches
• Visit Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa, Menies Beach, and Chironisia Bay
• Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and relax in crystal-clear waters
• Includes local Cretan food, wine, soft drinks, and fresh fruit
• Led by a local captain and storyteller guide
• Pickup and drop-off available for Chania region (additional arrangement needed)

Starting Point at the Port of Kolymbari

The tour begins at Port of Kolymbari, a convenient departure point on Crete’s northwest coast. Travelers staying in the Chania region can arrange for optional pickup and drop-off, but if not, the meeting point is directly at the port. This flexibility helps streamline the start of the day and ensures a smooth experience.

The speedboat ride from the port to the first stop takes about an hour, setting the tone for a scenic and comfortable journey. The boat itself is well-equipped with shaded lounge areas, a sun deck, and a Bluetooth speaker system, making the ride enjoyable and relaxing.

Visiting Balos Lagoon: Crete’s Most Photographed Beach

The first stop is the renowned Balos Lagoon, famous for its pink-tinged sands and turquoise waters. It’s a highlight for its surreal beauty and shallow lagoons, which make swimming easy and safe. Visitors can walk the natural sandbar connecting to the mainland or simply take in the stunning landscape from the shore.

This part of the tour lasts around 1.5 hours, allowing enough time for photos, swimming, and exploring. The scenery here makes it clear why Balos is often featured in travel magazines. The shallow waters, combined with the striking landscape, give a feeling of being in a postcard setting.

Discovering Gramvousa Island’s Fortress and Shipwreck

Next, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Gramvousa, accessible only by boat. Here, a Venetian fortress crowns the island, offering dramatic views of the rugged coastline. The site also features a rusting shipwreck submerged in the clear waters, which adds an intriguing historic element to the natural setting.

Visitors get around 1 hour to explore the fortress, take photos of the scenery, and enjoy some free time for swimming or snorkeling. The combination of history and wilderness makes Gramvousa a must-see stop, especially for those interested in Crete’s maritime past.

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Menies Beach: Serenity in a Rocky Gorge

The third stop is Menies Beach, a quiet pebbled cove tucked into a steep, rocky gorge. Known as a sacred site to the goddess Diktynna, the beach features calm, transparent waters perfect for a peaceful swim. The remote location provides a sense of timeless silence and untouched nature.

The tour allocates about 1 hour for this stop, giving enough time for a swim and some relaxation. The scenery mixing rocky cliffs and clear waters makes Menies Beach a peaceful retreat away from crowds, ideal for those seeking tranquility.

Chironisia Bay’s Hidden Waters and Quiet Beauty

The fourth main stop is Chironisia Bay, a secret spot that few maps show. Accessible only by boat, this bay offers mirror-like waters where visitors can paddleboard or snorkel in absolute calmness. The secluded setting means no footprints or crowds—just the sound of the sea.

About 1 hour is spent here, with plenty of opportunity for water activities or simply relaxing on the boat. Chironisia’s undisturbed natural beauty makes it a favorite for those wanting to escape into Crete’s quiet coast.

Scenic Route and Water Activities

Throughout the tour, the boat cruises between stops via speedboats that allow for quick travel, with durations ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. The route emphasizes scenic views, with the captain providing insights into the local area as part of the storytelling experience.

Water activities included in the tour are snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard, both provided onboard. These options enable visitors to explore underwater and surface waters at their own pace, adding adventure to the day.

Tasty Crete: Food, Drinks, and Relaxation on Board

The food and drink experience is a highlight of this cruise. The tour includes fresh fruits, local snacks, and light Cretan mezze, served during the day. A curated selection of Cretan wine, soft drinks, and bottled water complements the meal, ensuring hydration and refreshment.

The boat’s shaded lounge areas and sun deck are perfect spots to relax, enjoy the sun, or listen to the onboard Bluetooth speaker system. These amenities ensure comfort whether you’re soaking up the sun or taking a break from water activities.

Practical Details: Group Size, Duration, and Booking

This private tour caters to groups of up to 9 people, providing a personalized experience. The 7.5-hour schedule balances sightseeing, water activities, and relaxation, making it suitable for those who want a full but manageable day on the water.

Booking includes the local captain and storyteller guide, who enriches the trip with insights into Crete’s landscapes and history. The cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Will Appreciate the Mystic Blue Cruise?

This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer intimate, private experiences over large-group tours. It suits those eager to explore Crete’s lesser-visited beaches and islands comfortably, with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. The inclusion of food and water activities makes it appealing for families, couples, or small groups wanting a luxe, scenic day out.

However, the packed itinerary and short stops mean it’s best for participants with good mobility who are eager to maximize their time on the water. The price point reflects the exclusivity and personalized nature of the trip.

Mystic Blue’s Unique Charm and Considerations

The highlight of this cruise is the chance to visit secluded beaches and historic sites only accessible by boat. The scenery, combined with local food and water activities, offers a balanced adventure with moments of peace and excitement.

A notable strength is the personalized service provided by the local captain and guide, who share stories and insights along the way. The quality of the boat amenities and scenic routes make this a standout choice for those seeking a high-quality, private Crete experience.

A potential limitation is the short duration of each stop, which might feel rushed for some. Travelers should plan to prioritize their favorite spots and be prepared for a full-day schedule that moves quickly.

Final Thoughts on the Mystic Blue Private Cruise

The Mystic Blue cruise offers an immersive, luxurious way to discover Crete’s coastlines. Its special focus on hidden beaches and historic sites, combined with comprehensive water activities and local cuisine, makes it a memorable day for those who value personalized service and scenic beauty.

While the price may seem high, the private nature and carefully curated stops justify the cost for travelers looking for an exclusive experience. The tour best suits adventurous groups who want to explore Crete’s waters and shores at their own pace, with a knowledgeable guide enhancing the journey.

In sum, the Mystic Blue provides a balanced mix of exploration, relaxation, and cultural insight, making it an appealing choice for those visiting Crete who wish to see its wild, untouched beauty from the comfort of a private boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The tour covers the private boat cruise, local captain and guide, fresh fruits, snacks, and light Cretan mezze, Cretan wine, soft drinks, and bottled water, snorkeling gear, 1 stand-up paddleboard, shaded lounge and sun deck, and a Bluetooth speaker system.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts 7.5 hours, starting from the Port of Kolymbari.

Are transportation arrangements provided?
Optional pickup and drop-off services are available for Chania region guests. Otherwise, the meeting point is at the Port of Kolymbari.

What are the main stops on this cruise?
Stops include Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, Menies Beach, and Chironisia Bay, with time allocated for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour’s private, relaxed nature and water activities make it suitable for families, but travelers should consider their group’s comfort with boat rides and water-based activities.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hat, and comfortable clothes that can get dirty, as well as your adventurous spirit to enjoy the day.

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