Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip with Boat Ticket

Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip with Boat Ticket

This full-day tour in Crete offers an opportunity to explore two of the island’s most iconic spots: Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. Priced at $62 per person, the trip combines bus and boat travel, with around 4.5 hours of free time at each destination. The tour includes a roundtrip transfer from Rethymno, making it a convenient choice for those wanting to see the northwest coast without the hassle of organizing transport.

This experience is especially appealing for travelers seeking scenic views, beach relaxation, and a bit of history with a castle visit. A notable highlight is the new boat with improved specifications, offering a more relaxing cruise. However, the tour is best suited for those comfortable with walking on steps and swimming or snorkeling in open water, as it involves physical activity and no wheelchair accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes roundtrip bus transfer and boat tickets for a seamless journey
• Visit Gramvousa Fortress with breathtaking views from the Venetian castle
• Spend 3 hours at Balos Lagoon, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring dunes
• Swim and snorkel in turquoise waters at both spots
• Tour lasts around 1 day, with flexible start times depending on availability
• Eco fee of 1 EUR payable in cash, added to the experience

From Kissamos to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from designated points near your accommodation in Rethymno. Once on the air-conditioned bus, you’ll travel through beautiful scenery to reach Kissamos port. The bus transfer is included, making the trip comfortable and stress-free. From here, a boat takes you in the sea for about an hour to Gramvousa Island.

The initial boat journey is a highlight, offering views of the coast and sea. Once at Gramvousa, you’ll have 1 hour and 30 minutes to visit the Venetian Fortress. This castle provides stunning panoramic views and a chance to appreciate the island’s historical charm. For those not interested in the castle, the boat remains accessible for bar service or relaxing at the beachside.

Exploring Gramvousa Fortress and Island Scenery

The Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa is a major attraction. It sits atop the island, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding sea and coastline. Visitors can walk around the fortress ruins and take photos of the scenery. The views from the top are described as breathtaking, making the visit worthwhile.

While some choose to stay on the boat or relax at the beachside, the castle visit is a key part of the tour’s appeal. The guides are helpful in explaining the fortress’s history, enriching the experience. After the exploration, the boat departs for Balos Lagoon, about 20 minutes away.

Three Hours of Free Time at Balos Lagoon

After the boat cruise, you’ll arrive at Balos Lagoon, where 3 hours of free time await. This famous beach is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, white dunes, and expansive shoreline. The lagoon offers ample space for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Most visitors find Balos Lagoon ideal for relaxing on the sand, exploring the dunes, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery. The area is large enough to avoid crowded spots, especially if arriving early. The beach is accessible with beachwear and sun protection, and a towel is recommended for comfort.

More Great Tours Nearby

Boat Cruise and Scenic Views along Crete’s Northwest Coast

The boat cruise itself is a key part of this experience. The new vessel with better specifications provides a more comfortable and relaxing ride. During the cruise, you’ll pass along Crete’s rugged coastline, with opportunities for photo stops or simply enjoying the sea breeze.

The onboard bar and restaurant allow for refreshments during the trip, although food and drinks are not included in the price and can be purchased onboard. The cruise offers a scenic perspective of the island’s northwestern coast, highlighting beautiful sea views and rock formations.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-off in Rethymno

After the afternoon at Balos Lagoon, the boat begins its return cruise to Kissamos port. From there, a bus transfer takes you back to your hotel area in Rethymno. The entire experience lasts approximately 1 day, giving plenty of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

The return transfer is straightforward, with drop-off points near your accommodation, depending on the location. The trip is designed to maximize time at each location while maintaining a comfortable pace.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the fortress and dunes, sun protection including a hat and sunscreen, and beachwear for swimming. A towel enhances comfort at the beach, and cash is needed for additional purchases onboard or at the beach.

The tour operates with guides speaking English and German, and hotel pickup is available from specific points. It is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, people with medical conditions, or non-swimmers.

Improvements and New Features

Since mid-July, the tour has partnered with a smaller ship with better specifications, leading to a more enjoyable and relaxing cruise experience. The program now includes 1 hour and 30 minutes at Gramvousa and 3 hours at Balos Lagoon, providing ample time to explore and relax.

An eco fee of 1 EUR per person is payable on the day of the tour, added to the overall cost. The trip offers a skip-the-line feature, making the experience smooth and efficient.

Reasons to Choose This Tour in Crete

The combination of bus and boat travel allows for a comfortable journey, while the timed stops ensure you can maximize your time at each location. The stunning scenery, castle visit, and beach relaxation make this a well-rounded day trip.

The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary receive praise in reviews, especially for helpfulness and timing. The new boat enhances the overall experience, making it a reliable choice for those wanting to see Crete’s northwest coast efficiently.

The Sum Up: A Solid Choice for Scenic and Cultural Highlights

This day trip offers a great balance of history, scenery, and beach time for $62. It’s particularly suited to visitors who enjoy exploring castles, swimming in clear waters, and taking in scenic coastal views.

While the tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or non-swimmers, it benefits from modern boat facilities and organized logistics. The 3-hour stay at Balos Lagoon provides enough time to relax and explore, and the castle visit adds a touch of history.

This Crete tour delivers value, stunning scenes, and convenience, making it a recommended choice for a memorable day on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from specific points near your accommodation in Rethymno.

How long do I spend at Balos Lagoon?
You get 3 hours at Balos Lagoon, enough for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the dunes.

Can I visit Gramvousa Fortress?
Yes, the castle is accessible during 1 hour and 30 minutes on Gramvousa Island, offering spectacular views from the top.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard at the bar restaurant.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour not suitable for babies under 1 year, people with mobility impairments, or non-swimmers.

What is the eco fee?
A 1 EUR eco fee is payable in cash on the day of the tour.

How is the weather likely to affect the trip?
In case of blustery weather and rough seas, the tour could be cancelled or modified for safety reasons.

What distinguishes this tour from others?
The inclusion of a new, more comfortable boat, ample free time at both stops, and helpful guides make this a reliable and enjoyable option.

How do I reserve my spot?
You can reserve now and pay later with the flexible booking policy, and skip the line at check-in.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, towel, beachwear, and cash for additional purchases.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby