Balos Beach and Gramvousa island shared group Sailing Cruise

The Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island shared group sailing cruise offers a memorable day on the water for those eager to explore some of Crete’s most iconic spots. Priced at $226.81 per person and lasting around 8 hours, this tour departs from Kissamos Port and provides a well-balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. It is ideal for travelers seeking a smaller, more intimate experience, as it limits group size to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a quieter atmosphere compared to larger ferries.

This cruise is particularly valuable for those who want to avoid crowds at popular sites like Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, time to explore historic sites, and a delicious onboard traditional Cretan lunch. While the tour’s physical activities are accessible for most, it’s less suited for people with mobility issues. Bookings are typically made about 74 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Key Points

• 8-hour shared group sailing cruise from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
• Price: $226.81 per person, with free cancellation available
• Group size limited to 8 travelers for a more private experience
• Stops include Gramvousa Island, its castle, and Balos Lagoon with swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing
• Traditional Cretan lunch served onboard, freshly prepared
• Departure time: 11:00 am from Kissamos Port
• Stops are timed to avoid crowds and enjoy the sites at their best

Sail from Kissamos Port and Feel the Power of the Wind

The tour begins at Kissamos Port, where the crew prepares the Boat STELLA for a sail across the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. If the wind conditions are favorable, you’ll get to feel the freedom of sailing with the sails raised, providing a genuine maritime experience. During this initial leg, you’ll see the peninsula of Gramvousa, with its caves and dramatic steep cliffs near the cape, offering great photo opportunities.

Traveling southward, the boat passes by Gramvousa Island and the Lagoon of Balos, giving a scenic preview of the day’s highlights. The sailing phase typically lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which you can enjoy the sea breeze and expansive views. The admission tickets for the stops are included, so no extra cost is required for the sightseeing.

Explore Gramvousa Island and Its Fortress

The first major stop at Gramvousa Island allows for swimming and snorkeling, with plenty of opportunity to cool off in the clear waters. You can also explore the castle of Gramvousa, which was built by the Venetians and later modified by Arabians. The castle offers spectacular views and a glimpse into the island’s history, dating back to the time of Venetian rule.

Following the swim, travelers have around two hours to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, visit the fortress ruins, or relax on board. The limited group size enhances the experience, avoiding the larger crowds often found with ferry tours, making this a more peaceful way to enjoy Gramvousa’s natural and historical attractions.

Visit the Historic Gramvousa Castle and Its Role in Crete’s Rebellion

On the steeply rising Gramvousa Fortress, visitors can ascend to the castle ruins and take in panoramic views of the surrounding sea and landscape. The fortress was a strategic point historically and played a role in the 1825 Cretan revolution against Ottoman rule. Its Venetian construction and subsequent modifications by Arabians make it a site of both historical and architectural interest.

The walk up to the castle involves some steep terrain, so while it is accessible, it may not suit those with mobility challenges. The experience at the fortress combines history and scenic vistas, making it a highlight for history buffs and photo enthusiasts alike.

Relax at the Famous Balos Lagoon

The next stop takes you to Balos Lagoon, renowned for being voted among the top beaches in the world. The lagoon features crystal-clear shallows and a pink sandy beach that stretches along the shoreline. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, offering a refreshing break from the boat.

Visitors are encouraged to walk along the shoreline, soaking in the natural beauty and taking in the unique landscape formed by pink sands and turquoise waters. The two hours allocated here allows enough time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful environment away from the crowds that typically gather on larger ferries.

Return Journey with Scenic Cliffs and Blue Waters

As the tour concludes, the return trip to Kissamos features scenic views of the dramatic steep cliffs on the west side of Gramvousa Peninsula. The boat navigates past the striking blue waters and the towering cliffs, offering another chance to appreciate the stunning landscape from the water.

The return leg lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving passengers a relaxed end to the day. This part of the cruise is also an opportunity to reflect on the day’s adventures while enjoying the sea breeze.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Timing, and Group Size

The tour departs from E65 18, Trachilos, at 11:00 am. The mobile ticket makes check-in straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. The maximum group size of 8 travelers ensures a more intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer avoiding large crowds.

Since the tour is designed for most travelers, it is accessible for those without mobility issues but is not recommended for people with mobility problems due to the terrain at some stops. The trip is scheduled during favorable weather conditions, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility in case of weather concerns.

Why Choose This Sailing Cruise?

This tour’s strength lies in its small group size, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized experience. Unlike larger ferry tours, it offers swimming in privacy around the boat rather than crowded beaches, and the timing of stops helps avoid the busiest periods at each site. The traditional Cretan onboard lunch enhances the cultural experience, making the day both scenic and flavorful.

The expert crew helps you enjoy the sailing, making the journey both safe and enjoyable. It’s well-suited for those wanting to combine historical exploration, natural beauty, and sea-based relaxation in a manageable, intimate setting.

Final Thoughts on the Balos and Gramvousa Sailing Cruise

This 8-hour sailing adventure provides a comprehensive taste of some of Crete’s most celebrated attractions, with a focus on comfort, authenticity, and avoiding crowds. The small-group format and well-timed stops make it stand out from standard ferry excursions. The inclusion of swimming, snorkeling, and a local meal onboard add rich layers to the experience.

While it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a fast-paced visit, it offers a calm, scenic, and culturally enriching day on the sea. If you value personalized service, scenic sailing, and authentic local flavors, this cruise will likely meet your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 11:00 am and returning to Kissamos Port in the late afternoon.

How many people are in each group?
The tour limits group size to 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What are the main stops on this cruise?
Stops include Gramvousa Island for swimming and visiting the castle, and Balos Lagoon for relaxing on the pink sandy beach.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It is not recommended for people with mobility problems due to terrain at some stops. The tour is suitable for most other travelers.

What should I bring for the day?
While not specified, it’s wise to bring sun protection, swimwear, and a towel for swimming and relaxing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is included in the price?
The sailing, stops, snorkeling equipment, and onboard lunch are included. Additional costs are not specified.

What makes this tour different from larger ferry trips?
The small group size, timed stops to avoid crowds, and privacy for swimming set this cruise apart from larger, busier ferries.

Is the onboard lunch traditional?
Yes, the lunch is a freshly prepared, traditional Cretan meal served onboard, adding a cultural touch to the day.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Kissamos Port (E65 18, Trachilos), making for a convenient local experience.