Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct

Discover the Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct with Platanos Tours for a relaxed day exploring one of Greece’s most breathtaking sites

This Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct tour offers an inviting alternative for those who prefer to avoid early mornings. For $70 per person, travelers enjoy a 13-hour adventure that combines scenic bus travel, a boat cruise, and ample time to unwind at the iconic Balos Lagoon. Departing from multiple pickup points around Heraklion, Malia, and other key locations, this tour emphasizes comfort and flexibility, with air-conditioned transportation and live English and Russian guides.

Unlike some early-morning trips, this experience starts later in the day, making it suitable for those who like a more relaxed start. The highlight is a 2 hours 45 min swimming break at Balos Beach, with opportunities for snorkeling and marine life viewing. The tour also includes a boat trip along Crete’s coastline, offering scenic views and chances to spot sea turtles and dolphins. While the day is long, it is designed for comfort and enjoyment, with plenty of time at the lagoon and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

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Key Points

• Late-morning departure allows for a more relaxed start to the day.
• 13-hour full-day experience includes bus travel, boat cruise, and free time.
• $70 per person for a comprehensive trip to Balos Lagoon and surrounding sites.
• 2 hours 45 minutes swimming break at Balos Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Live tour guides in English and Russian enhance the experience.
• Pickup and drop-off from multiple locations across Crete for convenience.

Scenic journey to the west of Crete by air-conditioned bus

This tour begins with a comfortable ride from selected pickup points such as Heraklion, Gouves, Stalida, and others. The journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours each way, with a brief break in Skaleta to stretch and enjoy a coffee or light breakfast. The bus ride offers views of Crete’s diverse terrain, setting the scene for the day ahead.

Traveling at a leisurely pace helps prevent fatigue, making this option perfect for those who prefer not to start their adventure too early. The modern, fully air-conditioned coaches ensure comfort throughout the long day. The scenic drive is a highlight in itself, offering glimpses of Crete’s landscape as you head towards the coast.

Stopping at Skaleta for a quick refreshment before heading to Kissamos

After the initial bus ride from your pickup point, the tour makes a 20-minute stop at Skaleta. Here, travelers can enjoy a short break and possibly grab a coffee or snack before continuing the journey. This pause provides a chance to relax briefly and appreciate the local atmosphere.

Following the break, the coach resumes its trip for another 1.5-hour drive to the port of Kissamos, where the boat cruise to Balos Lagoon begins. This well-structured schedule balances travel time with opportunities to refresh, ensuring travelers arrive at the boat feeling ready for the scenic cruise.

The boat cruise from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon

The boat trip is a core part of this tour, lasting about 50 minutes as it sails along Crete’s rugged coastline. During the cruise, travelers can admire the vibrant colors of the coastline and spot sea turtles and dolphins playing in the water—adding an element of wildlife viewing to the experience.

The boat voyage also takes visitors past a vast cave, which is believed to have been an ancient shipyard. This scenic cruise offers a relaxed way to approach Balos Lagoon, with plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoying the sea breeze. The journey builds anticipation for the time at Balos Beach and the lagoon itself.

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Enjoying the 2 hours 45 minutes at Balos Beach and Lagoon

The highlight of this tour is the extended stay at Balos Beach and Lagoon, totaling 2 hours 45 minutes. This is ample time to swim in the serene waters, snorkel along the coast, and relax on the pristine sands. Visitors often find the clear, shallow waters ideal for floating and observing marine life.

The area’s breathtaking views are a major draw, with the lagoon’s crystal waters contrasted against the rocky shoreline. The tour provides the perfect opportunity for photos, exploration, or simply unwinding in a peaceful setting. The time at Balos is flexible, so travelers can choose to stay in the water, walk along the beach, or take in the scenery.

The second boat cruise and returning journey

After the relaxing time at Balos, the tour includes a second 50-minute boat cruise back to Kissamos. This leg offers more chances to enjoy the coast’s beauty and spot marine animals.

Following the boat ride, the coach departs for the return trip to Skaleta, with a brief 10-minute stop for a quick refresh before the final 1.5-hour bus ride back to the starting points. This schedule ensures travelers have a relaxed pace, with sufficient time for sightseeing and comfort.

Flexibility with hotel pickup, drop-off, and optional lunch

This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from numerous locations, including Heraklion, Malia, and Kokkini Hani, easing the logistics for visitors staying in different parts of Crete. After booking, participants receive detailed pickup instructions, making planning straightforward.

Lunch is not included but can be purchased on the boat for about $7.50, or travelers are welcome to bring snacks and water. This flexibility allows for personal preferences and dietary needs, although it means travelers should plan ahead for meal options.

Cost, cancellation, and booking flexibility

At $70 per person, this tour provides extensive value, combining transportation, boat rides, and free time at Balos Lagoon. The full-day experience is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, well-organized trip without the pressure of early departures.

Cancellation policies are flexible; travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The Reserve & Pay Later option also offers flexibility, allowing booking without immediate payment, which is helpful for planning.

Accessibility and travel considerations

While the tour provides comfortable transport, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of the transportation and walking involved at the stops. Travelers should also consider the length of the day and plan accordingly, especially considering Crete’s traffic conditions and possible delays at pickup points.

What makes this tour stand out among others

This late-start schedule is a major advantage for those who prefer a more leisurely pace and want to avoid the early-morning rush. The combination of a scenic boat cruise, ample time at Balos Lagoon, and multiple stops for photos and relaxation makes it a comprehensive yet relaxed day trip.

The inclusion of live guides in English and Russian adds a layer of informative commentary, enriching the experience. The scenic coastline, marine life, and the vast cave featured during the cruise are notable highlights that set this tour apart from shorter or less organized alternatives.

Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct – who will enjoy it most?

This tour is ideal for visitors who value relaxed pacing, scenic views, and marine wildlife spotting. It suits those who prefer to avoid early mornings and want a full-day experience without feeling rushed. Travelers interested in photography will appreciate the stunning vistas at Balos Lagoon and along the coastline.

However, it’s less suitable for individuals with mobility difficulties or those looking for a shorter excursion. The long duration and multiple stops require a reasonable level of comfort and stamina. Still, for many, the combination of scenic boat rides, free time at the lagoon, and professional guides makes this a valuable, well-rounded Crete experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased on the boat for around $7.50. Travelers can also bring their own snacks and water.

What is the best time to book this tour?
Availability depends on your preferred dates, but booking in advance is recommended due to limited spots.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as it involves walking and boat transfers.

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

Does the tour provide guides?
Yes, live guides speak English and Russian, sharing insights during the trip and cruise.

How long is the swimming break at Balos Lagoon?
Travelers have 2 hours 45 minutes at Balos Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, making it a highlight of the day.

This Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct offers a relaxed yet comprehensive way to enjoy one of Greece’s most striking natural sites, with the convenience of comfortable transport and flexible scheduling. It appeals to those seeking scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and ample leisure time at Balos Lagoon.

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