Private Sailing Cruise, Balos and Gramvousa with meal and drinks.

Discover the Private Sailing Cruise to Crete’s Iconic Islands

This private sailing tour offers an exclusive day on the water, departing from Kissamos with the well-known vessel Mikros Naftilos. For $974.43 per group, up to 10 people can enjoy a carefully planned 8-hour voyage to the breathtaking Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. This tour is perfect for those seeking a flexible, relaxed experience with personalized service, as the entire group enjoys exclusive use of the boat.

The voyage is led by a knowledgeable local skipper, who guides the journey through Crete’s stunning coastlines and highlights the area’s best swimming spots. The tour’s highlights include traditional Cretan cuisine, unlimited drinks, and opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The tour’s high rating of 5.0 from 29 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate speak to its popularity and quality.

Key Points

• Private experience for up to 10 guests with exclusive boat use
• 8-hour cruise starting at 10:00 am from Kissamos
• All-inclusive lunch, soft drinks, beer, and wine
• Stops at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island with swimming and snorkeling
• Comfort amenities including restroom, shower, covered cabin, and beach umbrellas
• Guided by a local skipper with expert knowledge of the area

Launch from Kissamos to Crete’s Coastal Highlights

This private sailing cruise departs promptly at 10:00 am from Kissamos, a key location on the west side of Crete, right next to the Gramvousa Peninsula. The boat, the Izabela, is described as spacious, clean, and well-maintained, offering a comfortable setting for the day.

The tour’s flexible itinerary allows for a relaxed pace, with about 90 minutes of sailing before reaching the first destination, Balos Lagoon. This location is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and expansive beach, where guests can swim and snorkel freely. The route is designed to maximize scenic views while allowing ample time for relaxation.

Exploring Balos Lagoon: Europe’s Beautiful Beach

The highlight of the cruise is Balos Lagoon, celebrated for its spectacular beauty. The lagoon features crystal-clear waters and a wide sandy beach that invites visitors to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. The tour spends around two hours here, giving plenty of time to soak in the scenery, enjoy the warm water, or take photos of the iconic landscape.

A beach umbrella is provided, offering shade for those wanting to escape the sun briefly. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make Balos Lagoon an ideal spot for a refreshing dip and some tranquil relaxation during the cruise.

Visiting Gramvousa Island and Its Venetian Castle

Next, the boat heads to Imeri Gramvousa, famous for its Venetian fortress perched atop the rocky island. The castle, built on a rocky outcrop, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the island’s history, while enjoying the crystal-clear waters suitable for bathing.

The island’s beach provides another opportunity for swimming, and the scenery here is equally stunning. The skipper’s local knowledge helps find safe and enjoyable spots for swimming, making this part of the trip both scenic and relaxing.

Comfort and Convenience on Board

This tour prioritizes comfort, with amenities like a restroom, shower, and covered cabin available for resting or sleeping during the voyage. The covered dining area provides shelter and a perfect place to enjoy your lunch or drinks in shade, while the snorkeling equipment is available for exploring underwater.

The tour package includes lunch, which features regional dishes, along with bottled water, soda, beer, and wine—all unlimited during the cruise. Beach umbrellas are also supplied for added comfort during beach stops.

The Culinary Experience: Traditional Cretan Lunch and Drinks

One of the tour’s most praised features is the delicious, traditional Cretan lunch served onboard. Guest reviews highlight the quality and variety of the food, with options catering to vegetarians and those needing gluten-free choices. The hot meal perfectly complements the relaxing day on the water, and the unlimited drinks—including soft drinks, beer, and wine—keep everyone refreshed.

This all-inclusive approach adds great value, making it easier for guests to unwind without worries about extra costs or arrangements.

Snorkeling and Beach Time in Crete’s Pristine Waters

Snorkeling is made accessible with snorkeling gear provided on board, allowing guests to explore the crystal-clear waters around both Balos and Gramvousa. These stops are known for their stunning underwater visibility and diverse marine life, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.

The tour’s flexible schedule and plentiful beach time mean guests can choose to swim, relax, or explore underwater at leisure, with ample opportunity to enjoy Crete’s famous crystal waters.

The Unique Views from the Venetian Castle

From the Venetian castle atop Gramvousa Island, visitors get breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, coastline, and surrounding islands. The castle, built in the late 17th century, offers a glimpse into the area’s history and provides a stunning vantage point for photos.

The local guides are praised for their knowledge, providing interesting stories about the castle and the island’s past, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Return Journey and Onboard Amenities

After a day filled with sun, sea, and scenic beauty, the boat begins its return to Kissamos. The covered cabin allows for rest or a quick nap, while the bathroom and shower help guests freshen up after swimming and exploring. The crew ensures a smooth and comfortable trip back, with no rush or crowding.

The entire experience emphasizes relaxation and personalized service, making it ideal for those who want a private, peaceful day on the water without the hustle of larger group tours.

Who Will Appreciate This Private Sailing Experience?

This cruise is particularly suited for groups seeking privacy and flexibility, such as families, friends, or couples. The inclusive meal and drinks, combined with the comfortable amenities, create an enjoyable and hassle-free day. The knowledgeable skipper ensures safety and local insights, making it suitable even for those unfamiliar with sailing or snorkeling.

While the tour offers ample beach and swimming time, it’s best for those comfortable with standing and light walking—especially when exploring the castle ruins. The sun protection and beach umbrellas enhance comfort, but travelers should still plan for sun exposure.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing, All-Inclusive Day on Crete’s Coastline

This private sailing cruise offers a premium experience exploring Crete’s most iconic spots—Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. With comfortable amenities, delicious regional cuisine, and unlimited drinks, it provides a well-rounded, enjoyable day on the water. The local skipper’s expertise ensures safety and enriching commentary, adding depth to the scenic stops.

While the price might be a consideration for some, the exclusive nature of the tour and the high-quality service deliver solid value. This tour stands out for its personalized experience, making it ideal for those wanting a luxurious and relaxed day away from crowded tourist spots.

Anyone who appreciates stunning scenery, good food, and a leisurely pace will find this cruise to be a memorable highlight of their time in Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the private boat, lunch, bottled water, soda, beer, wine, snorkeling equipment, and beach umbrellas.

How long does the cruise last?
The tour duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning to Kissamos in the late afternoon.

Can I swim at both stops?
Yes, guests are encouraged to swim and snorkel at both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, with local knowledge used to find the best safe spots.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the tour’s relaxed pace and swimming stops make it suitable for families, especially if children are comfortable in the water.

What amenities are available on board?
The boat includes restrooms, a shower, a covered cabin for resting, and a covered dining area for meals and drinks.

Are there any extras not included in the price?
Beach towels are not included in the price, so travelers should bring their own if desired.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered a full refund or a reschedule.

How do I reserve this tour?
Bookings are typically made 24 days in advance, and the tour operates for most of the year, weather permitting.

Is the tour private for my group only?
Yes, this is a completely private experience for your group, with no other parties joining.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
All food and drinks are provided onboard, included in the price, so bringing your own is unnecessary.

What makes this tour stand out from similar offerings?
The personalized service, luxury amenities, and incredible scenery make this cruise a top choice for those seeking a relaxed, exclusive day on Crete’s waters.