Balos Catamaran Cruise from Chania: Swim & Snorkel Small Groups

Anchor steps from white sand, sunbed waiting on the boat

A shared catamaran cruise from Chania to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island with two anchored swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch with Greek salads, local snacks and an open bar. Groups stay under 22 people. The boat secures your sunbed while you swim and explore the seabed, then sails to Gramvousa for a second stop where you can visit the old pirate fortress on the hilltop. Pickup from Chania and points toward Kissamos is available as an add-on option at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise to Balos and Gramvousa

• Embark on the catamaran
• Sail to Balos beach
• Swim and relax at Balos
• Snorkel in crystal-clear waters
• Sail to Gramvousa island
• Visit old pirate fortress
• Enjoy homemade lunch and drinks
• Return to starting point

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Chania and heads to Balos Beach for the first stop, anchoring close enough to wade ashore but far enough to keep the boat's privacy intact. You get snorkeling equipment on board, so you can drop into the seabed or stay in the shallows—the choice is yours. The sunbed stays reserved on the deck while you're in the water, which means no scramble for a spot when you climb back up. Local snacks and seasonal fruit come around while you're drying off, along with beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.

After the first swim, the boat sails across to Gramvousa Island for the second stop. Here you can visit the old pirate fortress perched on the hilltop, or stay aboard and keep swimming. Lunch arrives during this part of the day—homemade Greek salads and fruits, with the open bar running the whole time. The whole outing runs seven hours, anchored and moving at a pace that lets you actually relax instead of checking the time.

If you book the pickup option, group collections start from Chania and points on the way toward Kissamos, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the boat. The catamaran may be replaced by another vessel of the same or higher category; capacity stays under 22 people, which is what keeps it from feeling like a floating resort.

What’s included

• Catamaran cruise to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island with two anchored swimming stops.
• snorkeling equipment.
• homemade lunch with Greek salads and seasonal fruits.
• local snacks during the stops.
• open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
• English-speaking guide.
• pickup from Chania and nearby points (when selected at checkout).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sailing Exploring & Driving Creta

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to swim and snorkel at Balos with a reserved sunbed waiting when you return—the private yacht format means no competition for deck space, unlike shared boat tours.

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Top questions

What's the water like at Balos Beach for swimming?

Balos Beach has crystal-clear water shallow enough to wade from the boat, and the seabed is deep enough to explore with snorkeling gear if you want to go deeper. The beach itself is white sand, and you can walk it from the boat without worrying about losing your sunbed—it stays reserved on the deck while you swim.

Can I visit the pirate fortress at Gramvousa Island?

Gramvousa Island has an old pirate fortress on the hilltop that you can visit during the second stop. You're free to climb up and explore it, or stay on the boat and keep swimming—both options are open during the anchored time there.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes homemade Greek salads and seasonal fruits; local snacks and seasonal fruit also come around during the swimming stops. The open bar runs throughout the day with beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

Pickup from Chania and points on the way toward Kissamos is available as an option at checkout. If you choose it, group pickups start from those locations and bring you to the boat. Without the pickup option, you arrange your own way to the departure point.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included and available on board for use during both swimming stops, so you can explore the seabed at Balos or stay in the shallows as you prefer.

How many people are on the boat?

Groups stay under 22 people on the shared catamaran, which keeps the experience less crowded than larger tour boats while still being a shared cruise rather than a private charter.