Balos & Gramvousa: Catamaran Cruise with Cretan Lunch

Summary

Catamaran sailing to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island with Cretan lunch

You’ll sail from Kissamos on a modern catamaran with plenty of space to stretch out, stopping first at Balos Lagoon for swimming and paddleboarding before heading to wild Gramvousa Island. Enjoy Cretan snacks and a healthy Mediterranean lunch onboard — plus local wine or beer if you want it. Expect real flavors, quiet moments, laughter in salty air, and time to just let go.

What’s the experience like?

“You want more cheese?” That’s what Maria, one of the crew, asked after we’d already eaten our way through half the snack tray. We were somewhere between Kissamos and Balos Lagoon, sun on my legs, salt in my hair, and I just remember thinking — this is what a day trip to Balos should feel like. The catamaran wasn’t crowded (they said semi-private but honestly it felt like we had space to breathe), and the espresso they handed me at boarding actually tasted good. Not something I expect on boats. The water changed color every few minutes — sometimes that wild blue-green you see in postcards, sometimes almost silver if you squinted.

I didn’t expect the sand at Balos Beach to be so soft or so pale. There was this weird moment where everyone just went quiet for a second — maybe it was the heat or just that view. Our guide Yiannis pointed out little pink shells mixed into the sand (he called them “for Instagram” but I’m not sure my photos did them justice). Swam until my fingers wrinkled up. Tried paddleboarding — fell off twice, laughed so hard I got saltwater up my nose. They had these inflatable flamingos too; some German kids commandeered one for an hour while their parents sipped wine on deck.

Gramvousa Island was next — rougher somehow, wild rocks and that old shipwreck rusting in the shallows. I wandered up toward the ruined fort but stopped halfway because honestly, lunch smelled too good to wait for. Fresh salads, grilled fish, bread that tasted like someone’s grandma made it. White wine from Crete (cold enough to make your teeth hurt). Even the vegetarian option looked tempting and I’m not usually swayed by salad.

On the way back to Kissamos Port everyone sort of sprawled out wherever they could find shade or sun. Some people napped; a couple played cards near the bow. I watched the coastline slip by and tried to memorize how the air felt — warm but not heavy, with a bit of thyme from someone’s snack box drifting over now and then. Still think about that swim at Balos when I’m stuck at my desk some days… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise to Balos and Gramvousa

• Depart from Kissamos Port
• Enjoy breakfast and drinks onboard
• Arrive at Balos Lagoon
• Swim, snorkel, paddle, or relax
• Snack on Greek cheeses and fruits
• Travel to Gramvousa Island
• Explore island or sunbathe on deck
• Enjoy Mediterranean-style lunch onboard
• Swim or relax after lunch
• Return to Kissamos Port

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Balos & Gramvousa catamaran cruise?

Yes, complimentary round-trip transfer is included with your booking.

What kind of food is served on board during the cruise?

A nutritionist-designed brunch plus a Mediterranean-style lunch with options for vegetarians, seafood lovers, kids’ meals, fresh salads, local cheeses, fruit, dessert and drinks.

Are there activities besides swimming during this day trip from Kissamos?

Yes—stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkeling with quality gear, gentle fishing (if you want), inflatable toys for fun and exploring Gramvousa Island are all included.

Can children join this catamaran tour?

Yes—there are kid-friendly meals available and toys by request; suitable for all fitness levels.

Which boat will we be on: Lagoon 45 or Bali 4.5?

The operator uses both yachts for this route but cannot guarantee which specific boat you'll be assigned.

Is alcohol available during the cruise?

Yes—local white wine and Greek beer are served alongside unlimited soft drinks and water.

Is there shade on board?

Yes—the catamarans have shaded lounges as well as sunbeds so you can choose where to relax.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Kissamos, welcome drinks like espresso or detox water as you board a modern luxury catamaran with shaded lounges and sunbeds; all-day access to snorkeling gear, SUP boards, inflatable toys—even fishing equipment if you’re curious; brunch designed by a nutritionist plus a Mediterranean lunch made from local organic ingredients (vegetarian options available); unlimited drinks including local wine or beer; professional English-speaking crew; Wi-Fi onboard; outdoor shower; life jackets; insurance—and even a small gift if you're celebrating something special before returning comfortably to port in the afternoon.