Balos & Gramvousa: Catamaran Cruise with Cretan Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.69 (191 reviews) 88% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/31

Duration7h

GroupUp to 25

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

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

The Experience

“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?

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by DanEri Yachts - Luxury Catamaran Cruises on Crete & Milos, Greece