Balos Lagoon afternoon cruise from Kissamos: Sunset sailing

Swim in turquoise water, then sail back through the golden hour

A four-hour afternoon catamaran cruise from Kissamos Port to Balos Lagoon on Crete, with swimming, snorkeling and a Cretan appetizer plate served onboard. The boat departs at 4:30 p.m., anchors near the lagoon shore for an hour of water time, then sails back to port by 8:30 p.m. as the sun sets behind the Gramvousa mountains. Hotel pickup is available on some ticket options. The exact pickup time arrives the day before your cruise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury afternoon cruise to Balos Lagoon

• Depart from Kissamos Port
• Anchor near Balos Lagoon shore
• Swim, snorkel, or relax
• Enjoy Cretan appetizers and drinks
• Cruise back through golden hour
• Return to Kissamos Port

The experience

The catamaran leaves Kissamos Port at 4:30 p.m. and reaches Balos Lagoon within an hour. You anchor near the shore. There's no beach landing, but the water is shallow enough to swim straight from the boat. Snorkeling gear, life jackets and inflatable noodles are onboard, so you can move between swimming and floating without extra planning. The crew speaks English and stays on deck the whole time.

At 6:15 p.m., the boat serves a plate of Cretan appetizers, seasonal fruit and soft drinks. Coffee, tea, detox water and a small bottle of wine or beer (on the VIP ticket) are available throughout the afternoon. The return sail departs at 7:30 p.m., timed to catch the light as it drops behind the mountains. The sun sets fully behind the Gramvousa range rather than over open sea, so a full sea sunset is visible only on about 15 days a year. Most afternoons you'll see the glow without the disk itself.

The boat is a modern catamaran with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet and outdoor shower. A Comfort ticket gives you open seating on the lower deck. A VIP ticket reserves a sunbed, includes a branded towel and a souvenir bracelet, and costs more. Both options can add hotel pickup from your location: the exact pickup time and point arrive by message the day before departure. The itinerary can shift due to weather, so the crew will confirm any changes in advance.

What’s included

• High-quality snorkeling gear with masks and fins.
• life jackets and inflatable noodles.
• Cretan appetizers and seasonal fruit.
• coffee, tea, soft drinks and detox water.
• onboard toilet and outdoor shower.
• branded DanEri towel on the VIP ticket.
• souvenir bracelet on the VIP ticket.
• small bottle of wine or beer on the VIP ticket.
• complimentary transfer from your hotel on the VIP ticket with transfer option.
• professional English-speaking crew.
• music and free Wi-Fi onboard.

Options for this experience

4 options

Afternoon catamaran cruise from Kissamos to Balos and GramvousaAvailable from 16 May 2027Comfort ticket; pickup is included

Comfort ticket, transfer not includedAvailable from 10 Jul 2027Comfort ticket; this option does not cover transfer services

VIP ticket that includes transferAvailable from 16 May 2027Flybridge access: an elevated area offering panoramic views and dedicated service, with priority boarding and a luxury sunbed reserved for you. Includes pickup

VIP ticket, transfer not includedAvailable from 10 Jul 2027VIP ticket, transfer not included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (under 10)

GroupUp to 120

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

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

Is this one for you?Book the VIP ticket with transfer if your hotel is in the region and you want the reserved sunbed and towel sorted before you board. The Comfort ticket works just as well for swimming and snorkeling if you're happy with open seating and prefer to save the cost.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Balos Lagoon actually like when we get there?

Balos Lagoon is one of the most photographed spots on Crete, with turquoise water and a panoramic landscape. The catamaran anchors near the shore but does not beach, so you swim or snorkel from the boat in shallow water rather than walk onto sand.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear or do I have to use what's on the boat?

High-quality snorkeling masks and fins are provided onboard at no extra cost. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup if I book the transfer option?

The cruise departs Kissamos Port at 4:30 p.m., but your pickup time depends on where you're staying. You'll receive a message the day before with your exact pickup point and time, so watch for it and don't miss it.

Is there food and drink included, or do I have to pay extra onboard?

Cretan appetizers, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks and detox water are included. A small bottle of wine or beer comes with the VIP ticket. Other alcoholic drinks are not included in either ticket option.

How much time do we actually spend swimming at Balos Lagoon?

The boat anchors near the lagoon shore at 5:30 p.m. and departs at 7:30 p.m., giving you two hours in the water. The Cretan snacks are served partway through, so you can swim, eat and relax without leaving the boat.