Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Private Boat Trip

Three turquoise anchorages and a Venetian fortress, all in one private boat.

A private boat trip from Crete to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and Agios Sozon combines swimming in three separate turquoise bays with an optional hike to Gramvousa's fortress ruins. The skipper brings you to each stop in sequence: two hours at Balos Lagoon for snorkeling or beach time, one hour at Gramvousa to explore and climb, then fifty minutes at Agios Sozon's calm waters. Cretan dakos, beers, wine and soft drinks come on board.

The experience

The boat leaves from a Cretan port and takes thirty minutes to reach Balos Lagoon, where the water sits so shallow and clear that you can wade to the beach without swimming far. Two hours there gives you time to snorkel the reef, float in the shallows, or climb out and walk the sand. The skipper stays with the boat and can drop you closer to shore if you prefer not to swim the full distance.

A ten-minute run brings you to Gramvousa Island, where a Venetian fortress sits on the ridge above the beach. You can hike up to it for the views across the lagoon and back toward the mainland, or stay on the beach and swim. An hour is enough for either choice. While you're there, the crew sets out Cretan dakos (barley rusk topped with tomato, local cheese and olive oil), along with beers, wine and water.

The final stop is Agios Sozon, fifteen minutes away, a smaller cove with the calmest water of the three. Fifty minutes here lets you swim without current or crowd, then a fifteen-minute return trip closes the day. Snorkeling gear is on board and included. The skipper speaks English, Russian or Greek.

What’s included

• Private transportation to the departure point.
• Cretan dakos with barley rusk, fresh tomato, local cheese, olive oil and oregano.
• beers and wine.
• soft drinks and bottled water.
• snorkeling equipment.
• an experienced skipper who speaks English, Russian or Greek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Greek and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chania Sea Experience

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're staying inland or without a car: private pickup from your accommodation means you skip arranging transport to the port yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Russian and Greek.

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.

How do I get to the boat, and where does it leave from?

The operator arranges private transportation to the departure point in Crete, so you don't need a car or need to find your own way to the port.

Can I swim at all three stops, or are some just for looking?

All three (Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and Agios Sozon) have water you can enter. At Balos, the skipper can drop you close enough to wade to the beach. At Gramvousa, you can swim or hike the fortress instead. Agios Sozon is the calmest and best for a long swim.

What food and drinks are included?

Cretan dakos (a traditional barley rusk with tomato, cheese and olive oil), beers, wine, soft drinks and bottled water all come on board.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included and provided on the boat.