Crete: Balos Lagoon Cruise & Chania Old Town Day Trip

Summary

Balos beach boat ride plus old town Chania wanderings from Heraklion

You’ll ride from Heraklion all the way west to swim at Balos Lagoon, then wander Chania’s tangled old streets with time for coffee or sweets by the harbor. Expect real Cretan flavors, local smiles, and those odd little moments that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the bus in Heraklion because I got distracted by a bakery (the sesame smell was too much). The driver waited, grinning like he’d seen this before. Four hours on the road to Kasteli sounds long but it felt more like a slow reveal of Crete’s wild side — olive trees, flashes of sea, that weirdly comforting bus hum. We stopped at some roadside place for coffee and spanakopita; the woman at the counter handed me change with a wink. I still have no idea why.

At Kasteli port, our guide Maria herded us gently onto the boat for the Balos Lagoon cruise. She had this way of switching between Greek and English mid-sentence — sometimes I just nodded along. The air tasted salty and sharp as we pulled away, seagulls yelling overhead. The main keyword here is “Balos Lagoon day trip” — but honestly, what sticks is how cold the water felt when I finally waded in. Sand so pale it almost glared back at you; my toes sunk in deep and I nearly lost a flip-flop. Lunch wasn’t included but there was a snack bar on board — I ended up with something vaguely called “Cretan pie” that was flaky and gone too fast.

Back on land, we piled into the bus again for Chania. The city just kind of sneaks up on you — suddenly you’re surrounded by pastel buildings and those narrow lanes where old men play backgammon under vines. Two hours isn’t enough to see everything but it’s enough to get lost once or twice (I did), buy sticky loukoumades from an old lady near the harbor, and watch sunlight bounce off Venetian stones. Maria pointed out a shop selling hand-painted ceramics; I tried to haggle in broken Greek. She laughed and told me to stick to English next time.

The drive back was quieter — everyone half-asleep or scrolling through photos. There was one last stop for coffee somewhere outside Rethymno; someone left their sunglasses behind but nobody seemed bothered. Sometimes travel days blur together but this one keeps coming back in flashes: salt on skin, laughter echoing down stone alleys, that first icy step into Balos water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balos Lagoon cruise and Chania visit

• Pickup from Heraklion area
• Bus ride to Chania with stop
• Arrive at Kasteli port
• Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon
• Swim and explore Balos beach
• Lunch available on boat
• Return boat trip to Kasteli
• Bus ride to Chania city
• Explore Chania old town and harbor
• Bus return to Heraklion with stop

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Heraklion to Balos Lagoon & Chania?

The tour lasts a full day with about 4 hours each way by bus plus stops at Balos Lagoon (via boat) and 2 hours free time in Chania.

Is lunch included during the Balos Lagoon cruise?

No, lunch is not included but there’s a snack bar on board where you can buy meals and refreshments.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Heraklion?

Yes, hotel pickup from Heraklion or nearby areas is included at the start of your day trip.

How much time do we spend at Balos Beach during this tour?

The boat cruise including time at Balos Beach lasts about 5 hours total.

Is there a guide during the whole trip?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the day trip from Heraklion to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town.

Are entry fees for Gramvousa-Balos included?

Yes, all entry fees including Gramvousa-Balos are covered in your booking price.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is needed.

Are infant seats available on this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available if requested in advance.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Heraklion or nearby areas, all entry fees including Gramvousa-Balos access, boat tickets for the lagoon cruise, an air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver and local guide throughout — plus insurance coverage so you can just focus on swimming or wandering without worry before heading home late evening.