Crete: Private Boat Trip to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

Private boat tour from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon with swim stops and local skipper

You’ll float through turquoise waters from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island with a local skipper guiding your group. Expect laughter on deck, swims in clear coves, and stories about Crete’s coast. Snorkeling gear is included, so is that feeling when salt dries on your skin and you don’t want the day to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island

• Visit Balos Lagoon and beach
• See crystal clear waters of Gramvousa
• Hike to Gramvousa fortress viewpoint

The experience

I didn’t expect the water around Balos Lagoon to look quite that blue: almost fake, like someone cranked up the color in a photo. But it’s real. We set out from Kissamos harbor in the late morning, a little nervous (I always get jumpy before boats), but our skipper, Manolis, just grinned and handed us bottled water. He had that Cretan way of making you feel like an old friend, even if you’re awkwardly clutching your backpack and sunscreen. The engine hummed under our feet as we left the shore behind, wind picking up and salt spray already tangling my hair.

We drifted close to Gramvousa Island first. There’s this old fortress up on the hill that looks impossible to reach unless you’re part mountain goat. Some people went for the hike (I chickened out, honestly), but even just floating below, you could hear laughter echoing off the rocks. The smell of thyme was everywhere, mixing with sea air. Manolis pointed out tiny fish darting under the boat and told us how his grandfather used to fish here before tourists ever came. I tried saying “thank you” in Greek. He laughed so hard I nearly dropped my snorkel mask.

Swimming at Balos Beach was colder than I’d guessed. It wakes you up fast. The sand felt almost powdery between my toes when we finally waded ashore. I watched a couple of kids collecting shells while their parents sipped coffee on deck chairs (how do Greeks always have coffee ready?). We had snorkelling gear included in the trip, so I spent a good chunk of time chasing after silver flashes underwater, not very gracefully. On the way back, sunburnt and salty, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone all day. There’s something about being out there with nothing but blue around you that sticks with you longer than any photo does.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water for everyone on board plus use of snorkeling equipment so you can explore those clear blue waters at both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island before heading back toward Kissamos in good company.

Options for this experience

5 options

3-hour trip (boat 6-7 m)Up to 5 per booking · Guide in English or Greek · 09:00 and 15:30Duration: 3 hours. Rigid inflatable boat, 6-7 m

4-hour trip (boat 6-7 m)Up to 5 per booking · Guide in English or Greek · 09:00 and 15:30Duration: 4 hours. Includes water and drinks

4-hour trip (11-metre boat)Up to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Greek · 09:00 and 15:30Duration: 4 hours. Includes water, soft drinks and beers. Kissamos - Balos - Gramvousa on a 11 m rigid inflatable boat

See 2 more options

6-hour trip (boat 6-7 m)Up to 5 per booking · Guide in English or Greek · 09:00Duration: 6 hours. Includes soft drinks, snacks and water

6-hour trip (11-metre boat)Up to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Greek · 09:00Duration: 6 hours. Includes soft drinks, beers and snacks. Kissamos - Balos - Gramvousa on an 11 m rigid inflatable boat: length 11 m, capacity 10 people. This is the best option for larger groups or those who want more space on the boat

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

Before you book

Lasts 3h–6h, runs every day at 09:00 and 15:30, from € 650 per group, with a live guide in English and Greek, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Seaze The Day

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English 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 long does the private boat trip from Kissamos to Balos take?

The duration depends on your choice. Trips range from 4 to 7 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this boat tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

Can infants join the private boat trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the journey.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this private boat tour.

Is public transportation available near Kissamos port?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access.

What islands or beaches will we visit during this trip?

You’ll visit Balos Beach and Lagoon as well as Gramvousa Island.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for travelers.

Does the price cover a group or per person?

The price is per group for up to 10 people.