Gramvousa Pirate Island & Balos Lagoon tour from Heraklion

A Venetian fortress, a lagoon, two beaches and a full day on the water from Crete's north coast

This full-day boat tour from Heraklion explores Gramvousa Pirate Island, home to a 16th-century Venetian fortress perched on a rocky peak, then moves to Balos Lagoon for three hours of swimming and wading in shallow turquoise water. The tour includes two separate swim stops, a professional guide in English or French, air-conditioned transport to the port, and hotel pickup and drop-off from designated points in Heraklion. The day runs 14 to 17 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon

• Visit Venetian fortress of Gramvousa
• Climb to fortress top for views
• Swim at Gramvousa beach
• Enjoy lunch on the boat
• Travel to Balos Lagoon
• Relax and swim at Balos Lagoon

The experience

The boat departs from Heraklion and heads first to Gramvousa, the island locals call the pirates' island. The Venetian fortress built in 1579 sits high on a rock. Climbing to the top opens a view across the eastern Mediterranean. The area itself is one of the region's most important natural habitats, home to over 100 bird species and 400 plant species. After exploring the fortress and the rocky shoreline, you get time to swim in the clear water off Gramvousa beach or eat lunch aboard the boat.

In the early afternoon the boat continues to Balos Lagoon, where you'll have around three hours to move at your own pace. The lagoon is shallow and warm, with sand that shelves so gradually you can wade far out. This is the second swim stop of the day. The water and the pale sand create the look people compare to Caribbean beaches, though the light and the surrounding cliffs are purely Cretan.

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel in Heraklion and brings you to the departure point. The same vehicle returns you at the end of the day. A professional guide who speaks English or French travels with the group and leads the stops. The full day, from pickup to drop-off, runs between 14 and 17 hours depending on traffic and sea conditions.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup and drop-off from Heraklion.
• professional guide in English or French.
• access to Gramvousa fortress and two swim stops at Gramvousa beach and Balos Lagoon.

Information

Lasts 14h–17h, from € 28 per person, with a live guide in English and French and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 5 May 20276 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 501 private ›

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travel ID

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day covering multiple sites (Gramvousa castle, Tersanas shipyard, and two separate beaches) with hotel pickup and a set schedule that moves you through each stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa actually like when you get there?

Gramvousa's fortress dates to 1579 and stands on a high rock overlooking the island. Climbing to the top rewards you with views across the eastern Mediterranean. The island itself is a protected natural habitat with over 100 bird species and 400 plant species, so the walk takes you through a landscape most visitors to Crete never see.

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

You have around three hours at Balos Lagoon. The water is shallow and warm, and the sand shelves gradually, so you can wade far out or stay close to shore depending on what you prefer.

Does the tour include meals, or do I need to bring food?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can eat on the boat during the stop at Gramvousa, or bring your own food and eat at Balos Lagoon during the three-hour break there.

Does pickup from my hotel in Heraklion cost extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from designated points in Heraklion are included in the tour price. The air-conditioned vehicle collects you in the morning and returns you at the end of the day.