Private Boat Cruise Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island from Kissamos

Turquoise water, a Venetian fortress, and two hours to swim where you want

A private boat cruise from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and Agios Sozon with an English, Russian or Greek-speaking skipper. You swim and snorkel in the lagoon for around two hours, hike up to Gramvousa's fortress for panoramic views, then spend fifty minutes in the calm waters at Agios Sozon. Cretan dakos, snorkeling gear, beer, wine and soft drinks are included.

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in Crete and want to swim in the water without arranging a rental car or joining a crowded group, a private boat from Kissamos gets you to Balos Lagoon in thirty minutes. The boat is yours alone: no other passengers, no fixed schedule beyond the stops themselves. You choose how to spend the two hours there: swim out to the beach and wade ashore, snorkel in the shallows, or stay on board and watch the turquoise water change color as the sun moves. The skipper speaks English, Russian or Greek and knows the calm spots where fewer people anchor.

After the lagoon, a ten-minute run takes you to Gramvousa Island. The hike to the Venetian fortress at the top is optional (some travelers skip it and swim instead), but those who climb get views across the whole northern coast. You have an hour there. On the way back down or while you rest on deck, the skipper serves Cretan dakos (barley rusk with tomato, local cheese and olive oil), beer, wine and water. The boat then heads to Agios Sozon, a smaller anchorage where the water stays calm and clear. You spend fifty minutes there before the fifteen-minute return to Kissamos.

Snorkeling gear is on board and included. The whole trip runs four hours from start to finish. Let the operator know about any dietary restrictions (they can adjust the dakos or provide alternatives), and note that this cruise is not suitable if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Cretan dakos with barley rusk, fresh tomato, local cheese, olive oil and oregano.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• beer and wine for guests 18 and over.
• snorkeling equipment.
• use of the private boat with a skipper who speaks English, Russian or Greek.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Mar 2027

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Chania Sea Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling as a couple, a small family or a group of friends who want the boat and the skipper's attention to yourselves. The private format means no waiting for other passengers to board, no fixed pace at each stop, and the flexibility to spend extra time swimming at whichever anchorage appeals to you most.

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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 long do I actually spend swimming at Balos Lagoon?

Around two hours. The boat gets you there in thirty minutes, then you have the full two hours to swim, snorkel, wade to the beach or relax on deck before heading to Gramvousa Island.

Is the hike to Gramvousa's fortress hard, and do I have to do it?

The hike is optional. You have an hour on the island and can choose to climb to the Venetian fortress for panoramic views or stay on the boat and swim instead.

What food and drinks are included on the boat?

Cretan dakos (a traditional barley rusk with fresh tomato, local cheese, olive oil and oregano), beer, wine and bottled water are all included. Soft drinks are available too. Tell the operator about dietary restrictions and they will accommodate them.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is on board and included in the price.

What is Agios Sozon like compared to Balos Lagoon?

Agios Sozon is smaller and quieter, with calm, clear water and a serene atmosphere. You spend about fifty minutes there after Gramvousa, mainly for swimming and relaxing rather than exploring.