Private Boat Trip Chania to Balos & Gramvoussa: Swim & Snorkel

Balos lagoon and four island stops in one boat, with time to swim and snorkel at each

A full-day private boat trip from Chania explores the far western coast of Crete, stopping at Balos Beach and Lagoon, Gramvoussa island, the ancient temple site at Menies, and Thodorou island: a protected habitat for the endangered Cretan wild goat. You swim in turquoise waters, snorkel in sea caves, and return to Chania harbour by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day boat trip to Balos and more

• Board the boat
• Visit Balos beach and lagoon
• Swim at Balos and Gramvoussa island
• Stop at Menies cove and swim
• Jump from boat and snorkel in caves
• Stop at Thodorou island to see kri-kri goats
• Return to Chania harbour

The experience

Balos lagoon sits at the far tip of the Gramvoussa peninsula, the westernmost point of Crete, and the whole area is a protected Natura 2000 zone. The boat leaves Chania and heads straight there, where you wade into pink-white sand and turquoise water for a swim. Gramvoussa island is your second stop in the same bay: another chance to swim and explore before moving on.

Menies, a hidden cove on the northeastern shore of the Rodopou peninsula, marks the third major stop. It sits on the ancient site of Diktynna, once the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis, believed to be Artemis. The pebbly beach there offers a refreshing swim and a moment to absorb the history. On the way back toward Chania, the boat stops at unnamed bays where you can jump in from the boat, explore sea caves, and snorkel if conditions allow.

Thodorou island is the final stop before heading home. Uninhabited and also protected under Natura 2000, it is a haven for the endangered Cretan wild goat, the "kri-kri", and you may spot them from the water. After a last swim in clear blue water, the boat returns to Chania harbour. If you're lucky, you might see sea turtles on the way back. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the boat carries bottled water, soda and snacks throughout the day.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and soda.
• snacks.
• all fees and taxes.
• live guide in English or German.

Options for this experience

2 options

Chania-Balos/GramvoussaUp to 9 per booking · Guide in English or German · 09:30 and 10:00Marvel 930

Chania-Balos/GramvousaUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or German · 09:30 and 10:00Axopar 22

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and German

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 problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Notos Mare Marine Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this private trip if you want to move between four separate swimming and snorkeling stops in a single day without the schedule of a shared group boat. The boat is yours alone, so you set the pace at each cove and can linger in the water as long as conditions allow.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

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 Balos lagoon like when we arrive?

Balos is a lagoon of outstanding natural beauty at the far western tip of Crete, with pink-white sand and turquoise water. The entire area is protected under the Natura 2000 conservation programme, and the boat's priority is to leave only footprints behind.

Can we snorkel on this trip, or just swim?

You can do both. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the itinerary includes stops in sea caves where snorkeling is possible, as well as open-water swims at Balos, Gramvoussa, Menies and Thodorou island.

What is Menies and why is it a stop?

Menies is a hidden cove on the Rodopou peninsula, located on the ancient site of Diktynna, which held the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis (believed to be Artemis). It offers a pebbly beach and a chance to swim at a historically significant location.

Will we see the Cretan wild goat on Thodorou island?

Thodorou island is a protected haven for the endangered Cretan wild goat, known locally as the "kri-kri". You may spot them from the boat, though sightings are not guaranteed.

How long is the full day on the water?

The trip runs between five and eight hours depending on conditions, stops and how long you spend swimming at each location.