Private Boat Trip Kolymbari to Balos & Gramvousa: 4 Swims

You beat the ferry crowds by leaving first from a smaller port.

A private boat trip from Kolymbari to Balos lagoon, Gramvousa island, Menies beach and Choironissia, with four separate swimming stops and time to explore the Venetian fortress. The boat departs at 10:00 and returns around 18:00, timed to reach each site before the larger ferries from Kissamos arrive. Snacks, soft drinks and all fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip to Balos and Gramvousa

• Depart from Kolymbari port at 10:00
• Visit Gramvousa Island and explore castle
• Swim and relax at Balos Lagoon
• Stop at Menies Beach for rest and swim
• Explore sea caves near Choironissia
• Return to Kolymbari port around 18:00

The experience

The boat leaves Kolymbari port at 10:00 and heads straight to Gramvousa island, where you can swim in the clear water or climb up to the Venetian fortress for a view across the sea. The timing matters: you arrive before the bigger ferry boats from Kissamos, so the island and the water stay less crowded than they would later in the day. From there the boat moves to Balos lagoon, where the water turns turquoise and shallow enough to wade far out. You get free time to swim, explore or simply sit on the sand.

After Balos, the route continues to Menies beach, a quieter stop away from the crowds, and then to Choironissia, where sea caves carved into the rock are open to explore. Each stop is a separate swim, so you move through four different stretches of water in a single day. The boat arrives back at Kolymbari port around 18:00. Snacks and soft drinks come aboard. You bring or buy lunch separately.

What’s included

• Snacks and soft drinks are provided.
• bottled water is included.
• the captain and fuel are part of the trip.
• all fees and taxes are covered.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private boat excursion departing Kolymbari for Balos and GramvousaUp to 9 per booking · 10:00Cobra 250hp

Balos trip for groups of up to 11 peopleUp to 11 per booking · 10:00Skipper 450

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

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

GroupPrivate

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 effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Notos Mare Marine Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to visit four different swimming spots in one day and reach Balos and Gramvousa before the crowds arrive on the larger ferries from Kissamos. The private boat leaves from Kolymbari at 10:00, giving you a full eight hours on the water with stops timed to avoid the midday rush at each site.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 island like?

Gramvousa island holds a Venetian fortress perched on top, offering panoramic views of the sea. The climb is optional. You can swim in the waters around the island instead if you prefer to stay on the boat or in the water.

How much time do I get to swim at each stop?

The itinerary includes four separate swimming stops: Gramvousa island, Balos lagoon, Menies beach and Choironissia. You have free time at Balos lagoon to swim and relax. The other stops are also built around swimming and exploring, though the exact duration at each depends on the day's flow.

Are the sea caves at Choironissia safe to explore?

Choironissia features sea caves that have formed naturally over time and are open to exploration. The caves are part of the final stop before the return to Kolymbari.

What happens if I don't want to climb the castle at Gramvousa?

Climbing to the Venetian fortress is optional. You can swim in the turquoise waters around Gramvousa island instead, or stay on the boat while others explore.

Does the boat stop at Balos lagoon for a long time?

Balos lagoon is where you get free time for swimming and relaxing. The boat reaches it before the larger ferries, so the lagoon is less crowded when you arrive.