Snorkeling in Chania: Balos Lagoon boat trip

Swim and snorkel in Balos Lagoon without renting gear separately

A private boat trip from Chania to Balos Lagoon and the fortress, snorkeling included for up to nine passengers. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, snacks and drinks at no extra charge. You choose between an open-deck or cabin boat, both 11 meters long, and spend six hours on the water with a live English or Greek-speaking skipper.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit fortress and Balos Beach

• Visit the fortress
• Visit Balos Beach and Lagoon

The experience

You board a private boat in Chania and head out to Balos Lagoon, one of Crete's most famous beaches. The trip takes in the fortress on the way, then anchors at Balos so you can snorkel in the shallow turquoise water. Snorkeling equipment is provided free, so you don't need to arrange rentals separately or pay extra at the beach. The boat carries snacks and drinks throughout the day, keeping you fed and hydrated without stops for meals.

The boat holds up to nine people, so it's genuinely private: no strangers, no fixed schedule waiting for other groups to fill seats. You pick either an open-deck boat or a cabin boat, both 11 meters, depending on whether you want sun exposure or shade. A skipper who speaks English or Greek runs the boat and knows the waters. The crew handles navigation so you focus on the snorkeling and the views.

Six hours is long enough to reach Balos, spend real time in the water, and return without rushing. If you land in Chania with a free afternoon or want a full-day sea experience without the logistics of renting a car, this boat does the driving and the planning.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• soda, pop and alcoholic beverages.
• snacks.
• six hours on a private boat with a live English or Greek-speaking skipper.
• visits to the fortress and Balos Beach and Lagoon.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 9 per booking · Guide in English or Greek08:45

Up to 7 per booking · Guide in English or Greek08:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 08:45

Book up to12h 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Seaze The Day

Is this one for you?Choose the open-deck boat if you want maximum sun and views during the six hours. Pick the cabin boat if you prefer shade and shelter from the wind. Either way, the boat size and private group limit mean you're not competing for space or waiting for a full passenger list to depart.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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.

What's the difference between the open-deck and cabin boats?

Both boats are 11 meters long and carry the same group size. The open-deck boat gives you full sun and sea views. The cabin boat provides shade and shelter. Choose based on weather and how much sun exposure you want during the six hours.

Is snorkeling equipment really included, or do I rent it separately?

Snorkeling equipment is included free of charge. You don't pay extra or arrange rentals. The boat supplies it and you use it at Balos Lagoon.

What snacks and drinks come with the trip?

The boat includes soda, pop, alcoholic beverages and snacks throughout the day. You won't need to buy food or drinks separately during the six hours on the water.

How many people can book this boat together?

The boat holds up to nine people per booking, so a family or small group books as one private trip with no other passengers joining.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

The trip suits all physical fitness levels. The skipper and crew are experienced, and Balos Lagoon's shallow turquoise water is beginner-friendly for snorkeling.