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Balos Lagoon – Chania City

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Balos Lagoon – Chania City

Set Sail for a Day of Paradise: Balos Lagoon & Chania City!

Join us for an unforgettable journey that blends the exotic beauty of Balos Lagoon with the timeless charm of Chania’s old town. Swim in turquoise waters, stroll along golden sands, and explore Crete’s most picturesque harbor. Two incredible destinations—one perfect day!

Operating Days: Every Monday and Thursday


Tour info

Duration:
1 day
Transport:
Bus/Boat
Tour Type:
Sea Excursion
SKU:
VC-10-004
Group size:
~50 pax

from: 75.00

Accompanied service

Guides Transport Insurance

Schedule

Morning Pick up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.

Bus Drive to Chania city: 3 hours (average)

1st stop: Chania 2 hours: Enjoy the appealing old town of Chania at the west of Crete. 2 hours of free time to explore the unique old town whose architecture has a harmonic combination of Cretan, Venetian, Ottoman and Arabic elements.

Bus Drive to Kasteli Port: 40min

2nd stop: Kasteli: The town of Kasteli, the westernmost town of Crete. This is where the boat sails from, to Gramvousa Peninsula and Balos lagoon.

3rd stop: Cruise to Balos Lagoon (total duration 5hours): After sailing all along the impressive Gramvousa peninsula and fortress, the boat will arrive at Balos lagoon. Travelers will have 3 hours of time to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Balos, walk across the golden sandy beach and explore the nature around.

4th stop:Kasteli: Arrival by boat back at the port of Kasteli

Return Bus Drive to resorts: 3.5 hours(average)

End of the tour – Return to resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

*There will be a short stop on the way back for restroom and snack – 20 minutes

Description

Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Discover Chania Old Town  (BOAT TICKET INCLUDED!)

(Disclaimer: Not all the parts shown in this video are scheduled to be visited on this excursion)

A Perfect Blend of Paradise and Culture: Balos Lagoon & Chania City Excursion with VisitCrete.com

Set sail for one of Crete’s most exotic beaches and explore the jewel of the island’s west coast—the enchanting city of Chania. This all-in-one adventure combines the breathtaking beauty of Balos Lagoon with the historic charm of Chania, giving you a full day of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Wander Through Chania’s Living History

Your day begins with a scenic drive across the island to the western coast, where you’ll arrive in Chania—a city steeped in multicultural history. With 2 hours of free time, stroll through Venetian alleys, admire Ottoman-era architecture, browse quaint shops, or sip coffee along the iconic Old Harbor. Every corner reveals a new story in this living museum of Crete’s past.

Sail Into the Blue: Cruise to Balos Lagoon

Next, you’ll board your boat in Kasteli, setting sail along the rugged Gramvousa Peninsula. As the sea breeze carries you across turquoise waters, you’ll approach the paradise that is Balos Lagoon, where white sands meet a warm, shallow lagoon in surreal shades of blue and green.

Spend three full hours soaking in the magic:
• Swim in crystal-clear waters
• Stroll barefoot across the golden shore
• Explore the wild beauty of this protected natural park

During your time at sea, the boat’s restaurant and snack bar are open, so feel free to enjoy a delicious lunch (not included in the price) onboard at your own pace.

Return With a Heart Full of Crete

After your Balos experience, cruise back to Kasteli and relax on the return journey to your resort. In one day, you’ll have explored both Crete’s untouched nature and one of its most vibrant cities—a rare and satisfying combination that few excursions can match.

P.S. Still have questions? Our friendly team is always happy to help! Contact us today and let's craft the perfect Chania-Balos escape for you.

Pick-ups from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion), Lygaria, Agia Pelagia. [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]

Operating Days:
Every Monday and Thursday

Languages:
English, French, German, and Polish: All days  //  Italian: every Monday

Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort throughout the tour
✔ Boat tickets
✔ Entrance fee to the natural park
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour

Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on our website: -
Extras payable on the spot: Lunch, Drinks, Umbrellas & Sunbeds (optional)

Tour highlights:
• Sail through the Gramvousa Peninsula to the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon
• Swim, walk, and unwind in Crete’s most exotic natural beach
• Explore the old town of Chania with its stunning Venetian harbor, alleyways, and markets

Essentials to have with you:
• Backpack
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
• Swimsuit / Beach towel
• Comfortable sports shoes for hiking to the Gramvoussa fortress
• Water

Direction:
West Crete

Duration:
13-14 hours approximately - 350 Km

Overview:

Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm on this full-day excursion to Balos Lagoon and the historic city of Chania. Start your journey with a scenic drive across Crete to the island’s western gem—Chania, where you'll enjoy free time to wander its Venetian harbor, explore colorful alleyways, and take in the multi-layered architecture influenced by Cretan, Ottoman, and Venetian heritage.

Then, board a boat from Kasteli and sail along the dramatic coastline of the Gramvousa Peninsula, arriving at the world-famous Balos Lagoon. Spend hours soaking in its stunning turquoise waters, walking across soft white sands, and discovering the untouched natural landscape of this protected paradise.

With smooth transportation, expert guidance, and plenty of free time, this excursion offers a relaxing yet enriching escape—ideal for travelers who want to combine Crete’s natural wonders with its living history in a single unforgettable day.

Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old  (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old  (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old  (Free of charge)

Booking Guiding Lines:
Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, in the table below

Pricing
This excursion includes the following in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Boat tickets, and island entrance. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extras if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).

Pick-up Locations

Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

CHANIA - BALOS LAGOON EXCURSION

Pickup timetable

Pick up Location Pick-up Time
Sissi 05:10 AM
Nikos Hotel - Filipidis S/M 05:15 AM
Malia church 05:20 AM
Malia Bay - Malia Park - Sirens 05:15 AM
Drossia - Kernos Beach - Ikaros Village 05:25 AM
Alexander - Ariadni 05:30 AM
Cactus - I Resort 05:30 AM
Mochos Cross (Bus Stop #29) 05:35 AM
Stalis (Bus Stop #28) - Blue sea 05:35 AM
Nana B/S - Mediterraneo 05:40 AM
Belvedere - Eri bus stop 05:40 AM
Silva Beach - Pela Maria 05:45 AM
National Bank (Ethniki Bank) - Chalkiadakis S/M 05:45 AM
Koutouloufari (Esperides Resort) 05:45 AM
Piscopiano well (pigadi) 05:45 AM
Mathioudakis (Kritikos S/M) - Albatros Corner - Creta Maris 05:50 AM
Hersonissos Village (Hotel Accommodation) 05:50 AM
Knossos Royal - Royal Mare - Annabelle 05:55 AM
Cretan Village - Laguna - Chrissi Amoudia 06:00 AM
Serita - Zorbas - Anissa - Bella - Lytos 06:05 AM
Analipsi Beach  Road 06:10 AM
Analipsi Bus Stop 06:10 AM
Amirantes Bus Stop 06:15 AM
Gouves Beach  Road 06:15 AM
Gouves Cross - Lavris 06:20 AM
Gournes church 06:20 AM
Rinela - Hatzis 06:25 AM
Knossos beach - Arina 06:25 AM
Karteros - Amnsissos 06:30 AM
Astoria Hotel - Galaxy Hotel 06:25 AM
Heraklion port - 18 Agglon Sq. (Koules fortress roundabout) 06:25 AM
Natural History Museum 06:25 AM
Talos Plaza (outside Envy Cafe) 06:25 AM
Giofyros (Meliriton) 06:40 AM
Amoudara (Gazi) 06:45 AM
Lygaria: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Lygaria via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up.
06:35 AM
Agia Pelagia: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Agia Pelagia via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up. 06:45 AM

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us in order to help you choose the best pick-up that suits you best!

 

CANCELLATION
1. Customers who, for any reason, fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions, insufficient passenger numbers, or force majeure.

IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.

Discover GRAMVOUSA ISLAND & BALOS LAGOON BEACH
All you need to know about Gramvousa Island & Balos Lagoon Beach in this article:
- What to Do in Gramvousa Island
- A Day in Balos Lagoon
- Tips (What you will see, What to have with you)
- Useful Information about Gramvousa Island & Balos Lagoon
ARTICLE: The Ultimate Guide to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon Beach: Crete's
Spectacular Twin Wonders

 

For further information or bookings, please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560

 

Need HELP?   Check if we are online & chat with us!

We LOVE to answer questions...


Additional information

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+30 2810341560
[email protected]