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.

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
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