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 Kasteli Port: 3.5 hours (average)
1st stop: The town of Kastelli at the western end of Crete. That's where the boat sails from, to Gramvoussa island and the Balos lagoon
Boat Trip: 1 hour
2nd stop: After the cruise across western Cretan sea, the boat arrives at Gramvousa.Walk up to the castle on the hill and take photos of the breathtaking panoramic view and Balos lagoon. Enjoy some time to swim and sunbathe by the coast.
Boat Trip: 15 minutes
3rd stop: After the cruise from Gramvousa, the boat will arrive at Balos lagoon. Travelers will have plenty of time to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Balos, walk across the golden sand beach and explore the nature around.
Lunch: In the meantime, the restaurant of the boat will be open so clients can enjoy their meal any time between 12:00 and 17:00.
Boat Trip: 1 hour
4th stop: 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
Gramvousa Island - Balos Lagoon (BOAT TICKET & LUNCH INCLUDED!)
GRAMVOUSA - BALOS EXCURSION. Discover the two small uninhabited islands off the coast of Gramvousa Peninsula as well as Balon Lagoon. Enjoy a magical boat trip through the westernmost point of Crete and admire the crystal clear waters of these places. Walk across the white sand shore and find yourself enjoying the sun on one of the most beautiful beaches.
SAIL WITH THE BIG BOAT!
Our excursion uses the big boat "GRAMVOUSA" that is more comfortable & docks on the beach, avoiding the "hassle" of getting into little ones to reach the shore...
Pick-up's 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, Thursday, and Saturday
Languages:
English, French, German, Polish: All days
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 (day cruise)
✔ Lunch
✔ 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 the spot: Drinks, Umbrellas & Sunbeds (optional)
Tour highlights:
• Board a boat and sail to Gramvousa and Balos
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gramvousa
• Climb the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island for unique views
• Enjoy relaxing moments on the exotic Balos Lagoon
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:
14 hours approximately - 350 Km
Overview:
Starting early, heading west, we reach the Port of Kissamos. Here we board our boat for a pleasant sail along the coastline. On the way, you can see the signs of the impressive geological phenomenon of land elevation by 6 to 9 meters above sea level (Crete has been rising out of the sea on the western side and sinking on the eastern side for more than 2000 years).
After approximately one hour, our boat arrives at the port of the pirate island of Gramvousa. During the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting boats passing through, which gained the island its pirate reputation. According to Homer, Gramvousa is the island of Aeolus in "Odyssey". It is a protected biotope, hosting over 400 plant species and the habitat of over 100 bird species, the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus and the sea turtle "Caretta-Caretta". Here you can visit the Venetian Castle, which was built in 1579 on the top of a steep rock, at the highest point of the island and it's one of the most impressive castles in Greece. The spectacular view, the marvellous landscape, and the "legend of the Pirate's hidden treasure" is an attraction not to be missed. As well as your visit to the castle, you have plenty of time for swimming or having lunch on board (included in the price).
Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon, which brings to memory similar lagoons in the Caribbean. Here the crystal-clear, azure-coloured sea water, in combination with the white sand makes this place unique, and one of the most beautiful beaches all over the world. Your stay at the lagoon, where you can enjoy a fantastic swim, will be approximately three hours, before boarding our boat for the return sail.
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 in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Boat tickets, Lunch, 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 TABLE
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
Pick up place
Pick up time
Sissi
05:25
Nikos hotel-Filipidis S/M
05:30
Malia church
05:35
Malia Bay-Malia Park-Sirens
05:30
Drossia-Kernos-Ikaros
05:40
Alexander-Ariadni
05:45
Cactus-Aktia
05:45
Mochos Cross
05:50
Stalis bus stop - Blue sea
05:50
Nana B/S - Mediterraneo
05:55
Belvedere - Eri bus stop
05:55
Silva Beach - Pela Maria
06:00
National Bank - Chalkiadakis S/M
06:00
Koutoloufari (Esperides Resort)
06:00
Piscopiano well (pigadi)
06:00
Mathioudakis - Creta Maris
06:05
Hersonissos Village
06:05
Knossos Royal-Royal Mare-Annabelle
06:10
Cretan Village-Laguna- Chrissi Amoudia
06:15
Serita-Zorbas–Anissa-Bella-Lytos
06:20
Analipsi Beach Road
06:25
Analipsi Bus stop
06:25
Amirantes B/S
06:30
Gouves Beach Road
06:30
Gouves Cross-Lavris
06:35
Gournes Church
06:35
Rinela-Hatzis
06:40
Knossos Beach - Arina
06:40
Karteros - Amnissos
06:45
Astoria Hotel - Galaxy Hotel
06:50
Heraklion port - 18 Agglon Sq. (Koules fortress roundabout)
06:55
Giofyros (Meliriton)
06:55
Amoudara
07:00
Agia Pelagia - Lygaria: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Agia Pelagia and Lygaria via shuttle service. A minimum of 2 adult participants is required.
07:00
LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out 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 or, insufficient passenger number 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.
Gramvousa – Balos Lagoon
from: €67.00
Tour info
Accompanied service
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 Kasteli Port: 3.5 hours (average)
1st stop: The town of Kastelli at the western end of Crete. That's where the boat sails from, to Gramvoussa island and the Balos lagoon
Boat Trip: 1 hour
2nd stop: After the cruise across western Cretan sea, the boat arrives at Gramvousa.Walk up to the castle on the hill and take photos of the breathtaking panoramic view and Balos lagoon. Enjoy some time to swim and sunbathe by the coast.
Boat Trip: 15 minutes
3rd stop: After the cruise from Gramvousa, the boat will arrive at Balos lagoon. Travelers will have plenty of time to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Balos, walk across the golden sand beach and explore the nature around.
Lunch: In the meantime, the restaurant of the boat will be open so clients can enjoy their meal any time between 12:00 and 17:00.
Boat Trip: 1 hour
4th stop: 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
Special offer
Description
Gramvousa Island - Balos Lagoon (BOAT TICKET & LUNCH INCLUDED!)
GRAMVOUSA - BALOS EXCURSION. Discover the two small uninhabited islands off the coast of Gramvousa Peninsula as well as Balon Lagoon. Enjoy a magical boat trip through the westernmost point of Crete and admire the crystal clear waters of these places. Walk across the white sand shore and find yourself enjoying the sun on one of the most beautiful beaches.
Our excursion uses the big boat "GRAMVOUSA" that is more comfortable & docks on the beach, avoiding the "hassle" of getting into little ones to reach the shore...
Pick-up's 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, Thursday, and Saturday
Languages:
English, French, German, Polish: All days
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 (day cruise)
✔ Lunch
✔ 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 the spot: Drinks, Umbrellas & Sunbeds (optional)
Tour highlights:
• Board a boat and sail to Gramvousa and Balos
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gramvousa
• Climb the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island for unique views
• Enjoy relaxing moments on the exotic Balos Lagoon
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:
14 hours approximately - 350 Km
Overview:
Starting early, heading west, we reach the Port of Kissamos. Here we board our boat for a pleasant sail along the coastline. On the way, you can see the signs of the impressive geological phenomenon of land elevation by 6 to 9 meters above sea level (Crete has been rising out of the sea on the western side and sinking on the eastern side for more than 2000 years).
After approximately one hour, our boat arrives at the port of the pirate island of Gramvousa. During the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting boats passing through, which gained the island its pirate reputation. According to Homer, Gramvousa is the island of Aeolus in "Odyssey". It is a protected biotope, hosting over 400 plant species and the habitat of over 100 bird species, the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus and the sea turtle "Caretta-Caretta". Here you can visit the Venetian Castle, which was built in 1579 on the top of a steep rock, at the highest point of the island and it's one of the most impressive castles in Greece. The spectacular view, the marvellous landscape, and the "legend of the Pirate's hidden treasure" is an attraction not to be missed. As well as your visit to the castle, you have plenty of time for swimming or having lunch on board (included in the price).
Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon, which brings to memory similar lagoons in the Caribbean. Here the crystal-clear, azure-coloured sea water, in combination with the white sand makes this place unique, and one of the most beautiful beaches all over the world. Your stay at the lagoon, where you can enjoy a fantastic swim, will be approximately three hours, before boarding our boat for the return sail.
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 in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Boat tickets, Lunch, 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 TABLE
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out 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 or, insufficient passenger number 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
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
HER – Agia Pelagia, HER – Amnissos, HER – Amoudara (Gazi), HER – Analipsis, HER – Anissaras, HER – Gournes, HER – Gouves, HER – Heraklion City, HER – Hersonissos, HER – Karteros, HER – Kokkini Hani, HER – Koutouloufari, HER – Lygaria, HER – Malia, HER – Piskopiano, HER – Stalis, LAS – Sissi
AG.PEL: Alexander House Hotel (Main Road), AG.PEL: Ambelos Apts. (Main Road), AG.PEL: Bella Vista Hotel (Main Road), AG.PEL: Blue Bay (Reception), AG.PEL: Blue Bay Resort Hotel (Main Road), AG.PEL: EKO – Ag. Pelagia Gas Station, AG.PEL: Happy Cretan (Main Road), AG.PEL: Irida Hotel Apartments (Main Road), AG.PEL: Laundry, AG.PEL: My hotel (add it in the comments), AG.PEL: Nicolas Villas, AG.PEL: Out Of The Blue Resort (Entrance), AG.PEL: Panorama (Main Road), AG.PEL: Pela Mare Ag. Pelagia, AG.PEL: Peninsula Resort & Spa (Main Road), AG.PEL: Sea Side Resort & Spa (Reception), AG.PEL: Shell Gas Station, AMNIS: AKS Minoa Palace (Main Road), AMOUD: Agapi Beach (Main Road – Taxi Station), AMOUD: Apollonia Beach Resort & Spa (Main Road – Bus Stop), AMOUD: Candia Maris (Main Road), AMOUD: Creta Beach (Main Road), AMOUD: Dessole Dolphin Bay Resort, AMOUD: Neptuno Beach Resort (Main Road – Bus Stop), AMOUD: Roxani Hotel, AMOUD: Santa Marina (Main Road), AMOUD: Shell Gas Station, ANALPS: Analipsis church, ANALPS: Anthoula Village Hotel (Main Road), ANALPS: Atlantica Caldera Palace (Main Road), ANALPS: Europa Beach Hotel, ANALPS: Golden Star Hotel, ANALPS: Stella Village Hotel & Bungalows (Beach Main Road), ANISSR: Aldemar Knossos Royal (Main Road), ANISSR: Anissa Beach & Village Hotel, ANISSR: Annabelle Beach Resort, ANISSR: Bella Beach Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Chrissi Ammoudia Hotel (main road), ANISSR: Galini Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Kosta Mare Palace Resort & Spa, ANISSR: Laguna Resort & Spa (Reception), ANISSR: Lyttos Beach Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Mitsis Cretan Village (Reception), ANISSR: Mitsis Royal Mare Thalasso & Spa Resort (Main Road), ANISSR: Paradise Island Villas – (Crossroad), ANISSR: Serita Beach Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Zorbas Village Hotel, GOURN: Gournes Church, GOUVES: Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort (Bus Stop), GOUVES: Aphrodite Beach Club (Beach Road), GOUVES: EKO Gas Station – (Lavris), GOUVES: Gouves Church, GOUVES: Hotel Diogenis Blue Palace (Beach Road), GOUVES: Marina Beach Resort (Beach Road), GOUVES: The Island Hotel (Beach Road), HERAKL: Capsis Astoria Hotel, HERAKL: Galaxy Hotel, HERAKL: Koules Fortress / 18 Agglon Sq. (Roundabout), HERSON: Albatros Spa Resort Hotel (Corner), HERSON: Creta Maris Beach Resort (Bus Stop), HERSON: Hersonissos Village, HERSON: Mediterraneo (Main Road), HERSON: National Bank, HERSON: Pela Maria Hotel, HERSON: Royal Belvedere Bus Stop / Eris Bus Stop, HERSON: S/M Chalkiadakis, HERSON: S/M Mathioudakis, HERSON: Silva Beach, KARTER: Karteros Corner, KOKHAN: Arina Beach Resort (Main Road – Bus Stop), KOKHAN: Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites (Main Road), KOKHAN: Rinela Beach Resort & Spa (Main Road), KOKHAN: S/M Hatzis (Bus Stop #4), KOKHAN: Shotels Sunset Beach Hotel, KOUTL: Esperides Resort Crete, LYGAR: Angel Hotel (Main Road), LYGAR: Bellevue – National Road (Sign), LYGAR: CHC Athina Palace Resort & Spa (Reception), LYGAR: Lygaria (Main Road), LYGAR: My hotel (add it in the comments), MALIA: Amvrosia Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: Drossia, MALIA: Ikaros Village Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: Kernos Beach Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: Main Church (St. Nektarios / Taxi Rank), MALIA: Malia Bay Hotel, MALIA: Malia Park Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: McDonalds Fastfood, MALIA: Nikos Hotel, MALIA: S/M Filipidis, MALIA: Sirens Hotel (Main Road), PISKOP: Pigadi Piskopiano (Well), SISSI: Bella Vista Apartments (Main Road), SISSI: Castello Village Resort (Main Road), SISSI: Grecotel Meli Palace (Main Road), SISSI: Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village (Main Road), SISSI: Maritimo Beach Hotel (Main Road), SISSI: Sissi Bay (Main Road), SISSI: Sissi Church, SISSI: Sissi Mare Apartments (Main Road), STALIS: Alexander Beach Hotel & Village, STALIS: Blue Sea Beach Hotel, STALIS: Cactus Royal Spa Hotel, STALIS: I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa / Aktia Hotel (Main Road), STALIS: Mochos Cross Road (Bus Stop #29), STALIS: Nana Beach, STALIS: Stalis Bus Stop
Balos Beach, Island of Gramvoussa
Sea Excursion
English, French, German, Polish
1 Day
April, May, June, July, August, September, October