A day cruise from Kissamos harbour to the Gramvousa islet and the Balos lagoon on the north-west tip of Crete.
Boats leave Kissamos port, about 40 km west of Chania, and sail to the Venetian fortress on Imeri Gramvousa before crossing to the Balos lagoon, where the sea shades from turquoise over pale pink-white sand. The full excursion lasts about seven hours and includes swim stops. Listed fares from Kissamos are about USD 60 per adult and usually cover the boat, with a small municipal fee of about EUR 1 sometimes charged on top, so each listing should be checked. Wind can cancel sailings, most often in the meltemi months of July and August.
| Price | EUR 50-60 (approx $57-69) per adult, boat only; municipal fee about EUR 1 (approx $1) may be extra |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 7 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May to October |
| Address | Kissamos Port (Kastelli), 734 00 Kissamos, Crete, Greece |
Activity facts
- Where
- Kissamos
Equipment
Swimwear, towel, sun hat, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, cash for the beach kiosk
Location
Kissamos Port (Kastelli), 734 00 Kissamos, Crete, Greece
35.4985, 23.6560 View on map
Highlights
- Venetian fortress on Imeri Gramvousa islet
- Balos lagoon with pale pink-white sand and turquoise water
- Swim stops during the roughly seven-hour excursion
- Departure from Kissamos port on Crete's north-west coast
Tips for visiting
- Check each listing for the small municipal fee of about EUR 1 that may be charged on top of the fare.
- Wind can cancel sailings, most often in the meltemi months of July and August, so keep a spare day.
- Bring cash for the beach kiosk, water shoes, a sun hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Kissamos is about 40 km west of Chania, so allow time for the transfer before departure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Balos and Gramvousa cruise last?
The full excursion lasts about seven hours and includes swim stops at the Gramvousa islet and the Balos lagoon.
How much does the cruise cost?
Listed fares from Kissamos are about EUR 50-60 per adult for the boat only. A municipal fee of about EUR 1 may be charged separately.
Can the cruise be cancelled because of weather?
Yes. Strong wind can cancel sailings, most often during the meltemi in July and August, so the listing's cancellation terms are worth checking.