Operates every Wednesday from April till October
Total duration 14-17 hours approximately / Pick-up times 05:30 – 07:30 depending on accommodation location
Starting time 05:30 – 07:30 – Ending time 21:00 – 22:15
Stay in Gramvousa 1 ½ hour / Stay in Balos 3 hours
Other Choices: Departure from Chania – Departure from Rethymno
Join us on an unforgettable trip to Gramvousa and Balos!
We start by driving west across the island, making our first stop in Skaleta, near Rethymnon. Here, you will have some time to enjoy coffee or breakfast before we continue to Kissamos, where our boat journey begins.
The boat ride to our first destination takes about an hour. Along the way, we see a fascinating cave, which was likely an ancient shipyard. We also witness a rare natural phenomenon—one side of the island is rising while the other is sinking. The western side has risen between 6 and 9 meters above sea level!
Our first stop is Gramvousa, also called the “pirates’ island.” This area is home to over 100 bird species and 400 plant species, making it one of the most important natural habitats in the Eastern Mediterranean. You can visit the famous Venetian fortress of Gramvousa, built in 1579, which stands high on a rock. If you climb to the top, you will be rewarded with an amazing view. After exploring the area, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the beautiful beach or enjoy lunch on the boat.
In the early afternoon, we continue to Balos Lagoon, one of the most stunning places in Greece. Its breathtaking beauty is often compared to the exotic beaches of the Caribbean. You will have around 3 hours to relax and enjoy this paradise—an experience you will never forget!
Indicative Timetable:
| 05:30 – 07:30 | Pick-up |
| 8:05 | Stop in Skaleta for breakfast & WC |
| 8:25 | Departure from Skaleta |
| 10:00 | Arrival at Kissamos (port) – Boat departure |
| 11:20 | Arrival at Gramvousa |
| 13:00 | Departure from Gramvousa to Balos |
| 13:30 | Arrival to Balos |
| 16:30 | Departure from Balos to Kissamos |
| 17:30 | Arrival at Kissamos (port) |
| 20:00 | Short stop in Skaleta |
| 21:00 – 22:15 | Return to hotels – Drop-off |
The timing of the program will be approximate, depending on traffic and weather conditions as well as the unexpected overcrowding.
Included:
✅ Pick-up & Drop-off service (mainly from hotels at Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Bali, Chersonissos, Fodele, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion city center, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Lygaria, Malia, Stalis is provided. If pick up from your hotel is not possible you will be picked up from the closest pick-up point)
✅ Transport by air-conditioned luxury bus
✅ Professional English-speaking guide
✅ Municipality fee
Not Included:
❌ Round-trip boat tickets (40€ per person / children 4 – 12 years old pay 20€) – Paid on the spot in cash
❌ OPTIONAL Lunch (13€ per person) – Preorder upon booking & paid on the spot in cash
Discounts:
Children up to 3 years old free of charge and travelling on parents’ lap.
Children 4 – 12 years old 50% discount.
Cancellation policy:
For cancellation up to 2 days prior to arrival no cancellation fees.
For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees.
Notes:
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a separate e-mail from our team with your activity voucher and detailed pick-up information. Please remember to check your spam or junk folder as well.
For clarifications please send us a mail at online@travelid.gr or contact us at +30 2810 335 227
We are at your disposal from Monday to Friday 09:00 am till 20:00 pm and Saturday 09:00 till 15:00 pm
Balos Lagoon is approximately 145 km from Heraklion (≈2 hours by coach via Kissamos). The journey passes through Chania and the stunning northwest coast of Crete.
The road to Balos by car is an 8 km unpaved track requiring a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle. Our tour takes you by boat from Kissamos Port directly to the lagoon — no difficult driving, no parking stress.
Yes! Balos is famous for its ultra-shallow lagoon — perfect for non-swimmers and children. Everyone can enjoy the scenery, the castle, and the lagoon regardless of swimming ability.
The tour typically returns to Heraklion late in the evening, approximately 21:00 – 22:00, depending on accommodation location.
Basic facilities including toilets are available at Balos Beach. We recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes for convenience, as changing facilities are limited.
