Gramvousa & Balos! From Chania

Operates daily from May till October

Total duration 11 hours approximately / Pick-up times 08:00 – 09:20 depending on accommodation location

Starting time 08:00 – 09:20 – Ending time 18:30 – 19:30

Stay in Gramvousa 3 hours / Stay at Balos 1 ½ hour

Other Choices: Departure from Heraklion – Departure from Rethymno

Caves & Amazing Nature

Departing from the port of Kissamos and while sailing, you will admire a huge cave, that is believed to have been the ancient shipyard of “Tarsanas”. At the end of the Gulf you will notice an impressive geological phenomenon where, as a result of the passage of time, the western part of the island is rising, while the eastern part is sinking. This phenomenon was mainly created by catastrophic earthquakes that took place in 66 BC and 365 BC. According to scientific estimates, this geographical phenomenon still continues today, but at a much slower rate.

Gramvousa Pirate Island & Balos Lagoon

After approximately 1 hour, the boat arrives at the port of Gramvousa. The island’s eminent castle was built by the Venetians in 1579 at the highest point of the island, on top of a steep rock at a height of 137m. It is surrounded by a wall of 272m. It has a rough triangular shape and each side is 1km in length. Gramvousa castle played an important role in the history of the region. The panoramic view, its majesty and the legend of the pirate’s hidden treasure, will tempt you to visit it. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes.

TIP!! You should first visit the Castle in Gramvousa and then swim in the cool water…!

Following the approx. 3 hours visit to Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the lagoon of Balos, a journey of approximately 15 minutes. In your stay, you can enjoy a fantastic swim, for about 1 ½ hour.

Timetable:

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 Marina, Agioi Apostoloi, Chania City, Gerani, Halepa, Kalamaki, Kolymbari, Maleme, Platanias, Stalos, Tavronitis 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

✅ English-speaking guide in the bus

✅ Pre-Recorded instructions on board (English, French, German, Italian)

Not Included:

❌ Round trip boat tickets & municipality fee (26€ per person / children 3 to 12 years old pay 13€) – Paid on the spot in cash

❌ OPTIONAL & UPON REQUEST Pick-up and drop-off service from/to Kalyves area +10€ per person with a minimun number of 4 people – Paid upon booking

❌ Personal expenses

Discounts:

Children up to 2 years old free of charge and travelling on parents’ lap.

Children 3 – 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:

1. For bookings 2 days before departure please contact us in order to check availability!
2. Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
3. Please provide fullname, telephone number (country code included), e-mail and accommodation details (hotel name & address) upon booking.
4. The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.
5. The ferry boat company announced that all purchases made by passengers at the Food & Beverage outlets on their vessels will be accepted only via card payment (debit or credit card).Cash payments will no longer be accepted.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Gramvousa & Balos cruise from Chania?

The tour includes coach transfer to Kissamos Port, a full-day boat cruise visiting Gramvousa Pirate Island with time to explore and swim, and a scenic stop at the stunning Balos Lagoon. Return coach transfer to Chania included.

Can we climb up to the Gramvousa Castle?

Yes! A Venetian castle sits atop Gramvousa Island offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Aegean. The climb takes around 20 minutes and is optional but highly recommended.

Is Balos Lagoon really as beautiful as the photos show?

Absolutely — and many visitors say the reality surpasses the photos. The turquoise shallow waters, white sandy beach, and surrounding cliffs create one of the most photogenic spots in the entire Mediterranean.

How shallow is the water at Balos Lagoon?

Balos is exceptionally shallow — just 20–60 cm across a large area — making it safe and perfect for non-swimmers, children, and anyone who prefers wading.

Is food available at Balos and Gramvousa?

A café-bar operates on Gramvousa Island, and refreshments are available at Balos. We recommend bringing extra snacks and water for the journey.