Exploring the stunning landscapes of Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon is a must-do experience for visitors to Crete. The Balos Gramvousa Full-Day Boat Tour offers an efficient and convenient way to discover these breathtaking natural wonders. With a seamless combination of bus transfer and boat cruise, the tour provides guided explorations, a delicious lunch, and ample opportunities to hike, swim, and soak in the beauty of Crete’s coastline. Whether you’re seeking an adventure-filled day or simply a chance to learn about the island’s natural splendor, this tour promises an unforgettable journey. But what makes this experience truly remarkable? Let’s dive deeper to find out.
Key Points
- A full-day tour combining bus transfer and boat cruise to the picturesque Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, with guided tours and free time for exploration.
- Pickup and drop-off available from select locations, with transportation provided via bus/coach and a 45-minute boat trip to the destinations.
- Included in the tour are a professional driver, tour guide, lunch, and optional entry to the historic Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island.
- Participants should bring sun protection, swimwear, and comfortable clothing suitable for hiking, as the tour includes a trek to the Venetian castle.
- The tour may not be suitable for individuals with heart problems or mobility issues due to the significant walking and hiking involved, as well as the boat access to Balos Lagoon.
Tour Overview
The Balos Gramvousa Boat Tour is a full-day activity that combines a bus transfer and boat cruise to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Lagoon.
Priced from $67.11 per person, the tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, with language options in English, French, German, Italian, and Greek.
Pickup is available from various locations in the region, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes a professional driver, tour guide, lunch, and optional entry to the Venetian Fortress.
Travelers should come prepared with sun protection, swimwear, and comfortable shoes.
While the tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, it boasts an impressive 5/5 rating based on customer reviews highlighting the tour’s natural beauty and friendly guide.
Itinerary Details
After the pickup at specified locations, participants begin the 3-hour bus/coach transfer to Kissamos.
Once there, they’ll have a 45-minute break for photos and a guided tour of Gramvousa Island. Participants can then hike up to the Venetian castle for panoramic views.
Next, they’ll take a 1.5-hour boat trip to the stunning Balos Lagoon, where they’ll have free time to swim, sunbathe, and explore.
The tour wraps up with a 3-hour return bus/coach transfer to the original drop-off points.
Throughout the day, a professional driver and tour guide will provide assistance, and a lunch is included in the package.
Pickup and Drop-off
Pickup and drop-off services are available from specified locations, including Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Karteros, Heraklion, and Ammoudara – Heraklion.
The tour includes:
- Pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point.
- Transportation by bus/coach to Kissamos, which takes approximately 3 hours.
- Drop-off at the end of the tour, returning you to the original pickup locations.
- Knowledgeable drivers and tour guides to ensure a smooth and informative experience.
This comprehensive service allows you to sit back, relax, and fully learn about the natural beauty of Gramvousa Island and the Balos Lagoon.
Guided Tour and Experiences
Once arriving at Kissamos, the tour continues with a guided exploration of Gramvousa Island. Guests will have 45 minutes to take photos, join the guided tour, and freely explore the island. The highlight is a hike to the Venetian castle, offering panoramic views of the stunning coastline.
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| Gramvousa Island | – 45-minute break for photos, guided tour, and free time – Hike to the Venetian castle for panoramic views |
| Balos Lagoon | – 1.5-hour boat trip to the lagoon – Free time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the lagoon |
| Lunch | – Included in the tour |
The next stop is the breathtaking Balos Lagoon, where guests can enjoy a 1.5-hour boat ride and free time to swim, sunbathe, and explore the area.
Included in the Tour
The Balos Gramvousa Boat Tour includes several key elements to enhance the experience.
This full-day excursion offers:
- Convenient round-trip transportation via bus from select locations.
- A professional driver and tour guide to provide commentary and assistance throughout the journey.
- A boat cruise to Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon.
- A included lunch to refuel during the day’s activities.
- Optional entry to the historic Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island.
Plus, guests are encouraged to bring essential items like sun protection, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this Greek coastal adventure.
What to Bring
To fully enjoy the natural beauty and activities of this Greek coastal adventure, guests are encouraged to bring along a few essential items.
Sunglasses and a sun hat are a must for protection against the Mediterranean sun. Swimwear and a towel will allow visitors to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Balos Lagoon.
Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable, is recommended to prevent sunburns. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are advised for the hike to the Venetian castle.
Important Considerations
Certain health and accessibility considerations come into play with this Balos Gramvousa boat tour. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with heart problems, wheelchair users, those prone to seasickness, or people over 80/95 years old. This is due to the boat ride and potential for motion sickness.
Additionally:
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The tour involves a significant amount of walking and hiking, including a trek to the Venetian castle.
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Access to the Balos Lagoon is only by boat, which may pose challenges for some participants.
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The lengthy bus transfers, totaling 6 hours, could be tiring for some guests.
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Those with mobility or health concerns should carefully review the tour details before booking.
Customer Feedback
Overall, customers express a positive sentiment about the Balos Gramvousa boat tour. Reviews highlight the stunning natural beauty of the beaches and the friendliness of the tour guide.
Some feedback suggests that direct access to Balos Lagoon would make the experience more enjoyable, as the lengthy bus transfers can be tiring.
However, the majority of customers seem satisfied with the tour, praising the opportunity to explore the historic Venetian fortress and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.
With an overall rating of 5/5, the tour appears to deliver an immersive and memorable experience for those seeking to discover the natural wonders of this picturesque Greek destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour is not suitable for individuals with disabilities. The tour involves extensive walking, boat rides, and a hike that may be challenging for those with physical limitations. Wheelchair users are also not recommended for this activity.
Can I Get a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?
The tour provider offers vegetarian and halal lunch options upon request. Customers should inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated.
Do I Need to Bring Any Water or Snacks for the Trip?
The tour includes lunch, so there’s no need to bring your own food. However, it’s recommended to pack water, as hydration is important, especially during outdoor activities in warm weather.
Is There an Option to Visit Only One Location, Either Gramvousa or Balos?
No, there is no option to visit only one location. The tour includes both Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. Visitors must participate in the full itinerary, including the bus transfers and boat cruises to both destinations.
Can I Extend the Time at the Balos Lagoon Instead of Visiting Gramvousa?
While the tour includes visits to both Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, customers can’t extend the time at Balos instead of going to Gramvousa. The itinerary is fixed and doesn’t offer that flexibility.
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Recap
The Balos Gramvousa Full-Day Boat Tour offers a comprehensive package to explore the stunning landscapes of Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. With a seamless combination of bus transfer, guided exploration, and a delicious lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Crete’s coastline. The tour’s reasonable price, guided experiences, and inclusion of key highlights make it a practical and appealing option for a day of discovery.