Crete: Balos Cruise Late and Direct

Crete’s breathtaking Balos Lagoon is a must-see destination, and the "Balos Cruise Late and Direct" offers a convenient way to experience its stunning natural beauty. At just €62 per person, this 13-hour excursion provides a comfortable bus ride, a scenic boat cruise, and ample time to swim and snorkel in the lagoon’s turquoise waters. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an optional lunch, this hassle-free adventure promises to be a highlight of any trip to the island. But the real question is, what else can you expect from this unique Cretan experience?

Good To Know

• The Balos Cruise offers a direct and efficient transportation service, with 12 convenient pickup locations across Crete, including Stalida and Heraklion.
• The cruise provides a 2-hour and 45-minute stopover at the stunning Balos Lagoon, allowing ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and observing marine life.
• The excursion includes a 50-minute boat cruise to the Balos Lagoon, as well as two 1.5-hour bus rides, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience.
• Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the departure, providing flexibility in their travel plans.
• The cruise is priced at €62 per person, making it an affordable option for travelers seeking to explore the natural beauty of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Balos Cruise is an activity that provides travelers with a chance to explore the stunning Balos Lagoon. Priced from €62.00 per person, this 13-hour excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Passengers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient option. The cruise departs from 12 different locations across Crete, allowing for easy access.

With an air-conditioned bus transporting guests, the experience promises a comfortable journey to the picturesque Balos Beach, where they can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Itinerary and Experience

The Balos Cruise excursion begins with pickups from 12 different locations across Crete, including Stalida, Paralia Fodele, Heraklion, and several other popular destinations.

After the 1.5-hour bus ride to Skaleta, there’s a 20-minute break before continuing to Kissamos. From there, a 50-minute boat cruise takes passengers to the stunning Balos Lagoon, where they can:

• Swim in the serene waters
• Go snorkeling and observe marine life
• Admire the vibrant colors of the coastline
• Spot sea turtles and dolphins during the return journey

The return trip includes a 50-minute boat ride, followed by two 1.5-hour bus rides with a 10-minute break in between, ultimately dropping off passengers at their original pickup locations.

Highlights and Attractions

Discovering the lagoon of Balos with its stunning views is a highlight of this cruise. Visitors can swim in the serene waters of the lagoon and admire the vibrant colors of the coastline. During the boat cruise, there are opportunities to spot sea turtles and dolphins. The cruise offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Crete in an immersive way.

Highlights	Description
Balos Lagoon	Discover the stunning lagoon with its turquoise waters
Swimming	Enjoy a refreshing swim in the serene waters
Coastline	Marvel at the vibrant colors of the picturesque coastline
Marine Life	Spot sea turtles and dolphins during the boat cruise
Immersive Experience	Explore Crete’s natural wonders in an intimate setting

Inclusions and Additional Information

The Balos Cruise includes a 2-hour and 45-minute stopover at the Balos Lagoon, where visitors can explore the stunning natural setting.

The cruise also includes:

• Transfers by modern air-conditioned coaches
• Boat tickets
• Live tour guides in English and Russian
• Professional drivers and liability insurance coverage
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from specified areas

Plus, an optional lunch is available for €7.50 per person.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Visitors are encouraged to bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen, and can purchase food and drinks on the boat or bring their own snacks and water.

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Important Considerations

Unique characteristics of Crete may impact travel time, as the island lacks highways, and coaches must adhere to regulation speeds. High traffic at pickup points can also lead to delays. To ensure a smooth experience, be sure to bring essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. You can purchase lunch and drinks on the boat, or bring your own snacks and water. Detailed pickup information will be provided via email after booking.

Potential Delays	Traffic at Pickup Points	Recommended Essentials
Lack of highways	High volume	Sunglasses
Coach speed limits	Long queues	Sun hat
		Sunscreen

Pickup Locations

The Balos Cruise offers pickup from 12 convenient locations across Crete, ensuring easy access for travelers.

These pickup points include:

• Stalida
• Paralia Fodele
• Heraklion
• Kato Gouves
• Kokkini Hani
• Analipsi
• Anissaras
• Xeropotampos
• Malia
• Limenas Chersonisou
• Agia Pelagia
• Gouves

This comprehensive list of pickup locations allows guests to conveniently join the cruise from various parts of the island.

The tour’s efficient transportation by air-conditioned bus further enhances the overall experience, making the Balos Cruise an accessible and hassle-free adventure.

Transportation Details

How does the transportation for the Balos Cruise work?

Guests are picked up from 12 locations across Crete, including Stalida, Heraklion, and Agia Pelagia.

They’ll travel by air-conditioned bus, with the journey taking about 1.5 hours to reach Skaleta. After a 20-minute break, the bus continues for another 1.5 hours to Kissamos, where guests board a boat for the 50-minute cruise to Balos Beach.

The return journey follows the same route, with a 10-minute break during the bus ride back to Skaleta.

Throughout the day, professional drivers and a live tour guide in English and Russian ensure a smooth and informative experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Balos Cruise is simple and flexible. You can reserve your spot with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This allows you to plan your trip with ease and peace of mind.

• The price starts at just €62 per person, making it an affordable option for your Crete adventure.

• You can choose from a variety of pickup locations, ensuring a convenient start to your journey.

• The cruise offers a full refund if you need to cancel your booking prior to 24 hours before departure.

• With the "Reserve now & pay later" option, you can secure your spot without the immediate financial commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour information states that you can bring snacks and water, in addition to the optional lunch available for purchase on the boat.

Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for Children?

The Balos Cruise doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour. Families can bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the boat ride and beach time.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. The Balos Cruise includes access to snorkeling gear, so you can simply use the equipment provided during the boat tour and beach activities.

Is the Boat Equipped With Restrooms and Changing Facilities?

The boat is equipped with restrooms and changing facilities, allowing passengers to comfortably prepare for and refresh themselves during the Balos Lagoon visit. This ensures a convenient and enjoyable experience throughout the cruise.

How Accessible Is the Balos Lagoon for Individuals With Disabilities?

The Balos Lagoon may not be accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. The tour description states the activity "is not suitable for people with mobility impairments", indicating the terrain and facilities may present challenges for those with disabilities.

The Sum Up

The "Crete: Balos Cruise Late and Direct" offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the stunning Balos Lagoon. With a comfortable bus ride, scenic boat cruise, and ample time to enjoy the turquoise waters, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free adventure in Crete. The flexible cancellation policy and optional lunch make it a practical and attractive excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here: