From Heraklion: Gramvousa and Balos Cruise With Hotel Pickup

The "From Heraklion: Gramvousa and Balos Cruise With Hotel Pickup" offers an exciting day trip for travelers looking to explore Crete’s stunning natural beauty. Departing from Kissamos Port, the cruise takes visitors to the breathtaking Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Beach, providing an opportunity to swim, snorkel, and take in the breathtaking views. With convenient hotel pickup, guided boat tours, and park entrance fees included, this experience seems like a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure on the island. However, there’s more to uncover about this cruise that could sway one’s decision to book.

Key Points

• A full-day cruise from Heraklion to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach, with hotel pickup and drop-off, priced at €65 per person.
• The tour includes a guided boat cruise, swimming, snorkeling, and entrance fees, with a duration of 14.5 to 16 hours.
• Multilingual tour guides provide live commentary and enhance the cultural and historical understanding of the excursion.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows for later payment, providing flexibility for travelers.
• Participants should bring essential items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel to ensure comfort during the cruise and swimming activities.

Overview and Pricing

This Gramvousa and Balos Cruise activity offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Crete.

Priced from €65.00 per person, the tour lasts between 14.5 to 16 hours. Customers can conveniently book the experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The reservation process allows for paying later, ensuring visitors can secure their spot without upfront costs.

This comprehensive cruise package includes hotel pickup, transportation, a guided boat tour, and entrance fees, providing a seamless and worry-free excursion for travelers seeking to discover the region’s natural beauty.

Itinerary and Experience

The Gramvousa and Balos Cruise activity begins with hotel pickups from 11 convenient locations across Heraklion and the surrounding areas.

After a relaxing bus ride, the cruise departs from Kissamos Port, taking passengers to the stunning island of Gramvousa.

The itinerary includes:

• A photo stop and swimming at Gramvousa
• Continuing on to the breathtaking Balos Beach for more swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views
• A 70-minute boat cruise back to the port
• A final bus journey returning to the pickup locations

The entire experience lasts between 14.5 and 16 hours, offering ample time to explore the natural beauty of this stunning region.

Included and Excluded

The Gramvousa and Balos Cruise package includes several key services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Visitors can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by professional driver. A tour guide accompanies the group, and the entrance fee to the natural park is covered. Liability insurance is also included for peace of mind. However, the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Included	Excluded
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Lunch and drinks
Professional driver	Not suitable for wheelchair users
Tour guide
Boat cruise
Natural park entrance fee
Liability insurance

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

Hotel pickup and drop-off is a convenient feature of the Gramvousa and Balos Cruise package.

Guests can be picked up from one of 11 locations across Heraklion and the surrounding areas, including:

• Analipsi
• Limenas Chersonisou
• Agia Pelagia
• Kato Gouves
• Stalida
• Malia
• Sisi
• Gazi
• Kokkini Hani
• Anissaras

This saves travelers the hassle of arranging their own transportation to the port.

After the cruise, guests are then dropped off back at their pickup location, ensuring a seamless start and end to their excursion.

Languages and Guides

A knowledgeable tour guide accompanies guests throughout the Gramvousa and Balos Cruise, providing live commentary in several languages.

The cruise offers a multilingual experience, with guides fluent in German, French, English, Polish, and Italian. This ensures all participants can fully engage with and understand the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited.

During the boat trip and stops at Gramvousa and Balos Beach, the guides share insights and answer questions, enhancing the overall educational and immersive nature of the excursion.

The availability of multilingual guides caters to the diverse international clientele, making the cruise accessible and enjoyable for travelers from various backgrounds.

What to Bring

As you prepare for the Gramvousa and Balos Cruise, be sure to pack a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Bring the following:

• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright Mediterranean sun.
• A sun hat or visor to shield your face and head.
• A towel to dry off after swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
• Sunscreen to prevent sunburn and keep your skin healthy.

These simple items will help you make the most of your time on this scenic cruise and at the stunning beaches of Gramvousa and Balos.

Customer Ratings

Customers have rated the Gramvousa and Balos Cruise tour quite favorably, with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 336 reviews.

The tour guide received a high rating of 4.5 out of 5, while the transportation and value for money were also well-received, scoring 4.3 and 4.2, respectively.

Positive feedback highlighted the tour’s organization and the scenic views, though some customers suggested allowing more time for swimming and sunbathing at Balos Beach.

A few concerns were raised regarding communication about pickup details, but overall, the cruise seems to provide a rewarding experience for most participants.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Gramvousa and Balos Cruise is a straightforward process. You can reserve your spot online and pay later to secure your place.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Key booking details:

• Reserve now and pay later to lock in your spot
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior
• Personalized email confirmation with pickup details within 24 hours
• Additional charges may apply for hard-to-access accommodations

With these booking options, you can plan your Cretan adventure with ease and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour details, passengers can bring their own food and drinks. However, lunch and beverages are available for purchase during the cruise. Passengers are advised to bring necessary items like sunscreen and towels.

Is There a Restroom on the Boat?

Yes, there are restrooms on the boat for the Gramvousa and Balos cruise. Passengers can use these facilities during the boat journey to and from the islands.

Can I Rent Any Equipment for Swimming or Snorkeling?

Yes, you can rent snorkeling equipment on the boat. The tour provides the option to rent snorkels, masks, and fins for an additional cost, allowing you to explore the waters at Gramvousa and Balos Beach.

How Steep Are the Trails at Gramvousa and Balos?

The trails at Gramvousa and Balos are moderately steep, with some steep sections that may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Sturdy footwear is recommended to navigate the uneven terrain safely.

Can I Extend My Stay at Balos or Gramvousa?

The tour does not allow you to extend your stay at Gramvousa or Balos. The schedule is fixed, with 1 hour at Gramvousa and 2.5 hours at Balos. You’ll need to book a separate excursion if you want more time at either location.

Recap

This cruise from Heraklion offers an unforgettable experience exploring Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach. With convenient hotel pickup, guided boat tours, and natural park fees included, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and stunning views. Multilingual guides and a smooth booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this a practical option for travelers.