Exploring the captivating Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay on Crete’s western coast is a must-do for any traveler. This full-day tour from Heraklion promises an unforgettable adventure, blending scenic transportation, enchanting boat rides, and ample time to soak in the region’s natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking a day of relaxation on the pristine white sand beaches or an opportunity to capture Instagram-worthy vistas, this excursion caters to diverse interests. But beyond the allure of the destination itself, the tour’s seamless logistics and knowledgeable guidance ensure a hassle-free experience that leaves you eager to uncover more of Crete’s hidden gems.
Good To Know
- This full-day tour from Heraklion takes visitors to the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay, featuring crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, a boat ride, and guided commentary in multiple languages, providing an intimate experience for up to 50 travelers.
- Travelers will have ample time to enjoy activities like sunbathing, swimming, and photography on Gramvousa Island, with scenic backdrops.
- The tour includes air-conditioned transport and liability insurance, but boat tickets, food, and drinks are not included in the price.
- Limitations include limited accessibility for certain travelers, as the tour is not wheelchair-friendly and infants must sit on laps.
Tour Overview
According to the information provided, this full-day tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay from Heraklion, Greece.
Travelers can experience crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and turquoise seas. The tour includes hotel pickup from various locations and a professional guide available in multiple languages.
With a maximum of 50 travelers per tour, this experience promises scenic photo opportunities and time to sunbathe, swim, and relax on Gramvousa Island. Participants should bring their swimsuits and be prepared for a one-hour boat ride to Balos Bay.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Heraklion.
Itinerary and Activities
The tour begins with a journey by bus to Crete’s westernmost point.
Once there, travelers will embark on a one-hour boat ride to explore the breathtaking Balos Bay.
At Gramvousa Island, there’s ample time to sunbathe, swim, and relax on the white sand beaches, taking in the stunning turquoise waters and scenic backdrops.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their swimsuits to make the most of the swimming and water-based activities.
Along the way, the professional guide will be on hand to provide commentary and insights, catering to those who speak English, German, French, and Polish.
Inclusions and Costs
The tour package includes air-conditioned transport to and from the boat, along with legal taxes and liability insurance coverage.
The boat ticket to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon costs €18 per adult and €8 per child, payable in cash on-site. Food, drinks, and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
The key inclusions are:
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Legal taxes and insurance
- Boat ticket to the islands
Travelers should bring cash for the boat tickets and be prepared to cover their own meals and any additional expenses during the tour.
Pickup and Accessibility
Pickup for the tour begins 15 minutes before the scheduled start time at central meeting points near hotels.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. After booking, travelers will receive confirmation with details on their pickup location.
The tour covers a wide range of hotel pickups, including Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Heraklion, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, and Fodele.
Travelers should specify the name and location of their hotel when booking to ensure smooth pickup arrangements.
While the tour offers convenience, it’s important to note its limitations in accessibility for certain travelers.
Reviews and Feedback
According to the available reviews, the full-day tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay has received an overall rating of 3.0 out of 12 reviews.
While the tour showcases the natural beauty of the destination, with reviewers praising the crystal clear waters and stunning backdrops, there were some common concerns expressed:
- The long coach trips to reach the departure point.
- Crowded boats leading to limited seating.
- Some dissatisfaction with guide interactions and overall organization.
Despite these drawbacks, the tour still offers a chance to explore the remarkable Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
What to Expect
Travelers can look forward to an unforgettable day exploring Crete’s westernmost reaches on this full-day tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay.
After a scenic bus journey, they’ll embark on a one-hour boat ride to Balos Lagoon, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Once on Gramvousa Island, there’ll be ample time to sunbathe, swim, and capture stunning photos against the picturesque backdrop.
The tour includes pickup from various locations, and while not wheelchair accessible, infants can be accommodated.
Travelers should bring their swimwear and be prepared for a memorable day in this stunning corner of Greece.
Important Information
Aside from the picturesque landscapes and activities, there are a few important details to keep in mind.
For starters, the boat ticket to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon costs €18 per adult and €8 per child, payable in cash on-site. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Finally, while free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, travelers should be aware of the common feedback mentioning long coach trips and crowded boats.
The Sum Up
The Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion offers an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation in Crete’s stunning westernmost regions. Travelers can enjoy a scenic bus ride, boat journey, and ample time to soak up the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches of Balos Bay, all facilitated by a professional guide. This tour provides a perfect opportunity to experience Crete’s natural beauty and stunning landscapes.
More Tours in Heraklion
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- Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, & Elounda Boat Tour
- Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour
- Knossos: Private Tour with a Licensed Guide & Entry Ticket
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