Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Speedboat Cruise with Snorkeling

If you’re dreaming of a day on Crete’s most scenic waters and beaches, this speedboat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island deserves your attention. It’s a chance to skip the crowds, cruise in style, and enjoy some of Crete’s most iconic sights with a touch of luxury. Designed for those who love a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic nature, this tour offers a fresh way to explore Crete’s northwest coast.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the speedboat itself — a sleek, safe, and prestigious vessel that promises a smooth ride and a sense of excitement. Second, the itinerary is carefully crafted to give you ample time at each destination, avoiding the chaos of boats arriving all at once. Yet, it’s not without its considerations; the trip is a bit fast-paced, so packing light and being ready to move is important. This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, active day with plenty of photo ops, swimming, and natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Luxury and Safety: The boat is described as the most prestigious and safe in Crete, ensuring comfort during the cruise.
• Authentic Experience: Smaller groups and fewer crowds mean more personalized attention and fewer travelers.
• Value for Money: At around $95, you get a well-organized day packed with sights, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
• Comfort and Convenience: Optional hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, especially after a long day.
• Great for All: Suitable for active travelers who enjoy swimming, exploring, and scenic cruising; not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
• Highly Praised Guides: The crew, including Captain Dimitris, earns rave reviews for their friendliness and professionalism.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Crete’s Best on a Speedboat

This tour offers a lively and engaging way to see two of Crete’s top natural attractions: Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Instead of the typical crowded ferry, you’ll be cruising on a luxury RIB boat with ample space, music, and unlimited drinks, making the journey itself part of the pleasure.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins either from your hotel (if you choose the pickup option) or directly from Kissamos Port. The crew welcomes you onboard with safety tips and a warm smile, setting the tone for a relaxed yet exciting experience. From the start, the focus is on speed and comfort — you’ll quickly leave the coastline behind and enjoy the thrill of a fast-paced cruise across the sea. The boat’s sleek design ensures you won’t feel seasick or cramped, even if you’re prone to motion sickness.

The first stop is Gramvousa Island, a rocky, wild island famous for its Venetian fortress ruins and stunning cliffs dropping into the sea. The boat docks as close as possible, offering easy access, but be prepared for a short walk into the water to reach land. Travelers report spending around 1.5 to 2 hours here, enough time to explore the fort, take photos, and swim in the clear waters. One reviewer vividly describes their experience: “We explored Gramvousa island and went in the water,” and appreciated the flexible time to enjoy the natural beauty.

Snorkeling and Swimming

Both stops include opportunities to swim and snorkel in some of Crete’s cleanest waters. Snorkeling gear is supplied, and many guests say the water is “breathtakingly beautiful,” perfect for observing marine life or just floating in the warm sea. One traveler mentions jumping off the boat into the water at Balos, describing it as a highlight of the trip.

The Crown Jewel: Balos Lagoon

Next, your boat will cruise over to Balos Lagoon, a surreal stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. The boat docks close to the beach so you can walk in the water, or simply relax on the deck and enjoy the view. The natural beauty of Balos is a major draw — it’s a place that frequently appears on travel lists for its postcard-perfect scenery. You’ll have roughly 1.5 to 2 hours here to swim, take photos, or just lounge in the sun.

Guests consistently comment on how the less crowded experience at Balos makes it more enjoyable than the busier ferries that arrive later in the day. The water’s calmness and clarity make it ideal for snorkeling, and some also take the chance to jump from the boat into the sea, adding a splash of fun.

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Return Journey and Reflection

After the second stop, you’ll cruise back towards Kissamos, feeling the cool sea breeze and relishing the day’s adventures. The trip lasts around five hours in total, giving you a full but well-paced experience. Throughout the cruise, unlimited drinks—beer, soft drinks, juice, ice tea, and water—are available, making it easy to stay refreshed, especially if the sun is shining.

Authentic Comfort and Personal Touches

What’s noteworthy is the feedback from travelers who rave about the professional crew, especially Captain Dimitris, who is praised for his good humor, friendliness, and responsible attitude. Guests mention how the boat’s luxury feel, combined with the casual atmosphere, creates a perfect balance for a memorable day.

The Value of This Experience

At around $95 per person, this cruise offers excellent value. You get a luxurious boat, expert guidance, ample time at each site, snacks, and unlimited drinks — a package that combines comfort with adventure. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment adds a layer of fun without extra cost, and optional hotel pickup simplifies logistics for travelers staying in nearby areas.

On top of that, reviews emphasize the quality of the organization. “The trip was organized very clearly and perfectly,” says one guest, highlighting how smooth the process is from booking to returning. The small group size and personalized service stand out, making the experience feel more intimate than large, commercial tours.

What Could Be Better?

While the overall experience is highly praised, it’s worth noting that the schedule is quite packed. Guests need to be mindful of the time constraints at each stop to ensure they don’t miss the boat’s departure. Also, since the boat docks as close as possible, some walking in water might be necessary to reach land, which could be a consideration for anyone with mobility concerns.

The tour does not include tickets to the Gramvousa Fortress, so history buffs or those wishing for a deeper exploration might need to plan separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a mix of excitement and relaxation, with an appreciation for luxury and authentic natural beauty. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a personalized experience. If you’re comfortable in a boat and love swimming or snorkeling, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

However, it’s not suited for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or anyone who prefers a slow-paced, leisurely day on land. The fast-paced schedule means you’ll want to be ready to move, and packing light is recommended.

The Sum Up

This speedboat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island offers a fantastic blend of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. The prestigious boat, professional crew, and well-organized itinerary make it a memorable way to experience Crete’s northwest coast. You’ll love the chance to skip the crowds, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy scenic vistas from a vessel that feels more like a private yacht than a tour boat.

The experience is best suited for active, curious travelers who want a high-quality, authentic excursion that balances sightseeing with fun. It’s a value-packed day that leaves you with unforgettable memories of Crete’s stunning seas and landscapes.

If you’re after a luxurious, well-organized adventure that combines comfort with exploration, this tour is hard to beat. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, towel, and a sense of adventure — and get ready for a day that truly captures the magic of Crete’s coast.

FAQ

• What’s included in the price? The cruise, experienced crew, snacks, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, and music are included. Hotel pickup and private tours are optional.
• How long is the trip? The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, with specific stops for snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing.
• Can I choose to do a private tour? Yes, private groups are available, offering a more personalized experience.
• Is hotel pickup available? Yes, from many nearby areas including Kissamos, Kolimvari, Tauronitis, and more.
• What should I bring? Bring your passport or ID, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera.
• Are there any restrictions? It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility problems, or wheelchair users.
• Do I need to buy tickets for the fortress? Yes, tickets to enter the Gramvousa Fortress are not included.
• What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.
• Is the trip suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, active swimming and walking might be better suited for older children.
• What are the reviews like? Travelers consistently praise the professionalism of the crew, the stunning scenery, and the good value for money.

This cruise has earned a high rating of 4.7 based on 19 reviews, with travelers highlighting its well-organized nature, friendly guides, and unforgettable scenery. It’s a compelling way to experience Crete’s coast — whether you’re after a relaxing day or a lively adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: