Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Sunset Luxury Catamaran Cruise

When it comes to experiencing Crete’s natural beauty from the water, the Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Sunset Luxury Catamaran Cruise offers a blend of comfort, style, and stunning scenery. This tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about savoring the moment aboard Greece’s newest, most elegant catamaran. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this cruise promises a memorable escape to two of Crete’s most iconic spots with an added touch of luxury.

We’re impressed by the thoughtful design of this boat — a brand-new, tailor-made vessel that balances spaciousness with sleek elegance. The VIP flybridge provides prime views and a feeling of exclusivity, while the water slide and easy access ladder make swimming more than just a quick dip. The highlight? Watching the sun set over the sea – an experience that’s as breathtaking as the scenery itself.

One thing to consider is the weather dependency — like all boat trips, this excursion can be affected by weather conditions, possibly leading to rescheduling or cancellations. Still, for those who love being on the water and want a relaxing yet picturesque experience, this cruise strikes a fine balance between comfort, adventure, and authenticity.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate luxury moments, stunning vistas, and a well-organized, all-inclusive experience. If you’re seeking a leisurely day with plenty of opportunities to swim, take photos, and enjoy good food and drinks, you’ll find this cruise a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Luxury on the water: Greece’s most recent, custom-built catamaran offers a spacious, smooth ride with VIP features.
• Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Inclusive experience: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards are included, making it a hassle-free day.
• Flexible timing: The 4-hour cruise fits well into most schedules, with departures around 4:30 pm.
• Multiple activities: Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and relax with gourmet snacks and drinks onboard.
• Family-friendly: With inflatables, toys, and safe gear, it’s suitable for families with kids (though pregnant women are advised against).

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Sail: What to Expect on the Cruise

The Boarding Experience

Arriving at Kissamos port about 20 minutes early allows for a relaxed boarding. The crew, easily identifiable in DanEri t-shirts with a red flag, will greet you warmly and conduct a thorough safety briefing — an important aspect for peace of mind and ensuring everyone knows what to do if they want to swim or use the paddleboards. The modern, stylish vessel is 25.6 meters long and 11.25 meters wide, promising plenty of space and stability.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Your cruise begins at 4:30 pm with a welcome glass of Prosecco and some snacks, setting a celebratory tone for the journey. The first hour is spent cruising in style, giving you a chance to soak in the views and relax as you leave the port behind.

At 5:30 pm, the boat drops anchor in Balos Bay, an area famous for its stunning, shallow lagoon and white sand beaches. Here, you’ll have about an hour to enjoy the crystal-clear waters, take photos of the wild scenery, and swim or snorkel. The calm, inviting water makes it ideal for families or less experienced swimmers.

The crew will offer local snacks, drinks, and opportunities to explore or relax on the boat during this stop. Many reviews highlight how beautiful the scenery is from the water, with one guest noting, “The views of Balos are incredible, and the water is so clear you can see the seabed from the deck.”

Gramvousa Island and Sunset

Around 6:45 pm, the boat moves towards Gramvousa Island, a rugged island with a fortress and stunning coastline. The stop here lasts about 45 minutes, giving you ample time for photos, swimming, and exploring. The sunset as you depart is often described as unforgettable, with golden light illuminating the cliffs and the sea — perfect for those Instagram shots or just quietly soaking it all in.

While on the water, you can indulge in snacks like cheese and meat platters, seasonal fruits, nuggets, and veggie sticks. The open bar includes soft drinks, white wine, and beer — enough to keep spirits high and glasses full. Many reviewers appreciate the high-quality drinks and snacks included, feeling it adds a touch of luxury without extra cost.

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Return and Reflection

By 9 pm, the boat begins its return journey, heading back to Kissamos port. The crew ensures everyone is comfortable, playing some relaxing music and perhaps sharing stories about the scenery you just experienced. Many travelers say the last sunset over the sea is a highlight, a perfect moment to reflect on a day well spent.

The Experience in Detail: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Vessel

The tailor-made, brand-new catamaran is the star of the show. Its impressive size and modern design provide a stable, smooth ride, even if the sea gets a bit choppy. The VIP flybridge is a real treat — an elevated deck where you can enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views of the coastline and open sea. Many reviews mention how luxuriating in this exclusive space enhances the overall experience.

Activities and Amenities

You’ll find snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) onboard, which broadens the possibilities for interaction with the water. The inflatable armbands and floats are perfect for kids or the less confident, and many travelers appreciate how easy it is to jump into the water from the boat.

The water slide is a playful addition, making the experience more enjoyable especially for families and kids. The music and onboard Wi-Fi contribute to a lively, relaxed atmosphere, balancing fun with comfort.

Gourmet Snacks and Drinks

With all-inclusive drinks and snacks, you won’t need to worry about bringing extra supplies. The quality of the snacks — cheese, meats, seasonal fruits, and veggie sticks — gets positive comments, making the cruise feel more like a luxury lounge afloat. The unlimited soft drinks, wine, and beer keep guests refreshed through the entire journey.

The Crew and Safety

The Red Cross-certified crew ensures safety and professionalism. They’re known for being friendly and attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable and informed. The safety briefing before departure is thorough but quick, alleviating concerns about water activities.

Assessing the Value

While the ticket price might seem premium compared to more basic boat trips, many travelers find the luxury, inclusions, and scenery justify the cost. The all-inclusive nature — drinks, snacks, gear, and entertainment — means no hidden expenses or extra charges during the trip.

On top of that, the experience of sailing on Greece’s newest luxury catamaran, combined with the unmatched views of Balos and Gramvousa, offers a special kind of value that’s difficult to match with smaller or less comfortable vessels.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for those who appreciate comfort and style while exploring natural beauty. It’s suited for families with kids looking for a fun and safe water experience, as well as couples or groups of friends wanting a relaxed, scenic outing. Since the tour includes gourmet snacks and drinks, it’s ideal for travelers who prefer a luxurious, all-inclusive experience.

However, it might not be the best fit for pregnant women or travelers with mobility issues, given the water activities and boat movements. Also, those highly sensitive to weather fluctuations should note that the cruise depends on good sea conditions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For anyone seeking a stylish, well-organized day on the water with outstanding scenery, this cruise ticks many boxes. You’ll love the stunning views of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, the luxurious boat, and the inclusive treats. It’s a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and comfort, delivered by a professional crew.

If your goal is to experience Crete from a unique vantage point while enjoying quality amenities, this tour offers a memorable way to do just that. Just be prepared for the possibility of weather changes, and try to arrive early to start your adventure stress-free.

In short, this cruise is a fantastic choice for travelers who value beautiful scenery, premium comfort, and all-day fun on the open sea.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 4 hours, starting around 4:30 pm and returning by approximately 9:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the use of the tailor-made luxury catamaran, experienced crew, snacks and finger foods, unlimited drinks (soft drinks, wine, beer), snorkeling gear, paddleboards, inflatable floats, and Wi-Fi onboard. Fuel and insurance are also included.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes — bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and passport or ID (a copy is accepted). Avoid bringing shoes indoors and red wine.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews note fun for families, especially with floats, inflatables, and safe water activities. A box of toys is provided for kids.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, beach-appropriate clothing is perfect. Remember to wear swimwear underneath and bring a hat and sunscreen.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, to secure your spot, especially during peak season. You can reserve now and pay later with flexible booking options.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, bad weather could lead to rescheduling or cancellations. Check the forecast and communicate with the provider if needed.

Where does the cruise start and end?
It begins at Kissamos port, where crew members will welcome you aboard. The tour concludes back at the same port, making logistics straightforward.

This carefully curated cruise balances luxury with authentic scenery, providing a memorable Crete experience for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure in one idyllic trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: