From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town worth booking?
From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town is a 14-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $43 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (6)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Discover in one day, Balos, the most beautiful beach and Chania, the most beautiful town of Greece. Enjoy a magical boat trip through the westernmost point of Crete and admire the crystal-clear waters of Balos. Walk acro
What you get
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
- Boat Tickets
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry fee to Gramvousa-Balos
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
About this experience
Discover in one day, Balos, the most beautiful beach and Chania, the most beautiful town of Greece. Enjoy a magical boat trip through the westernmost point of Crete and admire the crystal-clear waters of Balos. Walk across the white sand shore and find yourself enjoying the sun in one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. Experience the charming town of Chania, walk around its picturesque streets and admire the unique Venetian old harbor of this town
What's included
Included
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
- Boat Tickets
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry fee to Gramvousa-Balos
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
- Professional Driver
Not included
- Umbrellas / Sunbeds
- Food / Drinks
What you'll see and do
Heraklion
Morning Pick up: Start your adventure with a convenient pickup from Heraklion or nearby areas. Relax on a comfortable bus ride to Chania, on the western side of Crete. Depending on the area your hotel is located is around 4 hours by bus. A short 20-minute stop will be made along the way for restrooms, refreshments, and snacks.
240 minutes here
Kasteli
1st Stop: Kasteli (total duration of the cruise: 5 hours) Arrive at Kasteli, the departure point for your boat trip to the Gramvousa Peninsula and Balos Lagoon. Get ready for an unforgettable 5-hours cruise!
40 minutes here
Balos Lagoon
2nd stop: Cruise to Balos Lagoon After sailing all along the impressive Gramvousa peninsula and fortress, the boat will arrive at Balos lagoon. Travelers will have plenty of time to enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Balos, walk across the golden sand beach and explore the nature around. Lunch: The boat’s restaurant and snack bar will be open throughout the cruise, offering meals and refreshments for purchase (lunch not included in the tour price).
300 minutes here
Kasteli
3rd Stop: Return to Kasteli After an amazing day at Balos, the boat will take you back to Kasteli port, where your bus will be waiting. A 40 minutes bus drive to Chania city will follow.
Pass by without stopping
Chania Town
Last Stop: Chania (2 hours) Discover the charming town of Chania, renowned for its picturesque old town and stunning Venetian harbor. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to stroll through the narrow streets, explore local shops, or relax at a seaside café.
120 minutes here
Heraklion
End of the tour – Return to resorts: Relax on the return bus trip to Heraklion. The drop-off time will vary depending on traffic and your hotel location. In the meantime, our driver will make a 20' stop so that we can stretch, rest and then continue.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
English: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
Polish: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
English: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
German: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Polish: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Italian: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokkini Hani Pickup included
French: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Polish: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
Italian: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
French: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
English: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
French: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cretan Odyssey
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu
- Price range
- $43 to $82
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town cost?
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Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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