From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town
Heraklion, Greece

From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town

Outty Ranking 59 4.1 · 9 traveler reviews14 hoursFrom $86
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 9 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 $86 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (9)
Duration
14 hours
From
$86 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 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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

    • Polish: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • English: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • German: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included

    • Polish: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • Italian: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • French: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • French: 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: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    • German: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    • French: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • English: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani 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 30 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

    Balos Lagoon, From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old TownView of Gramvousa, From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old TownView of Gramvousa, From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old TownView at arrival, From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old TownView of shore, From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old TownBeach, From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    jake10evans · October 2026

    Breathtaking scenery, lots of travel but worth it!

    As much as I wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy on travel, it was well well worth going. You get to see probably 50% of all Crete worth seeing. The beach was beautiful but a tad overrated mainly because of the sheer amount of people and a little litter. Chania was beautiful. The bus ride there and back was long but pretty to look at. I’ve never been on an excursion with a guide/group before but Maria made the trip feel exciting, fun, and safe. Will recommend to anyone I know who goes to Crete. Thank you Maria!

    via Tripadvisor

    emmasB2037DK · October 2026

    The best experience ever ❤️

    Our day with Cretan Odyssey was amazing! The whole team was incredible, but our guide, Maria, made it extra special, she is absolutely amazing and gorgeous😌 Our trip to Balos Beach was perfect from start to finish. I totally recommend them and would love to do another tour with Maria and her team again❤️

    via Tripadvisor

    piotrcG6020KT · September 2026

    Not professional 29/09/26

    Unprofessional Conduct by Cretan Odyssey Tour Representatives The female tour representatives of Cretan Odyssey behaved in a highly unprofessional manner, failing to uphold the company’s reputation and standards of customer service. While boarding the boat for the trip to Balos Lagoon, they attempted to forcefully claim tables that were already occupied by other passengers, shouting and placing “Reserved” signs on the tables. They justified their actions by claiming that their role as tour guides working on board entitled them to reserve these seats. However, the ship’s crew did not confirm the women’s version of events. Such behaviour is unacceptable, particularly from representatives of a company that is supposed to provide a professional and enjoyable tourist experience. I believe Cretan Odyssey should review this incident and ensure that its staff treat passengers with respect and professionalism.

    via Tripadvisor

    bj_rnf291 · June 2026

    Very nice trip with a great tour guide.

    It was a really great trip. Super organized. Ride in an air-conditioned modern tour bus. Balos and Chania are definitely very worth seeing. Our tour guide Maria was absolutely amazing. A true bundle of joy, she explained everything in four languages and was very friendly. Definitely highly recommended.🇬🇷🌴☀️❤️

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    lisa_p · August 2025

    Well organized, precise and detailed guidance in explanations

    Super recommended! We had a great time. It is a great way to visit more things in a day because given the distances of Crete unless you take a car it would be impossible to do it in a single day, then it is true that you have limited times and you have to stick to their schedules but I must say that in my opinion it was all balanced the times were right for what was our idea of how to spend the day

    via Viator (translated)

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cretan Odyssey, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.

    See everything Cretan Odyssey runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)60
    Review evidence (18% weight)38
    Booking momentum (14% weight)28
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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 $86 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 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 9 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 3 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, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. 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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town?

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    Included: Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants; Boat Tickets; All Fees and Taxes; Entry fee to Gramvousa-Balos; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Umbrellas / Sunbeds; and Food / Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 358 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English, Italian, Polish and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town?

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    Across 9 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town?

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    There are 12 options to choose from, including Polish: Hersonissos, Malia, English: Agia Pelagia area, German: Heraklion area, Polish: Agia Pelagia area. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Chania Old Town.

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