
GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! worth booking?
GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! is a 14-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $78 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (9)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !
What you get
About this experience
Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !
What's included
Included
- ENGLISH=tue & fri, GERMAN=tue & fri, FRENCH=tue & fri, POLISH=tue & fri
- Escort on coach and boat
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Boat tickets !
- Pick up / drop off (Malia till Amoudara-Gazi)
Not included
- OPTION Lunch = warm buffet and water (10€) to pay on the coach at your guide
- Umbrellas and Sunbeds
- Government fees
What you'll see and do
Rethymnon
During our bus trip we pass Rethymnon.
Pass by without stopping
Chania Town
We pass the old capital of Crete on our way to the boat in Kissamos port.
Pass by without stopping
After between 4-4.5 hours bus drive we will arrive at the port of Kissamos where the boat will depart for our Cruise. On our way to and back from the Kisamos port, the coach stops about 20min so you can buy something to eat or drink and use the toilets.
300 minutes here
Gramvousa
After a boat trip of about 1 hour, you have 1.5 hours to walk up to the Venetian Castle and swimming in the crystal clear waters.
150 minutes here
Balos Lagoon
After a boat trip of 15 min, you can enjoy this breathtaking area for about 2.5 hours. Your lunch is served on the boat any time between 12h and 17h.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Transfer = Malia till Karteros
Pickup included
Transfer: Amoudara & Heraklion
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eye travel
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Travel time is added on the time duration. Keep in mind that the way to the boat, and back, is a LONG drive!
Photos






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
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best beach experience!
Great trip at these paradise beaches with amazing guide and crew. We are thankful and we recommend this trip to anyone who comes to Crete!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feeback !
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful🥰
Beautiful experience and well organized. The organizer was impeccable. A pity only about the strong wind, but it was worth it
Response from the operator: Grazie mille per il tuo feedback!
via Viator (translated)
Long but amazing day
Honestly a really well organised day, the bus trip was about 3 hours from Ammoudara but that was expected. The food provided was really nice and the tour guides were very helpful. Only downside was that we didn’t actually get to go to Balos beach because of a reason to do with anchoring, which they only informed us when we were on the bus there as appose to 3 days before when they actually found out. We went to another similar beach which was still very nice and overall we had a really nice day. Boat views are to die for. Thank you
Response from the operator: Really sorry for the change but luckely you enjoyed it. Because of the strong winds the boats are not all the time able to anchore. Thank you for your feedback!
via Tripadvisor
Really not worth it
It really is not worth it. Considering the price and the amount of time you get to spend on the beaches. Don’t get me wrong the beaches are beautiful and really live up the hype. But the bus drive from Sisi was 10 hours in total. And you only get to stay for 1,5 hour at Gramvousa and 2 hours at Balos Lagoon. The food options on the boat were not as the tour operator said on the bus. Very limited choice of dishes. And beware you can get very sick on the boat because of the waves, the boat trip is about 2 hours long in total. And one thing they didn’t say is that the majority of the people you are traveling with are Polish people. The problem with that is that the tour operator was more focused on them, in terms of information about the history of these places that you will visit. The English translation was very short and it was obvious that this was more directed to people from Poland. So considering the fact that you will spend more time traveling, than actually enjoying the beaches i really don’t recommend this trip. They overcharge way too much.
Response from the operator: Sorry to read this, but for sure there is a mistake by writing this on our page because we are not a tour operator! So please write it to the correct company.
via Tripadvisor
beautiful but very long day
the beach and the lagoon were very beautiful but the road to get to the harbor where the boat departs was very long. we had to come from sisi, to make it to the harbor it was a 5 hour bus drive. so if you are planning this trip know that it might take a long time to get to the harbor. it was also very busy on the boat and on the beaches so keep that in mind as well.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. That's why it's always very important to read all the information. The pick up times and schedule are clearly mentioned.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Eye travel, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.4.
See everything Eye travel runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! cost?
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Prices start at $78 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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! 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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!?
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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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! 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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!?
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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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! 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?
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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.
What is included in GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!?
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Included: ENGLISH=tue & fri, GERMAN=tue & fri, FRENCH=tue & fri, POLISH=tue & fri; Escort on coach and boat; Transport by air-conditioned coach; Boat tickets !; and Pick up / drop off (Malia till Amoudara-Gazi). Not included: OPTION Lunch = warm buffet and water (10€) to pay on the coach at your guide; Umbrellas and Sunbeds; and Government fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 104 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, 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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!?
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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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included! 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 GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Transfer = Malia till Karteros, Transfer: Amoudara & Heraklion. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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