Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania
Chania, Greece

Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania

Outty Ranking 50 3.3 · 42 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $80
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.3/5

Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania worth booking?

Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania is a 11-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $80 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
3.3/5 (42)
Duration
11 hours
From
$80 per person

Our trip starts at your hotel or a location in its vicinity, with our bus.Our destination is the port of Kisamos. As soon as we reach the port, you go aboard the ship to set out on the cruise.The ship departs from the port at 10:20. An hour later you reach the small island of Gramvousa.The ship stays at the island for two hours.The castle of Gramvousa is to be found at the top of the island. If you wish so, you can climb up the path to the castle, if not, you can stay on the beach and swim. (Climbing will take you at least 20 min to reach the castle. Proper hiking shoes are a must!).The ship departs from Gramvousa Island at 13:30, the breath-taking lagoon of Balos being its destination. Words can’t possibly do justice to the wild beauty your eyes will meet once you reach Balos.The white and at places pink sand, the turquoise warm and shallow waters, the rocks reaching for the sky around the lagoon, all these amazing elements come together to create a heavenly landscape!

What you get

    About this experience

    Our trip starts at your hotel or a location in its vicinity, with our bus.Our destination is the port of Kisamos. As soon as we reach the port, you go aboard the ship to set out on the cruise.The ship departs from the port at 10:20. An hour later you reach the small island of Gramvousa.The ship stays at the island for two hours.The castle of Gramvousa is to be found at the top of the island. If you wish so, you can climb up the path to the castle, if not, you can stay on the beach and swim. (Climbing will take you at least 20 min to reach the castle. Proper hiking shoes are a must!).The ship departs from Gramvousa Island at 13:30, the breath-taking lagoon of Balos being its destination. Words can’t possibly do justice to the wild beauty your eyes will meet once you reach Balos.The white and at places pink sand, the turquoise warm and shallow waters, the rocks reaching for the sky around the lagoon, all these amazing elements come together to create a heavenly landscape!

    What's included

    Included

    • All Taxes
    • Ecological fee
    • Local Guide
    • Transport by air-conditioned coach
    • Boat ticket to Gramvousa 19 euro per person

    Not included

    • Tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. Gramvousa

      As soon as we reach the port, you go aboard the ship to set out on the cruise.The ship departs from the port at 10:20. An hour later you reach the small island of Gramvousa.The ship stays at the island for two hours.The castle of Gramvousa is to be found at the top of the island… built by Venetians on top of some steep cliffs in order to act as a fortification protecting the island, today it offers visitors a panoramic view to the amazingly blue waters of the Cretan sea.

      120 minutes here

    2. Balos Lagoon

      The ship departs from Gramvousa Island at 13:30, the breath-taking lagoon of Balos being its destination…The journey is short, and lasts only about 20 minutes.The ship reaches Balos at 13:45 and stays there for 2 hours. Words can’t possibly do justice to the wild beauty your eyes will meet once you reach Balos… The white and at places pink sand, the turquoise warm and shallow waters, the rocks reaching for the sky around the lagoon… all these amazing elements come together to create a heavenly landscape, which you are bound to want to keep returning to!

      120 minutes here

    3. Kastelli Kissamos Old Port

      On board and throughout the journey, you can enjoy your meal in the self-service restaurants of the ship, where traditional Cretan dishes are being offered, or at the ship’s bar.You reach Kissamos Port an hour later; our bus will be waiting for you there, in order to return you to your hotel.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    MTM Experiences

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Remember to have with you :Swimsuit -Beach towel-Hat -Sunscreen
    • You will receive a confirmation email with your pickup location and time.

    Photos

    Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania, photo 2Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania, photo 3Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania, photo 4Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania, photo 5Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    3 mentions

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

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    42 verified traveler reviews for Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
    11
    3 star
    8
    2 star
    7
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    Hyacinth_D · August 2025

    Amazing beach trip!

    Great trip to Balos and Gramvousa Beach! The ferry to the beach was quite large and clean with convenient cafe for drinks/food and "beach stuff". Balos Beach was incredible with amazing clear water! Gramvousa beach was more rocky but nice and it you want, you can climb up to the castle. My only criticism is that the ferry should leave a little ealier (like 10am) to give us more time at Balos Beach. But we loved this trip and would recommend to everyone!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that you loved Balos and Gramvousa Beach and enjoyed the ferry and its amenities. We appreciate your feedback regarding the departure time and will take it into consideration. It’s wonderful to know you had a great trip and would recommend it to others. Kind regards, MTM Customer Service

    via Viator

    Passenger29190257908 · October 2023

    A bit disappointing...

    Somewhat overrated but the sail there was visually awesome! Off the boat onto very sharp rocky walk to beach...not pleasant!

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, We appreciate your comments regarding your recent tour. We’re sorry to hear you didn’t have a good experience with our activity. Regarding the walk to the beach all the area is protected, nature and environment cannot be affected any more by human infrastructures. We work really hard to make sure our customers love our activities and service, so thank you for sharing these points with us as will help us to improve. MTM Dmc Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Hayley_D · July 2023

    Misleading and Disappointing

    This was an extremely disappointing experience. My partner and I were excited to explore Balos in particular, but when the boat stopped 100 metres from shore with no explanation and then people just started jumping off the back of the boat for a swim, we were very confused. We did some research online only to find that the boat company had announced on their website a week prior that the boat was not allowed to dock at the beach anymore and this was as close as we’d get to Balos. We’re both strong swimmers, but did not want to just jump off the back of the boat and tread water with everyone else. We had no choice but to sit on the overcrowded boat for 2 hours waiting for the time to be up. There was no communication of this change prior to boarding and if we had known this, we would not have gone. We were allowed off the boat in Garmvousa but there was hardly any shade on a very hot day so everyone was crowded together under tiny trees. The water was nice but there were so many rocks and coral to step over to get to where it was nice to swim. The lack of communication of this IMPORTANT change was the major issue and we were very disappointed that we paid this money, came all this way and then just had to stare at Balos from the ocean and not even get to experience it.

    via Viator

    734teirat · May 2023

    Organize yourself

    If you are going to go to in this tour, beware it is long due to pick ups st hotels. I would suggest, especially if you have a car, to go to the port in Kissamos and get a ferry ticket that takes you to the 2 beaches. It will shave about 21/2 hours off your day. Beautiful places to visit.

    via Tripadvisor

    Patrick W · March 2023

    Underwhelming

    This was nothing more than a ferry ride with two stops at some nice beaches. There was no interpretation or any discussion of the area's flora, fauna, or geology. We were allocated 90 to 120 minutes at the two stops. We were disappointed that there wasn't more commentary. It appeared to d=be designed for getting to the two beaches. Since I grew up in southern California, the beach scene doesn't impress me. Others, I suppose would think this is great.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by MTM Experiences, who run 69 experiences we rank across 13 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.3.

    See everything MTM Experiences runs

    Why this scores 50

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)10
    Review evidence (18% weight)62
    Booking momentum (14% weight)56
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.

    How much does Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania cost?

    +

    Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chania 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 Day Cruise from Chania take?

    +

    Plan for about 11 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 Chania is not rushed.

    Is Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania?

    +

    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 Day Cruise from Chania suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania?

    +

    Around 15 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 Chania 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?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chania 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 Chania?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Chania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cretan Safari – 4x4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch, Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks, Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari. 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 Chania?

    +

    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 Chania?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Day Cruise from Chania?

    +

    Included: All Taxes; Ecological fee; Local Guide; Transport by air-conditioned coach; and Boat ticket to Gramvousa 19 euro per person. Not included: Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 127 listed pickup locations in and around Chania. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. 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 Day Cruise from Chania?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Day Cruise from Chania?

    +

    Across 42 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, organization, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania.

    Pick your date