
Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!)
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 123 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) worth booking?
Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) is a 10-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $75 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 123 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (123)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Join us for an incredible day of sun, sea, and adventure! We start from Chania Town at 08:00 AM and head towards the port of Kissamos, where our journey by boat begins. After a relaxing 1-hour ferry ride across the turquoise waters, we reach the stunning island of Gramvousa. Here you’ll have two full hours to explore the famous Venetian fortress perched high on the hill, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the golden beach surrounded by wild, untouched beauty. Next, we sail to the world-famous Balos Lagoon, a true paradise of white sands and shallow, turquoise waters. You’ll have three magical hours to swim, sunbathe, explore the unique landscapes, and capture unforgettable photos at one of Crete’s most iconic locations. At around 16:30, we depart from Balos and cruise back to Kissamos Port, arriving around 17:45, where our bus will be waiting to comfortably take you back to Chania after a full day of memories.
What you get
About this experience
Join us for an incredible day of sun, sea, and adventure! We start from Chania Town at 08:00 AM and head towards the port of Kissamos, where our journey by boat begins. After a relaxing 1-hour ferry ride across the turquoise waters, we reach the stunning island of Gramvousa. Here you’ll have two full hours to explore the famous Venetian fortress perched high on the hill, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the golden beach surrounded by wild, untouched beauty. Next, we sail to the world-famous Balos Lagoon, a true paradise of white sands and shallow, turquoise waters. You’ll have three magical hours to swim, sunbathe, explore the unique landscapes, and capture unforgettable photos at one of Crete’s most iconic locations. At around 16:30, we depart from Balos and cruise back to Kissamos Port, arriving around 17:45, where our bus will be waiting to comfortably take you back to Chania after a full day of memories.
What's included
Included
- Boat tickets to Gramvousa and Balos
- Pick up/Drop off with A/C Luxurious Bus
- 24/7 Superior Service
- InBus Guiding + Pre-Recorded Instructions on boat
Not included
- Municipality fee (1 euro for adults, free for children)
- Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
- Gratitude/Tips
What you'll see and do
Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon with its amazing crystal clear waters, is considered to be one of the most spectacular beaches all over the world and one of the 10 best beaches around Europe. A fantastic place which you cannot afford to miss and is a must while visiting Chania. Get aboard with our team and get a unique experience.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Gramvousa Beach
Gramvousa Island with it's famous pirate history is considered a unique attraction all over Greece. While visiting it's worth visiting its amazing pirate castle or swimming around the famous cargo ship wreck which is located in the shore of the island. While visiting, make sure you also lit a candle in the historic church of St. George, located on the shore.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Fantasy Travel
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Remember to bring the following items: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, swimsuit and beach towel
- You are advised to bring appropriate shoes for the hike up to Gramvousa Castle
- Rubbish disposal as well as removing seashells from the beach is prohibited
- Environmental Fee of 1 euro is paid on the spot
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 123 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
123 verified traveler reviews for Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Don’t take this if you’re expecting a sail boat!
The tour involved local pickup which was fine followed by coach journey to Kissimos harbour to catch the boat. We were a small group of 18 so arrival at the harbour was very early - we had well over an hour killing time. The boat was a large ferry-type vessel, not what I was expecting at all, and had probably 300 passengers in all including people from other operators. The stop at Balos was okay although disembarking was longer than expected. Apart from the beach and lagoon there is nothing else there so sunbathing and swimming are the only options. The sea was cold for October. Gramvousa was similarly disappointing. Again slow disembarking, the climb up to the monastery was clearly difficult for some people. As for food and drink on the boat , the food options were disappointing and many people seemed to have left food uneaten. Drinks were reasonably priced. Disembarking back at Kissimos was okay but the bus journey back took far too long - ages to get out of the harbour car pack and then a very slow crawl back through Kissimos town before the traffic cleared and much later back took Chania than expected. All told, rather a disappointment.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour of hard to reach places in northwest Crete
While pickup was a very long portion of our time at the start of the day, we had a lovely experience with the ferry, the stops at Balos and Gramvousa, and the ride back. Instructions for how to navigate our time between the ferry rides helped us make the most of our time on the beach in Balos and on the hike up to the fort on Gramvousa. Would highly recommend!
via Viator
Beautiful but chaotic day
Beware this trip is not for the elderly or young children in pushchairs. getting to the ferry was very easy, the bus picked us up outside or hotel and took us straight to ferry terminal, we had a guide who was very knowledgable and took the time to ensure everyone was accounted for before we left to get back on the coach. The ferry itself was very full, we were lucky to get quite a spacious spot but most people did not have much room around them. The ferry did serve food and drinks although the queues were long and we were glad to have brought our own food with us. I would say the ferry staff were very organised though and the actual journey was very smooth to Balos Lagoon. The disembarkment was a different story.... everyone getting off at the jetty was very chaotic, quite a long wait, and this is where they need to highlight it is not suitable for anyone who struggles physically and its not suitable for pushchairs and young children. Its very rocky and slippy after the jetty and quite dangerous if you cannot support yourself. When we eventually got to the lagoon there is no denying it is very beautiful, however it is also very windy and not very sandy. More shingle and so not anywhere to get comfy. Its also very, very busy!! The shoreline into the sea is again very slippy and dangerous. We eneded up getting back on the ferry early so we could get a drink easily and settle ready for the next stop. The next stop took about 20 mins till we arrived and again it was stunning but very busy, you need to make a choice of seeing the fort or going to the beach, not enough time for both. We decided to stay at the beach and explore the shipwreck. But once again getting off is very difficult if you are not able bodied and need support. You get around 2 hours at each stop but getting on and off the boat can take up to 1/2 hour off your time amnd its rocky and slippy getting into the sea. Be careful!! All in all the day is long, busy and not the most relaxing experiance although both Balos and Gramvousa are very stunning. So if you want a more calmer peaceful and longer day at these places i suggest hiring a private boat and getting there early or a little later in the day when it is less busy! Wish we had used this option in hindsight!
via Tripadvisor
Avoid
I would not recommend this trip. You are collected at 7.50am. You then hang around at the port until 11am when the boat leaves. The boat is so packed there aren’t enough seats for everyone and it’s an uncomfortable 1 hour journey to Balos Lagoon. You then can get off for 2 hours but there are so many people and only 1 exit on the boat and so you will queue for at least half an hour just to exit, and the same on the way back. There are 100’s of people on this boat. You’ll queue 45 minutes for cold, unappetising food at a price. It’s the same story again when you get to Gramvousa. Neither of the beaches are close to the boat. It’s a bit of a walk and it’s very uneven, not good if mobility is poor. The lagoon itself was nice but go on a smaller boat if you want to see it. We were out of the hotel for 12 hours and only actually on land for around 3. I would avoid this trip.
via Tripadvisor
The scenery is lovely,...
The scenery is lovely, but the crowd is a real turn off. Make sure you wear water shoes. It's very rocky.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 43
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Fantasy Travel, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything Fantasy Travel runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.
How much does Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) cost?
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Prices start at $75 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) 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 (3.7/5 across 123 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!)?
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Around 43 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?
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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 Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is 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 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?
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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?
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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 Chania?
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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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!)?
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Included: Boat tickets to Gramvousa and Balos; Pick up/Drop off with A/C Luxurious Bus; 24/7 Superior Service; and InBus Guiding + Pre-Recorded Instructions on boat. Not included: Municipality fee (1 euro for adults, free for children); Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals; and Gratitude/Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 151 listed pickup locations in and around Chania. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is 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 Tour from Chania(Boat ticket is included!)?
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Across 123 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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