Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion
Heraklion, Greece

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion

Outty Ranking 50 3.2 · 12 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $37
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Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.2/5

Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion worth booking?

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion is a 10-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $37 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
3.2/5 (12)
Duration
10 hours
From
$37 per person

Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pick-up(Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos,Anisaras,Analypsi,Gouves,Heraklio,Amoudara,AgiaPelagia,Fodele
    • All the legal taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Liability insurance coverage
    • Professional guide Guide in English, German(WEDNESDAY), English, German French, Romanian(MONDAY).

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Personal expenses
    • Boat ticket to Gramvousa island and Balos lagoon(20€/child)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Gramvousa Beach

      Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Balos Lagoon

      As soon as we arrive at the lagoon you will have about 3 hours to enjoy . When you have enjoyed a swim and relaxation at the lagoon, the boat will take you straight back to the port of Kissamos. As soon as you arrive at the lagoon you will have about 3 hours to enjoy. You may at any time go back to the boat for food or also hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. When you have enjoyed a swim and relaxation at the lagoon, the boat will take you straight back to the port of Kissamos. This is a great photo opportunity as the sun will be behind you as you look out to the scenery of the island. At 6:00 PM the ferry arrives at the port and the journey in this small paradise comes to an end. Return time in Chania approximately: 7.00 PM. From Wednesday 21st June and for a short period of time the ships will not possible to disembark in the Balos lagoon.The cruise schedule will be as follows:2 hours & 15 minutes stay in Gramvousa .About 2 hours stop for open swimming at the beach of Balos.

      180 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Kastelli Kissamos Old Port

      Drive towards the west side of Crete in order to reach the port of Kissamos Kasteli. After your escort gives you all the necessary information about the cruise, arrive at the port

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • from Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos

      Pick up included: Pickup Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Analipsi, Gouves. Pickup included

    • From Bali

      Pickup included

    • From Sissi

      Pickup included

    • From Fodele

      From Fodele Pickup included

    • from Agia Pelagia

      Pick up included: Pickup from Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • from Herakleion and Ammoudara

      Gramvousa Island 2023: Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen! Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    PLATANOS TOURS

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Pickup begins up to 15 minutes before tour starts and is done from central meeting points near the hotels, only in the areas of Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros and Georgioupoli
    • At the time of booking please mention your hotel name and location. You will be notified by email about the pickup point and time
    • Infants will be seated with their parents on the bus and will not have their own seat
    • Seats are assigned by the theater box office and will not be known in advance of the performance date
    • Take swimming suits

    Photos

    Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion, photo 2gramvousa island, Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from HeraklionGramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion, photo 4Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion, photo 5Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion, photo 6Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

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

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    12 verified traveler reviews for Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Scott_H · September 2024

    Nice but not worth the journey suti

    Long coach trip with guides that spent more time trying to sell the lunch package then telling you about the location we were visiting. Packed boat with not enough seating. Only trip I've ever been were the tour guides did not actually come on the tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review and the informations the guide was in the boat but all the informations you hear them from boats microphones that's why you don't need a guide for swimming

    via Viator

    Bilsander · June 2024

    Not recommended

    It's a tedious process, it takes forever until the people are brought from the ship to shore in small boats. The bay is overcrowded and dirty

    Response from the operator: Hallo, das hat sich jetzt seit dem 15 Juli 24 geändert und der Bootspark dort am Festland und Sie brauchen diese kleinen Boote nicht

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    rwu001 · May 2024

    Beware of surprises

    The following warnings for this trip: Lots of time spent picking up people; Bus was completely packed; Tour guide barely narrated the trip; Tour guide could not be understood half of the time; They packed the cruise & it was impossible to find places to sit on the upper deck; Be aware of the people rushing and cutting the lines to get in and and out of the boat.It was a disaster, but the view from top of the fort was worth a million dollars. 3 stars was too generous for Platos Tours !

    Response from the operator: Ηello thanks for the review

    via Tripadvisor

    overzengroove33 · August 2023

    Have a good day but pick-up location not respected

    Have a good day overall, the sites are magical even if there are a lot of people in the middle of August obviously. Comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Boat tickets should be included in the service. We had the possibility of having a round trip pickup at Analipsi but the chosen and confirmed meeting point was not respected. The guide Markos absolved himself of any responsibility and we had to battle with the driver Vassimi for the return who did not want to make too much effort! Plan a big day with a very early departure and a return around 9 p.m.

    Response from the operator: Ηello thanks for the review

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Constanze W · August 2022

    Great coves, BUT...

    Rating is difficult because we are divided: the islands and the bay are incredibly beautiful! It was worth the trip. BUT here comes this: we were on the road for 17 hours, 9 of which were on the bus. This was not so evident in the description. We thought we were going from Heraklion by boat, but far from it... All in all it was ok, but we wouldn't do this tour again.

    Response from the operator: Ηello thanks for the good review

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by PLATANOS TOURS, who run 38 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.5.

    See everything PLATANOS TOURS 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)34
    Review evidence (18% weight)42
    Booking momentum (14% weight)32
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion cost?

    +

    Prices start at $37 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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion 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 Heraklion is not rushed.

    Is Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.2/5 across 12 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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion?

    +

    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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion 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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion?

    +

    Around 4 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?

    +

    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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion?

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    Included: Hotel pick-up(Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos,Anisaras,Analypsi,Gouves,Heraklio,Amoudara,AgiaPelag; All the legal taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; Liability insurance coverage; and Professional guide Guide in English, German(WEDNESDAY), English, German French, Romanian(M. Not included: Food and drinks; Personal expenses; and Boat ticket to Gramvousa island and Balos lagoon(20€/child). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 414 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion offered in?

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    It is offered in English 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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion?

    +

    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 Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants will be seated with their parents on the bus and will not have their own seat. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion?

    +

    Across 12 reviews averaging 3.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion?

    +

    There are 6 options to choose from, including from Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos, From Bali, From Sissi, From Fodele. 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 Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Heraklion.

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