1.From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
Yearning for an unforgettable maritime adventure?
Most Popular“Excellent cruise the boat is very spacious and views are stunning .”
Crete
Here I’ve collected the day trips that reach Crete’s two famous western beaches, Balos lagoon and pink-sand Elafonisi, without the brutal drive. Most Balos boats leave from Kissamos port and fill fast in high summer. Elafonisi’s pink comes from crushed shell and shows in patches, so hunt along the waterline.
Yearning for an unforgettable maritime adventure?
Most Popular★ 4.2“Excellent cruise the boat is very spacious and views are stunning .”
★★★★★★★★★★
6,755 reviews7 hoursFrom $47
Prepare for a day of paradise on Elafonisi Island, where pink sand beaches and protected wildlife areas await - but that's just the beginning.
★ 4.5“It was a really nice day! We started with a walk to a cave and some refreshments. We then went to Elafonissi, which was beautiful! It was hot, so bring sunscreen, hats, etc. however we were given more than enough time to enjoy and there…”
★★★★★★★★★★
2,014 reviews450 minutes - 12 hoursFrom $38by PLATANOS TOURS
Discover the beauty of Crete with this full-day Balos and Gramvousa cruise, including transfers, guided commentary, and ample time to explore stunning beaches and historic sites.
★ 4.1“This trip was the best thing I did whilst in Chania! The transport was so quick and easy. The hike and balos beach is so worth the trip! Best experience of my trip! Thank you!”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,009 reviewsby Quality Travel
Navigate the enchanting waters of Kalyves and uncover the mystery behind the extra boat ticket that holds the key to an unforgettable experience.
★ 4.2“Great day out. Scenery is beautiful. Had a great amount of time at both stops. It did take quite a long time to get to Balos on the ferry as the sea was quite choppy. Stella, our guide, was very amicable and funny, and JM…”
★★★★★★★★★★
992 reviews10 - 12 hoursFrom $23by PLATANOS TOURS
Discover the enchanting allure of Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach from Rethymno, where nature's wonders await to mesmerize your senses and spark your curiosity.
★ 4.7“It was very good, pick up, on time , from hotel. Good guide , good English , good knowledge . Good driver . We had an over all good day. Beach was beautiful although a bit crowded but that was to be expected this time…”
★★★★★★★★★★
989 reviews11 hoursFrom $31by Markidis Travel
Cruise to Crete's captivating Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island for a day of enchantment—discover the allure that awaits on this unforgettable adventure.
★ 4.1“We had the most fabulous experience. Balls was good but the beach at Granvosa was much better for snorkelling. Would recommend this trip”
★★★★★★★★★★
925 reviewsFrom $47
Get ready to uncover the hidden gems that lie beyond the pink sands of Elafonisi Island, as this day trip from Rethymno promises an adventure like no other.
★ 4.4“It was an amazing trip on the road you are astonished by majestic secenery , and the beach itself is like another world is merging with ours. Our tour guide and bus driver did an amazing job”
★★★★★★★★★★
799 reviews9 - 10 hoursFrom $28by PLATANOS TOURS
Explore Crete’s stunning Elafonissi Beach with a full-day guided tour from Chania, including village stops, delicious local food, and plenty of beach time.
★ 4.5“I had a nice time going to Elafonisi, it does take about an hour to pick everyone up but the stops for breakfast and to Elos for lunch were very nice! Elafonisi is what I expected, beautiful and it really has the pink hues in…”
★★★★★★★★★★
744 reviews10 hoursFrom $37by TourMaster
Journey into the enchanting world of Elafonisi Beach, where pink sands and crystal-clear waters await - but what hidden gems lie beyond the horizon?
★ 4.5“I do not regret the trip to the beach, the beach is really beautiful. The tour was perfectly organized, everything on time. Although the trip was long, we went in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The guide Maria, spoke English and Polish, was pleasant and willing…”
★★★★★★★★★★
731 reviews13 hoursFrom $64by Cretan Odyssey
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Balos Lagoon on Crete with this boat cruise from Kissamos Port, including sea swimming and scenic views.
★ 4.2“Cruise was very nice and well worth taking boat vs driving from Chania/Kissamos. Driving takes longer and then you have a long walk down the mountain to the beach versus a 20 min drive to Kissamos and a short walk from the pier where the…”
★★★★★★★★★★
678 reviews5 hoursFrom $42by CRETAN DAILY CRUISES
An extraordinary adventure awaits in the Rethymno Area, where Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay reveal a mysterious boat ticket extra that promises to captivate and enchant.
★ 4.3“Amazing places to visit with a well organised program, great staff and charming travel guide. Highly recommended trip!”
★★★★★★★★★★
594 reviews10 - 12 hoursFrom $20by PLATANOS TOURS
Nestled in the Mediterranean, the journey to Balos and Gramvousa Island begins with turquoise waters and promises an unforgettable adventure - are you ready to explore?
★ 4.4“We fully enjoyed the tour and Eva our guide was really friendly and responsible.”
★★★★★★★★★★
590 reviews12 hoursFrom $64by Io Tours
Journey through the crystal-clear waters of Gramvousa and Balos on a speedboat tour filled with drinks and surprises.
★ 4.8“Such a fun afternoon! Loved getting to see Gramvousa and Balos via a speedboat. Our guide was amazing too. Take me back to those crystal clear waters!”
★★★★★★★★★★
577 reviews3 hoursFrom $99
Explore Crete's stunning west coast on a full-day cruise from Heraklion, including Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town—great value and authentic scenery.
★ 4.4“Great day, worth the early start, Balos is beautiful, guide was great and informative. The only thing that let it down was the bus, the seats were so uncomfortable and for such a long journey it would have been better if the seats were more…”
★★★★★★★★★★
526 reviews14.5 - 16 hoursFrom $88by Cretan Odyssey
Discover Crete’s famed pink sands on a comfortable, well-organized bus trip to Elafonisi, including stops in a charming mountain village, with plenty of free time to relax and explore.
★ 4.4“Great and inexpensive way to see Elafonisi beach. The tour was very well organized and Agnes, the guide, provided lots of wonderful information about Crete on the drive through the mountains to the beach. Our bus was running early so we got to the beach…”
★★★★★★★★★★
512 reviewsFrom $31.62by Quality Travel
Crete is the island I keep coming back to; it rewards every extra day you give it.