Chania & Reth: Balos with Guide and Transfer

Taking a day trip to Balos Lagoon in Crete sounds idyllic, and this tour promises to whisk you from Rethymno or Chania to one of the island’s most stunning natural sites. While the concept is appealing—sailing along rugged coastlines, lounging on golden sands, and exploring pristine waters—the actual experience can vary quite a bit depending on your expectations and what you’re looking for in a day out.

We’ve looked at reviews, itinerary details, and what’s included to give you a comprehensive picture, so you can decide if this cruise ticks your boxes. Expect gorgeous scenery, some good moments of relaxation, and a few caveats that could influence your experience.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see Crete’s coast from the water, the opportunity to relax on Balos Beach, and the convenience of their transfer service that takes care of your logistic hassles. However, a key consideration is the reported issues with meal inclusions—some travelers found themselves paying extra for what they thought was included—and the overall rating suggests the experience may not be flawless.

This tour suits nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers keen on a hassle-free day out that combines sightseeing with beach relaxation. If you’re after a laid-back day on Crete’s famed coast with a guided touch, this could be just right—just go in with clear expectations.

Good To Know

• Stunning scenery: The cruise offers beautiful views of cliffs, secluded beaches, and the famous Balos Lagoon.
• Relaxing beach time: Around 2.5 hours at Balos Beach gives ample opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the scenery.
• Convenient transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from Rethymno or Chania make logistics simple.
• Onboard amenities: Self-service food and drinks, with options to purchase snacks and beverages using credit cards.
• Mixed reviews: While the experience offers incredible visuals, some travelers report issues with meal inclusions and overall value.
• Environmental awareness: The tour emphasizes respecting Balos’s fragile ecosystem, which is part of a protected NATURA 2000 site.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Depth

Starting from Kissamos or the Pickup Points

The journey begins with pickup from your hotel or approved meeting points in Rethymno or Chania, which simplifies what could otherwise be a logistical headache. Expect to be collected early, and it’s advisable to be ready 5-10 minutes beforehand.

The Drive to the Port

Once on the bus, you’ll head towards Kissamos, the typical departure point, where the boat awaits. The transfer service is a major plus for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transport themselves. Keep in mind, the duration ranges from 8 to 10 hours, so prepare for a full day of activity.

The Boat Ride

The cruise itself takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. As you sail, soft background music and panoramic views of the coast make for a pleasant atmosphere. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and smaller islets like Agria Gramvousa and Pontikonisi, giving you excellent photo opportunities.

The boat features a self-service restaurant-bar. This is where some reviewers noted issues—one critic, Emilie, pointed out that she was charged for the meal when she thought it was included. The bar also rents sun umbrellas, which are a thoughtful touch on hot days, and accepts credit card payments for snacks and drinks.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Reaching Balos Lagoon and Beach

The vessel glides between Gramvousa Island and Cape Voux, revealing iconic sights like Valenti islet and the famous Balos Lagoon before docking at the beach. Here, travelers are free to spend around 2.5 hours.

Balos Beach offers soft golden sands and shimmering emerald waters—truly a picture-perfect spot. Its designation as a NATURA 2000 site means it’s a protected environment, which adds to its charm but also underscores the importance of responsible tourism.

The Free Time

Most of your day is dedicated to relaxing—swimming, sunbathing, or simply wandering the shoreline. The clarity of the waters and the scenery make it worth the trip, even if you’re not planning to do much more than unwind.

Return Journey

After soaking up the scenery and enjoying your time at Balos, the boat heads back to Kissamos, wrapping up the day’s adventure. Expect to arrive back in your pickup area in the late afternoon or early evening.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

While many travelers are enchanted by the views and the natural beauty, some report less satisfying experiences. Emilie, for example, expressed frustration over the meal situation, stating, “We had to pay for the meal on board when it was supposed to be included in our tickets at 73/person.” This highlights the importance of clarifying what’s included before booking.

Other reviews mention the good organization of transfers and the ease of the journey but also point out that the overall rating is a modest 2.3 out of 5. This suggests inconsistency in experiences—some may find it worthwhile, while others feel it falls short of expectations.

The scenery, however, is universally praised. Expect breathtaking views, great photo opportunities, and a chance to see parts of Crete that are accessible only by boat.

The Value Proposition

Considering the price, the main selling point is the opportunity to visit Balos Lagoon with minimal hassle—transfers, guided commentary (in English and German), and a scenic boat ride. The cost may seem high for some, especially given the reported issues with meal inclusions, but the convenience and the chance to see a natural wonder make it appealing for those who value comfort and a guided approach.

If you’re someone who appreciates a straightforward, guided day with the chance to relax and snap photos, this tour delivers on those fronts. But if you’re a more independent traveler looking for flexibility or expecting all inclusions to be truly included, you might want to consider other options or clarify details beforehand.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a stress-free way to see Balos Lagoon without having to organize transportation or navigation. It suits those who prioritize scenic views, relaxing on the beach, and guided commentary. However, anyone highly concerned about meal inclusions or seeking a more customizable experience might need to weigh the reviews carefully.

It’s also great for people interested in environmental preservation, as the tour promotes respecting Crete’s natural habitats.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a picturesque day out in Crete, filled with stunning vistas and a relaxing beach visit. The included transfer service and guided commentary are big pluses for travelers wanting convenience, while the scenery and the untouched beauty of Balos Lagoon can truly be unforgettable.

On the downside, some travelers have experienced issues with meal inclusions and felt the overall value was lacking. It’s important to go into this trip with realistic expectations and to clarify what’s included before booking.

For those who love scenic boat rides, idyllic beaches, and guided comfort, this tour can be a worthy choice—just be prepared for the possibility of some inconsistencies in service.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides transfer service from Rethymno and Chania, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the entire tour? The experience lasts between 8 and 10 hours, including transfers, the boat ride, and free time at Balos Beach.

Can I expect to swim? Yes, swimming is possible at Balos Beach, but swimming in the lagoon itself is not permitted, as it’s part of a protected NATURA site.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly a hat for sun protection.

Are meals included? Not entirely. Onboard, there’s a self-service restaurant-bar, but some reviews indicate you may have to pay for your food and drinks separately.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the experience states wheelchair accessibility, but it’s wise to confirm specific needs when booking.

What is the main attraction of this tour? The highlight is the visit to Balos Lagoon, renowned for its striking natural beauty and tranquil waters.

This guided cruise from Crete offers a scenic escape to one of the island’s most iconic spots. While it may not be flawless, it promises a day of stunning views, relaxing beach time, and easy logistics for those eager to explore Crete’s coast in comfort.

You can check if your dates are available here: