Kissamos: Sailing Cruise to Balos & Gramvousa with Lunch

Imagine a day spent lazily floating on a sailing yacht, exploring one of Crete’s most iconic beaches and a historic fortress, all wrapped up with delicious food and good company. That’s exactly what this Kissamos sailing cruise offers—an adventure that combines the thrill of the sea with the chance to see some of Crete’s most photogenic spots.

What really makes this trip stand out? First, the intimate small-group setting (or private option), which means more personalized attention and space to relax. Second, the beautiful scenery—Balos Beach’s pink sands and the panoramic views from Gramvousa’s fortress. Third, the value-packed onboard experience, with lunch, snacks, and activities included.

However, a potential consideration is the sea conditions—since it’s an open-water trip, rougher weather could impact the cruise. Plus, those who prefer a more land-based sightseeing experience might find the boat’s focus a bit narrow.

All in all, this cruise is best suited for travelers craving a scenic, relaxed day on Crete’s waters, especially if they enjoy snorkeling, sightseeing, and authentic Greek hospitality.

Good To Know

• Small Group or Private Options: More personal service and flexibility.
• Stunning Destinations: Balos Beach and Gramvousa fortress with exceptional views.
• All-Inclusive Day: Lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear included.
• Flexible Duration: Ranges from 7 to 9 hours, depending on the day.
• Experienced Crew: Guides are knowledgeable, providing explanations and support.
• Ideal for Relaxation and Photos: Plenty of time for swimming, lounging, and snapping pictures.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Full Experience: What to Expect

Starting Out from Kissamos Port

Your day begins with check-in at Kissamos port around 10 am, where you’ll meet your crew and get a safety briefing. The vessel is a sailing yacht, designed for comfort and a touch of adventure. You’ll be part of either a small group or a private charter, depending on what you booked, which enhances the relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

First Stop: Balos Beach

After setting sail, you’ll cruise approximately 1.5 hours toward Balos Beach, renowned for its pink sands and turquoise waters. This is the highlight for most travelers and a stunning sight to behold even from the boat. Once anchored, you’ll be free to swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you can explore the seabed and marvel at the underwater scenery.

According to one reviewer, the trip was “really nice and relaxing,” with plenty of time allocated to explore both Balos and Gramvousa, ensuring you won’t feel rushed. The crew is praised for their friendliness and willingness to answer questions, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Exploring Balos

After the initial sail, a two-hour break allows ample time to stand on the beach, take photos, or buy some local snacks. The water here is usually calm, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll love the chance to relax amidst this famous natural wonder.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Next Stop: Gramvousa Island and the Pirate Fortress

Sailing to Gramvousa, you’ll arrive roughly two hours later. The highlight? Visiting the old pirate fortress perched atop the hill, offering scenic views and a sense of history. You can hike up if you’re feeling energetic; the trail is accessible and provides panoramic vistas over the sea.

Onboard, a Greek-style lunch is served, with fresh fruits, drinks, and local delicacies. The meal is well-reviewed, with one traveler noting that it added to the sense of a truly special day out. During this stop, you can also swim or snorkel in the clear waters, or simply relax on the deck while the boat gently cruises on.

Return Journey

The sail back to Kissamos is about 1.5 hours, providing a final chance to unwind, enjoy the views, or try inflatable water toys like SUPs, pool noodles, or donuts, which are included in the price.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Safety Briefing: Starting at 10 am, your crew ensures everyone is comfortable and informed about the day’s plan. The small group setting makes this more personal, with crew members willing to answer questions and offer snorkeling tips.

Sailing to Balos (1.5 hours): During this time, expect calm seas and scenic views. We loved the way the crew kept everyone engaged with interesting facts about the area, making the journey part of the experience.

Balos Beach Stop (2 hours): This is plenty of time to walk on the sands, take photos, and swim. The reviewer Paula from Italy mentioned that “we had enough time to explore and relax,” highlighting how the schedule is well-balanced.

Sailing to Gramvousa (about 2 hours): The scenery along the way is stunning, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The old fortress on Gramvousa is a key highlight; one reviewer noted, “We visited the pirate fortress, which offered unforgettable views and a dash of history.”

Lunch and Activities at Gramvousa: The onboard Greek meal is hearty and authentic, with fresh ingredients and local flavors. Swimming and snorkeling are popular here, with the clear waters inviting a quick dip.

Return Sail (1.5 hours): Unwind and indulge in water toys or simply enjoy the sea breeze. Many guests appreciated the calm, leisurely pace on the way back.

What Travelers Love and Noticed

Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers consistently praise the crew for their friendliness and expertise, often mentioning how they explained the history of Gramvousa’s fortress or pointed out wildlife and scenic spots during the sail. One reviewer appreciated the crew’s willingness to answer questions and share insights, making the day more enriching.

Stunning Views and Unique Photo Opportunities: From the pink sands of Balos to the panoramic hilltop views from Gramvousa, this tour provides ample visual delights. Guests often comment on how the scenery exceeded expectations and made for incredible photos.

All-Inclusive Comfort: Having snacks, fruits, and a Greek-style lunch included offers excellent value. The onboard meals are described as fresh and satisfying, perfect fuel for a day of adventure.

Small Group Atmosphere: With about ten people or in private options, everyone gets personalized attention. Guests mentioned how this made the experience more relaxed and engaging compared to larger, more crowded tours.

Snorkeling Equipment and Water Toys: These add fun and variety to the trip, allowing even hesitant swimmers to enjoy the water. Reviewers find this a highlight, noting how accessible and enjoyable the snorkeling is.

Practical Considerations

Price and Value: At $195 per person, the cost includes transport, meals, snorkeling gear, and water toys. For a full day with multiple stops and personalized service, this represents good value, especially considering the small group setting.

Duration Flexibility: Ranging from 7 to 9 hours, the schedule is flexible enough to fit most travelers’ plans. The trip begins around 10 am and ends around 5 pm, fitting neatly into a day’s itinerary.

Weather Dependency: Since it’s an open-water trip, rough weather could impact the experience. It’s wise to check the forecast and be prepared for possible changes.

What to Bring: Swimsuits, towels, beachwear, sunscreen, and personal medication are essential. The tour recommends bringing your ID or passport, especially if you plan to hike or explore on land.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as some terrain at Gramvousa can be hilly or uneven.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This sailing cruise is perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and snap photos of Crete’s iconic spots. It appeals most to those who enjoy small-group experiences, authentic Greek cuisine, and a touch of adventure with the fortress visit.

It’s also great for couples, small families, or friends wanting a more intimate and personalized way to explore the island’s highlights. If you love a mix of leisure, scenic beauty, and a bit of local history, this cruise ticks all those boxes.

However, if you prefer a more active or land-based tour, or need special accessibility accommodations, you might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over a young age who are comfortable on boats and love swimming will enjoy this trip. However, the tour is not specifically tailored for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring on the tour?
Swimsuits, towels, beachwear, sunscreen, personal medication, and ID are recommended. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Greek-style lunch along with fruits, snacks, and drinks are served onboard, adding to the overall value.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the clear waters around Balos and Gramvousa are perfect for exploring underwater life.

What’s the group size?
The tour operates as a small group or private charter, usually with around ten guests, which makes for a more personal experience.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The trip lasts between 7 and 9 hours, with check-in at 10 am and disembarkation around 5 pm.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Weather conditions may lead to rescheduling or cancellations for safety.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, the crew are knowledgeable and fluent in English and Greek, providing explanations and support throughout the day.

Can I meet the boat at a specific point?
Yes, there’s an option to meet at a designated location or be picked up from nearby accommodations.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to terrain and boat access limitations.

To sum it up, this sailing cruise to Balos and Gramvousa offers a beautifully balanced day of scenic views, cultural exploration, and relaxation. With attentive guides, inclusive amenities, and a small-group vibe, it delivers a genuine taste of Crete’s coastal charm. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or just looking to unwind on the water, this tour provides excellent value and memorable moments.

You can check if your dates are available here: