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The Day-Cruise to the Nature Reserve Balos Lagoon
Things to know before you go most of our tours provide round-trip transport from your accommodation in western Crete.
Journey along the coast with stunning cliff views to the nature reserve Balos Lagoon. This day cruise takes you on a spectacular journey. Carefully designed for you. We always guarantee reliability and quality. Our dedicated and passionate team from kreta.com are here to assist your booking every step of the way.
We offer several pick up points at the west coastline of Crete. The bus takes you to the place of embarkation and back to the pick up point. Air conditioned transportation ready to commence your scenic tour to the Lagoon Balos.
On the day of your trip you may give to the cruise - office the reservation documents provided by us kreta.com and the office shall give you your boat-tickets. The boat ticket of 18 € ( Children half) in not included.
Departure from the port of
Kissamos at 10.20 am – return to the port at 17.45 pm .The timetable changes according the season. More information you´ll get with the email - voucher after booking.
With soft music playing in the background, and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue.
At the end of the bay, the boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. The boat will approach afterwards Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary) in about 20 minutes.
Visit Gramvousa-the island of pirates
The boat shall arrive at the small port of Gramvousa, where you shall stay for about 2 hours. The location of Gramvousa, the Cretan nature, the legends and the turbulent history of the area exude a magical aura.
The highest point of the island, atop a steep rock, at an altitude of 137 meters, is dominated by the famous castle of Gramvousa, which was built by the Venetians in 1579. The castle played a significant role in the history of the wider area. The panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the pirates’ hidden treasure, allure you to visit it, after a 20 minute hike (it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes).
The ship sails on to visit the lagoon of Balos
Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. This exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument is situated between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. Since May 24 it is not allowed for the ships to anker direct at the beach. (for nature conservation reasons). The ship stops in about 100 meter before the beach. You can swim to the beach, but not in the lagoon. Families with childen can swim at the beach of Gramvoussa Island.
The sandy beach of Balos is adorned by a special kind of vegetation. Shrubby varieties, such as heather, Yenisey, thyme, and lentisc, have impressive shapes and patterns, proving their effort to survive in the adverse environmental conditions of the area, such as the strong northerly winds and the natural instability of the dunes. During the migration periods, there are many bird species here, while the lagoon’s mollusks are not to be found anywhere else in Crete in this composition and quantity.
You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 3 hours.
Due to the incredible natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, both Gramvousa and Balos are included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The preservation of the island’s natural environment, beyond the moral dimensions, is imposed through a strict national and European institutional protection system.
Kreta.com - We work with professional managers, to ensure higher quality and reliability.
Kreta.com- We are the stuff of special memories and authentic emotions contact us: info@kreta.com
Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back.
You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.
included:
Including: Bus transfer from pick up point to the place of embarkation.
Not included: The boat ticket EUR 20 ( children pay half price) is to be paid on site cash. Air conditioned transportation ready to commence your scenic tour The Lagoon Balos.
Kreta.com - We work with professional managers, to ensure higher quality and reliability".
Kreta.com- We are the stuff of special memories and authentic emotions contact us: info@kreta.com
Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable.
If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back.
You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.
Aditional information:
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW
Not Included the ticket for the boat:The ticket price does not include onboard dining.
The self-service bar is open throughout the cruise, offering Cretan traditional delicacies and other dishes (souvlaki, chicken or steak with potatoes in the oven, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, Greek salad, pizza, toast, sandwiches, soft drinks, pastries, wine, beer, ice cream, coffee, etc.).
Before disembarking in Gramvousa and Balos, you may want to purchase, bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, coffee, sandwiches, beach items, etc. from the bar. Also, you may rent an umbrella, at a daily fee of 4€.
You may purchase your ticket from the cruise offices, using your credit card. You may use your credit card for purchases onboard the ship. A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are essential under high temperatures, especially during the summer months.
There is a free parking area at the port of
Kissamos ( place of embarkation)