Activity Snapshot
Activity description
With soft music playing in the background, you will depart from Kissamos and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and infinite blue.
You will have the opportunity to visit a large cave that is thought to be an ancient shipyard. An impressive geological phenomenon can be found at the bay's end. Crete's western side is rising while its eastern side is sinking over time. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the movement of the African tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian plate. Over the rocky shores, the ancient coastline can be traced.
The boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa at the bay's end (Trypiti). The scenery is breathtaking, with Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa in the background.
In about 20 minutes, the boat will arrive at Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary).
Gramvousa and Balos have no roads or shops. Throughout the cruise, the ship's self-service restaurant-bar is open, so you can enjoy a delicious meal, salad, snacks, drinks, coffee, ice cream, and so on board or take your meal in a package. You can also rent a sun umbrella.
The boat will arrive at the small port of Gramvousa, where we will spend approximately 1.5 hours. The location of Gramvousa, Cretan nature, legends, and the passage of time have all contributed to the island's magical aura. The scenery is breathtaking, and the island's beach is graced by a lonely shipwreck. The famous castle of Gramvousa, built by the Venetians in 1579, dominates the island's highest point, atop a steep rock at an altitude of 137 meters. The castle was important in the history of the surrounding area. The panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the pirates' hidden treasure entice you to visit it after a 20-minute hike (comfortable shoes are required). You can also swim in the area near the Agioi Apostoloi chapel or stay on the ship to relax.
After our (approximately) 1,5-hour stop in Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the Balos lagoon, which will take about 20 minutes to reach.
Balos is regarded as one of the world's best beaches. Between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani, this exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument can be found.
Words cannot express how impressive this location is. Nothing can describe how you will feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the lukewarm, shallow turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach that is littered with shells, and marvel at the natural beauty of the rocks and cliffs rising above you!
You will have the opportunity to spend approximately 2.5 hours in this paradise.
Course of events
Daily departures from the port of Kissamos from 10.10 to 12.40. Return to the port of Kissamos from 17.45 to 19.40 (depending on departure time).
Special terms
IMPORTANT NOTICE: For a short period of time our boats will not approach the floating dock at Balos due to some regulations that are put in place by the police port, so it will not be possible to disembark at Balos Lagoon. Thus, the cruise schedule will be as follows: 2 hours and 15 minutes (approx.) stay in Gramvousa and 2 hours (approx.) stop for swimming in the open sea of Balos.
- Both in Gramvousa and Balos, you may return to the ship at any time, but make sure you are back at least 10 minutes before departure.
- Passengers must be present at the embarkation area 40 minutes before the departure. Both in Gramvousa and Balos, you may return to the ship at any time, but make sure you are back at least 10 minutes before departure.
- Gramvousa and Balos do not have roads or shops. The ship's self-service restaurant-bar is open throughout the cruise, so you can enjoy a delicious meal, salad, snacks, drinks, coffee, ice creams, etc. on board or take away your meal in a package.
- You can rent a sun umbrella, at a daily fee of 5€.
- You can use your credit card for purchases onboard the ship.
- There is a free parking area at the port of Kissamos.
- Additi
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Swimsuit
- Towel
