Daily cruise to Balos & Gramvousa, Chania
Activity Description
For the island of Gramvousa and the lagoon of Balos, our ships depart daily from the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi). Kissamos or Kasteli Kissamos is a small picturesque town, on the north-western tip of Crete, 43 kilometers from Chania.
Important information:
Our excursions take place daily from the end of April to the beginning of May (depending on the weather), until October.
Daily departures from the port of Kissamos to the island of Gramvousa and the lagoon of Balos at 10.40, return to the port of Kissamos at 17.45.
Depending on the season, there are additional itineraries.
A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION:
Visit to Gramvousa-the island of the pirates
We depart from the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi) and travel for about an hour to the bay of the same name, where you will admire an impressive environment, made up of steep rocks and slopes, an endless blue sea, and hidden sandy beaches.
You will also admire a large cave, estimated to have been an ancient shipyard (Tarsanas). During your trip to the bay, if you are lucky, you can meet the sea turtle (Caretta caretta), the Mediterranean seal (Monachus monachus), and the dolphins of the area.
Towards the end of the bay, you will see the impressive geological phenomenon, where Crete, over time, rises from its western side and sinks correspondingly from its eastern side. This phenomenon was created due to the destructive earthquakes that occurred in AD 66. and 365 AD. The ancient coastline is still visible today as a trace on the rocky shores. According to scientific estimates, the geological phenomenon of uplift continues today at a slow pace.
Arriving at the end of the bay, the ship passes between the islet of Agrias Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). Already, at this point, you will admire an amazing landscape, since Valenti, Pontikonissi, the Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa dominate in the background.
Our ship will sail, after about 20 minutes, to Gramvousa or to the lagoon of Balos (depending on the itinerary).
Visit to the pirates' island, Gramvousa
The ship arrives at the port of Gramvousa, where we will stay for about an hour and a half. Characteristic is the beach of the island with the lonely, charming shipwreck. The famous castle of Gramvousa was built by the Venetians in 1579 at the highest point of the island, at the top of a steep rock, 137 m high. The panoramic view, the imposingness, and the legend of the hidden treasure of the pirates challenge you to visit it, walking for twenty minutes (comfortable shoes required).
In addition to your visit to the castle, you can swim in the marine area that is the chapel of St. Apostolo (a great festival is held there every year on June 29, the eve of the Holy Apostles) or stay on board.
After our (approx) 1.5-hour stop in Gramvousa, the ferry will depart for the Balos Lagoon, which you will reach after around 20 minutes.
Visit to Balos, the exotic lagoon-beach
Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world.
This exotic lagoon-beach, which is a rare monument of nature, is formed between the peninsula of Gramvousa and Cape Tigani.
Words cannot describe the impressiveness of this place. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the lukewarm, turquoise waters, relax in the pink sandy beach, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you!
Your stay in this exotic place will last about 2.5 hours.
Notes:
In Gramvousa and Balos there are no roads, and neither are there any shops (restaurants, canteens, etc.). The ship's self-service restaurant bar is open throughout the cruise, so you can enjoy a delicious meal, salad, wine, snacks, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream, etc., or receive your takeaway meal, during your stay off the ship.
The Municipality of Kissamos, before boarding, collects 1 euro from every ticket, as an administrative fee for passengers over 13 years old visiting Balos lagoon.
The cruise takes place on ships with a capacity of 250 people or more, which have open decks, air-conditioned main rooms, TV, DVD, stereo music, restaurant-bars (self service).
Passengers must be at the boarding area of the ship at the port of Kissamos, 40 minutes before its departure.
In both Gramvousa and Balos, you can return to the ferry at any time, but please make sure to return at least 10 minutes before departure.
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Cancellation policy
- Cancellation 24 hours before the start date of the agreed activity. You will be automatically refunded for the full price of the activity.
- Cancellation 24 hours or later before the start date of the agreed activity is what we call last minute cancellations. No refunds will be made.
* If the activity is canceled by the activity provider (due to weather, non-completion of minimum entries, force majeure, etc.), the price of your activity, is refunded in full.
Unlimited Adrenaline Tips
- Many activities are based on the weather, so it is recommended that you contact the company before the activity.
- It is a good idea to be at the meeting point on time, before the scheduled start time.
- After your reservation it is enough to give your details to the cooperating company so that you can carry out your activity. However, it is recommended that you have the booking confirmed in digital or printed form.
- Read the benefits of the activity carefully to avoid possible extra charges from additional optional services.
- Read the cancellation policy carefully before booking.