From Crete: Private Day Trip To Balos And Gramvousa Island

Exploring the natural splendor of Crete is a must-do for many travelers. This private day trip to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island offers a chance to witness the region’s stunning landscapes and vibrant history. With a convenient transportation setup and a flexible itinerary, the tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking tranquil beaches, dramatic coastlines, or the chance to uncover the island’s Venetian past, this excursion could be the perfect addition to your Cretan adventure. However, to fully understand the highlights and logistics of this unique opportunity, a closer look at the tour’s details is required.

Key Points

Private day trip from Crete to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, lasting approximately 9 hours and priced from $249.45 per person.
Includes private road trip in a luxurious Mercedes Vito with hotel or Airbnb pickups, professional driver, and liability insurance.
Boat excursion to Balos Bay for 2.5 hours of swimming and relaxation, followed by 1.5 hours of exploration on Gramvousa Island.
Additional costs for boat tickets, entry fee for Venetian Fortress, and optional services like sun umbrella rental and photographer.
Flexible cancellation policy with full refund available up to 24 hours in advance, and bookings can be made without upfront payment.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private day trip from Crete to the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island offers an opportunity to explore two of the region’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

The tour is priced from $249.45 per person and lasts approximately 9 hours. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and bookings can be made with no upfront payment.

The experience includes a private road trip in a luxurious Mercedes Vito, with hotel or Airbnb pickups available in select areas.

During the tour, guests will enjoy a boat trip to Balos Bay, followed by a journey to Gramvousa Island, where they can swim, relax, and even climb to the top of the Venetian Fortress for panoramic views.

Transportation and Pickup

For this private day trip, travelers are picked up from their hotels or Airbnbs in specified areas around Chania Port, City Sports, Villas, and various neighborhoods including Perivolia, Halepa, and more. The exact pickup details are provided via email from the activity provider.

The transportation for the day is a private road trip in a luxury Mercedes Vito. This ensures a comfortable and smooth journey as the group travels towards Kissamos Port to begin the boat excursion. The vehicle and professional driver are included in the tour price, along with liability insurance and all necessary legal requirements.

Pickup Areas	Villas	Hotels	Neighborhoods
Chania Port	✓	✓	Perivolia, Halepa
City Sports	✓	✓	–
–	✓	✓	–

Itinerary and Activities

The day trip departs from the Rethymno and Chania areas, traveling towards Kissamos Port where the boat excursion begins.

From here, guests will embark on a 1-hour boat ride to the stunning Balos Bay. Once there, they’ll have 2.5 hours to swim, relax, and soak up the breathtaking views.

Next, it’s a 20-minute boat ride to Gramvousa Island, where travellers can spend 1.5 hours exploring the island, including an optional 137-meter climb to the impressive Venetian Fortress.

After the island visit, the group will return by boat to Kissamos, followed by a bus transfer back to Rethymno, completing this memorable day trip.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The private day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a luxury Mercedes Vito, liability insurance, a professional driver, and all legal taxes.

However, the boat tickets to Balos and Gramvousa are additional costs, priced at €30 per adult and €14.50 per child aged 5-12 years. Visitors wishing to enter the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island will also need to pay a €1 entry fee.

Additional costs to consider:

Lunch available for purchase on the boat
Sun umbrellas available for rent
Optional photographer on the boat at an extra cost
Bring your own snacks, water, and beach gear

Important Information

When booking this private day trip, travelers should pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. Lunch and water can be purchased on the boat, though visitors may prefer to bring their own snacks and hydration. It’s important to note that this tour is only bookable for those staying in the specified areas, including Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, and others.

What to Bring	What to Expect
Sunglasses	Comfortable ride
Sun hat	Knowledgeable guide
Swimwear	Beautiful locations
Towel
Sunscreen

The overall rating for this private day trip is 4.3/5 based on 3 reviews, highlighting the comfortable ride, knowledgeable guide, and stunning natural scenery.

Customer Reviews

Based on the 3 reviews, travelers have generally praised the comfortable ride, knowledgeable guide, and breathtaking natural scenery on this private day trip to Balos and Gramvousa Island.

The overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars reflects the positive experiences reported by previous participants.

Notable highlights include:

The Mercedes Vito transportation providing a luxurious and comfortable journey
The guide’s expertise in sharing insights about the islands’ history and attractions
The stunning turquoise waters and dramatic landscapes of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day trip seamless and hassle-free

While a few minor details may vary, this tour seems to deliver an exceptional experience for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Crete.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility should plans change. This liberal cancellation policy means guests don’t have to worry about unexpected circumstances interfering with their trip.

Whether it’s a change in schedule, weather, or personal reasons, they can receive a complete refund as long as they notify the tour operator a day in advance. This no-hassle approach ensures customers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel if needed.

The provider understands that plans can shift, so they’ve designed their cancellation terms to accommodate travelers’ needs and deliver a stress-free booking experience.

Booking and Payment Details

To book this private day trip, customers can reserve their spot on the tour and pay nothing upfront. Rather, they’ll pay later through a secure online payment system after confirming their reservation. This reserve now, pay later option allows travelers to lock in their desired tour date without the need to make an immediate payment.

The booking process is simple and convenient:

Customers select their preferred tour date and provide their contact and accommodation details.
They then reserve their spot with no upfront costs.
Once the reservation is confirmed, customers can pay the full tour price online.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boat Ride Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?

The boat rides can be suitable for those with motion sickness, but it depends on the individual’s tolerance. The waters can be choppy at times, so those prone to seasickness may want to consider taking medication or avoiding the boat trip altogether.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, a variety of light refreshments and meals are available for purchase on board if desired. Bringing your own provisions is perfectly acceptable.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Venetian Fortress Climb?

There are no stated age restrictions for the Venetian Fortress climb. However, the 137-meter ascent may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility. It’s recommended to assess individual fitness and comfort level before attempting the climb.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

The provider offers group discounts for larger parties, though specific pricing details are not provided online. Customers should inquire directly with the activity provider to determine if any group discounts are available for their booking.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Other Nearby Attractions?

Yes, the tour provider may be able to customize the itinerary to include other nearby attractions. Travelers should inquire about this option when booking, as it may incur additional costs or adjustments to the tour duration.