From Kissamos: Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch

Kissamos: Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch — A Deep Dive into Crete’s Coastal Gems

Taking a boat trip from Kissamos to explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island is a journey that promises both relaxation and adventure. The experience, offered by Falasarna Sailing, has earned an impressive 4.9-star rating from 177 reviews, with travelers frequently praising the knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the delicious onboard meal. It’s a full-day outing, around 8 hours long, that lets you enjoy the beautiful Aegean Sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore rugged islands with historic castles.

What I love most about this cruise? First, the personal touch—with options for small or private groups, it feels intimate and well-paced. Second, the carefully timed stops help you avoid the crowds, a big plus for those wanting a more peaceful experience. However, one thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can affect the sailing; if the weather turns sour, the trip might be rescheduled or refunded. Still, with such high praise and flexible booking options, it’s a reliable choice for many travelers.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small Group Experience: Many reviews highlight the benefit of being one of only a few passengers, which enhances comfort and interaction with the guides.
• Expert Skippers and Guides: Guides like Vasilis and Jo earn rave reviews for their professionalism, friendliness, and skills—making the sailing both safe and engaging.
• Beautiful Stops: Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island are worth the trip alone, with pristine waters, scenic hikes, and impressive castles.
• Excellent Food: Onboard dining features traditional Cretan dishes cooked on the boat, with vegetarians and special diets thoughtfully accommodated, according to reviews.
• Timely and Well-Organized: The itinerary is carefully timed to maximize sightseeing and swimming while avoiding large crowds—something many travelers appreciate.
• Weather Dependence: Be aware that bad weather can mean rescheduling or refund, so flexible plans are wise.

Entering the World of Crete’s Coastline

This sailing cruise offers a taste of Crete’s natural beauty and relaxed pace, perfect for travelers who want to see iconic sights without the fuss of large tour buses or crowded boat trips. Departing from Kissamos, you’ll board a well-maintained sailboat, often with just a handful of fellow explorers, creating a cozy, almost private feel.

What truly makes this trip stand out is the expertise of the crew. Guides like Vasilis and Jo get consistently high praise for their attentiveness, professionalism, and ability to create a warm, friendly atmosphere. They’re not just skippers; they’re storytellers who share insights about the islands and the water, making the experience more meaningful than just a sightseeing cruise.

Why This Cruise Is a Winner for Nature Lovers and Foodies

The locations, Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, are among Crete’s most photographed and revered areas. Expect stunning views, with Balos’s famous shallow, turquoise waters and Gramvousa’s rugged cliffs topped with a Venetian castle. As one reviewer put it, “The water’s color can be unbelievable,” and I’d agree — the clarity and shades of blue are hard to match.

Swimmers and snorkelers will love the chance to slip into Balos’s calm waters, which are ideal for both relaxing and exploring marine life. Many mention how easy it is to snorkel with the provided gear, and the shallow waters make it accessible even for beginners.

The onboard lunch is a noteworthy highlight. Prepared fresh on the boat, the traditional Cretan meal includes local specialties and often vegetarians get tasty, thoughtfully prepared options. One reviewer raved about the “vegetarian meal” being “delicious,” and many appreciated the generous fruit and cold drinks available throughout the day.

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Coastal Adventure

Your day begins at one of three starting points, depending on your booking. From there, it’s about 1.5 hours sailing along the Crete coast, during which you can relax, enjoy the views, and perhaps practice a little sailing with your skipper—an experience that many reviews say is a fun, hands-on addition.

Next, you arrive at Gramvousa Island, where you’ll have around 2.5 hours for exploring, hiking to the castle, snapping photos, or snorkeling at the beach. The castle itself offers panoramic views of the horizon, and many reviews mention how the timed stop allows you to explore while avoiding the big crowds that arrive on larger ferries.

Later, the cruise takes you to Balos Lagoon, where you’ll spend another 2.5 hours. This is the prime swimming and sunbathing spot, with pristine sands and shallow waters. Some travelers suggest bringing your own wine to enjoy at the beach, as only beer, soft drinks, and water are included.

Finally, you cruise back to Kissamos, often with a sweet ending of marine life viewing and relaxing sailing, as one reviewer describes it as “such an amazing experience.”

What to Expect at Each Stop

Gramvousa Island is rugged and scenic. The hike to the Venetian castle is a highlight, offering sweeping views. Many mention how the guided commentary helps you appreciate the island’s history and beauty. The beach here is also a good spot for snorkeling, with clear waters teeming with marine life.

Balos Lagoon is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, thanks to its shallow, turquoise waters and soft sands. It’s perfect for lounging, taking photos, or wading into the shallow waters for a refreshing swim. The time allocated here is enough to relax but not so long that you feel rushed.

Onboard Meals are well-regarded. Many reviews note the delicious, freshly cooked local dishes and the friendly service. Vegetarians and special diets are accommodated, which is appreciated by travelers with food preferences.

Sailing and Water Activities offer a chance to learn the basics of sailing, enjoy the fresh sea air, and snorkel in calm waters. The provided snorkeling gear makes it easy to explore marine life, and the crystal clarity of the water makes it worthwhile.

Transportation, Group Size, and Value

Most trips start from Kissamos port, with pick-up options depending on your booking. The experience is tailored for small groups or private charters, which many reviews say elevates the trip’s comfort and intimacy. This setup means fewer crowds and more personalized attention from the crew.

While it isn’t the cheapest activity, reviews consistently mention the excellent value—a full day of sailing, swimming, hiking, and a traditional meal, plus the expertise of experienced guides. The all-inclusive nature (snorkeling gear, towels, onboard food and drinks) makes it easier to budget without surprise costs.

Is This Cruise Right for You?

If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed pace, stunning scenery, and good food, this trip will suit you well. It’s ideal for travelers who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personal, memorable experience. The boat’s comfort and the professionalism of guides like Vasilis and Jo make it suitable for families, couples, or small groups of friends.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a more structured, land-based tour, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind that weather can influence the sailing, so flexibility helps.

Price, Booking, and Practical Tips

Given the variety of included amenities—snorkeling gear, towels, a freshly prepared meal, soft drinks—the price is reasonable, especially considering the full-day nature. Many reviews note that the cost aligns well with the level of service and experience. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for private options or small groups, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before.

Bring your passport or ID, and don’t forget sun protection, a hat, and sunglasses. It’s also wise to bring your own wine if you want to enjoy some with your beach picnic, as only beer and soft drinks are included.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized and relaxed way to explore Crete’s famous beaches and islands. It’s a good choice for those who value authentic local cuisine, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery without the chaos of large tourist boats. Small groups and private options make it especially appealing for honeymooners, small families, or groups of friends wanting an intimate day on the water.

The combination of beautiful stops, engaging guides, and delicious food creates a memorable experience that many reviews say exceeds expectations. Just be prepared for the weather to influence your plans, and plan ahead to make the most of your time in this gorgeous part of Greece.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes the sailboat, an experienced skipper, soft drinks, beer, a traditional onboard lunch, fresh fruit, snorkeling gear, towels, and access to two air-conditioned cabins with double beds.

• **Are there private options available?****
  Yes, private or small group options are available, making the experience more intimate and tailored to your needs.

• How long does the tour last?
  The cruise lasts about 8 hours, with scheduled stops at Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, plus sailing time and time for water activities.

• Can I swim and snorkel at both locations?
  Absolutely. Both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island offer excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, with gear provided.

• **Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?****
  Many reviews mention that vegetarians received delicious, specially prepared meals, so dietary preferences are accommodated.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your passport or ID, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps your own wine if desired. Casual, swim-friendly clothing is best.

• Does the trip depend on weather?
  Yes. Bad weather might lead to rescheduling or refunds, so it’s wise to remain flexible.

• Are there any age or mobility restrictions?
  The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and participants should be comfortable with boat movement and some walking.

• Is it advisable to book in advance?
  Yes. Especially for private or small group bookings, advance reservations help secure your preferred date and ensure availability.

• How do I get to the starting point?
  The cruise departs from Kissamos port, with meeting points that vary depending on your booking. Check your reservation details for exact location.

This sailing cruise from Kissamos invites you to enjoy Crete’s coast on a comfortably paced, intimate journey filled with stunning scenery, good company, and delicious food—a true highlight for anyone looking to combine relaxation with adventure.