Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise

This review takes a close look at a highly-rated luxury catamaran cruise from Kissamos, designed to whisk travelers away to some of Crete’s most iconic sights—Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 285 reviews, this experience has won praise for its combination of comfort, scenery, and excellent service.

What makes this trip stand out? First, I love that it offers a semi-private, relaxed atmosphere—you’re not jostling with hundreds of other travelers. Second, the well-organized stops mean you’ll enjoy the beaches and sights without the typical crowds, plus the gourmet Mediterranean lunch served onboard is a definite highlight.

The one thing to keep in mind? The tour’s schedule can be tight, especially with the focus on maximizing time at each location. If you’re looking for a very leisurely pace or a guided tour with extensive history, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those wanting a comfortable, scenic, and fun-filled day with top-notch food and water activities, it hits the mark.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small-group, semi-private atmosphere enhances comfort and makes the experience feel exclusive.
• Excellent guides and crew earn high praise, with specific mention of Dimitri, Jessica, and Yani for their helpfulness and attention to detail.
• Top-notch food and drinks—including a homemade Mediterranean lunch, unlimited wine and beer, plus snacks—add value to the trip.
• Water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and inflatables make the day more engaging.
• Early arrivals at beaches help travelers avoid crowds, a tip many reviewers found helpful and appreciated.
• Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

If you’re seeking a way to see some of Crete’s most famous locations without the chaos of large crowds or stressful planning, this semi-private catamaran cruise from Kissamos might be just what you need. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines stunning scenery, fun water activities, and delicious food—all on a comfortable and modern vessel.

What’s especially appealing about this trip? First, the genuinely knowledgeable crew—many reviews mention guides like Dimitri, Jessica, and Yani—who go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels taken care of. Second, the attention to timing and small group size means you often arrive at the beaches before the larger ferries and crowds, giving you more space to enjoy the scenery and the water in peace.

One thing to consider: the itinerary is quite packed, with about 7.5 hours of sailing, stops, and activities. If you prefer a very slow, unstructured day, this might feel a bit busy. However, if you’re looking for an efficient yet relaxed way to explore with excellent amenities, this cruise offers a lot for the price—around $220 per person, which many reviewers agree is good value given the inclusions.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small boat size (around 16 passengers) keeps the experience intimate and less crowded.
• A well-organized itinerary ensures you see the main sites early and avoid the large tourist boats.
• Food quality is a standout, with fresh, homemade options, seafood, and plenty of drinks.
• Water activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and inflatables keep the day lively and fun for all ages.
• A helpful crew makes a difference—from guiding around the islands to offering extra assistance like rowing to shore.
• Booking flexibility with free cancellation, private groups, and optional pickup makes planning easier.

This cruise begins at Kissamos port, where the crew, identifiable by their DanEri t-shirts and red flags, welcomes you aboard. Arrive about 15 minutes early; parking at the port is straightforward. The vessel itself is a luxurious, comfortable catamaran, spacious enough for walking and relaxing, with bathrooms onboard for convenience.

Once underway, the first stop is Balos Lagoon. This shallow, sandy beach is famed for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. According to reviews, arriving early is a big advantage—many note that they enjoyed Balos before the big ferries or large crowds arrive, making it a peaceful paradise. You’ll have about 2 hours here to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or just soak in the view and take photos. Many travelers rave about the Instagram-worthy moments with inflatable flamingos and stunning panoramas.

Next, the boat takes you to Gramvousa Island, which offers both spectacular scenery and a touch of history with its old fortress. You can explore, hike up to the castle, or relax on deck. The crew prepares a Mediterranean-style lunch onboard, featuring fresh salads, seafood, and even a homemade dessert. Many reviews highlight the delicious food and generous servings, plus unlimited soft drinks, wine, and beer keep everyone refreshed.

What Makes Balos Lagoon Special

Balos Lagoon is often called a “must-see” in Crete—and for good reason. It looks like a postcard: shallow waters that shimmer in shades of turquoise, soft white sand, and rugged hills framing the scene. Many reviews mention that arriving there early allows you to enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive with large ferries. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, especially with the gear provided.

The experience of being on a smaller, luxury vessel means you’ll enjoy extra space and comfort—and the crew’s friendly attitude makes all the difference. Jessica, the onboard chef, appears repeatedly in reviews for her exceptional cooking skills, turning a small galley into a gourmet kitchen that produces superb meals.

Exploring Gramvousa Island and Its Fortress

The second stop offers a mix of scenery, history, and relaxation. The island’s fortress, built to defend pirates and invaders, offers spectacular views if you’re inclined to hike up. Many travelers recommend the hike up to the castle—it’s steep but worth it. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing.

The crew’s flexibility is a plus; they’ll assist with rowing or boat transfers if you prefer to stay dry or explore at your own pace. Many reviewers mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides who seem genuinely invested in ensuring everyone has a great time.

The Value of Good Food and Water Activities

One of the biggest delights of this cruise is the quality of food. Jessica’s onboard cooking receives frequent praise—she offers a variety of Greek cheeses, seasonal fruits, and a delicious seafood or meat lunch. The unlimited drinks—including soft drinks, white wine, and beer—are a big hit, especially under the sun.

Water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and inflatables are included, which adds an element of fun and adventure. Many reviews mention how these extras keep both kids and adults entertained. The inflatables, like the inflatable flamingo, are a quirky but appreciated touch.

This cruise fits well for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a balance of adventure, comfort, and scenic beauty. The small group size and friendly crew create a relaxed environment, ideal for those who like personalized service.

It’s also worth noting that early arrivals at Balos can make a significant difference in avoiding crowds, so travelers who value serene settings will appreciate the planning behind this trip. The price point of $220 includes nearly everything—meals, drinks, water gear, and Wi-Fi—making it good value for a full day of luxury and fun.

However, if you prefer a very slow, unstructured day or dislike tight schedules, you might find this itinerary a bit busy. Also, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those seeking guided historical tours, as the focus is on scenery and leisure.

At approximately $220 per person, this cruise offers a comprehensive experience with lunch, drinks, water activities, and small-group intimacy. When you consider the inclusions—gourmet meals, unlimited drinks, water gear, and the convenience of pickup options (if booked)—it represents considerable value.

The 7.5-hour duration means you’ll spend a full day on the water, with stops designed to maximize your time at each location while minimizing exposure to crowds. The departure times vary, so checking availability is a good idea.

The meeting point at Kissamos port is accessible, with parking available, and the crew is professional and welcoming. If you opt for the pickup service, it’s available from numerous nearby towns, making logistics easier.

If you’re after a luxurious, well-organized day trip that takes you to the main highlights of Crete’s northwestern coast, this catamaran cruise offers an excellent mix of scenic beauty, water fun, and gourmet food. The small group size and friendly guides ensure a more personal experience—something many travelers rave about.

It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beaches in peace, thanks to early arrivals and carefully timed stops. The inclusive water activities and delicious Mediterranean lunch make it a memorable value.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, laid-back day without a packed schedule, or if you’re a history enthusiast wanting guided tours, you might prefer other options. But for anyone wanting to see the iconic sites of Balos and Gramvousa in style, this cruise hits all the right marks.

• What is included in the price?
  The price covers the luxury catamaran, crew with Red Cross certification, stops at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, finger food, Mediterranean lunch, unlimited soft drinks, wine, beer, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, inflatables, life jackets, and onboard Wi-Fi.

• Are water activities suitable for kids?
  Yes, with inflatables, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards, kids can safely enjoy the water, especially with the crew’s assistance.

• Is there a pickup service?
  Yes, if you choose an option that includes it, pickup and drop-off from many nearby towns are available, making planning easier.

• How long is the cruise?
  The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, depending on the selected departure time.

• What should I bring?
  Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, passport or ID, and possibly a hat for sun protection.

• Can I hike on Gramvousa Island?
  Yes, many enjoy hiking up to the castle for panoramic views, but note the trail is steep.

• Is there free cancellation?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What is the typical group size?
  The boat usually carries around 16 passengers, creating a more intimate experience.

• Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?
  Yes, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options can be requested in advance.

• What if weather conditions are bad?
  The cruise is subject to weather; it may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsafe.

In the end, this cruise offers a top-notch way to experience Crete’s most famous spots with a touch of luxury. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxing water fun, or simply a scenic escape, it’s a day worth considering.