Day Trips from Crete to Balos Beach and Lagoon

Enjoy two highlights of the Gramvousa Peninsula without the self-drive stress on this private day trip in a 4WD that reaches areas standard vehicles can't access. Take a short hike from a dirt road to capture views of Balos Lagoon from above; sunbathe on beautiful Balos Beach; then hit the pale sands of Falassarna Beach. Your driver/guide will share travel tips and insider info as you explore.

A once-in-a-lifetime CRUISE that takes you to the TOP BEACHES in Chania, all in a single day! From the iconic shores of ELAFONISI to the stunning vistas of BALOS, the golden sands of FALASARNA, and the historic allure of GRAMVOUSA, each stop promises unparalleled beauty and adventure. But what truly makes our experience exceptional is the journey itself. You'll be whisked away on a private and secure boat, guided by an experienced local captain from our team who knows these waters like the back of their hand. With us, you're not just embarking on a tour – you're immersing yourself in the essence of Chania's coastal charm, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Set sail and explore the beauty of Crete and its nearby islands with this private boat trip. Starting in Chania, head towards Balos in a private vessel with experienced skippers to take care of driving the boat, so you can focus on the sightseeing. Along the way, pass by Gramvousa Fortress, Balos Lagoon, and one of Crete's most beautiful beaches. Conveniently, snacks and alcoholic drinks are included.

Discover Crete by water with this private boat trip to Balos Lagoon. Climb aboard a boat for a scenic excursion in the Mediterranean Sea to Gramvousa Beach. Go snorkeling off the boat with provided equipment or swim and sunbathe. The itinerary and tour length can be customized according to your individual interests.

Take a break from the busy cities and tourist hordes on a relaxing day trip to Gramvousa Island from Crete. Enjoy the scenic hour-long cruise from Castelli to the uninhabited islets of Gramvousa. Explore the beaches, lookout points, and 16th-century Venetian fortress on the beautiful island. Refuel with a tasty on-board lunch before returning to mainland Crete.

Head out from Kissamos to explore some of Crete’s most popular natural sights on this full-day catamaran sailing cruise. Sunbathe on the vessel’s deck as you’re transported to the sandy shores of Balos Lagoon, where you can stop for a swim in the warm Mediterranean waters. Then, head to Gramvousa Island, taking in the coastal scenery as you dine on a fresh Mediterranean-style lunch featuring salads, seafood, and meats.

This cruise has everything – great scenery, beach time and a helping of medieval history. Everything starts at Kastelli on Crete's northwest coast, where a boat awaits to carry you across Kissamos bay to the Gramvousa peninsula and isles. And to round off the trip, you'll spend a few hours at the beautiful Balos lagoon. You'll sail past steep cliffs and caves before docking at Imeri Gramvousa isle – ‘Imeri' means ‘Tame'. Once a pirate hideout, this massive chunk of rock is crowned by a half-ruined Venetian fort. Here, you can stay sunbathing on deck, take a swim or trek up to the castle to drink in the views. Next, your boat will make its way back to Tigani on the peninsula. Lapped by the fluorescent turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon, it's a beach that looks like something from the Caribbean. Laze on the white sands, take snaps of the views or splash about in the warm water – it's really shallow and stays knee-deep for a long way out.

Take the opportunity and explore one of the best-known features on Crete. Enjoy a day filled with scenery of unparallel beauty and swim in turquoise waters. Discover the place where time has stopped.

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in our private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 10:00-15:00 ( 5 hour duration ) in the morning from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks , water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania.

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in your private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 15:30-20:30 (5 hour duration) in the afternoon from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks, water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania. A unique experience with a powerful luxury speedboat. Quench your thirst along the way with the included beers, soft drinks, and water. Make a splash in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon.

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in our private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 10:00-15:00 ( 5 hour duration ) in the afternoon from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks , water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania.

Starting the trip our ride to Balos will last 30min. We will stop at the turquoise waters spending as much time as you want. The wild nature beauty and beautiful exotic scenery will enchant you. The sea is vey shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color because of millions of crushed shells. Come back on board for a cold drink, our staff always willing to assist you. Gramvousa island stands just across. Our next stop is going to be just across is Gramvousa, famous for its historical Venetian fortress, which still stands at a height of 137m, over the beach. The fort had also been used by pirates, one legend tells that there is a great treasure buried in the island.The view from there is stunning. Also the old wreck that was abandoned many years ago near the beach, has become an characteristic part of the landscape. On our way back to Falassarna we will make some stops to catch the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen.

Reaching Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island from Falassarna usually means a slow ferry—this speedboat cruise gets you to both in a fraction of the time. Spend 1.5 hours enjoying the lagoon’s shallow turquoise water and pink-tinged sand, before heading to Gramvousa, where a Venetian fortress and panoramic views of the Cretan Sea await during a 2-hour visit.

Combine two stunning destinations of Chania in a day cruise on your own convenience. Visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island departing from Kissamos Port with a private speedboat and swim to the magical waters of Balos Lagoon. You may also spend time in Gramvousa island and visit the Venetian Castle which stands at a height of 137m with a breathtaking view. Fresh cold drinks are included and snacks.

We leave from Kolymbari port at 10:00 and go directly to Gramvousa island where you can enjoy the turquoise waters and if you wish, walk up to the castle for a beautiful panoramic view. We then move onto Balos lagoon where you have free time for swimming and relaxing. Our aim is to arrive at each place before the larger ferry boats from Kissamos, giving you the opportunity to enjoy them as less crowded as possible. We then move onto Menies beach and Choironissia for another swim and we arrive back at the port of Kolymbari around 18:00

This full day trip gives you the opportunity to visit the most known and beautiful beaches on the West part of Crete!From Chania we are heading west and south to start our day by visiting Elafonissi with its stunning turquoise water and unearthly pink sand. Οur next stop is the beach of Falasarna,this vast expanse of golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, water sports, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the Cretan coastline. The we are visiting Balos where you can enjoy the clear blue water and the nice view of the mountains surrounding the Lagoon. Our last stop is the island of Gramvoussa where you can enjoy the turquoise waters and if you wish, walk up to the castle for a beautiful panoramic view.

The coast along northwest Crete has some of the island’s most beautiful attractions—if you have a boat to visit them. This private tour covers many of the region's highlights in one day of boating from Chania: Visit Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Fortress, Afrata Beach, the Theodoroi Islands, and more. Includes plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Western Crete through a fully private premium experience designed for travelers who want more than a typical tour. Together with your local driver-guide, explore panoramic viewpoints above the famous Balos Lagoon, scenic coastal roads, hidden spots, authentic villages, and the crystal-clear waters of Falassarna Beach — all at a relaxed and flexible pace. Unlike crowded group excursions, this experience is completely private and personalized, allowing you to enjoy Crete in a more comfortable and authentic way. Along the route, enjoy local snacks, refreshing drinks, beautiful photo stops, and insider stories about the island’s culture and lifestyle. Perfect for couples, honeymooners, families, and travelers looking for a relaxed luxury experience in Crete.

Set sail from Chania’s Venetian Harbor on a private boat trip to Balos and Gramvousa, two of Crete’s most iconic destinations. Enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey along the northwest coast, avoiding the long drive and hike required to reach Balos by land. Swim in the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon, relax on its white and pink-tinted shores, and admire the protected natural landscape. Then continue to Gramvousa Island, where you can swim, snorkel, relax on the beach or hike to the Venetian fortress for panoramic sea views. Designed for private groups, this 5-hour experience combines comfort, natural beauty and history in one unforgettable day at sea. The tour includes a skipper, sandwich, soft drinks, wine, beer and water, making it an easy and relaxing way to discover Balos and Gramvousa from Chania.

Discover Crete’s most iconic and untouched coastal wonders on one unforgettable journey. Begin at Elafonissi, world-famous for its pink sand and shallow turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing in a protected natural paradise. Continue to Kedrodasos, a peaceful cedar forest with soft sand, clear sea, and unspoiled beauty. Next, visit the stunning Balos Lagoon, renowned for its exotic colors, white sand, and dramatic scenery, followed by Gramvousa Island, where a Venetian fortress, panoramic views, and crystal-clear waters await. The adventure continues to the hidden Menies Beach and remote Chironisia, both offering wild landscapes, serenity, and authentic Cretan charm. Your day ends at tranquil Sfako Beach, the perfect spot for a final swim or peaceful moment by the sea. A perfect blend of famous landmarks and secret escapes, this tour showcases the wild beauty of Crete.

This experience combines some of Crete’s most iconic landscapes with scenic off-road exploration, panoramic coastal views, and a relaxed west coast atmosphere. Rather than approaching Balos Lagoon through the standard route, the journey follows a 4x4 coastal track along the Gramvousa peninsula, revealing remote viewpoints and a more immersive perspective of the area while avoiding crowded access points. The experience continues toward Falassarna Beach, where guests can swim, relax, and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch overlooking the coastline. For guests choosing the sunset version, the daytime beach stop transforms into a sunset dinner experience at the same panoramic location, offering a completely different atmosphere as the sun sets over Crete’s west coast. With private transport, flexible pacing, and a carefully designed flow, the experience balances adventure, scenery, and authentic local moments in a more refined and comfortable way.

This exclusive private cruise offers a rare chance to explore Crete’s most stunning and secluded western coastlines with comfort and style. Unlike typical group tours, you’ll visit four extraordinary stops—two of which, Gramvousa Island and Chironisia Bay, are accessible only by boat—ensuring an intimate and untouched experience. Swim in crystal-clear lagoons, explore an ancient Venetian fortress, snorkel near a mysterious sunken shipwreck, and relax on pristine, quiet beaches far from the crowds. With personalized service from a local skipper and a curated selection of Cretan delicacies and drinks onboard, this journey combines natural beauty, history, and authentic culture for a truly unforgettable day at sea.

See some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches on this private tour from Chania. Skip the crowded buses on a private tour and relax on the scenic drive to Balos, a stunning lagoon with white sand beaches. You’ll also visit Falassarna, a beach known for its ideal windsurfing and kite-surfing conditions.