Chania & Reth: Balos with Guide and Transfer

If you’re eyeing a day trip to Crete’s famous Balos Lagoon, this tour promises an adventure filled with stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and a taste of local camaraderie. We haven’t done this trip ourselves but have gathered enough insights from reviews, the itinerary, and the experience details to give you a solid picture of what to expect.

What attracts many to this cruise is the chance to sail along Crete’s dramatic coastlines, with their towering cliffs and hidden beaches, giving you a real sense of the island’s rugged beauty. Plus, Balos Beach itself is often praised as a breathtaking spot—a natural beauty that seems almost untouched. On the downside, some travelers highlight issues like unexpected costs, which can dampen the experience if you’re not prepared.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, natural landscapes, and relaxed beach days. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate comfortable sightseeing with a bit of adventure, you’ll probably find this trip a good fit. Just be aware of the potential for extra expenses and the fact that some reviews note that certain parts of the experience don’t quite match expectations.

Key Points Before You Book

Scenic sailing: You’ll enjoy cruising along Crete’s coast, with views of cliffs, beaches, and the open sea, often set to relaxing music.
Unspoiled beauty: Balos Beach is a highlight—soft sands and emerald waters, perfect for swimming and unwinding.
Onboard amenities: The self-service restaurant and bar serve drinks and snacks (though you should be ready to pay by credit card).
Environmental respect: The area is protected, so visitors are asked to avoid littering and collecting natural elements.
Important logistics: Transfers are included from Rethymno and Chania, and the tour lasts around 8 to 10 hours, so pack accordingly.
Cost considerations: Notably, some reviews mention paying extra for meals, even if it seems included, so keep an eye on additional charges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary – What You Can Expect

This cruise sets off from Kissamos, with pickup options from Rethymno and Chania, making it accessible for travelers staying in these areas. The journey begins with a relaxed transfer, giving you time to settle in and get excited for the day ahead. Once aboard, the boat sets sail along Crete’s spectacular coastline, with soft background music creating a soothing atmosphere.

What’s so special about the views? As you cruise, you’ll see dramatic cliffs tumbling into the sea, tiny hidden beaches, and the vast blue expanse that makes Crete’s coast so photogenic. The boat makes its way towards the bays of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa, offering sights of notable islets like Valenti, Pontikonisi, and Gramvousa Island.

One of the main attractions is the view of Balos Lagoon itself, often described as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The boat approaches close to the shoreline, allowing you to see its crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and the towering cliffs that surround it. You’ll have around 2.5 hours to enjoy the beach, swim, sunbathe, or just soak in the scenery.

The Beach Experience

Once ashore, your time is mainly free. The sandy beach invites you to relax, with plenty of space to stretch out or explore. As one reviewer pointed out, Balos is a protected NATURA site, so swimming is allowed only in designated shoreline areas—not in the lagoon itself. This helps preserve its fragile ecosystem but might be a slight disappointment for some who wanted more swimming options.

Many travelers highlight the beauty of Balos’ shimmering waters and towering cliffs—it’s genuinely a picture-perfect setting. Be mindful of the environment: littering and collecting shells or rocks are discouraged, so leave only footprints.

Food and Comfort

Onboard, there’s a self-service restaurant-bar, which is convenient. However, some reviews note a surprise when they had to pay for meals that they assumed would be included. One traveler said, “We had to pay for the meal onboard when it was supposed to be included in our tickets at 73/person,” which is a good reminder to verify what’s included before you go.

You can rent sun umbrellas, which really helps if you want to stay comfortable in the sun. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase with credit cards, so bring some cash just in case it’s needed.

The Pros and Cons of This Tour

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Why You Might Love It

• Breathtaking scenery: The views along the coast and at Balos Lagoon make for unforgettable photos and memories.
• Relaxed beach time: The 2.5 hours at Balos are enough to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the surroundings.
• Comfortable amenities: The self-service bar and umbrella rentals add some convenience, making your day more comfortable.
• Transfers included: The pickup from Rethymno and Chania makes organizing your day simpler, especially if you’re based in those towns.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Extra costs: Be prepared for additional expenses, especially if you want to buy food or drinks on board.
• Timing and duration: The entire experience lasts around 8-10 hours, so it’s a long day, especially in the sun.
• Crowds and group size: Tours like this tend to be popular, so expect some crowds, especially in high season.
• Environmental impact: As Balos is protected, respect local rules and help preserve its natural beauty.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who want a scenic day out, combining boat cruising with beach relaxation. If you’re keen on stunning views, a bit of adventure on the water, and a visit to one of Crete’s most famous natural sites, it’s a worthwhile option. However, if you’re on a tight budget or dislike unexpected extra charges, you might want to compare other options or be prepared to pay extra for meals and drinks.

Given the long duration, it’s best for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and sun exposure. Families with older children who are good with boat rides should find it enjoyable, but always check the specific conditions if traveling with young kids.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Chania & Reth: Balos with Guide and Transfer tour offers a chance to see some of Crete’s most stunning scenery from the comfort of a boat. You’ll love the views of the coast and the unspoiled beauty of Balos Beach, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed day with plenty of natural splendor.

That said, be aware of the potential extra costs and the long day’s commitment. It’s a good pick for travelers who prioritize scenery, comfort, and a straightforward way to visit Balos without the hassle of organizing transportation themselves.

If you’re after a classic, picture-perfect Greek beach experience with a scenic cruise, this might be right up your alley. Just keep your expectations aligned, pack sun protection, and bring some cash for snacks. You’ll leave with plenty of memories of Crete’s wild, beautiful coastline—and a great story to tell.

FAQ

Is transportation from Rethymno and Chania included?
Yes, transfer services from Rethymno and Chania are included, with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting points.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 8 to 10 hours, so it’s a full day of sightseeing and relaxing.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
You can bring your own snacks, but on board, there is a self-service bar where drinks and snacks are available for purchase with credit cards.

Do I need to pay for meals on board?
Some reviews mention having to pay for meals, even if they were expected to be included, so it’s best to check what’s covered before you go.

Is swimming allowed in the lagoon?
Swimming is permitted in designated shoreline areas, but not in the lagoon itself, to help preserve the NATURA protected environment.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While suitable for older children comfortable with boat rides, always consider the long day and sun exposure for younger kids.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash for extras.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs during booking.

How should I prepare for the day?
Arrive 5-10 minutes before pickup, wear sunscreen, and pack light but include essentials like water, hats, and sunglasses.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible planning.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable day amid Crete’s natural beauty, this cruise could be a memorable part of your trip—just keep the details in mind!

You can check availability for your dates here: