Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct

If you’re dreaming of visiting Balos Lagoon but dislike the idea of early mornings, this Crete Balos Cruise might be just what you need. Offered by PLATANOS TOURS, this 13-hour experience combines a comfortable bus journey with a scenic boat cruise, allowing you to enjoy Balos’ stunning waters without the rush. It’s a solid choice for travelers who prefer a laid-back pace while still ticking off one of Crete’s most iconic destinations.

What really appeals to us is the late departure, meaning you skip the early morning chaos and can start your day more leisurely. Plus, you get nearly three hours at the lagoon for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in those breathtaking views. On the flip side, the trip’s duration and travel time might test your patience a bit, especially if you’re not a fan of long bus rides. This tour suits those who want a more relaxed, less hurried experience and don’t mind a full day out.

If you love stunning coastal scenery, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and want a hassle-free way to visit Balos without early mornings or complicated logistics, this tour could be just right. It’s especially worth considering if you’re traveling with a group that appreciates comfort and ease.

Key Points

• Flexible schedule: Later start allows for a more relaxed morning.
• Comprehensive experience: Combines bus travel, sightseeing, and a boat cruise.
• Ample swimming time: Nearly 3 hours at Balos Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.
• Guided tour: Includes live guides in English and Russian, adding local insights.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off from many major areas in Crete.
• Value for the price: At $70, it offers a full-day experience with transportation and boat tickets included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An honest look at the Crete Balos Cruise late and direct

We’re all about practical, honest reviews here, and this tour offers quite a few advantages, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed itinerary. Let’s walk through what you can expect, from start to finish, and see if this experience fits your travel style.

Why choose a late and direct cruise?

The biggest draw here is the later start—you’re picked up from your hotel or a designated location at one of 12 options, with pickups beginning around midday. That means you avoid the early-morning rush typical of many day trips. For travelers who wake up later or want to enjoy a slow breakfast before heading out, this is a real plus.

The schedule involves a total of about 13 hours, which sounds long, but the actual time at Balos is a generous 2 hours 45 minutes. During this window, you have enough time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply relax on the sand. The tour also includes a boat cruise to reach the lagoon, which is a pleasant way to enjoy the coastline scenery and spot marine life, like sea turtles and dolphins, if you’re lucky.

How the day unfolds

Your journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. The itinerary includes stops for breaks, such as at Skaleta, where you can stretch your legs and grab a quick coffee or snack. Expect a total of four bus segments, each roughly 1.5 hours, which might feel a bit lengthy if you’re prone to bus fatigue. However, these breaks are well-timed to keep you refreshed.

Once you arrive at Kissamos, you’ll board a boat for a 50-minute cruise along the coast, sailing past a massive ancient shipyard cave and marine life. The boat cruise is a highlight for many, offering a chance to see different perspectives of the coastline and appreciate the area’s natural beauty.

The Balos Lagoon experience

Reaching the lagoon after the cruise, you’ll be greeted by one of Greece’s most photographed spots. The shallow, pristine waters invite you to unwind, swim, or snorkel. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the water was so clear and peaceful.” The views are truly something special, with vibrant hues of blue and green stretching as far as the eye can see.

The 2 hours 45 minutes at Balos may seem ample, but it’s wise to come prepared—bring sunscreen, your swim gear, and perhaps some snacks or water (though drinks are available for purchase onboard). Keep in mind that the area can get busy, so arriving early or staying longer to find a quiet spot is always a good idea, if possible.

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The return journey

After the swim, the boat heads back to Kissamos, and the coach completes the return trip. There’s a brief stop at Skaleta again before the final bus segment back to your pickup points. The last stretch can be the most tiring, especially after a day of exploring, but the scenery and the anticipation of sharing a memorable experience help pass the time.

What do travelers say?

Many reviews praise the stunning views and the relaxing pace. One reviewer shared, “The scenery was incredible, and the water was so clear, it was worth every penny.” The boat cruise, in particular, gets high marks for its beautiful coastline and marine life sightings.

Some mention that the long bus rides can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to extended coach trips. However, the breaks and the scenic landscapes help alleviate this.

Not everyone loved the optional lunch, which is extra and not included. It’s a good idea to bring snacks, as the prices onboard can be a bit high, and the options limited.

Considerations

• The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, given the bus and boat transfers.
• The long travel times mean you should be comfortable with sitting for extended periods.
• The cost of $70 seems reasonable, considering the transportation, guides, boat ticket, and the time spent at Balos.
• The availability of pickup points makes it convenient for many travelers, but be sure to check your specific location.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for adventurers who prefer a relaxed pace and want to avoid early mornings. It’s perfect if you’d like a comprehensive day trip that combines land and sea, with plenty of time in Balos Lagoon. If you’re traveling with others who appreciate comfort and scenic coastal views, this tour ticks a lot of boxes.

However, if you’re sensitive to long bus rides or prefer shorter excursions, you might find this trip a bit too lengthy. Also, those with mobility challenges will want to consider the walking involved and boat access.

Final thoughts

All in all, the Crete Balos Cruise late and direct offers a well-rounded, stress-free way to see one of Greece’s most iconic beaches. Its later departure and generous swimming time make it stand out from more hurried tours. The scenic boat cruise adds a layer of enjoyment, offering pristine views and marine encounters.

For travelers who value comfort, scenic beauty, and a more leisurely pace, this tour provides solid value at $70. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize their time in Balos without the need to wake up at dawn or squeeze into very early departures.

While the long coach segments might not be for everyone, the overall experience delivers memorable vistas, relaxed swimming, and a taste of local Greek charm. If that sounds like your kind of trip, this might just be the way to enjoy Balos Lagoon at your own pace.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
This tour involves a fair amount of coach travel and boat cruising, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with those activities. It’s not explicitly tailored for mobility-impaired travelers.

What is included in the price?
The $70 includes transfers by modern coach, a boat ticket, a live tour guide in English and Russian, professional drivers, liability insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off from many major areas in Crete.

Can I skip the optional lunch?
Yes, lunch is not included in the price and costs about 7.50 per person if you choose to buy it onboard. You’re encouraged to bring snacks and water for your comfort.

How long do I stay at Balos Lagoon?
You get approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to swim, relax, and explore the lagoon.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and possibly a towel, snorkeling gear, or snacks. The area can get busy, so come prepared.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the bus and boat transfers involved.

How do I know where to be picked up?
After booking, the local activity provider will contact you a day before the trip with specific details about your pickup point and time, from the listed locations.

If you’re after a leisurely day at Balos with scenic boat rides and minimal early-morning hassle, this could be a great pick. It balances comfort with the opportunity to see one of Greece’s most celebrated beaches without the typical rush—perfect if you’re looking to enjoy Crete at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: