If you’re considering a day trip from Rethymno to explore some of Crete’s most breathtaking spots, this tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon might catch your eye. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want to combine scenic boat cruising, historical sites, and relaxing beach time — all in one package.
From what we’ve gathered, this tour has a lot going for it. We love the seamless roundtrip transfer that takes the stress out of logistics, and the variety of activities—from castle exploration to swimming and snorkeling—that keep the day engaging. However, a potential downside is the strict schedule and business of the boat rides, which might not suit those craving a totally unhurried, private experience.
This tour seems especially well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, all-in-one experience without the hassle of organizing separate transport or boat tickets. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a group and want to ensure smooth logistics and expert guidance. Just keep in mind that it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or young children under one year, given the nature of the sites and boat rides.
Key Points
- All-in-one convenience: Hotel pickup, bus transfer, and boat tickets included.
- Stunning scenery: You’ll get to enjoy the views of Gramvousa’s fortress and the turquoise waters at Balos Lagoon.
- Good value: For $62, the day offers multiple highlights and flexible swimming time.
- Guided experience: Live guides in English and German help you get more out of the trip.
- Time flexibility: You get around 1.5 hours to explore Gramvousa and 3 hours at Balos Lagoon, enough for swimming, sunbathing, and some light exploration.
- Crowd and weather considerations: The trip depends on good weather — some reviews mention rough seas or blustery conditions that can impact the experience.
The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Balos Beach
Starting the Day: Pickup and Journey to Kissamos
The day begins with a hotel pickup near your accommodation. The providers aim to make this part smooth, with pickups from specific locations, and a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride through Crete’s scenic landscape. We appreciate how this setup takes the hassle out of organizing transport yourself.
The trip is designed for simplicity — you sit back, relax, and enjoy the views en route to the port of Kissamos. The convenience of roundtrip transfer is often mentioned in reviews as a big plus, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transport options.
Boarding the Boat and the Cruise
Once at Kissamos port, you’ll purchase your cruise ticket (included in the price) and hop aboard a smaller, upgraded ship—as of July 15, 2023, the activity provider partnered with a vessel offering better specifications for a more comfortable cruise.
The boat ride to Gramvousa takes around an hour, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the views. The boat crew is generally praised for being attentive, with some reviews mentioning how they did everything possible to keep everyone safe during rougher sea conditions. This is good to note if you’re prone to seasickness or worried about unpredictable weather.
Visiting Gramvousa Island & the Fortress
Arriving at Gramvousa Island, you’ll get around 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore. The highlight here is the Venetian Fortress, perched atop the island, offering fantastic panoramic views. Climbing up the steps is worth the effort, as one reviewer pointed out, highlighting how the ascent is truly rewarding.
If you prefer to relax, you can stay on the boat and enjoy the onboard bar and restaurant, or lounge at the beachside. Some travelers, like Megan, noted the fortress visit as a memorable part of the trip, citing the breathtaking vistas and the sense of stepping back in time.
More Great Tours NearbyCruising to Balos Lagoon & Beach Time
Next, the boat heads for Balos Lagoon, which is about a 20-minute cruise away. Here, you’ll have around 3 hours to enjoy the stunning scenery and beach activities. The lagoon’s white dunes and turquoise waters are often described as mesmerizing, making for some excellent photos and a perfect spot for swimming or snorkeling.
Many reviews mention how well the timing works — enough to relax without feeling rushed. You can sunbathe, stroll along the dunes, or just chill in the pristine waters. The beachside area is also where you might find casual food and drinks available for purchase, though bringing cash is recommended.
Return Trip & Hotel Drop-off
In the late afternoon, the boat departs back toward Kissamos, then the bus will transfer you back to your hotel in Rethymno. The overall duration is about one full day, with the last pickup happening in the early evening.
What We Like About This Tour
The quality of the guides and the organized logistics really stand out. Travelers consistently mention how helpful and friendly the guides are, making the experience more engaging and less stressful. Plus, the flexibility at each stop allows you to choose whether to explore or relax.
The scenery is genuinely breathtaking — from the fortress views to the crystal-clear waters of Balos Lagoon. If you love a good swim, snorkeling, or just lounging on beautiful beaches, you’ll find plenty of it here.
The value for money is also a strong point. For $62, you’re getting a full day packed with sights, activities, and transport, which in Crete can be hard to beat. Plus, the option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility if you’re still planning your trip.
Practical Tips & Considerations
- Bring cash for on-site purchases and the eco fee (€1), which is payable on the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the fortress climb and bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and towels.
- The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, non-swimmers, or very young children due to the nature of boat rides and walking involved.
- Check the weather forecast beforehand — some reviews mention rough seas or blustery days, which can impact the experience.
- The timing is tight, so if you prefer a slower pace or more unstructured beach time, this trip might feel a bit rushed.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
If you crave a well-organized, scenic day trip with diverse activities—castle visits, swimming, boat cruising—and you’re okay with a busy schedule, this trip offers solid value. You’ll love the stunning views, friendly guides, and the chance to explore two of Crete’s most iconic spots.
However, if you’re after a more relaxed, private experience or have mobility concerns, you might want to look for alternatives with fewer constraints. Also, keep in mind the weather — it can affect the boat trip, so flexible plans are helpful.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of self-organizing transport and tickets. It’s a fantastic way to see a lot of Crete’s highlights in one day, with enough free time to really enjoy the beaches.
Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip with Boat Ticket
“Amazing day out. Gramvoussa Islands beach was amazing and Balos Lagoon was so cool. It was very well planned and we appreciated the personal touch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
You should arrive at the pickup point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled collection time to ensure a smooth start.
Is the trip suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for very young children under 1 year, and those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions should consider their comfort level with boat and walking activities.
What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, light clothing, beachwear, and cash for purchases and the eco fee.
Can I buy food and drinks during the trip?
Yes, there is an onboard bar and restaurant, but prices are paid on-site, so bringing some cash is handy.
How long is the boat ride?
The cruise to Gramvousa takes about 1 hour, and the trip to Balos Lagoon is roughly 20 minutes.
What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off from specific points, roundtrip bus transfer, and the boat ticket are included.
Are there any hidden costs?
You’ll need to pay an eco fee of €1 in cash on the day, and food/drinks are extra if you choose to purchase them.
What if the weather is bad?
Rough seas or bad weather might lead to cancellations or alterations, so check the forecast and be flexible.
How much time do I get at each main site?
Approximately 1.5 hours at Gramvousa Fortress and 3 hours at Balos Lagoon, giving plenty of opportunity for exploring and relaxing.
Is it a full-day activity?
Yes, expect to be out for most of the day, returning to your hotel in Rethymno in the late afternoon or early evening.
If you’re looking for a highly scenic, well-organized day trip to some of Crete’s most celebrated sights, this tour offers a good balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural interest—so long as you’re comfortable with the schedule and conditions.
You can check availability for your dates here:
