A five-hour rib cruise from Kissamos that pairs a two-hour visit to Gramvousa’s Venetian fort beach with a two-hour stop at the protected turquoise shallows of Balos Lagoon. Fast transit, swim-friendly stops, and on-board refreshments make it a compact way to sample NW Crete’s coastal highlights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The rib shudders to life at Kissamos harbor and within minutes the land falls away: wind presses at your face, spray sketches the hull, and the Cretan Sea opens toward a pale blue horizon. After a brisk thirty-minute run the boat eases up to Imeri Gramvousa. Visitors disembark by wading or a short swim across waist-deep shallows to a white-sand cove beneath a weathered Venetian fort.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; should be comfortable entering shallow water and walking on uneven sand and rock.
Wildlife
History
Gramvousa’s fort is Venetian-built and later used by pirates and smugglers; Balos has been noted since the 19th century for its geomorphology and rare flora.
Conservation
Balos sits inside a Natura 2000 protected zone—visitors should avoid trampling dunes, use reef-safe products, and carry out all waste to protect breeding birds and marine life.
Reserve your spot on the From Kissamos Balos And Gramvousa Speedboat Cruise with Drinks today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive at the floating bar on time
Morning departures meet at 8:45 and afternoons at 14:15; the crew boards from the floating bar—plan transit accordingly.
Be prepared to wade or swim ashore
The boat anchors close but may require walking through ankle-to-waist-deep water to reach sand—reef shoes help.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Sun reflects strongly off shallow water and sand; apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect skin and marine life.
Manage motion-sickness proactively
Open-sea cruising and speed can unsettle sensitive travelers—take antiemetics before departure if needed.
Reef shoes
Protect feet when wading through rocky shallows to reach shore.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the lagoon’s sensitive marine habitats.
summer
Light windbreaker
Blocks spray and late-afternoon chill on the open-deck return.
spring
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Keeps electronics dry during boarding, disembarkation, and swim stops.