1-8 guest • All ages • 9 hours
Cruise Crete’s crown jewels—Balos, Gramvousa, Elafonisi and quieter south-coast coves—on a private, nine-hour boat that finishes in Chora Sfakion with luxury transfer. Swim, snorkel, hike to a Venetian fortress and savor a taverna lunch in Palaiochora.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate stamina for multiple swim stops, short hikes and getting on/off the boat; suitable for most active travelers.
Wildlife
History
Gramvousa holds a Venetian fortress built during Venetian rule of Crete; the fortress frames many island histories and smuggling tales.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on Posidonia seagrass beds and follow captain guidance to minimize anchoring impact on sensitive habitats.
Notosmare Marine Adventures
1-8 guest • All ages • 9 hours
Notosmare Marine Adventures is a boat tour operator based in Marathi, Crete, offering a wide range of day trips, private charters and rentals. The company operates from Marathi and runs departures that also originate from Chania, Kolymvari and Sfakia, serving popular destinations such as Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa, Seitan Limani, Gavdos, Menies and Elafonisi. Boats in the fleet named in listings include Saxdor, Axopar, Marvel, RIBs and larger yachts including Bavaria and catamarans, providing options for small groups, families and private charters. Tour formats range from half‑day to full‑day nine‑hour excursions, sunset cruises and specialised routes like Chania to Santorini or Sfakia to Gavdos. Many advertised trips reference complimentary drinks, light snacks or fresh fruit, and several listings specify skipper‑included services or bareboat rental choices. Notosmare offers private boat trips, fishing trips, rentals with and without a licence requirement and a selection of high‑powered RIB and outboard models. The variety of vessel sizes and trip styles supports activities such as swimming in turquoise waters, visiting historic sites like Gramvousa castle and exploring secluded coves accessible only by sea. Booking options cover private charters, shared tours and tailored itineraries. Trip descriptions emphasize picturesque coastlines, hidden beaches and opportunities to relax while sightseeing. With a broad fleet, multiple departure points and both crewed and bareboat offerings, Notosmare Marine Adventures provides practical choices for travelers seeking marine excursions around western Crete.
Seasonal availability applies; bookings are offered for sunrise departures, sunset cruises, family outings, fishing trips and custom itineraries for varying group sizes, locally.
Base Location
Marathi, Crete
Local launch point for many trips
Tours Offered
75
Wide selection across western Crete
Typical Duration
Half‑day & 9‑hour
Flexible half‑ and full‑day trips
Boat Types
Axopar, Saxdor, RIBs
Modern motorboats and RIB options
Reserve a private charter or join a shared tour to Balos, Gramvousa, Seitan Limani or Gavdos — check vessel, duration and skipper options and book now.
Book early for calm seas
Reserve the private boat in advance and check the captain’s sea forecast; calmer mornings make Balos and Gramvousa easiest to access.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Posidonia seagrass meadows and shallow lagoons are sensitive—use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Wear water shoes
Several landings are on pebbles or sharp rock; water shoes help with footing and short shore hikes.
Plan camera backups
Battery packs and waterproof cases mean you won’t lose shots during multiple swim and snorkel stops.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preserving fragile sea ecosystems like Posidonia meadows.
summer
Water shoes
Protect feet on pebble beaches, rocky landings and shallow reefs.
summer
Light wind shell
Open-water stretches can be cool; a packable shell blocks spray and breeze.
spring
Snorkel mask (or rental)
Clear masking improves snorkeling at Marmara and around Gramvousa’s caves.
summer