Visit Top Rated beach for 2025 from TripAdvisor
Discover Crete’s most stunning coastlines on a full-day boat trip from Kolymvari, featuring swimming at Balos Lagoon, historical exploration on Gramvousa Island, and relaxation on the award-winning pink sands of Elafonisi Beach.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good overall health and able to swim or at least enjoy light physical activity during stops.
Wildlife
History
Gramvousa Island’s Venetian fortress dates back to the 16th century and played a crucial role in Crete’s maritime defenses.
Conservation
Tour operators emphasize eco-friendly practices, including limiting visitor numbers and encouraging responsible snorkeling to preserve reef health.
Notosmare Marine Adventures
Visit Top Rated beach for 2025 from TripAdvisor
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.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect Crete’s delicate marine ecosystems by using reef-safe sunscreen during beach and snorkeling stops.
Wear water shoes
Many beaches have rocky or coral areas; water shoes help protect your feet during shore entry.
Stay hydrated onboard
Pack a refillable water bottle and drink regularly to stay energized throughout the day’s sunshine.
Arrive early at Kolymvari harbor
Arriving early ensures smooth boarding and may allow you to select preferred seating on the boat.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the fragile marine environment during sun-filled boat stops.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet from sharp rocks and coral when entering the water.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Useful for the cool sea breeze during early morning or late afternoon sailing.
spring
Snorkeling gear (optional)
Allows close-up exploration of Crete’s underwater life; some provided onboard.
summer