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Experience Crete’s stunning coastal treasures on a full-day boat trip from Chania. Swim in Balos Lagoon’s turquoise waters, tour Gramvousa’s historic fortress, and relax on Elafonisi’s award-winning pink sand beaches.
Experience Crete’s stunning coastal treasures on a full-day boat trip from Chania. Swim in Balos Lagoon’s turquoise waters, tour Gramvousa’s historic fortress, and relax on Elafonisi’s award-winning pink sand beaches.
Book with Notosmare Marine Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Notosmare Marine Adventures · Chania
Set out from the historic Chania Old Harbor and immerse yourself in a rare blend of natural wonders on the Full Day Trip Chania - Elafonisi offered by Notosmare Marine Adventures. Located on the northwestern coast of Crete in Greece, this nine-hour boat journey presents a striking combination of island history, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystems. The trip starts with a cruise toward Balos Lagoon, widely recognized for its distinctive turquoise waters and rugged coastline formed by erosion of sedimentary rock formations. Here, crystal-clear shallows invite a refreshing swim, perfect for cooling off under the Mediterranean sun.
Next, the boat navigates to Gramvousa Island, where imposing Venetian fortresses silently guard the coastline, narrating tales from Crete’s turbulent past in the 16th and 17th centuries. Beyond history buffs, travelers appreciate the island’s translucent waters ideal for snorkeling and paddling close to rocky coves.
The voyage continues to Elafonisi Beach, celebrated for its rare pink sand endowed by crushed shells and coral fragments. Recently voted the Best Beach of 2025 by TripAdvisor, Elafonisi offers gentle lagoons and cedar-fringed dunes, a soothing contrast to the day's earlier stops. Nearby Kedrodasos Beach provides a quieter alternative, surrounded by fragrant cedar trees and barely touched by development.
Additional stops at Falasarna Beach and the secluded Menies Beach offer vast golden sands and tranquil swim spots away from the crowds. Notosmare Marine Adventures distinguishes itself with intimate group sizes, knowledgeable crew, onboard refreshments, and snorkeling gear, allowing for a hands-on connection with Crete’s coastal landscapes. This all-encompassing journey is ideal for travelers seeking a grounded yet adventurous maritime escape, blending Cretan history, ecology, and unrivaled scenery in one memorable day.
easy.
9 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond swimming and short walks.
The trip includes onboard refreshments, light snacks or lunch, snorkeling gear, and guided service from the crew.
Yes, children aged 1 and above are welcome, with group sizes limited to ensure comfortable boarding and space.
Yes, the itinerary includes multiple swimming breaks at Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, Elafonisi, and other beaches.
Groups are limited to around 9 participants to provide an intimate and safe experience.
Accessibility specifics are not detailed; please contact Notosmare Marine Adventures directly for individual needs.
Recommended items include reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, swimwear, a light jacket, and a hat for sun protection.
Gramvousa Island’s Venetian fortress was a strategic stronghold dating back to the 16th century, pivotal during pirate activity and local resistance.
Notosmare encourages environmentally responsible tourism by offering reef-safe sunscreen recommendations and minimizing plastic use onboard to protect Crete’s delicate marine habitats.
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.
Book with Notosmare Marine Adventures