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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond swimming and short walks.
Wildlife
History
Gramvousa Island’s Venetian fortress was a strategic stronghold dating back to the 16th century, pivotal during pirate activity and local resistance.
Conservation
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
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.
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 your skin and the fragile marine ecosystems by using environmentally friendly sun protection.
Wear water shoes
Some beaches have rocky entry points; footwear helps avoid slips and protects feet while swimming or snorkeling.
Pack a light jacket
Evenings on the water can get cool, especially in spring and fall; layering is recommended.
Stay hydrated
Bring water or rely on provided refreshments to avoid dehydration during this full-day outing under the sun.
Swimsuit
Necessary for swimming in Balos Lagoon, Elafonisi, and other stops.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky shorelines and while snorkeling.
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Prevents sunburn and preserves marine ecosystems.
spring|summer|fall
Light jacket or windbreaker
Provides warmth during cooler mornings or breezy evenings on the water.
spring|fall|winter