Speed away from Chania Old Harbor to Balos’ milky lagoon, the Venetian silhouette of Gramvousa, and a string of quiet swim spots on a private powerboat. This full-day trip pairs quick open-water runs with leisurely swims and a short castle walk for panoramic views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
On a bright Aegean morning, the Wellcraft Scarab eases away from Chania Old Harbor and the salt air pushes against the hull as the shoreline slips astern. The sea here has a voice — it curates secluded bays, nudges you into turquoise shallows and holds the lagoon’s pale sand like a private stage. Passengers step from harbor bustle into a sequence of swim stops, a Venetian ruin perched on black rock, and beaches whose colors change by the minute.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical demand; able to board small boat, undertake short swims and a brief climb to the castle if desired.
Wildlife
History
Gramvousa’s Venetian castle dates to the late 16th century and later served as a base for local resistance against Ottoman forces; the harbor town of Chania preserves Venetian and Ottoman-era architecture.
Conservation
Parts of this area, including Thodorou, fall under Natura 2000 protections; visitors are asked to respect wildlife zones, avoid littering, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Powerboat Tour to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island Full Day today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Beat the crowds
Departing early gets you to Balos before the ferries arrive — lower noise, clearer water and better photos.
Protect against sun and glare
Bring broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunscreen and polarized sunglasses — sun off the water intensifies quickly.
Bring water shoes
Many landings are rocky or shelly; lightweight, grippy water shoes make exits and brief hikes safer and more comfortable.
Watch for seasickness
Open-water passages can be fast; if you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand and sit mid-boat where motion is reduced.
Non-slip water shoes
Protects feet on rocky landings and short hikes on Gramvousa.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Reduces environmental impact while protecting skin from prolonged sun exposure.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps passports, phones and valuables dry during transfers and swim stops.
Light windbreaker or fleece
Useful for early-morning or open-water breeze when the skipper increases speed.
spring