Spend nine hours sailing from Chania to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island with Notosmare Marine Adventures. Swim crystal-clear waters, tour a historic castle, and soak up the rugged coastal scenery on a private boat trip designed to immerse you in Crete’s wild beauty.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to comfortably stand and move on a boat deck; no advanced fitness required.
Wildlife
History
Gramvousa Castle was built by Venetians in the 16th century as a stronghold against pirates and Ottoman forces, its ruins still commanding the sea lanes.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to protect Balos Lagoon’s fragile ecosystems, encouraging sustainable boating practices and limiting visitor numbers during peak season.
Notosmare Marine Adventures
Spend nine hours sailing from Chania to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island with Notosmare Marine Adventures. Swim crystal-clear waters, tour a historic castle, and soak up the rugged coastal scenery on a private boat trip designed to immerse you in Crete’s wild beauty.
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 without harming the fragile marine environment in Balos Lagoon by using eco-friendly sunscreen.
Wear Water Shoes
Rocky shorelines and uneven terrain at Gramvousa make water shoes essential for safe hiking and beach access.
Pack a Swim Towel and Dry Bag
A lightweight towel and dry bag will keep your belongings safe and get you ready for a swim whenever you want.
Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Morning departures help you enjoy quieter beaches and better light for photos before midday visitor influx.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from reflected glare off the water during bright days.
summer
Swimsuit
Essential for enjoying Balos Lagoon’s pristine waters and spontaneous swims.
summer
Light Jacket
A windbreaker or fleece helps during cooler mornings and sea breezes.
spring|fall|winter
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps valuables dry and protected on board and during beach stops.