Our boats depart from the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi) to Gramvousa island and Balos lagoon. Kissamos or Kasteli is a small scenic town, on the northwestern part of Crete, approximately 43 kilometers from the city of Chania (www.kissamos.gr).
Gramvousa and Balos are Wildlife Refuges and uninhabited areas of stunning natural beauty, included in the European initiative ΝΑΤURΑ 2000. Due to the preservation of its natural environment, there are no roads in these areas, which can be difficult for people with mobility problems.
CRUISE SCHEDULES
Daily departures, from April until October (depending on the weather), from the port of Kissamos from 10.10 to 12.40. Return to the port of Kissamos from 17.45 to 19.40 (depending on departure time).
There are extra itineraries on special occasions.
Depending on the route of the ship we will either go first to Gramvousa and then to Balos or first to Balos and then to Gramvousa.
Attention: The timetable changes according the season.
Please obtain information from our ticket offices regarding the exact times of departure and arrival at the port (Tel. +30 28220 22888/ 83311/ 243344, E-mail: info@cretandailycruises.com).
Passengers must be present at the boarding area at Kissamos port 40 minutes before departure.
Our priority is to offer you wonderful holiday experiences in earthly paradises. Please be aware of the weather before traveling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CRUISE
See the routes here.
Tour in the bay of Kissamos
We depart from the port of Kissamos, with soft music playing in the background, and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue.
You will have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. At the end of the bay, you will see an impressive geological phenomenon. Over time, Crete’s western side is rising, and its eastern side is sinking. This phenomenon takes place due to the movement of the African tectonic plate under the Eurasian plate. The ancient coastline can be traced over the rocky shores.
At the end of the bay, the boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa.
The boat will approach afterwards Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary) in about 20 minutes.
Gramvousa and Balos haven't any roads neither shops. The ship's self-service restaurant-bar is open throughout the cruise, so you can enjoy a delicious meal, salad, snacks, drinks, coffee, ice creams, etc. on board or take away your meal in a package. Also, you can rent a sun umbrella.
Depending on the route of the ship we will either go first to Gramvousa and then to Balos or first to Balos and then to Gramvousa.
Visit Gramvousa-the island of pirates
The boat shall arrive at the small port of Gramvousa, where we shall stay for about 1,5 hours.
The position of Gramvousa, the Cretan nature, the legends and the passage of time have contributed to the magical aura of the island.
The landscape is spectacular, and the beach of the island is adorned by a lonely shipwreck.
The highest point of the island, atop a steep rock, at an altitude of 137 meters, is dominated by the famous castle of Gramvousa, which was built by the Venetians in 1579. The castle played a significant role in the history of the wider area. The panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the pirates’ hidden treasure, allure you to visit it, after a 20 minute hike (it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes).
You may also swim in the area next to the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. By the way, if you happen to be there on 29th June, St Apostoli’s Day, you will witness a very big feast that takes place by the church. You can stay also on the ship to relax.
There are about 400 plant species in Gramvousa. Three of them are particularly interesting, since they cannot be found anywhere else on earth. One variety of daisies, a wild onion and silene. There are about 98 species of birds, with the number becoming quite bigger during the migration period, since the area is in the birds’ path to and from the Mediterranean.
After our (approximately)1,5-hour stop in Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the lagoon of Balos, which will be reached after approximately 20 minutes.
Visit the lagoon of Balos
Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. This exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument is situated between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani.
Words cannot describe the impressiveness of this place. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the lukewarm, shallow, turquoise blue waters, relax in the pink sandy beach, which is filled with shells, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you!
The sandy beach of Balos is adorned by a special kind of vegetation. Shrubby varieties, such as heather, Yenisey, thyme, and lentisc, have impressive shapes and patterns, proving their effort to survive in the adverse environmental conditions of the area, such as the strong northerly winds and the natural instability of the dunes. During the migration periods, there are many bird species here, while the lagoon’s mollusks are not to be found anywhere else in Crete in this composition and quantity.
You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 2,5 hours.
Due to the incredible natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, both Gramvousa and Balos are included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The preservation of the island’s natural environment, beyond the moral dimensions, is imposed through a strict national and European institutional protection system.
Thus, the following are prohibited:
• Any kind of pollution. Make sure that you don't leave any garbage behind, but take them with you on the ship.
• The collection of rocks, fossils, shells and ancient finds
• The collection of plants and animal catching
• Free camping
• Starting a fire
• Smoking around bushes and woodlands
Before disembarking in Gramvousa and Balos, please obtain information regarding the exact times of departure of the ship.
Both in Gramvousa and Balos, you may return to the ship at any time, but make sure you are back at least 10 minutes before departure.
Have a great time!