Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
An intriguing history surrounding by azure waters! This is an opportunity to see the rare geological formations of the Western coast of Crete, combined with a visit to the island of Gramvousa, famous for its pirate castle and the lagoon of Balos across from it.
Pick up/Drop off with air-conditioned luxury bus from select spots in Rethymno
English and German speaking guide
Pre-recorded guiding on board
Boat tickets to Gramvousa and back (28 € per adult, 13.5 € per child)
Municipality fee (1 € for adults, free for children)
Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
Customary tips to your driver and escort
Food and refreshments provided in the vessel are not included in the price
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Kindly advise your accommodation in order to send you the exact pick up time and point.
Gramvousa, Gramvousa, Greece After we pick you up from various locations around Rethymno we will drive through West Crete until we reach the Kissamos port. From there we will sail to the port on Gramvousa, passing by the huge cave believed to be the ancient shipyard of Tarsanas. At the end of the Gulf you will notice an impressive geological phenomenon cause by catastrophic earthquakes that took place more than 2000 years ago.
After approximately 1 hour, the boat arrives at the port of Gramvousa. On top of a steep rock on the highest point of the island, lays the Venetian castle built during the late 16th century. Surrounded by a wall that still stands today, it has a rough triangular shape and is rumoured to house hidden pirate treasures from the previous centuries. It is well worth the 10 minutes hike it takes to get there. 120 minutes
Balos Lagoon, Kissamos, Greece You will have plenty of time to explore the island and swim in its coast before we board the boat that will take us to the Balos lagoon. Fantastic azure waters fill the lagoon creating an rare amalgamation of serenity and ild natural beauty. Make sure to have a camera with you and take photos that will make even your most well-traveled friends jealous! 180 minutes
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Remember to bring the following items: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, swimsuit and beach towel
You are advised to bring appropriate shoes for the hike up to Gramvousa Castle
Rubbish disposal as well as removing seashells from the beach is prohibited
The Municipality and both fee are paid on the spot with cash
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
U5699JBjessicas
15 Aug 2024
Les vues ne sont pas si magnifique que ça ! La plage est difficile d’accès il faut beaucoup marcher sur les chemins remplis de grandes pierres, il n’y pas de sable que des cailloux, énormément de vent tout vous revient à la figure c’est juste désagréable ! Et le pire dans tout ça c’est qu’il n’y a vraiment aucun bar à proximité pour se rafraîchir. La guide est très antipathique elle ne vous renseigne sur rien du tout et ne vous réponds même pas lorsque l’on pose des questions, je ne recommande pas du tout cette activité ça ne vaut pas son prix personnellement le mieux est de faire votre propre circuit.
Aminre4
22 Jun 2024
I recently went on a day excursion from Rethymno to Balos, and unfortunately, it was a major disappointment. Unlike my previous experience in 2021, this time I was not informed that the boat no longer docks at Balos. Instead, it stops 10 meters away from the shore, forcing passengers to disembark into deep water.
Disembarking was chaotic and frustrating, taking over 1 hour and 45 minutes to get everyone off the boat. Many people struggled because they couldn't swim, adding to the chaos. It's baffling that the government prohibits boats from docking in Balos Bay but allows them to stop 10 meters away. This rule seems nonsensical and severely impacts the experience.
When I raised these concerns with our guide upon arriving in Kissamos, his response was dismissive: "You don’t have to leave the boat, or you can get a private boat for £200." This lack of empathy and solutions was disheartening.
What was once a fun excursion in 2021 has become a waste of time. I wouldn't recommend this trip to anyone in its current state. The organizers need to address these issues, but it seems they are more interested in taking tourists' money. Save yourself the frustration and look for alternative experiences.
EMELINE_F
10 Jun 2024
2etoiles, une pour l'endroit qui est magnifique et la 2eme pour notre guide Isabelle qui était top. Le reste vous payez 28€ (en pensant que c'est l'excursion mais non que le trajet bus) ensuite 30€ pour le bateau. Le bateau c'est écrit capacité max 40pers enfaîte vous arrivez sur un ferry de plus de 400pers.. avec un personnel à bord médiocre les gars passent leurs temps à mater les filles . Pour ceux qui ne savent pas nager sachez que le bateau s arrête à 10m du rebord. Il faut nager sans avoir pieds. Excursion pris devant l'hôtel (à côté de rethymnon) compter 1h30 de route avant d'arriver au ferry.
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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