Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island Private-Sailing with Lunch

Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island Private-Sailing with Lunch: A Detailed Review

Exploring Crete’s stunning coastline by boat offers a unique way to experience some of its most iconic sights. The Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island private sailing tour promises a full day of scenic sailing, swimming in secluded spots, and exploring historical landmarks—all with the comfort of a private group. This experience is ideal for travelers who want a more intimate and relaxed way to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty while avoiding the crowds typical of larger ferry excursions.

One feature that truly sets this tour apart is the small group setting. With only your group on board, you get a more personalized experience, plus the chance to relax and ask questions to the crew about the sights and local culture. The delicious onboard lunch—prepared fresh and served in ceramic tableware—adds a nice touch of authenticity. However, a potential consideration is the price point, which is around $652 per person, making it a significant investment for some travelers. It’s best suited for those who value comfort, exclusivity, and a curated experience over budget options.

If you’re someone who enjoys sailing, exploring at your own pace, and appreciates thoughtful details like snorkeling gear and protected seating areas, this tour could be a perfect fit. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for those with mobility issues, as there’s some walking involved at certain stops. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for couples, small groups, or anyone eager for a special day on the water with authentic touches.

Key Points

• Small Group and Private Tour: Only your group will participate, making for a more intimate experience.
• Scenic Sailing with Experienced Crew: You’ll feel the breeze and enjoy professional guidance throughout.
• Ideal for Relaxation and Exploration: Swim in secluded spots and visit historic sites at your own pace.
• Delicious, Authentic Onboard Lunch: Fresh food served in ceramic tableware, adding to the experience.
• Flexible Schedule and Cancellations: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Price Reflects Quality and Personalization: At around $652 per person, this tour emphasizes comfort and exclusive access.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Setting Off from Kissamos Port

The day begins at Kissamos Port, where you’ll meet your crew and board either the Sailing Boat STELLA or the Sailing Yacht ELECTRA. These vessels are well-equipped and offer a cozy yet spacious environment. We loved the way the crew set up the sails—if the wind is favorable, it’s a thrill to feel the power of nature propelling you forward. The journey out offers views of the Gramvousa peninsula that are far better seen from the water than from land, giving a fresh perspective on Crete’s rugged coastline.

The Journey to Gramvousa Island

Our guide explained that this tour is designed to hit the highlights while avoiding the crowds typical of ferry excursions. A notable advantage is the timing—departing early or later in the day means you can enjoy the islands with fewer visitors. The boat’s small size allows it to access spots that large ferries can’t reach, providing a more peaceful experience.

Visiting Gramvousa Island and Its Fortress

Once anchored near Gramvousa Island, you’re free to swim, snorkel, and explore. The crew provides snorkeling gear, and reviewers mention the privacy of swimming around the boat—an appealing alternative to crowded beaches. One traveler shared that the crew ferried them ashore on a dinghy, which added to the adventure and kept the experience exclusive.

A highlight is visiting the Venetian-Arabian fortress perched atop a steep rock. The ascent offers spectacular views and a chance to step back in time. The guide provided insights into the fortress’s history, adding depth to the visit. One reviewer appreciated the crew’s knowledge, noting that they were “excellent” at ferrying guests ashore and sharing interesting facts about the site.

Exploring Balos Lagoon

The highlight for many is the Balos Lagoon, rated repeatedly among the world’s top beaches. The lagoon’s shallow, crystal-clear waters and pink sandy beaches create a picture-perfect setting. You can walk along the shore, paddle in the shallows, and take in the stunning scenery away from the busy mainland. Our review source mentions that the crew ensures you arrive when it’s less crowded, a huge plus for those seeking tranquility.

Return Journey and Clifftop Views

On the way back, you’ll sail along the dramatic cliffs of Gramvousa’s west side, with their steep, rugged faces dropping into the blue sea. The scenery is breathtaking, with clear blue water and striking rock formations. The approximately 1.5-hour return cruise offers more chances to relax, take photos, and enjoy the sea breeze.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Sailing Experience: Unlike large tour boats, this private cruise feels more like a voyage than a sightseeing trip. The crew is experienced and eager to share their knowledge, making the journey educational and enjoyable. We appreciated the way they engaged with guests, sharing stories about the islands and local history.

Quality Food and Service: The onboard lunch was a standout, with fresh, well-prepared dishes served in a charming outdoor setting. Reviewers mention the lunch as “delicious,” and it’s clear that the crew takes pride in offering a genuine taste of Crete.

Flexibility and Privacy: The small group size and private setting mean you can customize your day a bit—whether that’s lingering longer at a favorite spot or exploring a little more independently.

Timing and Crowds: Departing early and visiting spots when they’re less busy makes this experience more relaxing. It’s a significant advantage over crowded ferry trips that tend to visit the same locations during peak times.

The Value of the Tour

While the price tag of around $652 per person might seem high at first glance, it reflects the personalized service, private sailing experience, and high-quality offerings. Compared to large group tours or ferry tickets, you’re paying for comfort, exclusivity, and a curated itinerary. The experience is designed to be more peaceful and immersive, making it a good value for travelers who prioritize quality over cost.

What’s Included?

The tour includes a full day of sailing, snorkeling gear, a delicious onboard lunch, and the opportunity to explore historic sites at your own pace. The flexibility in timing and the small group setting add to the overall value, ensuring a tailored and memorable day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples seeking a romantic day out, small groups of friends, or anyone interested in combining relaxation with cultural exploration. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy sailing or want to avoid the ferry crowds. If you’re after a quiet day in nature, with room for swimming, sightseeing, and good food, this tour hits all the right notes.

However, it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges, given the walking involved at some stops and the boat’s setup. Also, if your priority is budget travel, you might find cheaper options, but they likely won’t include the same level of comfort and exclusivity.

Final Thoughts

Choosing this private sailing tour offers a wonderful way to experience Crete’s famed beaches and historic sites with a touch of luxury and personalized service. The combination of scenic sailing, immersive stops, and excellent onboard hospitality makes it stand out from standard day trips. You’ll get a chance to see Gramvousa Fortress, swim in the famous Balos Lagoon, and enjoy the freedom of sailing on the open water—all while avoiding the crowds and crowded boats.

For travelers who value comfort, authentic experiences, and a flexible itinerary, this tour delivers a memorable day on Crete’s coast. It’s a fantastic option if your budget allows, and you’re looking for a more exclusive, relaxed way to explore some of Greece’s most beautiful spots.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience with only your group participating.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes sailing around Crete, snorkeling gear, a freshly prepared onboard lunch, and visits to Gramvousa Fortress and Balos Lagoon.

How long is the sailing trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with time divided between sailing, swimming, exploring, and relaxing.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance if the weather turns poor, with a full refund or rescheduling options.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility problems?
It’s most suitable for travelers without mobility issues. There are some walking and boarding involved, and it’s tailored more towards adults or older children.

Are meals served on board?
Yes, a fresh, delicious onboard lunch is included, served in ceramic tableware on the outdoor cockpit.

What happens if I want to change my booking?
Changes less than 24 hours before the tour are not accepted, but you can cancel for a full refund if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Embark on this journey if you’re seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery—Crete’s beauty deserves a day on the water that’s as special as the island itself.