Crete: Balos Cruise late and direct

Traveling to Crete often means exploring its ancient ruins, bustling towns, and scenic mountain villages. But sometimes, it’s the natural beauty that truly steals the show—like the famous Balos Lagoon. This particular tour offers a relaxed approach to visiting this iconic spot, avoiding early mornings to give you more flexibility and comfort. With a mix of bus rides, a boat cruise, and plenty of free time at Balos Beach, it aims to balance adventure with leisure.

One of the best parts? The 2 hours 45 minutes swimming break at Balos Lagoon, giving you ample time to snorkel, soak up the sun, or simply enjoy the mesmerizing scenery. Plus, traveling by air-conditioned coach makes the journey comfortable, even in the heat of summer. However, keep in mind that due to Crete’s winding roads and traffic, travel times can vary, which might impact your schedule if you’re on a tight timeline.

This tour is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to experience Balos without the early morning rush. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic coastal views, spontaneous wildlife sightings like sea turtles and dolphins, and a good mix of guided commentary and free exploration. If you’re looking for an activity that offers both comfort and memorable sights, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Late start for more relaxed mornings and less early rising
• Comprehensive day trip including bus, boat, and free time at Balos Lagoon
• Opportunity to swim and snorkel in clear, calm waters
• Expert guides speaking English and Russian enhance your experience
• Transportation is via modern, fully air-conditioned coaches
• Flexible cancellation policy with 24-hour notice for a full refund

An In-Depth Look at the Balos Cruise Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickups and Transfers

Starting from one of 12 pickup locations, including popular spots like Heraklion, Malia, and Kokkini Hani, the tour is designed to be as convenient as possible. Expect a coach ride lasting around 1.5 hours between stops, with scenic views along the way—though be prepared for the potential delays that come with Crete’s winding roads and traffic.

Travelers have mentioned that the modern, air-conditioned buses are quite comfortable, which counts for a lot given the summer heat. The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or nearby location, with detailed instructions sent out a day in advance—so no surprises there.

Breakfast in Skaleta: A Nice Little Break

After roughly an hour and a half of scenic road trip, you’ll stop in Skaleta for about 20 minutes. This is an excellent chance to stretch your legs, grab a quick coffee or snack, and take some photos. Reviewers have noted that this brief stop helps break up the journey and adds a bit of local flavor to your day.

Arriving at Kissamos: The Gateway to the Sea

From Skaleta, it’s another 1.5-hour drive to Kissamos, the port town from where the boat cruise departs. Here, you’ll board a boat for a 50-minute cruise along the coastline, during which you get fantastic views of Crete’s rugged shoreline and the chance to spot marine life—some have seen sea turtles and dolphins playing nearby. One consistent highlight from reviews is the view of a vast cave, believed to be an ancient shipyard, which adds a layer of intrigue to the cruise.

The Main Event: Balos Lagoon

Once the boat docks near the lagoon, you’re given about 2 hours and 45 minutes to explore, swim, and relax. During this time, you can:

• Swim in the calm, pristine waters of Balos Lagoon, which many describe as serene and inviting. The shallow depths make it great for snorkelers of all levels.
• Take photos of the striking landscape—reviews mention the vibrant, shifting colors of the water and the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding hills.
• Visit the small beach area for a picnic or a quick snack you brought along, or purchase food and drinks on-site (optional at €7.50 per person).
• Snorkel and view marine life, which some reviewers say is surprisingly vibrant given the lagoon’s popularity.

One traveler remarked, “The view from the boat was breathtaking, and the water was so clear I could see the fish swimming around me.” The natural beauty here is undeniable—crystal waters, powdery white sand, and dramatic cliffs create a postcard-perfect setting.

Returning via Boat and Bus

After your relaxing time at Balos, the boat takes you back to Kissamos for another 50-minute cruise before heading back onto the coach. Expect the return journey to be around 1.5 hours back to your pickup point, with a brief 10-minute stop in Skaleta and another 1.5-hour drive afterward.

Some reviewers mention that the drive back can be slower during peak traffic times, so patience is helpful. However, the overall experience, especially the stunning scenery and the laid-back pace, makes this worthwhile.

What’s Included and What You Should Consider

Included

• Transport via modern, air-conditioned coaches
• Boat tickets for the cruise along the coast
• Guided commentary in English and Russian, enhancing your understanding of the sites
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from specified locations
• A substantial 2 hours 45 minutes at Balos Lagoon for swimming and relaxing
• Liability insurance coverage for peace of mind

Not Included

• Lunch, which can be purchased on the boat or brought along. The optional €7.50 meal is a reasonable price for a quick snack.
• Additional drinks or souvenirs are at your own expense.

Practical Tips

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to stay comfortable during the day.
• Pack a few snacks and water, especially since lunch isn’t included.
• Wear swimwear and flip-flops, as you’ll get in and out of the water multiple times.
• Keep in mind that Crete’s roads are winding; travel times can be affected by traffic, so plan accordingly.

The Verdict: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a great balance of scenic beauty, comfort, and flexibility. The late start means you avoid the early morning rush typical of other day trips, and the boat cruise adds an extra layer of excitement and visual appeal. The 2 hours 45 minutes at Balos Lagoon is an ample window to swim, take photos, or just relax—something that many travelers find valuable.

The value for the price of $70 per person is solid, considering the included transportation, guided commentary, boat cruise, and generous lagoon time. For travelers who prefer avoiding hectic schedules and enjoy a more leisurely exploration, this experience hits the right notes.

However, if you’re someone who wants a quick snapshot of Balos or has mobility limitations, the long bus rides and walking involved might be less ideal. Also, the potential for delays during transportation is worth noting if your day is tight.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day trip that combines boat riding, sightseeing, and swimming. It’s perfect for those who value comfort and a slower pace over rushing from site to site. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to enjoy the stunning views of Crete’s coast will find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s not the best option for travelers with mobility issues or those wanting an early-morning start, but for most others, it offers a well-rounded and memorable way to experience Balos Lagoon.

FAQs

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, including transfers, boat cruises, and free time at Balos Lagoon.

Where do pickups occur?
Pickups are available from 12 predefined locations including Heraklion, Malia, Kokkini Hani, and others. After booking, you’ll receive detailed pickup info.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased on the boat for about €7.50 or you can bring your own snacks and water.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and some snacks. Optional items include underwater snorkel gear for marine viewing.

Can I see marine life during the cruise?
Yes, some travelers have reported seeing sea turtles and dolphins, along with enjoying the views of marine creatures while snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to walking and boat boarding. Children who enjoy water activities and scenery will likely love it.

In summary, the Crete Balos late and direct cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and well-organized way to experience one of Crete’s most beautiful natural sites. With its combination of comfort, flexibility, and stunning views, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable day without the early alarm clocks. Whether you’re into photography, marine life, or simply soaking up the sun, this tour provides a comfortable yet enriching way to enjoy Crete’s famed coastlines.