From Rethymno: Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Peninsula with PickUp

Traveling through Crete offers countless opportunities for breathtaking scenery, history, and relaxing beaches — and this tour from Rethymno does a fantastic job of ticking all those boxes. It combines a comfortable bus ride, a scenic boat cruise, and time to explore two of Crete’s most iconic spots: Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. You get to experience the natural beauty, historical ruins, and crystal-clear waters that make this part of Crete so special.

One of the things we love most about this tour is how well-organized it is — from the morning pickup to the return, everything runs smoothly. The boat rides offer stunning views of the coast, and the time allocated at each stop feels balanced, giving you enough space to swim, snap photos, or hike up to the Venetian fortress.

A minor consideration is the ferry’s anchoring point near Balos Lagoon, which means no direct shoreline landing—so you’ll be swimming from the boat to reach the beach. For many, this adds a fun, refreshing element, but it’s worth noting if mobility or comfort with swimming is a concern.

This tour appeals most to travelers who love natural beauty, historical sites, and a bit of adventure — especially those happy to spend a full day exploring Crete’s stunning coastline with a knowledgeable guide by their side.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned bus pickups from Rethymno and smooth transfers to Kissamos Port.
• Stunning Views: Scenic boat rides along the coast providing excellent photo opportunities.
• Balanced Itinerary: Plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and optional hiking at Gramvousa.
• Authentic Experience: Guided insights and local tips add depth to the trip.
• Value for Money: At $11 plus ticket costs, this tour offers a fantastic way to see Crete’s iconic spots without breaking the bank.
• Practical Details: Includes pickup from multiple locations and flexible cancellation options.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Pickup and Transportation

The adventure begins with a convenient pickup from five different locations in Rethymno — including Stavromenos, Skaleta, Adelianos Kampos, Sfakaki, and Rethymno itself. The comfortable, air-conditioned bus makes the 2-hour journey to Kissamos Port relaxed and breezy, a good time to start soaking in the scenery or chatting with fellow travelers. Based on reviews, the drivers are professional and helpful, though some noted the air conditioning can get a bit chilly, so bring a jumper if you tend to get cold easily.

Scenic Ferry Ride to the Islands

Once at Kissamos, you’ll board a ferry for a 75-minute cruise. This part of the trip is definitely a highlight — the boat offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Aegean Sea. Travelers mention that the staff is friendly, and the boat provides good photo opportunities, especially when passing by rugged cliffs and distant horizons.

Stops at Gramvousa Peninsula

The ferry docks at Gramvousa Island, where you’re given about two hours to explore. You can choose to relax, swim, or hike up to the Venetian Fortress. The walk to the fortress is about 20 minutes over rocky terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The views from the top are spectacular, with breathtaking vistas of the sea and surrounding islands. As one reviewer noted, “the sites were wonderful,” and the guides provided useful insights — although some travelers wished the guides spoke more French, as advertised.

Exploring Gramvousa and the Fortress

Many visitors loved the freedom to explore at their own pace, whether taking photos, browsing the fortress ruins, or simply lounging by the water. The clear, inviting waters make swimming from the boat a perfect way to cool off — a feature that was a hit among reviewers, who appreciated the “sun-drenched waters” and “vibrant marine life.”

The Balos Lagoon Experience

Next, the boat departs for Balos Lagoon, a 20-minute ferry ride away. Here, you’ll have around 2.5 hours to enjoy the soft sands and turquoise waters. Note that the ferry anchors about 300 meters from the shore due to new government restrictions, meaning you’ll often swim from the boat to reach the beach. Travelers shared that “swimming from the boat was fun,” but for some, it was a bit tiring or unwelcome if they preferred land access.

Once ashore, visitors often spend their time lounging on the sand, wading into the shallow waters, or snapping photos of the iconic landscape. The lagoon’s shallow, calm waters are ideal for families and casual swimmers. There are also opportunities for snorkeling, and the scenery is truly postcard-perfect.

Return Journey

After soaking up the beauty of Balos, the boat heads back to Kissamos. The return cruise lasts about 80 minutes, offering more time for photos and relaxation. As the boat glides back, you get to enjoy stunning views of the coast and distant islands, making this a peaceful, scenic end to the day.

Final Transfer and Return to Rethymno

Once back at Kissamos Port, your bus awaits to take you back to Rethymno. The entire day totals around 11.5 hours, with most travelers feeling it’s a full but rewarding experience. Some reviews note that the return drop-off can be a bit far from hotels, sometimes leaving guests a short walk in the dark — so bring a flashlight or be prepared for a quick stroll.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes pickup and drop-off services from your accommodation in Rethymno, making logistics straightforward. The bus ride, ferry tickets, and guided insights are all covered, which means you only need to carry cash for the boat tickets (€38 for adults and €19 for children over 3 years old), the small park fee at Balos Lagoon (€1), and any snacks or lunch you wish to purchase onboard or bring with you.

While the price of $11 per person is very affordable, it’s essential to factor in the additional costs of boat tickets and the small park fee. When considering the value, it’s a fantastic deal for a day featuring boat rides, scenic views, swimming in pristine waters, and exploring historic ruins.

Note that sunbeds, umbrellas, and lunch are not included, so if you prefer more comfort or specific dietary needs, planning ahead is wise. Many travelers bring a picnic or buy snacks locally before boarding.

Review Insights and Practical Tips

Overall, reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the beauty of the sites visited. One traveler appreciated that “the staff was friendly but lacked French,” which hints at the need for some patience if you’re a French speaker. Others mentioned that the guides shared valuable insights during the trip, enhancing the experience.

A common theme in reviews was the quality of the scenery — the boat rides and the beaches are genuinely stunning, making this tour a highlight for many. A few travelers found the bus ride a bit uncomfortable due to cold air conditioning, and some noted the return drop-off was a bit far from their hotels, but these are minor considerations compared to the overall value.

Most importantly, the tour offers a balanced mix of relaxation, exploration, and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s perfect for those who want to see the best of Crete’s coastline without the hassle of organizing multiple transport pieces or expensive private tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an affordable, well-organized day trip that combines scenic boat rides, historic exploration, and relaxing beach time. It suits those who appreciate guided tours with insightful commentary and are comfortable with swimming and walking on uneven terrain. If you’re traveling with family or friends and enjoy capturing stunning photos, this day trip checks all the boxes.

However, if you have mobility issues or require wheelchair access, this tour might not be suitable, given the rocky terrain and boat anchoring methods. Also, if you’re looking for a luxury experience with included meals and sunbeds, you might want to explore more premium options.

The Sum Up

This tour from Rethymno to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula offers a fantastic way to experience some of Crete’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The mix of scenic boat rides, historical sites, and pristine beaches makes for a well-rounded day that balances activity with relaxation.

The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and opportunities for swimming and sightseeing make this experience highly appealing for travelers eager to indulge in Crete’s natural beauty. The value is excellent, especially considering the price of the boat tickets and the included transport, making it an accessible option for many.

While some reviews mention minor inconveniences like the boat anchoring method or the bus’s cold air conditioning, these don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. It’s a trip that offers memorable moments, great photo ops, and a genuine taste of Crete’s best.

For those who love scenic coastlines, historical ruins, and crystal waters, this tour is a top choice — especially if you’re looking for a full-day adventure that balances fun and discovery.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from five different locations in Rethymno is included, and the bus will transfer you to Kissamos Port.

How long is the boat cruise?
The cruise to Gramvousa and Balos lasts a total of about 75 and 80 minutes respectively, with additional time spent at each stop for activities.

Do I need to bring my own tickets for the boat?
Yes, boat tickets (€38 for adults and €19 for children) are paid in cash directly to the guide or driver, as they are prebooked through the agency.

Can I hike to the fortress on Gramvousa Island?
Yes, the walk takes about 20 minutes over rocky terrain, and sturdy shoes are recommended.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and beachwear are suggested. Bringing a picnic or snacks is also advised if you have dietary preferences.

Are sunbeds or umbrellas provided?
No, these are not included, so consider bringing your own if you prefer more comfort while relaxing on the beaches.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with walking on uneven terrain and swimming. It might not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility constraints.

In all, this tour offers a well-balanced day of natural beauty, history, and fun, making it a great option for those wanting to capture the essence of Crete in a single day.