# Boat from Kissamos to Gramvousa and the Balos lagoon What to do en Chania · Chania Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/crete/chania/things-to-do/balos-gramvousa-cruise · Revisado: 2026-11-12 - Duración: 7 h 30 - Temporada: From spring to autumn, with more departures in summer - Para quién: All ages A day-long boat excursion from Kissamos to the island of Gramvousa, with its Venetian fortress, and to the Balos lagoon. Seasonal departures. What it involves It is a day-long boat excursion from the port of Kissamos, in western Crete, to the tip of the Gramvousa peninsula. The boat makes two stops: first at the island of Gramvousa, with its Venetian fortress on top, and then at the Balos lagoon, the tongue of white sand and shallow turquoise water that appears in almost every photo of western Crete. The advantage of the boat is that it saves you the land access: a long dirt track along the peninsula and a walk down to the lagoon that you have to climb back up in the afternoon sun. From the sea you arrive at the foot of the beach and step off at the jetty. Who runs it The regular departures on large boats are by Cretan Daily Cruises, the Kissamos shipping company that operates the route with a fleet of boats of between 300 and 1,200 places, such as the Gramvousa, the Balos or the Gramvousa Express. All have an air-conditioned lounge, open decks and an on-board bar. Tickets are bought on their website or at the port. The boat leaves mid-morning and returns in the late afternoon, after about four hours between the two stops. Resellers list departures around 10:30 and returns around 17:45, but the timetable changes with the season and the boat: confirm it when you book and arrive at the port at least 40 minutes early. The price also varies by date; check the day's fare on the shipping company's website. What the day is like Gramvousa. The boat docks in a cove of transparent water. If you want to go up to the fortress, which the Venetians built to watch over the entrance to the gulf, get off the boat first: it is half an hour of uphill on a stone path, with no shade, and at the top you see the peninsula and the lagoon from above. If not, stay and swim in the cove. Balos. The long stop. You disembark at the jetty and walk across the sand to the lagoon, where the water is knee-deep for children over a good part of it. On the other side is Cape Tigani, a rocky islet joined by sand. There is very little shade: bring a parasol or something to cover up with. When to go Departures are seasonal, from spring to autumn, more frequent in summer. In a strong north wind the boat may cancel or change the order of the stops; the shipping company gives notice. In July and August the lagoon fills up at midday with visitors from the boats and from those who arrive overland. In June and September the water is already good and there are fewer people. How to get to the port The port of Kissamos (Kavonisi) is about 40 km west of Chania, about 45 minutes by car along the national road. If you are without a car, the KTEL buses from Chania to Kissamos leave from the bus station several times a day; from the Kissamos stop to the port there are still a few kilometres, so ask about the connection when you book or take a taxi. If you hire a car, see the car hire page. What to bring Swimwear, towel, sun cream, hat and water. Comfortable shoes if you climb to the fortress, and water shoes for the stones of the Gramvousa cove. There is a bar on board, but the food is basic: bring a sandwich if you want something better. The peninsula is a protected area: don't take away sand or shells. Lo organiza: Cretan Daily Cruises (https://www.cretandailycruises.com/explorecruises/gramvousabalos.en.html) ## Cómo llegar y contacto - Web: https://www.cretandailycruises.com/explorecruises/gramvousabalos.en.html - Coordenadas: 35.586, 23.588 ## Consejos ### Climb to the fortress as soon as you land The slope is short but in the sun: if you set off first, you climb before it heats up and are back in time for a swim. ### Book a few days ahead in August The big boats have lots of places, but peak summer dates fill up. ### Take shade to Balos The lagoon has hardly any natural shade and it is where you spend the most hours. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### Where does the boat to Balos leave from? From the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi), about 40 km west of Chania. There are no regular departures from Chania town. ### How long does the excursion last? All day: it leaves mid-morning and returns in the late afternoon, with stops at Gramvousa and Balos. ### Can you go to Balos without a boat? Yes, by car along a dirt track and walking down, but the climb back, in the sun, is hard with children. Destino: [Chania](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/crete/chania.md)