Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon Tour from Heraklion With Food Option

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Ruth M.

October 19, 2025

Super nice and affordable cruise. We had a lovely time. An observation I made which really struck me is how efficient the bar service was for the amount of people aboard. We had a fantastic time. Super affordable. The prices aboard were very reasonable. The time spent at each stop was ample. Lots of seating areas in and out of the sun. No sun loungers but comfortable tables. I recommend nabbing a table at the front of the boat. We came mid October so on the way back after being out on stops for a swim it did get a little nippy with the sea breeze so bring a light jacket and some pocket money for the snack bar on board. Super nice crew, clean toilets where you can also get changed.

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Andreas P.

August 30, 2025

If you want to visit Balos beach i would recommend to take the boat Tour. You also visit the small Island near balos beach and can Take a Tour to the old Castle on top with a phantastic view

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Becky T.

July 27, 2025

Mixed views. We came for the Kissamos to Gramvousa and Balos route. It’s good if you want an on-time ship that is mostly indoors with chairs, and the option to have a quick meal, snacks, or rent an umbrella. What we didn’t care for and a little more detail on each is below. Size: It fits a few hundred so mid-range for this route. On-time: It was almost exactly on time for each stop, varying by only 1-2 minutes. I liked the promptness but be sure you’re on time or you’ll be left. Seats: There are four seating areas and get there very early if you have a large group or preference. One bench seating area is outdoors: about 1/3 in shade and 2/3 in sun. There are two areas on the ground floor, where windows a little higher - one has larger booths (near snacks) and the other has chairs. There is then a larger indoor seating area upstairs - with tables and chairs plus benches. We arrived 45 minutes before departure and on the boat 35-40 minutes before (after queue) and there was only one table available against the window with seats for two people. Larger groups after (2+) were usually split up across tables. Getting on & off: Not bad. Though queue guessing 5 minutes for ship to offload at stops, via a small metal gangplank/bridge. AC: There is light AC inside. It consistently felt about 1-2 degrees warmer than I’d like but not bad. I would’ve preferred a little fresh air though. Toilets: Adequate but small and hot. They are definitely ship toilets. Food: Decent mix of snacks and mains - though expensive and vegetarian main options are limited. Main options half gone by 13:00 so get yours early. Veg options: Boureki, stuffed tomatoes, pastries like spinach pie. By comparison, 3-4 meat sandwiches, 5-7 other mains, ham pastries. Snacks: Yoghurt, apple, banana, watermelon, biscuits, crisps, pastries, ice cream, and lots of water and other drinks for sale. Note: Bring cash as there are some places without mobile service where they won’t be able to accept cards. Ceiling height: Low, typical for ships. In some places 6 feet, so taller people were ducking. Staircases: Steep if going to the upper level. If a problem stay on ground where embark/disembark from as few (no?) steps. Umbrellas: Available to rent for €7, plus €10 deposit. Not sure needed. Gramvousa has shaded trees if you arrive early. Balos can be so windy it’s hard to raise - requires stacking some nearby rocks along it to hold in place. Safety: No info provided but clear signs for where lifejackets were. Seas: calm waters there, but higher waves and a bit of movement on the way back. Crew passed out bags in case anyone was ill (but don’t think anyone was).