Two beaches, one smooth plan. This shared sail is built around big-water views and real beach time, not rushed checklists. I like the small-group sailing (max 10 people) and I also like the tasty local lunch with beer and wine included.

One thing to watch: towels are not included. If you forget yours, you’ll be drying off with whatever you brought, and Balos water time can be long.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

• Max 10 passengers means you’re not squeezed into a mass of people on deck.
• Balos Lagoon gets a full 2 hours with admission included and plenty of time for a swim.
• Imeri Gramvousa is another 2 hours, with free admission and options to snorkel and climb.
• Snorkeling gear is provided so you can focus on water time, not rentals.
• Lunch + soft drinks + beer and wine are included, making the day feel good value.

Two lagoons without the big-ferry crush

The best part of this kind of day trip is simple: you want the boat ride, then you want time at the water. This one is designed around that rhythm. With a maximum of 10 travelers, it tends to feel like a shared day out rather than a schedule fought over by crowds.

You’ll also notice the mood on deck. People can move, talk, and settle in without constantly stepping around strangers. That matters when you’re spending part of the day getting in and out of the water at two different locations.

Price and what actually drives the value

At about $156.53 per person for an ~8-hour day, this tour only makes sense if you treat it as more than transportation. The value is in what’s folded in: a proper lunch, bottled water, soda/pop, plus beer and wine, along with snorkeling equipment.

It’s also not just one stop. You get Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa, each with about 2 hours. And Balos admission is included on the day, while Gramvousa admission is listed as free—so you’re not nickel-and-diming entry costs.

One more value angle: small-group sailing often saves you energy. If you’ve ever watched people fight for space right when a big boat unloads, you know how much that drains the day. Here, the group size is capped, so your time doesn’t feel swallowed up right after docking.

Kissamos port departure: the day starts at Mikros Naftilos Cruises

The tour meets at Mikros Naftilos CruisesKissamos Port in Kissamos (734 00), with a 10:00 am start. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not left planning a separate return.

A quick practical point: for a smooth start, plan to arrive early enough to get your bearings at the port. If you’re traveling in a group, decide up front who holds tickets and phone access, since you’ll want everything ready when the boat time comes.

Also, this is a shared sail, so you’ll want to dress for sun and sea. Bring what you need for being in and out of the water, since you’re doing beach time and snorkeling time both days.

Balos Lagoon: 2 hours of turquoise water and a real beach break

Balos Lagoon is the headline for a reason. You’re there for about 2 hours, and the admission ticket is included. The water is described as crystal clear turquoise, and the beach is often talked about as one of the most beautiful in Crete.

In practical terms, that 2-hour block is what lets you do more than just stand and pose. You can swim, wade, and take your time finding the spot you like best. Balos is one of those places where the scenery stays interesting even when you’re not moving—so you’ll feel less rushed than you would on a shorter stop.

One thing to keep in mind: after sailing out and getting settled, you’ll want to move quickly to get into the water and then explore at a comfortable pace. If you’re planning to snorkel, this is usually where you’ll get your easiest first swim because the water conditions are the whole point of the place.

Finally, remember the towel situation. If you’ve got a towel ready, you’ll be happier at Balos. If you don’t, you’ll feel it.

Imeri Gramvousa: snorkel around the shipwreck and choose your effort level

After Balos, you’ll head to Imeri Gramvousa, where you get about 2 hours again. Admission there is listed as free.

This stop is for two kinds of people. First, there’s the beach and snorkeling around the shipwreck area. If you like seeing underwater shapes and historical remains in a natural setting, this is the portion of the day most likely to make you slow down.

Second, there’s the land option for the energetic: you can climb up toward the top of Gramvousa. That climb leads to the old Venetian Castle built into the rock. From there, the views are described as breath-taking, and it’s the kind of lookout that turns a “beach day” into a “wow, look at that” moment.

The trade-off is effort. If you climb, you’ll need to budget your energy so you still enjoy the water time afterward. If you don’t climb, you’ll still have plenty to do at the beach and with snorkeling, since the day is balanced around both options.

The sail itself: comfort, timing, and one wavy moment

A day like this isn’t only the two stops. It’s the sail in between. The boat experience matters, especially if you’re someone who hates rushing.

The smaller group size helps the vibe. It also helps with your ability to find a good viewing spot on deck without playing tug-of-war with others. On one of the sail portions, the wind can pick up enough that you feel the sail working, which adds a bit of character to the transit.

That said, expect the sea to be real. One section is described as wavy. It’s not described as a deal-breaker, but it’s a reminder to take motion seriously if you’re prone to seasickness. If you know you get affected on boats, pack what helps you.

Lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear: included comfort that adds up

This is one of the strongest parts of the tour because it’s not “light snacks and good luck.” You’ll get a very tasty lunch with local specialties. On top of that, bottled water and soda/pop are included.

Alcoholic beverages are also included: beer and wine. That doesn’t mean the day is a party—just that you don’t have to decide whether you’ll buy a drink at the beach or skip it. For many people, that’s what keeps the budget feeling controlled.

Then there’s snorkeling equipment. Since it’s included, you don’t need to plan extra rentals or worry about timing. It’s a small detail that can wreck a day if you forget it. Here, you can focus on finding a comfortable spot and getting into the water when it’s your turn.

One more practical note: towels are not included. If you’re planning to snorkel at both stops, a towel becomes part of your “kit,” not an afterthought.

Guides and crew matter more than you think

Even with the best scenery, the crew shapes how smoothly the day runs. This tour is operated by Mikros Naftilos Cruises, and the experience is described as organized with enough time at each location that it doesn’t feel frantic.

Specific names show up in the praise: guides George and Christopher are mentioned as doing a great job keeping things clear and calm. A captain named Cristos is also noted for being attentive and making sure everything needed is in place.

In practical terms, good crew work usually looks like: clear timing, helpful instruction before you get in the water, and keeping the group moving at a pace that doesn’t leave you stressed.

If you want a day where you can relax into the scenery—rather than thinking about logistics every five minutes—this setup is a strong fit.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This tour works best if you want a small-group sailing day with two major spots and included comforts. It’s also ideal if you like choice: you can snorkel around the shipwreck at Gramvousa, climb for the Venetian Castle views, or simply focus on beach time at Balos.

You might want to think twice if you strongly prefer zero boat motion. While it’s described as comfortable overall, there is mention of one wavy spot, and the day is weather-dependent.

It’s also not built around “bring nothing and wing it.” With no towels provided, you need to come prepared for getting wet and drying off.

Should you book this Balos and Gramvousa sail?

If your goal is a day that mixes Balos Lagoon’s swim-worthy beauty with Gramvousa’s snorkel-and-view payoff, this is an easy yes for many people. The standout reasons are the max 10 passenger size, the included lunch and drinks, and the fact that snorkeling gear is handled for you.

Book it if:

• you want meaningful time at both beaches (not just quick stops)
• you like small groups and a calmer boat day
• you’re okay with a bit of climbing optionality at Gramvousa

Consider another plan if:

• you’re going to forget your towel
• you get uncomfortable with boat motion and seas are rough

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa shared sailboat tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start, and when does it end?

It starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You’ll meet at Mikros Naftilos Cruises Kissamos Port, Kissamos 734 00, Greece.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

The tour stops at Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa, with about 2 hours at each stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to bring towels?

Towels are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is included, along with bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages (beer and wine).