Tour reviews · BOAT TOURS IN CHANIA

15 Boat Tours in Chania That Survive a Close Look

28 tours  ·  from $20

The good boat tours in Chania sell out first and the cheap ones are not always the weak ones. Below: all 15, what each includes, and where they differ.

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa - What the big boat is really like
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From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

1.From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 6,755 reviews · 7 hours · from $47Our pick

Spend seven hours aboard a large, comfortable ferry from Kissamos Port, visiting Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. Swim from rocky shores, see a shipwreck, hike to a Venetian castle, and enjoy about two hours at each stop. This is independent sightseeing with crew support and a multilingual audio guide, not a guided walking tour.

“Water was so nice, ride was smooth. Wkuld totally recommend”

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Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra - Pickup from Chania, Kalyves, and the surrounding resorts
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Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

2.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 992 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $23

Ride from Chania, Kalyves, or nearby resorts to Kissamos, then sail to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You’ll have time to swim, hike to the Venetian fortress, and enjoy the sea from a large ferry. Guide Stella and other English-speaking escorts explain the day, while food and drinks are sold on board.

“Balos is very beautiful, but a bit too overcrowded. Gramvousa is just a rocky island with a rocky beach. Still, the trip is well organized and a good way to spend a day of your holiday.”

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Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket - Getting from Chania to Kissamos Port
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Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

3.Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 925 reviews · from $47

Spend a full day sailing from Kissamos to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You’ll have time to hike to a 137-meter Venetian castle, swim from the boat or beach, and enjoy the views from a large ferry with a bar-restaurant. Pickup is available near hotels in Chania and nearby resorts.

“Best attraction in west crete ! Exotic beach with deep blue clean water . Our transportation to port of kissamos and back to our hotel was excellent 👌 The driver and the guide were very kind and friendly, provived us more information about other places and attractions in crete ! Its a must do activity in Chania region .”

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Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra - Kissamos Port and the boat transfer
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Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

4.Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 594 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $20Best value

Travel from Rethymno to Kissamos by air-conditioned bus, then cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. You get beach time, clear water, and the option to climb the Venetian Fortress. Guides such as Anastasia, Kostas, and George have been praised for friendly, smooth organization. Bring cash: the boat ticket is extra.

“We took this trip on 23d September! Thanks a lot to the great guide George/Georgios for smooth organising, being funny and answering all our questions. Best guide we had while staying in Crete! Weather was windy but it the blue water was still worth it.”

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Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket - Kissamos Port and the large ferry
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Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket

5.Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 590 reviews · 12 hours · from $64

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Chania and nearby resorts to Kissamos, then cruise to Balos and Gramvousa. Swim at two striking beaches, photograph Tersanas Cave and Vouxa Cape, and climb to Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress. Guides such as Vicky, Eva, and Irene are known for clear instructions and warm help throughout the long day.

“Everything was perfect! The guide was exceptional and went above and beyond her duties!”

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Limeniskos: Gramvousa and Balos Speedboat Tour with Drinks - Leaving Falassarna and crossing to Gramvousa
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Limeniskos: Gramvousa and Balos Speedboat Tour with Drinks

6.Limeniskos: Gramvousa and Balos Speedboat Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 577 reviews · 3 hours · from $99

Take a fast, small-group boat from the Falassarna fishing port to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You get about an hour at each stop, with time for the fortress, beach, swimming, and snorkeling. Captain Panos and the English-speaking crew serve water, soft drinks, and beer. Morning trips help beat the crowds, while late departures can catch the sunset.

“The best cruise on Crete! Fast transport to Balos, a looooot of cold drinks with no limit, super nice stuff!! Cool boat, fantastic trip, thank you :)”

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From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town - The coach ride from Heraklion to Kasteli
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From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town

7.Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 526 reviews · 14.5 - 16 hours · from $88

You’ll leave Heraklion by coach for Kasteli, then cruise past Gramvousa Fortress to Balos Lagoon for swimming and beach time. Afterward, spend two hours in Chania’s Venetian harbor and old town. The day lasts 14.5 to 16 hours, with guides in English, German, French, Italian, or Polish. Bring a jacket, towel, sun protection, and water shoes.

“So glad we booked this excursion…amazing natural beauty! Wear some good water shoes…very rocky. Very well organized, pick up/drop off right from your hotel.”

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Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise - The 90-minute sail from Kissamos
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Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise

8.Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 516 reviews · 7 - 8.5 hours · from $229

Spend 7 to 8.5 hours sailing from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island aboard a modern catamaran for up to 22 people. Crew members such as Dimitri, Jessica, Giannis, and Spiros serve Cretan food, drinks, and local guidance, while SUPs, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and a pink flamingo float keep the sea time lively.

“Everyone took incredible care of us. Jessica prepared and cooked us some delicious lunch, with lovely snacks also served throughout the day. We ended up chatting to each of the staff who were all so friendly and enthusiastic. Absolutely loved it, would go again and highly recommend.”

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Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling - Chironisia Bay and its small sea caves
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Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

9.Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 429 reviews · 4 hours · from $47

Spend four hours cruising from Kolymbari to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. You get snorkeling gear, swimming time, a guide in English or Greek, and optional hotel pickup. Explore ancient sites, WWII remains, smooth-pebble shores, and small sea caves. Maria is among the helpful staff members noted for assisting with equipment and guest concerns.

“So happy for we booked to do this! Everything was so easy with pick up and drop off from right outside our hotel. The boat was quite busy but the two swimming spots we went to didnt have any other large boats so it didnt feel too crowded. And the water was beautiful. I’d definitely recommend this!”

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Kolimvari: Sailing Cruise with Meal & Water Activities - One hour along Chania’s north coast
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Kolimvari: Sailing Cruise with Meal & Water Activities

10.Kolimvari: Sailing Cruise with Meal & Water Activities

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 390 reviews · 5 hours · from $129

From Kolimvari, sail with captain Loukas and chef Jason along Chania’s north coast to Agioi Theodoroi, home of Crete’s Kri-Kri goats. You get about three hours at anchor for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding, followed by shrimp linguine or a vegetarian alternative, Cretan appetizers, fruit, and unlimited drinks. Morning and sunset departures are available.

“Trip was great! Great crew, great food, nice relaxing cove to paddle board and snorkel in.”

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Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling - What the three-hour boat trip feels like
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Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling

11.Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 363 reviews · 3 hours · from $100

Travel from Chania to Almyrida for a three-hour boat trip with guided snorkeling, stand-up paddling, fresh fruit, and free underwater photos. Guides such as Adriana, Simone, and Lucca help first-timers feel at ease, while optional Yamaha sea scooters add extra fun for ages 12 and up.

“It was a fantastic afternoon! The staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful. Our guide Simone and captain were amazing, taking photos and teaching us about the area. I couldn’t recommend enough! One in our group is not a strong swimmer and he even enjoyed! They made him feel comfortable giving him buoyancy aids. Safe, wonderful excellent company”

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Chania Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise to Thodorou & Lazareta - Lazaretta’s quiet beach and clear water
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Chania Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise to Thodorou & Lazareta

12.Chania Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise to Thodorou & Lazareta

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 285 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $53

Sail from Chania’s old port with Captain Nestor and George, stopping at Thodorou to look for wild Kri Kri goats and a WWII German plane wreck, then at Lazaretta for swimming and snorkeling. The 3.5-hour trip includes a drink, swim stops, flotation aids, and snorkeling gear.

“most beautiful place ♥️♥️♥️Captain Nestor is very nice. thank you so much ♥️♥️♥️”

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Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip with Boat Ticket - The bus from Rethymno to Kissamos
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Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip with Boat Ticket

13.Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip with Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 249 reviews · 1 day · from $64

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Rethymno to Kissamos, then cruise to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You get 90 minutes at the Venetian fortress and three hours at Balos for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. Guides may include Lazarus or Anastasia, with English and some departures offering German or French support.

“Alles hat gut geklappt. Unser Guide hat gut deutsch gesprochen( Auch englisch). Alles auf den Programm haben wir gemacht und man hat auch genügend Zeit gehabt bei beiden Orten. Würde es nochmals buchen”

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Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling Tour - The ride from your hotel to the Cretan coast
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Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling Tour

14.Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · 4 hours · from $88Top rated

Salty Descents takes you from Chania, Souda, Kalyves, Platanias, or Georgioupoli to two Cretan snorkeling sites. Guides such as Ioannis, Giorgos, Giannis, and Ioanna provide gear help, safety instruction, and marine-life tips. Expect about 90 minutes in the water, a motorboat ride, fruit and water, and hotel transfers.

“We had such a fantastic time snorkeling! All of the staff were so kind and knowledgeable, and we saw so many incredible things in the water. I’d absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking to explore!”

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Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise - The long road from eastern Crete
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Crete: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

15.Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 214 reviews · 13 - 15 hours · from $56

Travel by air-conditioned coach from eastern Crete to Kissamos, then cruise to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You get time to climb to Gramvousa’s fortress, swim from the island shore, and enjoy a long stop at Balos. English and French guides accompany the trip. Expect a very long day, extra boat fees, and rough footing at Balos.

“The area was breath taking , but the area is very dangerous on the path to the beach area is all volcanic rock and very slippery , I fell very badly had to be taken to the Chaina Hospital for stitches on my head and i fractured ankle this area should be advise of being a dangerous area !!! also the tour guide of this group did nothing to help me so I don't recommend it”

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New in Boat Tours in Chania

★ 4.9Guided Tour to Loutro (Boat tickets Included)37 reviews
★ 4.6Balos & Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with MealFrom $15445 reviews
★ 4.9Shared Balos and Gramvousa Sailing Trip with Meal and DrinksFrom $15350 reviews
★ 4.8Balos and Gramvousa Private Sailing Trip with Meal41 reviews
★ 4.3Loutro Day Trip by BoatFrom $3932 reviews
★ 4.9From Kissamos Port: Balos and Gramvousa Private RIB Cruise35 reviews
★ 4.7Private Cruise with Sup Food & Unlimited Drinks31 reviews

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