Kissamos is a prime spot for sailing — thanks to its access to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, some of the most stunning waters and landscapes in Crete. The region’s calm, clear seas and scenic vistas make it an ideal setting for memorable boat trips. Whether you’re after a luxury day on a modern catamaran or a romantic sunset cruise, Kissamos offers options that blend adventure with relaxation. The Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise is a standout for its semi-private vibe, freshly cooked Mediterranean meals, and water activities — perfect for travelers wanting a mix of comfort and fun. For those seeking a VIP experience, the All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Balos & Gramvousa offers top-tier service, panoramic views, and a water slide for instant sea access. And if a sunset escape is more your style, the Romantic Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise provides a dreamy way to end the day with local snacks, wine, and unforgettable scenery. With so many choices, Kissamos is truly a sailing hub worth exploring.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of sailing tours designed to suit different tastes and schedules. From full-day luxurious cruises with water activities and gourmet meals (Tour #1) to shorter sunset trips (Tour #5), each offers a unique way to experience Crete’s waters. Some excursions focus on exploring Balos and Gramvousa with snorkeling and hiking (Tour #4), while others emphasize comfort and panoramic views (Tour #2). Read on for detailed descriptions to help you choose the perfect voyage.
1. Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise
This luxury semi-private cruise takes you from Kissamos to the famous Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. The trip lasts about 7.5 hours, blending adventure with laid-back relaxation. You’ll board a sleek, modern catamaran that promises comfort and quality amenities. The cruise features several water-based activities, including paddleboarding and snorkeling, with inflatable flamingos to make your photos pop.
What makes this tour stand out is the sumptuous Mediterranean lunch served onboard along with unlimited drinks, making it perfect for those who want a full-day experience with gourmet food. The itinerary includes time at Balos Lagoon’s serene waters, away from crowds, and a visit to Gramvousa Island’s striking scenery, where you can snorkel or simply unwind. Reviewers often praise the crew’s professionalism and the boat’s modern setup. One noted, “The guides were exceptional, and the food was delicious, making this a perfect day,” which sums up the feeling of many.
Bottom Line: This cruise suits travelers seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive day with water fun, scenic beauty, and gourmet meals. It’s a great choice if comfort and quality matter.
2. Kissamos: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Balos & Gramvousa
This VIP morning cruise offers the biggest, newest, and most exclusive catamaran in Crete — the Daneri Lux. It’s a 6.5 to 7.5-hour trip to Balos and Gramvousa, with plenty of special touches like VIP flying bridge access for panoramic views and a full open bar. You’ll enjoy a gourmet snack spread, regional cuisine, and a water slide and ladder for quick sea access, making it ideal for families or groups who want a bit of everything.
What makes this tour unique is its emphasis on luxury and comfort. The boat is large, modern, and less crowded, with opportunities for sunbathing, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The itinerary includes scenic cruising, photo stops at Balos and Gramvousa, and stand-up paddleboarding. Reviewers highlight the friendly crew and the quality of the food, with one mentioning, “The staff was helpful, and the views from the flybridge are unbeatable.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers craving a premium experience with VIP amenities and plenty of time to relax and explore, all while enjoying excellent service.
3. Kissamos: Afternoon Luxury Catamaran to Balos & Refreshments
This afternoon cruise is designed for those wanting a shorter, elegant experience. Lasting about 4 to 5 hours, it offers a luxurious onboard atmosphere, panoramic flybridge views, and a fun waterslide. You’ll sail to Balos Lagoon, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The cruise features an open bar, gourmet snacks, and the chance to capture stunning sunset photos.
This trip is ideal for travelers interested in a relaxed, scenic evening with the added bonus of a sunset. It’s a more budget-friendly but still upscale option, with reviews praising the luxury feel and the professional crew. One guest wrote, “The boat was beautiful, and the crew made it very special,” highlighting its intimate appeal.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups seeking a shorter, scenic evening cruise with a luxurious touch.
4. Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Meal
This modern sailing yacht trip offers a more traditional sailing experience, focusing on Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island exploration. It’s a full-day adventure lasting around 7.5 hours. The tour includes swimming, snorkeling, and visiting the famous shipwreck on Gramvousa. You’ll also enjoy a Mediterranean meal onboard, with options like seafood risotto, salads, and fresh fruits.
What makes this trip special is its focus on authentic sailing combined with top-notch food. It’s well-reviewed for its friendly crew and the chance to see the underwater treasures of Gramvousa’s wreck. One reviewer mentioned, “The food was fantastic, and the locations breathtaking,” emphasizing its value for those wanting both adventure and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who love sailing on a yacht with a focus on exploration, snorkeling, and good food.
5. Kissamos: Romantic Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise
This 3-hour evening cruise offers a peaceful way to experience Crete’s sunset from the water. The boat is elegant, and the atmosphere is intimate — perfect for couples or those looking for a tranquil evening. You’ll enjoy a glass of Prosecco on board, with opportunities to snorkel or paddleboard in calm waters and take photos of the sky turning colors.
The highlight is the sunset in a scenic bay with a Greek church backdrop, making for unforgettable photos. Reviewers describe it as “a truly magical experience,” with many noting how the relaxed pace and friendly crew made it special. It’s a smaller, more personal tour compared to daytime extravaganzas.
Bottom Line: Best for romantics or anyone wanting a serene, scenic end to their day in Crete.
6. Kissamos: Sailing Cruise to Balos & Gramvousa with Lunch
This full-day sailing trip combines exploration and relaxation, lasting 7 to 9 hours. It features a sailing yacht visiting Balos Beach, Gramvousa, and includes a served lunch with fresh fruits and drinks. The itinerary emphasizes swimming, snorkeling, and hiking on Gramvousa, with sightseeing at each stop.
Reviewers appreciate that it offers a comprehensive experience with enough time to explore both islands. The lunch onboard is a highlight, often praised as delicious and plentiful. The trip is suitable for travelers who want a full immersion into the area’s natural beauty, and those who don’t mind a longer day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers looking to combine sailing with hiking and island exploration.
7. Kissamos: Balos and Gramvousa Sailing Trip with Meal
This shared boat trip offers a well-rounded day to visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, with plenty of swimming and snorkeling. Lasting about 8 hours, it includes a traditional Cretan meal and drinks onboard. You’ll get fantastic photo opportunities, especially at Gramvousa’s Venetian Castle and the lagoon’s stunning waters.
The tour gets high marks for its value, especially considering the inclusion of a meal. One reviewer called it a “great way to see the best of Crete’s waters with good food,” and the longer duration allows for a relaxed pace. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience without the luxury price tag of premium cruises.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a full-day adventure with good food and plenty of time for snorkeling and sightseeing.
$142 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Sailing Experience
When deciding which cruise to book, consider your budget, time available, and what kind of experience you’re after. For a luxurious day with gourmet food, the Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise is hard to beat. If a romantic sunset or shorter trip suits your style, the Sunset Cruise offers a serene, memorable experience.
For those interested in a more authentic sailing vibe with a focus on exploration, the Balos & Gramvousa Yacht Cruise with Meal combines adventure and good food at a reasonable price. And if you want freedom to explore with a full-day adventure, the longer trips with lunch or multiple stops will be your best bet.
Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and avoid missing out on these popular experiences.
Kissamos offers a range of sailing trips that cater to all tastes — whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, romance, or family fun. With so many beautiful waters and islands just a boat ride away, you’ll find a cruise that matches your style. Prepare your camera, pack some sunscreen, and set sail for Crete’s most unforgettable waters.