Crete Balos Cruise: An Honest Look

So, you’re wondering about this Crete Balos Cruise thing, huh? Like your probably dreaming of clear turquoise waters and powdery sand? Then the Balos Lagoon might just jump to your head. Apparently, it’s all over Instagram, a spot folks are really hyping up. The buzz surrounding it got my attention too it’s almost hard to avoid the images. But is the cruise there worth it? The money, the time, all that? Well, I had to check it out myself. Turns out, what you see online versus reality is a topic worth going into.

What Exactly Is the Balos Cruise, Anyway?

Okay, what does the cruise even entail? It is like this boat tour, mainly. It takes you from a port – usually Kissamos – over to two places: Gramvousa Island and the Balos Lagoon. At Gramvousa, usually, there’s a super old Venetian fortress at the top of the hill, where folks take pictures, apparently. And after that, it is off to Balos Lagoon where you get to swim, wander around in this famed lagoon, and take your own pictures to share too it’s almost expected. Basically, the cruise makes the journey accessible.

Getting There and Back: Expect Some Hustle

The port where it all kicks off? That, apparently, is Kissamos (Kastelli) Port. Driving there can be…entertaining. Narrow roads, especially when you are coming closer. Now, depending on the company that folks picked, sometimes you could have transportation as a choice from bigger towns like Chania. Should that happen to be something you consider doing, confirm pickup spots and times ahead of schedule. Expect it to be packed with people, really. Because of this popularity, particularly during the summer, and very likely, hundreds are all wanting that same spot of sand and sea. And yes, lines might appear, but that’s just, I mean, people, really.

What You’ll See: Gramvousa Fortress

Gramvousa is the initial stop, more or less. That landmark up there is the Venetian fortress. But is that hike easy? Well, not really, that said, it could test you. Good walking shoes would likely be advisable, as you are climbing a somewhat rocky trail, after all. People who made their way up there shared that the sights up top could reward your efforts, even though the fortress is fairly ruined itself, and I get what they’re saying, especially, is that they had good weather that day. Give yourself enough clock ticks here. Just because, trust me, people are gonna want those selfies!

Balos Lagoon: Reality Check

Balos Lagoon, the headliner. Turquoise waters that everyone talks of? Honestly, there is something to them. They have an unreal shade that, in person, gives you something. But those idyllic pictures with no other people in the shot? That, apparently, is something else altogether. You would very, very likely be sharing your space, mainly, during peak times. Despite all that, there’s this stretch of shallow waters ideal, basically, for wading and families and stuff. Simply snag a spot, preferably away from where people disembark, if you are after a chilled vibe.

The Boat Itself: What to Expect

The vessel taking folks across will come in differing sizes, but don’t be very shocked if they look very simple, too it’s almost to expect. Bigger boats tend to have things like snack bars and spots to sit inside or outside. Seats may get claimed fast. People could want to sit up on the decks so they could catch those vistas so too it’s almost like it’s the most important part of the experience for some. A bit of sunlight screen is recommended, plus sunglasses. This bit is kinda lengthy, mostly, depending which company you pick.

Things to Bring Along: Sun, Sand, and Smarts

Sun Protection: The sun beats down hard. Sunscreen (reapply often), a hat, and sunglasses are a must.
Water: Stay hydrated. Bring a refillable bottle.
Snacks: While there might be snacks on the boat, bringing your own saves money and ensures you have what you like.
Towel & Swimsuit: These are fairly obvious, but easy to forget.
Good Shoes: For Gramvousa fortress, closed-toe shoes with good grip are better than flip-flops.
Cash: Small purchases might be easier with cash, though it’s usually not necessary.
Camera: So many awesome photo opportunities! Maybe grab an underwater one for Balos itself.

Is the Balos Cruise Worth It? A few Thoughts

Right, the important thing, I guess, is whether this cruise will leave you with joy? For Balos views easily reachable from the sea, then apparently this delivers. Keep expectations reasonable with crowding, particularly should you head out during July or August, I guess. If smaller crowds and that isolated coastline is important to you, a different avenue may be of higher interest. Things like the time you go in the year, plus flexibility for alternate days if the weather plays cruel, I believe could create huge differences.