Balos feels like a password to paradise. This private RIB trip from Kissamos gives you fast water time and real beach access at Balos Lagoon, then moves on to Gramvousa’s medieval fortress. You get an experienced skipper, plus drinks and snacks, so you spend your limited time actually in the water, not stuck in transit. The main drawback is the price, it is a premium option for a short 4-hour outing.

What I like most is the way the day is paced. You have real breathing room on both islands, about 1.5 hours at Balos and another 105 minutes for swimming, then about 75 minutes on Gramvousa. I also appreciate the human factor, skippers like Lefteris and Dimi come across as friendly and focused, and several outings start promptly enough to give you quieter moments before other boats arrive.

One thing to consider up front, if you are the type who wants calm, smooth cruising the whole time, you might not love the RIB experience. It can be sporty, and at least one recent trip dealt with choppy conditions with waves around 3 to 4 meters while still staying safe.

Key things that make this RIB cruise worth it

• Private access to Balos Lagoon, with anchor time built in for beach time and swimming
• Gramvousa fortress time so you can sunbathe, snorkel, or hike up for views
• A skipper who sets the ride style, adventurous or relaxed, based on what you want
• Snorkeling opportunities around wrecks when conditions allow, in clear water
• On-board drinks and food, including soft drinks, beer, and in some cases sandwiches and extra snacks

Entering Balos and Gramvousa the fast way

Balos and Gramvousa are both famous, but they are also far from most bases and a pain to piece together by bus and foot. This is why the RIB format works so well. You start from Kissamos Port, board at SEAze The Day in Kastelli, then you are on the move quickly. In practical terms, it means you spend the morning and not the entire day getting there.

The “private group” part also matters more than you might think. You are not negotiating for space on a crowded boat, and you can set the pace with the skipper. The boat is designed for speed, so the travel segments feel like connecting flights, and the stop times feel like real plans, not rushed photo stops.

One more detail I appreciate: the skipper handles the rhythm of the day. You can aim for a relaxed cruise with easy swimming and chill time, or you can push for a more adventurous ride on the water. That flexibility is useful when you have mixed ages in your group.

Meeting at SEAze The Day in Kastelli, Kissamos

You will meet your skipper at SEAze The Day at the small port of Kastelli in Kissamos. The tour info is specific: use the exact meeting point shown on Google Maps to avoid wasting time hunting around the harbor.

If you are driving, there is free parking at the port of Kissamos. If you are coming from Chania, daily buses run to the area, so you do have a couple of practical options. Either way, I suggest showing up a little early, since your start time affects everything after that, especially how crowded Gramvousa might feel during your visit.

The speed transfer, and why timing can change the vibe

The cruise is built around a fast ride. You move toward Balos first, with a short transfer time, then you settle into beach and water time. That early start quality is not just convenient, it changes the feel of the day.

One recent highlight in the feedback is reaching Gramvousa early enough that the island feels quieter, with time to swim and enjoy the waters before more boats arrive. You cannot control the weather, but you can control whether you waste your best daylight chasing logistics. This format tends to do the opposite of that.

Also, RIB cruising means you feel the sea. That is the point. If you are someone who gets nervous on boats, it helps to know that at least one trip took on rougher water with waves around 3 to 4 meters while the skipper kept the ride safe. You will still want to dress for spray and sun.

Balos Lagoon: white sands, turquoise water, and pink-sand moments

Balos is one of those places where the visuals match the hype. You anchor in Balos Lagoon, then you get about 1.5 hours to explore the beach area. After that, you continue with another block of time for sightseeing and swimming, around 105 minutes.

What makes Balos special from a “tour value” point of view is the time structure. You do not just arrive, snap a few shots, and leave. You can:

• Walk and explore the shoreline at your own speed
• Find a spot to swim without rushing
• Reposition if you want clearer water or quieter sand

In the feedback, people mention pink sands and crystal clear turquoise water. So, even if you expect the classic white-sand look, keep your eyes open. Balos can look different depending on the light and the specific area you end up anchored near.

One practical note: Balos is sun-forward. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear you are comfortable re-wearing after you get back on the boat. Also pack a towel, since you will want to dry off between swims and relaxing.

Snorkeling and wreck spotting in clear, shallow-ish water

One of the reasons people choose this cruise is the water time, including snorkeling around wrecks. The tour description specifically calls out snorkeling around wrecks in crystal clear water, so this is not just a general swim suggestion.

Here is how you can get more out of the snorkeling chance without turning it into work:

• Keep your swim pace calm, so you do not waste energy before you find the view
• Use the snorkeling equipment if you requested it, since it is included when requested
• Bring a swimsuit that fits securely, so you are not constantly adjusting while you look around

If you are not confident in open-water snorkeling, you can still enjoy the lagoon by swimming just enough to cool off and enjoy the scenery. The goal here is simple: short, fun water time that adds a lot to a day that already includes two major stops.

Gramvousa Island: the fortress climb, and the sea-backed views

Next comes Gramvousa Island, with about 75 minutes on site. The star feature is the medieval fortress on the hill. You can sunbathe, snorkel, swim, or hike up for views. In one account, a father and son walked up to the fortress while others stayed with swimming and sunshine, which is a nice reminder that Gramvousa can fit different energy levels.

The fortress is not just about the structure. The bigger win is what you see from up there. Even if you are not a big castle person, the hilltop viewpoints give your brain a map of the coast and the water. It is an instant “now I get it” moment for Crete’s western side.

Potential drawback: 75 minutes is enough to do the main things, but it is not enough to wander slowly forever. If you want to hike to the fortress and also swim, you will need to manage your time. A prompt start helps, because it reduces the urge to rush.

Food and drinks on board: more than just a splash

This is one area where the experience often earns extra goodwill. The activity includes soft drinks and beer, and the skipper provides drinks and snacks along the way.

In the feedback, food shows up more fully than you might expect for a boat day. Some groups received a sandwich on board, and there are mentions of Greek sandwiches, fresh-picked grapes, and a wider range of drinks beyond basic soda and beer, like red and white wine. That does not mean every trip is identical, but it does suggest SEAze the Day runs a service that aims to keep you comfortable and fed, not just hydrated.

What that means for you: you can spend your money on the cruise and still feel like you got a “day out” experience, not a bare-bones transfer. Just remember meals are not listed as included in the base info, so if you are picky about meal types, plan on relying on the snacks and on-board offerings.

Also, keep your water and sun protection habits consistent. Even if you are having fun, you will be out in direct sun with salty air.

Comfort, safety, and what to expect from a private RIB

RIB cruising can feel exciting because it is quick and you feel the wave action. The good news is the tour is designed around safe transfer, with an experienced skipper at the helm. In at least one recent trip, the ride stayed safe even with rougher seas, with waves around 3 to 4 meters.

Comfort wise, you are still on a boat, so expect sun exposure, wind, and spray. The practical kit matters:

• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Passport or ID card

If you have kids, this is another place where the RIB style can help. The ride feels like an adventure, and the ability to stop and swim breaks the day into manageable segments.

One warning, based on the tour info: this is not suitable for pregnant women. If that applies to your group, it is worth choosing a different type of boat or an alternative day plan.

Price and value for up to 5 people

The price is listed as $801 per group, up to 5 people. On a per-person basis, that can sound steep, especially if you compare it to public transport plus tours. But you are not paying for transportation alone. You are paying for:

• Private boat access with a skipper
• Fast transfers that protect your limited time
• Two major destinations built into a single half-day plan
• On-board drinks and likely snacks

If you split the cost among 4 or 5 people, it starts to look more reasonable for what you get, especially considering Balos and Gramvousa are hard to assemble efficiently on your own. For couples, it can still be worth it if Balos and Gramvousa are the main targets of your trip and you want maximum water time without the stress.

My advice: decide what you value more. If you value comfort, predictability, and a high amount of time at the beaches, this format often hits the mark. If you are budget-first, you might choose a different route or skip one island.

Who this cruise fits best

This is a great match if you are traveling in a small group and want a high-impact Crete day without complicated logistics. It also fits well if you have mixed preferences, because you can focus on swimming for one person and fortress hiking for another.

It is also a smart choice if you care about timing and being efficient. A prompt start can mean reaching Gramvousa with fewer boats around, which makes the island feel more spacious.

Where it might not fit is if you want a very calm, gentle outing. RIB days can be sporty, even when the skipper is skilled and safety-focused.

Should you book Balos and Gramvousa by private RIB?

Book this cruise if Balos and Gramvousa are top priorities and you want a half-day that actually feels like a day on the water, with swimming and fortress time built in. The most convincing reasons are the pairing of two big-name stops, the private-group pacing, and the consistently praised service, including friendly skippers such as Lefteris and Dimi, plus the on-board drinks and snacks that keep the day comfortable.

Skip it if you are price-sensitive, or if you know you will struggle with a faster, wave-on-your-face style of boating. Also, if you want a slow travel day with minimal sea time, a RIB might not match your idea of relaxation.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet your skipper at SEAze The Day at the small port of Kastelli in Kissamos. Arrive at the exact meeting point shown on Google Maps.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 4 hours total.

How many people is the private group for?

This is a private group, priced for your group up to 5 people.

What is included in the price?

Included: skipper and boat, soft drinks and beer, fuel, and snorkeling equipment if requested.

Do I get time to swim at Balos?

Yes. You have time at Balos Lagoon to explore, swim, and enjoy the beach area, with a total of about 1.5 hours plus an additional swimming block.

Is there snorkeling?

You can snorkel, and the tour specifically highlights snorkeling around wrecks in crystal clear waters. Snorkeling equipment is included if requested.

What can I do on Gramvousa?

You get time on Gramvousa Island to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and visit the medieval fortress on top of the hill.

What should I bring?

Bring passport or ID card, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour safe and what about weather?

The transfer is described as fast and safe. In case of bad weather, the cruise will be rescheduled or fully refunded.

Is it wheelchair accessible, and is it suitable for everyone?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. It is not suitable for pregnant women. The live guide language is Greek and English.