Best months
May to October
· October still sailing
Headline trip
Balos & Gramvousa
Departs
Several ports near Chania
Suits
Families to couples
Typical
A few hours to a full day
From
€75 pp
FIND YOUR TRIP
Which boat trip is right for you?
The trips around Chania are genuinely different days out. Tell us what you are after.
The classic choice
The famous lagoon, the easy way
You want the turquoise lagoon and the island fortress with no driving and a relaxed, family-friendly day.
You will see: Balos lagoon, Gramvousa fortress, the shipwreck
See trips →
Balos, small and direct
You would rather skip the crowds and spend more time in the water.
You will see: Balos and quieter coves, on a small boat
See trips →
Sunset from the old harbour
You want a short, calm evening on the water from Chania itself.
You will see: The Venetian lighthouse and the coast at golden hour
See trips →
Islands and swimming from town
You are staying in Chania and want an easy half-day with swim stops.
You will see: Lazaretta, Thodorou and snorkelling stops
See trips →
BOOK A TRIP
The 12 boat trips in Chania
Real boats with local operators, from the old harbour and the ports nearby.
Trips are ordered by our recommendation. Ranking is never paid placement.
Chania, Greece
Afternoon Catamaran Cruise from Kolymvari to Agioi Theodoroi Island – 5 Hours
Depart Kolymvari Port aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran at the time shown on the booking calendar and sail to Agioi Theodoroi Island, a nature reserve off Crete's western coast. Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in clear water, then sit down to a nutritionist-designed dinner with open bar before returning under the evening sky.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
5h
From €140 / person
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Chania, Greece
Morning Catamaran Cruise from Kissamos to Balos & Gramvousa (7 Hours)
A semi-private morning cruise departing Kissamos Port, visiting Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island on a luxury catamaran. Limited to 22 guests, the tour includes a nutritionist-designed breakfast and lunch, unlimited open bar, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and complimentary hotel transfer.
4.8from 590+ reviews
Free cancellation up to 24h before
7h
From €195 / person
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Chania, Greece
All-Inclusive Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon
A 4-hour afternoon catamaran cruise from Kissamos Port to Balos Lagoon, including a welcome Prosecco, fresh sushi, unlimited drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and a complimentary round-trip hotel transfer for up to 22 guests.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
4h
From €125 / person
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Chania, Greece
All-Inclusive Morning Catamaran Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa – 7 Hours
A 7-hour morning catamaran cruise departing Kissamos Port for Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Includes a full Cretan lunch, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, onboard entertainment, and complimentary hotel transfers between Georgioupoli and Kissamos.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
7h
From €155 / person
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Chania, Greece
All-Inclusive Sunset Catamaran Cruise to Balos Lagoon – 4 Hours
Afternoon catamaran cruise from Kissamos Port to Balos Lagoon. Includes a welcome glass of wine, Cretan snacks, unlimited soft drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, onboard entertainment, and complimentary round-trip hotel transfer.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
4h
From €120 / person
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Chania, Greece
Morning Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Chania to Agioi Theodoroi Island
Depart Chania Old Port on a luxury catamaran (max 20 guests) for Agioi Theodoroi Island. Swim, snorkel, and use SUP boards in clear water off a protected nature reserve. A nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch and open bar are included throughout the 6.5-hour trip.
4.5from 60+ reviews
Free cancellation up to 24h before
6.5h
From €145 / person
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Chania, Greece
Morning Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Kolymvari to Agioi Theodoroi Island
This morning cruise runs from Kolymvari Port to Agioi Theodoroi, a small protected nature reserve island off the western Crete coast. The island is home to the rare Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri, and its shoreline offers calm, clear-water bays well-suited to swimming and snorkelling. The vessel is a Lagoon 450F catamaran — a wide, stable platform with spacious front decks, sunbeds, and shaded lounge areas. The semi-private format caps passengers at 20. Guests board at the time shown on the booking calendar and are met by the crew with fresh espresso, detox water, and a nutritious breakfast bowl. The sail across takes just over an hour. Once anchored at the island, the full equipment list is available: high-quality snorkel masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swim jackets, inflatables including the signature pink flamingo float, and a complete gentle fishing setup. Guests can stay in the water, fish off the stern, or simply lie on deck. At midday, a gourmet Cretan lunch is served on board. The menu is designed by a certified nutritionist using organic, farm-fresh local ingredients, with vegetarian options available on request. The open bar runs throughout the cruise and includes local white wine, cold Greek beer, soft drinks, still water, and teas. The boat is also fitted with free Wi-Fi, a marine audio system, freshwater deck shower, and marine WCs. The cruise is suitable for families — a box of toys is available for younger children on request. Note that the tour is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or guests with serious mobility limitations or severe seasickness. Full passenger details (name, date of birth, passport/ID, nationality) are required at the time of booking for Port Authority compliance. Late arrivals forfeit their tickets; guests are asked to arrive 20 minutes before departure.
4.9from 140+ reviews
Free cancellation up to 24h before
5h
From €140 / person
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Chania, Greece
Premium Catamaran Day Cruise from Souda to Marathi Bay
Depart Souda Port on a Lagoon 450F catamaran and sail to the sheltered, shallow waters of Marathi Bay. Swim, kayak, use the inflatable slide and sea scooter, then sit down to a nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch with an open bar. Runs daily, April through October.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
6.5h
From €130 / person
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Chania, Greece
Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Chania to Agioi Theodoroi Island (3.5 Hours)
An afternoon catamaran cruise departing Chania Old Port at the time shown on the booking calendar, sailing to the uninhabited Agioi Theodoroi Island for swimming and snorkeling. The return leg times the sunset over the Cretan Sea. Sushi, a sushi platter, and an open bar are served on deck. Capacity is capped at 20 guests.
4.8from 310+ reviews
Free cancellation up to 24h before
3.5h
From €85 / person
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Chania, Greece
Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Souda to Marathi Bay – 3.5 Hours
Afternoon catamaran cruise departing Souda Port on a Lagoon 450F, anchoring at the sheltered coves of Marathi Bay. Guests swim, snorkel, and use water toys before returning to port at sunset. Fresh sushi, Prosecco, and an open bar are served on board.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
3.5h
From €75 / person
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Chania, Greece
Sunset Catamaran Cruise to Elafonisi Bay from Paleochora (3.5 Hours)
Afternoon catamaran cruise from Paleochora Port to Elafonisi Bay on a luxury BALI 4.1 catamaran. Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard at the pink-sand bay, then return watching the Mediterranean sunset with sushi and unlimited drinks on deck.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
3.5h
From €100 / person
View Activity
Chania, Greece
Ultimate Day Cruise to Elafonisi & Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora
Depart Paleochora Port on a semi-private catamaran to Elafonisi Bay and Kedrodasos Bay. Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard at both locations, then enjoy a nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch and unlimited open bar on board. Maximum 18 guests per departure.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
6.5h
From €165 / person
View ActivityWHEN TO GO
Chania boat tours month by month
The season runs roughly May to October. Here is how the weather moves, and what it means for the month you are looking at — the meltemi wind is the thing to plan around.
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Sea calm (north)
Balos & Gramvousa
Sea warm enough
Fewer crowds
Quiet / off Building Prime Windy (meltemi) / busy
Right now, in October
The season winds down. Warm water lingers and the seas calm, though some trips reduce their schedule.
WHERE YOU GO
What the boats go to see
Not every trip reaches every sight. Each card notes which port or trip gets you there.
From Kissamos
Balos lagoon
A wide, shallow turquoise lagoon with pink-tinged shell sand, warm and calm enough to wade across.
↳ Kissamos ferry
From Kissamos
Gramvousa island & fortress
An uninhabited island crowned by a 16th-century Venetian fortress, a short climb for sweeping views.
↳ Kissamos ferry
From Kissamos
The Dimitrios P shipwreck
A rusted cargo hull, aground since 1968, lying in clear shallow water off Gramvousa.
↳ Kissamos ferry
From Chania harbour
Lazaretta island
The usual swim-and-snorkel stop on the island cruises from Chania's old harbour.
↳ Chania harbour
From Chania harbour
Thodorou (Kri-Kri island)
A protected reserve and home to the wild Cretan goat, viewed from the water (landing is not allowed).
↳ Chania harbour
From Chania harbour
Seitan Limania
A dramatic narrow cove between sheer cliffs, with strikingly clear water.
↳ Private boat from Chania
South coast
Loutro & the south coast
A car-free whitewashed village reached only by boat, near the Glyka Nera 'sweetwater' beach.
↳ South-coast ferry
Wildlife
Monk seals & turtles
The protected waters shelter monk seals and loggerhead turtles. A sighting is a lucky bonus, never a promise.
↳ Opportunistic
DEPARTURE PORTS
“From Chania” does not mean one port
This is the thing to get right before you book. Trips marketed as leaving Chania actually set off from a few different places, so always check the real meeting point and the transfer time.
1
Chania Venetian Harbour
In the heart of the old town, under the Egyptian Lighthouse. No transfer needed.
Trips: Sunset cruises, island & coastline trips, private charters
2
Kissamos (Kastelli) port
About 45 minutes west of Chania. Most packages include a coach transfer.
Trips: The Balos lagoon & Gramvousa day cruise
3
South coast — Sougia & Paleochora
Over the mountains on the Libyan Sea, about one to one and a half hours from Chania.
Trips: Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Elafonisi and Gavdos by ferry
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The Balos lagoon and Gramvousa sit on Crete’s far north-west tip — a long way west of Chania town, which is why that trip is a full day with a transfer.
PLAN YOUR DAY
The full guide
Everything worth knowing before you book, in a few seconds of skimming.
Types of trip
Balos & Gramvousa day cruise
Families & valueThe famous lagoon and the island fortress in one relaxed full day from Kissamos, with a café on board.
Small-boat & RIB to Balos
Couples & small groupsFaster and direct, with fewer people, more time in the water and quieter coves the big ferry skips.
Sunset cruise
Couples & romanceA short, calm evening from Chania's old harbour, beneath the lighthouse, as the wind drops.
Island & coastline cruise
Families from townAn easy half-day from Chania to Lazaretta and Thodorou, with swim and snorkel stops.
Glass-bottom & semi-submarine
Young kids & non-swimmersSee underwater without getting wet. Comfortable for young children, non-swimmers and older travellers.
Private charter & sailing
Special occasionsYour own boat and your own route, by motor yacht or under sail.
South-coast (Libyan Sea) trips
Off the beaten pathFrom Sougia and Paleochora to Loutro, Agia Roumeli and beyond, on the calmer southern sea.
“The famous turquoise lagoon sails from Kissamos, a coach ride west. The sunset cruises leave from Chania's own harbour, beneath a lighthouse that has stood since the days of Egyptian rule.”
On the day
From Chania, the Balos trip is a full day, with a coach transfer to Kissamos and back. It is not a quick outing.
Mornings are calmest. The summer meltemi wind builds through the afternoon, which matters most on the exposed Balos run.
Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. There is little shade on the boats or at Balos.
Many cruises include swim stops, snorkel gear, or a drink and local snacks. The big Balos ferry has a café, but food is not included.
Good to know
- Balos and Gramvousa leave from Kissamos, about 45 minutes west of Chania. Most packages include the transfer.
- Balos is weather-sensitive. On windy days the trip can be rough or cancelled, so book it early in your stay.
- A small environmental fee may apply at Balos. The amount can change, so check when you book.
- The Balos and Gramvousa area is protected. Please take nothing away, including the pink-tinged sand.
“Knowing which port serves which trip, and which coast stays calm on a windy day, is the whole point.”
A boat tour from Chania is not one trip but several. We help you pick the one that fits the day you are actually going to get.
See the tripsQUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Where do boat tours from Chania leave from?
From several places. Sunset cruises, island trips and private charters leave from Chania's own Venetian harbour. The famous Balos lagoon and Gramvousa cruise leaves from Kissamos port, about 45 minutes west, usually with a coach transfer included. South-coast trips leave from Sougia and Paleochora.
Is the Balos trip a half-day or a full day?
A full day. From Chania it includes the coach transfer to Kissamos and back, the cruise, and time ashore at Gramvousa and Balos, so plan to give it most of the day.
When is the best time to go?
Late April to October, with June and September the sweet spot for warm water, calmer seas and fewer crowds. Mornings are generally calmer than afternoons.
What happens if it is too windy?
Balos sits on an exposed corner of Crete, so on windy days the trip can be rough or cancelled. Operators usually reschedule or refund. Book it early in your stay, so a wind day still leaves time to try again.
Is it suitable for families and young children?
Yes. The big Balos ferry and the Chania-harbour island cruises are family-friendly, and the Balos lagoon itself is very shallow and calm. Glass-bottom and semi-submarine trips suit young children and non-swimmers.
Can I reach Balos without a boat?
You can drive, but it means a long rough unpaved road and a steep, rocky walk down to the beach. The boat from Kissamos avoids all of that, and also visits Gramvousa island, which the walk does not.
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