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Discover Balos & Gramvousa - Swim & Snorkel in West Crete’s Hidden Gems Image #0 Image #1 Image #2 Image #3 Image #4 Image #5 Image #6

Discover Balos & Gramvousa - Swim & Snorkel in West Crete’s Hidden Gems

Kolymvari, Greece

5
3 REVIEWS
4
PEOPLE
6h00
DURATION
With skipper
You will be accompanied by a skipper speaking English, Greek
Super Owner
ANDREAS is an experienced boat renter with excellent reviews and is committed to providing quality services
Free cancellation
Get a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before your booking starts (service fees and commission excluded)

What's included

    Fuel
    Crew
    Snorkeling Equipment
    Snacks
    Soft Drinks
    Alcoholic Beverages
    Towels
    Shower Onboard
    Sound System

About the experience

Looking for a scenic escape far from crowded ferries and tourist-packed beaches? This 6-hour private boat cruise from Kolymbari takes you straight to the heart of Western Crete’s most beautiful coastal treasures — including Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, and the secluded Kolpakia Coves, which are only accessible by sea.

Your journey begins at the charming port of Kolymbari, where you’ll board your private vessel and cruise west along Crete’s dramatic coastline. The first highlight of the day is the world-famous Balos Lagoon — a shallow, turquoise oasis where the sand meets the sea in stunning shades of blue, pink and white. Enjoy time for swimming and exploring this iconic natural wonder in peace, away from the ferry crowds.

Next, we head to Gramvousa Island, known for its Venetian fortress, wild beauty, and shipwreck resting offshore. You’ll have time to explore, swim, or snorkel in the transparent waters that surround the island.

As we begin the return trip, we visit a series of remote bays that are only reachable by boat. Here, you can enjoy one last swim or snorkeling session in complete serenity — no roads, no crowds, just you and the sea.

With beautiful views in every direction, calm waters, and plenty of chances to swim, relax, and snorkel, this tour is the ideal way to experience the natural magic of Western Crete.

About the experience

Looking for a scenic escape far from crowded ferries and tourist-packed beaches? This 6-hour private boat cruise from Kolymbari takes you straight to the heart of Western Crete’s most beautiful coastal treasures — including Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island, and the secluded Kolpakia Coves, which are only accessible by sea.

Your journey begins at the charming port of Kolymbari, where you’ll board your private vessel and cruise west along Crete’s dramatic coastline. The first highlight of the day is the world-famous Balos Lagoon — a shallow, turquoise oasis where the sand meets the sea in stunning shades of blue, pink and white. Enjoy time for swimming and exploring this iconic natural wonder in peace, away from the ferry crowds.

Next, we head to Gramvousa Island, known for its Venetian fortress, wild beauty, and shipwreck resting offshore. You’ll have time to explore, swim, or snorkel in the transparent waters that surround the island.

As we begin the return trip, we visit a series of remote bays that are only reachable by boat. Here, you can enjoy one last swim or snorkeling session in complete serenity — no roads, no crowds, just you and the sea.

With beautiful views in every direction, calm waters, and plenty of chances to swim, relax, and snorkel, this tour is the ideal way to experience the natural magic of Western Crete.

Organized by ANDREAS
Super owner · 3 reviews

Itinerary

Starting location:
Kolymvari, Greece
Balos Lagoon – Swimming Stop
A breathtaking lagoon with shallow, warm waters and stunning colors — ideal for photos, swimming, and floating blissfully.
Gramvousa Island – Optional Exploration Stop
Swim, snorkel, or explore the island’s history and natural beauty, including a Venetian fortress and a famous shipwreck.
Hidden bays – Swimming & Snorkeling Stop
Hidden and untouched, these secret coves are perfect for your final swim in crystal-clear waters away from it all.
Arrive back at:
Kolymvari, Greece

5/5 · 3 reviews

Reviews are displayed in chronological order
  • Jenny
    Date of the rental 8/19/25  ·  Date of the review 8/23/25

    Translated from French

    We had a wonderful day with Andreas and Maria. Everything was perfect, and they are two absolutely lovely people! As for the cruise, the locations are absolutely incredible. Nature in its purest form, a marvel. And with almost no one around. That's also what makes this cruise a truly exceptional outing. The snacks, drinks, and lunches were very good, and there was everything you needed for snorkeling. I highly recommend Sea Gem Cruise and its captain, Andreas, who is truly lovely. Thank you both for your welcome, your kindness, and your attention throughout the cruise. Marc, Lena, Eline, and Jenny.
    Read more
  • J
    Jurgen
    Date of the rental 7/7/25  ·  Date of the review 7/7/25
    Andreas and Vasco have a true passion for service. You immediately get a vip feeling and after that a feeling to be boating with friends. Very well organized and definitely a real gem. The name gem cruise is not randomly chosen. Jurgen, Tinne, Emma and Kasper
    Read more
  • R
    Rachel
    Date of the rental 6/25/25  ·  Date of the review 7/5/25
    Unforgettable Experience! We had the most incredible day on our private boat trip in Crete! From the moment we stepped aboard, everything was perfect. The captain and crew were warm, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. The boat itself was spotless, spacious, and very comfortable! We explored hidden coves, swam in crystal-clear waters, and even stopped at a secluded beach where we had time to relax and snorkel. The personalised service made the whole experience feel extra special. We were served delicious local snacks, lunch and the most gorgeous fresh fruit! and the crew happily shared stories and history about the island. It truly felt like a VIP experience from start to finish. This private boat trip was hands down one of the highlights of our trip to Crete. I’d recommend sea gem cruises to anyone! Thanks again guys! We loved it!
    Read more
Reviews
5
  • Jenny
    Aug 2025

    Translated from French

    We had a wonderful day with Andreas and Maria. Everything was perfect, and they are two absolutely lovely people! As for the cruise, the locations are absolutely incredible. Nature in its purest form, a marvel. And with almost no one around. That's also what makes this cruise a truly exceptional outing. The snacks, drinks, and lunches were very good, and there was everything you needed for snorkeling. I highly recommend Sea Gem Cruise and its captain, Andreas, who is truly lovely. Thank you both for your welcome, your kindness, and your attention throughout the cruise. Marc, Lena, Eline, and Jenny.
  • J
    Jurgen
    Jul 2025
    Andreas and Vasco have a true passion for service. You immediately get a vip feeling and after that a feeling to be boating with friends. Very well organized and definitely a real gem. The name gem cruise is not randomly chosen. Jurgen, Tinne, Emma and Kasper
  • R
    Rachel
    Jul 2025
    Unforgettable Experience! We had the most incredible day on our private boat trip in Crete! From the moment we stepped aboard, everything was perfect. The captain and crew were warm, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. The boat itself was spotless, spacious, and very comfortable! We explored hidden coves, swam in crystal-clear waters, and even stopped at a secluded beach where we had time to relax and snorkel. The personalised service made the whole experience feel extra special. We were served delicious local snacks, lunch and the most gorgeous fresh fruit! and the crew happily shared stories and history about the island. It truly felt like a VIP experience from start to finish. This private boat trip was hands down one of the highlights of our trip to Crete. I’d recommend sea gem cruises to anyone! Thanks again guys! We loved it!

Good to know

Right of withdrawal for this booking:
No. Learn more
Cancellation policy : Flexible

Free cancellation available for the next 48h

Full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the booking start (excluding service fees and commission).
Booking conditions
Includes professional skipper

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