Speed across Cretan seas, then swim in two icons. This Kissamos to Balos & Gramvousa RIB speedboat cruise is built for getting to the fun parts early and moving fast without feeling squeezed, and I especially like the unlimited drinks and snacks during the day. One thing to weigh: it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility challenges, and landing at both spots can involve a little walking in shallow water.

What really makes this trip tick is the pacing. You cruise out from Kissamos (or with optional van pickup), get a short safety briefing, hit Gramvousa, then head to Balos Lagoon while the day is still young. If your captain is the one guests often mention by name, like Dimitrios, expect a confident, friendly vibe that keeps the day relaxed even when the boat picks up speed.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the water

• A speedboat day that skips the slow ferry grind and helps you arrive before the biggest crowds
• Two long swim stops: around 1.5–2 hours at Gramvousa and again at Balos
• Snorkeling gear included plus time in the water from the boat and at shore
• Unlimited drinks and snacks with beer, soft drinks, juice, ice tea, and water
• A comfortable RIB setup where you’ll be asked to be seated during high-speed stretches
• Flex options: shared or private tour, with hotel pickup available in many nearby areas

Why this Kissamos speedboat beats the ferry day

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island are two of Crete’s big-name water stops, and the usual way people get there is… a lot slower than you’d think. The practical win of a speedboat from Kissamos is that you spend more of your day in the water and less of it stuck watching other people board and disembark.

I also like the mindset behind the route. The tour is set up to help you reach the destinations before the mass ferry wave. That matters because both places can get busy fast once the day heats up, and once the crowds arrive, it’s harder to find quiet water to snorkel or a calm corner to enjoy the view.

The other reason I’d pick this style of tour is comfort at speed. You do get that thrill of cruising through the Cretan Sea, but it’s not a bare-bones boat experience. The operator describes this as their most prestigious and safe RIB setup, and the rules reflect that: they’ll ask you to stay seated during the faster parts so everyone stays safe and the ride stays comfortable.

The RIB ride: speed, safety, and how the day actually feels

This is a boat day with movement. After you meet the crew at the docks in Kissamos/Trachilos and get on board, you start with a brief safety talk. Then the engines go, and you experience the real point of doing this by RIB: speed cruising across open water.

Here’s what that translates to for you:

• You get to Gramvousa in about 30 minutes after leaving Kissamos.
• You then shift modes from motor-speed travel to anchored swim time, twice.
• You’ll likely feel the sea breeze on the way back to Kissamos, especially if you time it earlier in the day.

One small but real detail: during the high-speed cruising, the crew may ask passengers to be seated. It’s not meant to spoil photos or fun, but it does mean you’ll want to think of picture-taking as something you do during calmer stretches, not while the boat is fully charging.

Also, I’d go in mentally prepared for a day on the move. If you’re hoping for a gentle, floating experience with minimal motion, a speedboat tour can feel more energetic than a catamaran or ferry.

Getting there: Kissamos port meeting and optional hotel pickup

The meeting point is in the port of Kissamos or Trachilos, at the sailboats dock where the crew will be waiting. You’ll also need to follow the provided pin location so you’re at the right dock.

Pickup is optional, and it covers a long list of areas, including Kissamos, Kolimvari, Tauronitis, Maleme, Gerani, Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Galatas, Daratso, Agioi Apostoloi, parts of Chania town, Nea Chora, Souda, and areas between. That’s useful if you’re staying outside Chania proper and don’t want to figure out port logistics.

You’ll also notice the itinerary includes “van” time in two stretches. That typically means the day’s flow depends on how close your pickup area is, so your exact schedule can shift a bit with where you start. The headline duration is 5 hours, so if you’re planning other activities the same day, keep some buffer.

Stop 1: Gramvousa Island time, dock rules, and what to do

Your first destination is Gramvousa Island. The route runs past the coastline of the Gramvousa cape first, so you get those postcard views before you reach the island.

Then the boat docks as close as possible. One detail to plan for: you might have to walk a few meters in the water to reach land. It’s usually manageable, but it’s not ideal if you’re wearing shoes you don’t want to ruin.

You get about 1.5–2 hours on Gramvousa, which is enough time to do a mix of:

• a bit of exploring (at an unhurried pace),
• swimming from the island,
• and snorkeling if conditions and your comfort line up.

You’ll also have local snacks during your Gramvousa break time, and this is one of those small perks that makes the stop feel more like a real outing than a quick “off and on” visit.

If you want to visit the fortress on Gramvousa, plan on buying tickets separately. Fortress entry is explicitly not included.

My practical tip: don’t sprint through your time. Gramvousa is one of those places where the views do most of the work. Pick a direction, enjoy the water and the scenery, and keep an eye on the return call so you don’t get the captain’s best stern look.

Stop 2: Balos Lagoon swims, boat-deck time, and beach access

After Gramvousa, the cruise continues to Balos Beach and Lagoon. The boat will dock near the beach area again, and you’ll have another about 1.5–2 hours here.

You can choose your style of Balos time:

• Walk to shore in the water and enjoy the beach,
• Or stay closer to the boat and enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise water from the comfortable deck,
• And you can swim right from the boat.

One fun element: some groups describe jumping from the boat into the sea, which is exactly the kind of low-effort joy this tour setup is made for. Just remember you’ll be sharing the deck space, so follow the crew’s direction and keep things safe.

You’ll also have snorkeling here. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not stuck renting gear at the last minute. Balos tends to attract people for a reason: the colors are dramatic, and you’ll likely want to spend time floating and looking around rather than just taking photos.

Worth noting: Balos time is long enough for a real swim loop. The idea is to give you enough time to cool off and enjoy the water even if you don’t race to shore immediately.

Snacks, drinks, and the “comfort while cruising” setup

This tour includes snacks and unlimited drinks. The drink lineup is clearly listed: beer, soft drinks, juice, ice tea, and water. There’s an open ice cooler, so you can grab what you want during the day.

The one nuance is how it’s handled during fast cruising. During high-speed stretches, you’ll be asked to be seated. That’s mainly safety-driven, but it also means you’ll want to time your drink refills around calmer moments.

On the food side, you’ll get snacks at least during Gramvousa time (local snacks are mentioned), and many descriptions of the day include sandwiches and snacks as part of the provided package. Either way, the key value for me is that you aren’t scrambling for lunch or paying extra for basic refreshment once you’re away from shore.

Music is also included. It helps make the cruise feel like a social outing without needing to bring speakers.

Snorkeling gear included: what you should bring anyway

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a big money-saver and a convenience win. Still, you’ll want to show up prepared for a sunny day around water.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also, even though it’s not spelled out, I’d treat this as a swim day: wear your swimsuit under clothes if you can, and bring something easy to put on afterward.

One more practical note: this is a boat tour with water access and short walks through shallow areas to reach land. Comfortable grip matters. If you can, wear footwear that handles wet conditions without becoming a disaster.

Who this trip fits best (and who should choose differently)

This works best if you want:

• a fast route that reduces time spent on travel,
• meaningful time at two major locations,
• and a comfortable speedboat experience with included drinks and snorkeling gear.

It also fits couples and small groups who like water time and don’t want to babysit a ferry schedule.

It does not fit everyone. The operator lists it as not suitable for:

• pregnant women,
• people with mobility impairments,
• and wheelchair users.

If you’re in that category, it’s smart to look for a different boat type or a land-based alternative.

Group size can vary. In one example of a shared trip, a group of 11 people described the experience as friendly and enjoyable. That hints at a moderate, not-chaotic group feel—more like a controlled outing than a mass excursion.

Price and value: is $95 per person fair?

At $95 per person for about 5 hours, this isn’t a bargain-basement deal. But you are paying for three things that are hard to replicate cheaply:

• RIB speedboat transport from Kissamos/Trachilos to two destinations,
• longer in-water time at both Gramvousa and Balos (instead of quick ferry stopovers),
• and included basics that add up: snorkeling equipment, snacks, and unlimited drinks.

If you’ve ever tried to piece together transport + rentals + refreshments on a day like this, you’ll know how fast costs climb. Here, the structure is doing the work for you.

The value also improves if you care about avoiding the largest crowd surges. Getting there earlier means you’re more likely to enjoy the water without feeling like you’re sharing limited space with an entire ferry schedule.

One last value angle: this is a “time feels better” kind of price. You’re not stuck spending hours transferring from place to place. You’re on the move, then you’re swimming.

The small print that actually matters for your day

Two practical rules can affect whether you can go at all.

First, you must provide passenger details to meet port authority requirements. You’ll need your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. This is mandatory and needs to be provided when booking or at least 24 hours before departure.

Second, you’ll need to follow crew guidance for what’s allowed on board. The tour data lists pets and alcohol and drugs as not allowed. At the same time, the included drink list includes beer. So the safest approach is simple: enjoy the included drinks, and if you have any personal question about alcohol, ask the operator for clarity before you arrive.

Should you book the Kissamos, Balos & Gramvousa speedboat?

I’d book it if your priorities are two long swim stops, included snorkeling gear, and a speedboat format that helps you dodge the worst ferry crowds. It’s also a good choice if you want a day that feels like a real outing rather than a cramped transfer with minimal time at each highlight.

I’d think twice if you have mobility limitations, need wheelchair access, or you’re uncomfortable with a fast boat and the possibility of short walks through shallow water. In those cases, the logistics built into the destinations can be a deal-breaker.

If you’re aiming for best water-and-view energy, consider an earlier departure. One shared experience described finishing the cruise around mid-afternoon, with the return sun still doing its job. Even without obsessing over timing, an earlier start often makes the whole day feel less crowded.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Kissamos to Balos & Gramvousa cruise?

The total duration is listed as 5 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet at the port of Kissamos or Trachilos at the sailboats dock, where Cretan Sailing Cruises staff will be waiting. You’ll follow the provided pin.

Do I get hotel pickup?

Pickup is optional, and it’s offered in many areas around Kissamos and western Crete, including Chania town and nearby neighborhoods, depending on where you stay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and unlimited drinks are included, such as beer, soft drinks, juice, ice tea, and water.

How much time do we spend at Gramvousa?

You have about 1.5–2 hours on Gramvousa.

How much time do we spend at Balos?

You have about 1.5–2 hours at Balos Beach.

Are tickets to the Gramvousa Fortress included?

No. Tickets to enter the Gramvousa Fortress are not included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a passport or ID card, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.