An intriguing history surrounding by azure waters! This is an opportunity to see the rare geological formations of the Western coast of Crete, combined with a visit to the island of Gramvousa, famous for its pirate castle and the lagoon of Balos across from it.
Posted By : Aminre4
I recently went on a day excursion from Rethymno to Balos, and unfortunately, it was a major disappointment. Unlike my previous experience in 2021, this time I was not informed that the boat no longer docks at Balos. Instead, it stops 10 meters away from the shore, forcing passengers to disembark into deep water.
Disembarking was chaotic and frustrating, taking over 1 hour and 45 minutes to get everyone off the boat. Many people struggled because they couldn't swim, adding to the chaos. It's baffling that the government prohibits boats from docking in Balos Bay but allows them to stop 10 meters away. This rule seems nonsensical and severely impacts the experience.
When I raised these concerns with our guide upon arriving in Kissamos, his response was dismissive: "You don’t have to leave the boat, or you can get a private boat for £200." This lack of empathy and solutions was disheartening.
What was once a fun excursion in 2021 has become a waste of time. I wouldn't recommend this trip to anyone in its current state. The organizers need to address these issues, but it seems they are more interested in taking tourists' money. Save yourself the frustration and look for alternative experiences.
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Posted On : 2024-06-22 00:16:53
Posted By : Stay791615
highly recommended - well organized and not expensive (10€ p/p for the bus + 30 p/p for the boat.
+ enough time to discover Gramvousa & Baols.
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Posted On : 2024-06-03 07:56:14
Posted By : Valentina E
I went to Balos with a friend. We were picked up by bus to Balos. We have a good guide who is very friendly, she told us about the island and Bleu Lagoon. From Balos we took the boat to Gramvousa, it was a beautiful location with a beach and a fort. Then we went to Blue Lagoon. It was beautiful. Sea is clear blue, gigantic mountains. And you just taste salty seawater. It was a beautiful moment there.
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Posted On : 2024-05-23 05:08:11
Posted By : chris s
Terrible seemed a waste of a day and money. No real explanation of why we couldn't go to balos sad I was really looking forward to it but felt totally let down
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Posted On : 2024-05-23 02:06:48
Posted By : cinziaaF9600EF
An all day trip from Rethimno to Balos and Gramvousa by bus and boat. What a beautiful place with wonderful beaches and lovely sea
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Posted On : 2023-10-29 11:22:52