Luxury Catamaran to Balos: Sunset, Snacks, Drinks & Transfer

Balos Lagoon is the star here: white and pink sand, clear turquoise water, ochre cliffs, and a return sail timed for sunset. You get a large catamaran rather than a cramped excursion boat, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, a swim stop, and a crew that keeps the mood lively.

I especially like the included water gear, from SUP boards and snorkeling equipment to noodles and a giant flamingo float. The steady supply of Cretan snacks, fruit, coffee, soft drinks, and water is another real plus. The main caution is timing: one departure received criticism for a sunset that did not line up perfectly, and the boat may not always use its sails.

Why this Balos cruise is worth a close look

• Balos from the water: Reach the lagoon by catamaran, then use the tender boat, swim, or stay near the yacht.
• A proper floating base: Sunbeds, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, onboard toilet, Wi-Fi, and a VIP area make the long return more comfortable.
• Free activities included: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, noodles, and the pink flamingo float are available at no extra charge.
• Cretan food and open refreshments: Expect local savory snacks, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, detox water, soft drinks, and selected drinks throughout the cruise.
• Entertainment with a Greek touch: Music, an onboard animator, and a chance to learn the Sirtaki keep this from feeling like a quiet transport service.
• Transfer from several areas: Pickup can be arranged, but you must reach the meeting point on time because the bus cannot wait.

From Kissamos Port to open water

Your day begins at Kissamos Port, either with your own transport or with the included transfer option. Pickup points vary, and the operator normally sends the details through your booking information or contacts your hotel reception. If you use the bus, look for the DaneriYachts logo on the front window and arrive at least 10 minutes early.

The transfer warning is worth taking seriously. The vehicle cannot hold the boat for late arrivals. A delay of 10 to 15 minutes can happen, so wait at the stated point during that window, but do not assume the driver will come searching for you.

At the port, the crew gives a safety briefing and welcomes you aboard with local white wine and Cretan snacks. This opening takes about 15 minutes. It is a useful start, since you can find your seating, ask about the equipment, and settle into the boat before the main sailing begins.

The catamaran is large, modern, and designed more like a floating lounge than a basic day boat. You will find open seating on the lower deck, shaded areas, sunbeds, and a VIP relaxation section. Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed, so do not book this trip expecting a private room.

What the catamaran feels like onboard

The boat can carry up to 120 people, though one particularly praised outing had about 35 people onboard. That difference matters. A smaller departure should feel spacious, while a near-capacity sailing will naturally make the best sunbeds and equipment more competitive.

The Comfort ticket gives you open seating and access to the main facilities. Bring your own towel, as one is required for Comfort ticket holders. The VIP ticket includes a reserved sunbed, a towel, a souvenir bracelet, and either a small bottle of wine or a cold beer. At $127 per person, the price is not low, but the package includes transport when selected, food, nonalcoholic drinks, equipment, and access to a premium boat.

I see the value most clearly if you want an easy, all-in-one day. A basic boat trip may cost less, but you could then pay separately for transport, beach access arrangements, food, drinks, and water equipment. Here, the main extras are cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks, sunscreen, personal care items, and private cabins.

The onboard atmosphere is not meant to be silent or formal. An English and Greek speaking animator brings music, games, and simple activities into the day. You may get a lesson in the Sirtaki, the familiar Greek group dance, during the return ride. If you prefer a calm afternoon with no entertainment, sit in the shaded area or choose a sunbed away from the main activity.

Sailing toward Balos Lagoon

The first outward sailing takes about an hour. The route gives you time to see the coast from the water and enjoy the scale of the catamaran. Coffee, tea, water, detox water, and soft drinks remain available, while local snacks and fruit help cover the gap between the port welcome and the lagoon stop.

The boat does not promise a traditional sailing experience in the strict sense. A point worth knowing is that the sails may not be deployed, even on a vessel built to look like a luxury sailing catamaran. The crew may operate it under engine power, depending on conditions and the day’s plan.

That is not a deal breaker for me, since the comfort and space are the main selling points. It does mean you should book this for the Balos stop, swimming, food, and sunset rather than for a quiet, sail-powered passage.

Keep your camera ready during the approach. Balos is famous for its pale sand, pink tones in parts of the beach, shallow water, and steep ochre-colored cliffs. The meeting of the water and shore creates the kind of view that can look almost unreal in bright afternoon light, especially from the higher parts of the boat.

One hour at Balos: beach, swim, or stay aboard

At Balos, you have several ways to use your break. The tender boat can take you closer to the beach, or you can swim from the catamaran if conditions and your comfort allow. You can also stay near the yacht, use the equipment, and enjoy the view without walking onto the sand.

The tender is useful because it lets you reach the beach without making the full swim. Once ashore, you have time for photos, a short walk, and a swim in the shallow water. The supplied schedule gives roughly one hour at the lagoon, so this is not a long beach day. You will need to choose what matters most instead of trying to do everything.

The water equipment adds a lot to this stop. Masks, fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, and inflatable noodles are included. The noodles help if you want to float without much effort, while the life jackets and swim vests provide options for less confident swimmers.

The inflatable flamingo is clearly aimed at photos and playful water time. Families can request a box of toys for children, although the cruise is not suitable for babies under one year, unaccompanied minors, or people who need substantial mobility assistance.

Bring sports shoes if you want firmer footing around the beach and port areas. Shoes are not allowed indoors on the catamaran, and glass objects, sharp items, smoking indoors, and touching marine life are prohibited. Red wine is also not allowed onboard.

Food, drinks, and the sunset return

The food is light rather than a full restaurant meal. You can expect savory Cretan snacks, local treats, and a seasonal fruit plate. This works well for a half-day cruise, but you should not mistake it for a full lunch or dinner. If you need a substantial meal, eat before departure or ask the operator what is planned for your sailing.

Coffee, tea, water, detox water, and soft drinks are included. Selected wine and beer may be available as part of the welcome or package, while cocktails and other premium alcoholic drinks cost extra. You can order those onboard, but budget for them separately.

The return sailing takes about an hour and is meant to catch the sunset. This is often the emotional high point of the trip. The crew adjusts the music to the changing light, and the open water gives you a broad view as the sun drops behind the coast.

Sunset timing can vary with the departure date, weather, and actual sailing schedule. One outing did not line up perfectly with the sunset, so I would treat the timing as a strong possibility rather than a guarantee. If the sunset is your main reason for booking, check the listed departure time carefully and ask the operator about the expected return time before paying.

Comfort, safety, and practical limits

A toilet and outdoor shower are onboard, which makes the experience much easier than a basic boat trip. Wi-Fi and music are also available, though you may find the mobile signal less important once the view takes over.

The crew provides life jackets, liability insurance, and a safety briefing. You must provide full names, dates of birth, passport or identity card numbers, and nationality when booking. Port authorities require those details to issue cruise permission, so do not leave the information until the last minute.

The cruise is weather-dependent. Strong wind or rough conditions can change the route, move the date, or cancel the sailing. If you get seasick easily, check the forecast and speak with the team before booking. Pregnant women, people with heart problems or epilepsy, people with mobility impairments, babies under one year, and people over 95 are listed as unsuitable for this activity.

The catamaran is not designed for complete independence if you have difficulty boarding, moving around, or swimming. Ask specific questions before booking if your needs are not covered by the stated restrictions.

Comfort or VIP: which ticket makes sense?

The Comfort option is the sensible choice if you mainly want the boat, the lagoon, the water equipment, and the included food and drinks. You receive open seating, so pack a towel and be prepared to choose from the available spaces.

VIP makes more sense for a special occasion or if you care about having a guaranteed sunbed. The reserved place, towel, bracelet, and bottle of wine or beer add convenience rather than a radically different route. The operator also offers a complimentary branded gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations when you tell the crew in advance.

I would not choose VIP solely for the promise of a private cabin. Cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed. I would choose it for the reserved seating and small extras, particularly during a busy departure.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a good match for you if you want Balos without arranging several separate pieces. The transfer, port welcome, food, drinks, swimming kit, tender access, and return entertainment are all built into one outing.

It also suits families with older children, couples marking a special day, and friends who want a social afternoon on the water. The floating equipment and flamingo give children and playful adults something to do beyond taking photos.

You may prefer another way to see Balos if you want a long, quiet beach stay, a small private boat, or a serious sailing experience under full sail. You also need to accept a schedule controlled by weather and group timing. The maximum group size is 120, so the atmosphere can change from intimate to busy depending on the departure.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 99 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the crew, the beautiful catamaran, the food, the open drinks, and the lagoon itself. That matches the design of the day: it is less about reaching Balos as quickly as possible and more about turning the trip there and back into part of the holiday.

Should you book the Balos catamaran?

Book it if you want comfort, organized transport, water activities, and a sunset finish in one package. The included gear and refreshments make the $127 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise need to pay for transfers, food, and a separate boat experience.

Think twice if you dislike group entertainment, need a long stretch of quiet beach time, or expect the catamaran to sail under its canvas. Check the forecast, bring a towel, arrive early, and confirm the pickup details. For a special occasion, the VIP ticket adds practical comfort. For most people, Comfort should provide the core experience without the extra cost.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The boat departs from Kissamos Port. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book, and pickup may be available from listed locations.

Is hotel transfer included?

Complimentary transfer is included when you select the transfer option. The operator usually sends pickup details or contacts your hotel reception. Pickup arrangements can vary by booking.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is listed as 4 to 5.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability and the selected date.

What is included to eat and drink?

You receive Cretan snacks, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, water, detox water, and soft drinks. Selected wine or beer may be included, while cocktails and other premium alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Can I swim at Balos Lagoon?

Yes. You can swim at the lagoon or near the catamaran, depending on conditions and your preference. Swimming jackets, noodles, snorkeling equipment, and SUP boards are provided.

How do I reach the beach at Balos?

A tender boat can take you closer to the beach. You may also swim from the catamaran if you are comfortable and conditions permit.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel is required for Comfort ticket holders. A towel is included with the VIP option.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins are available, along with swimming jackets, SUP boards, and inflatable noodles.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

A box of toys is available for children by request. The activity is not suitable for babies under one year or unaccompanied minors.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled because of bad weather. The itinerary can also change without prior notice when conditions require it.