Balos and Gramvousa feel worlds away, but this RIB tour gets you there fast. I like the small-group feel and the chance to hit the sights before the big ferry wave arrives. I also like that you get snorkeling gear, snacks, and unlimited drinks built into the experience. One drawback to weigh: you may need to swim or walk in shallow water to reach the shore, especially at Balos, which can be stressful if you’re not a confident swimmer.

You start from Kissamos (with optional hotel pickup), get a quick safety chat, then power out across the Cretan Sea. The schedule is built around time in the water and on the islands rather than long, slow transit.

5 key reasons this RIB cruise is worth your time

• You arrive early so Balos and Gramvousa feel calmer than the ferry crowds
• Fast RIB travel gives you more actual beach and snorkel time
• Gramvousa first, Balos second helps you dodge peak tourist buildup
• Unlimited drinks + snacks keep the mood easy on a speed-day
• Snorkeling gear included so you can just gear up and go

Why the Kissamos RIB cruise beats the ferry day

If you’ve ever stood in the ferry shuffle, you know how fast the day can vanish. This trip is designed to skip that whole rhythm. The boat ride is quick, and the captain aims to time stops so you’re not showing up exactly when the large boats unload.

The tradeoff is the vibe: it’s more like “sea adventure” than “floating on a schedule.” You’ll move fast between viewpoints, and you’ll feel the sea a bit more in open water. If your priority is lots of time in crystal water—rather than lots of time waiting—this is the kind of tour that fits.

Another win is how intimate it feels. The boat size is small enough that you’re not swallowed by hundreds of people at once. Many guests specifically call out that arriving before the ferry crowds changes the whole experience.

Getting to Kissamos Port: pickup, documents, and that safety chat

You can start with hotel pickup from a long list of areas, including Kissamos, Kolimvari, Maleme, Gerani, Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Galatas, Daratso, Chania town, Nea Chora, Souda, and the areas in between. If you’re not sure your hotel is on the route, you’ll need to ask the provider using your exact location.

At Kissamos Port, you get a safety briefing (it’s listed at 15 minutes). Even if you’ve been on boats before, don’t treat this as filler. The “close to shore” part of this tour means you’ll want to understand exactly how disembarkation works and what to do with your gear.

One detail that matters: port authorities require your full passenger info when booking or at least 24 hours before departure—full name, passport/ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. No one can join without that being submitted properly.

Bring your passport or ID card, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour doesn’t include towels, and you’ll be dealing with water at the stops.

Gramvousa Island stop: the castle views, quick planning, and water access

The ride to Gramvousa Island is about 30 minutes of speed cruising. From there, you’ll have around 1.5 to 2 hours on the island. The anchor point is chosen to be as close as possible, but you should be ready for the last stretch on foot—or in some conditions, by swimming a short distance.

That means shoes matter more than you might think. If you want to explore the island and possibly climb toward the fortress area, plan for uneven ground and slick surfaces around the shoreline. The tour doesn’t include tickets to enter the Gramvousa Fortress, so if you’re aiming for that climb, you’ll need to plan for the paid entry.

This stop is also where you can get some of the best photos with less crowd pressure. Guests talk about early arrival timing and the calmer feel compared to ferry days. Also, the captain’s approach can shape the day—captains named Pavlos and Pablos (and occasionally Dimitrios) show up in the experiences shared, and several guests highlight their professionalism and local spotting skills for the best conditions and water access.

Practical tip: don’t burn all your time on the first scenic spot. Gramvousa is best when you split it—walk a bit, take the view, then return to your boat position with enough time to board promptly.

Balos Lagoon: swimming from the boat and timing the quiet beach

After Gramvousa, you head to Balos Lagoon, stopping for about 1.5 to 2 hours there as well. The boat anchors close so you can swim or walk into shore, and many guests describe swimming right from the boat deck as a major highlight.

Here’s the thing: Balos can be cold depending on the season and weather. One common prep point from experiences is that the ride can be cold and wet, then the sun warms things up later. If you’re traveling in shoulder season (like October), it’s smart to bring a rain jacket or warm layer that you can actually tolerate getting soaked.

Balos also has no easy “dock walk-on” feeling. In multiple experiences, guests point out that you may need to jump in and swim partway to reach standing depth and the shoreline. There’s sometimes mention of wet bags for belongings, and in some cases a captain adjusts the approach to help guests land in a better way. Still, treat swimming/wading as part of the plan.

Snorkeling is a big part of Balos for a reason: the water clarity can be excellent, and the snorkeling equipment is included. If you’re hoping to see fish and coral-like textures up close, this is where that payoff usually happens—so don’t skip gearing up when you first arrive.

Also watch the crowd rhythm. Several experiences describe arriving before the large tour boats pack the area. The result is a Balos moment that feels more like a beach day and less like a timed attraction.

Snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks: what you’ll actually get on board

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus snacks and unlimited refreshments. Drinks listed include beer, soft drinks, juice, ice tea, and water. Music is also part of the onboard setup.

One caution: the tour rules also say alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That creates a real-life “what’s served exactly?” question. In other words, don’t count on alcohol being available in every situation. If beer matters to you, confirm the current policy with the operator before you go.

During high-speed cruising, you’ll be asked to be seated. That’s not a buzzkill—it’s a comfort and safety thing. When you’re not moving fast, you can often relax on the deck, enjoy the cool breeze on the return ride, and snack between swim turns.

A practical note from experiences: while towels aren’t included, some captains provide waterproof/wet bags for personal items so you can keep phones and documents safer. Either way, pack a waterproof plan. Use a dry bag if you have one, and keep your passport/ID handling in mind since you need it for the trip.

The speedboat ride: comfort, waves, and what to pack for a wet day

This is a RIB speedboat, which means you’ll feel the sea. Multiple experiences talk about bumpy crossings and high waves creating an adrenaline feel. The good news is that guests repeatedly describe the captains as handling rougher water confidently, which matters a lot when you’re in open sea conditions.

What you should prepare for is getting cold and wet. That sounds obvious, but many people forget it until they’re soaking through layers on the way out. If you’re going in months where temperatures can dip—October is a good example—bring something that cuts wind and helps you stay warm enough to enjoy the stops.

I also recommend bringing:

• A towel even if you think you won’t need it
• Sunscreen even on cloudy days (UV doesn’t care)
• A dry change of clothing if you’re picky about comfort on the return

If you’re with older relatives or anyone who struggles with water confidence, take the swimming-to-shore aspect seriously. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users, and that’s because access involves water.

Price and value: is $153 worth it for a 5-hour RIB day?

At $153 per person for about 5 hours, the price feels high only if you compare it to a basic ferry ticket. But this isn’t a ferry swap. You’re paying for speed, boat comfort, small group handling, and included extras that add up.

You get:

• Speedboat transport with the captain and crew
• Snacks
• Unlimited drinks (with the alcohol note above)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Optional hotel pickup and drop-off
• Choice of shared or private tour

The best value part is time. You’re not spending your day trapped on a slower boat while crowds land and the beach becomes a queue. The timing strategy—arrive early, leave before the crowd crush—can be worth real money because it protects the whole point of Balos and Gramvousa: water clarity and space.

Also, small-group experiences matter. When you have a boat that holds around a dozen people, you’re not competing for deck space, swim access, or attention. Several experiences specifically mention a small boat size and the ability to find quieter spots at both destinations.

So yes, the price is fair if you want the “best of Balos + best of Gramvousa” without the ferry day chaos. If you’re seasick, if swimming makes you anxious, or if you want guaranteed dock access, you might feel like you paid for something that doesn’t match your needs.

Should you book this Kissamos speedboat? My decision guide

Book it if:

• You want Balos and Gramvousa in one day without losing hours to transit
• You’re comfortable with swimming or wading from an anchored boat
• You like the idea of a captain who times stops to reduce crowds
• You want included snorkeling gear and easy food/drinks on board

Pass or choose a different style of trip if:

• You have limited water confidence or need stable, dock-style access
• You’re dealing with mobility limitations (this tour isn’t suitable)
• You’re very seasick, since the ride can be rough in wind or waves
• You need alcohol available for the whole trip (the rules say alcohol isn’t allowed, even though beer is listed among drinks)

If you’re a confident swimmer and you want a fast, fun day with room to breathe at one of Crete’s most famous water stops, this is the kind of tour that makes the rest of the itinerary feel small.

FAQ

Do I need to swim to reach Balos and Gramvousa?

The boat anchors close, but you may need to swim or walk a few meters to reach land. At Balos especially, expect a water-entry approach rather than a dock walk-on.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the tour, and you’ll have time at both Gramvousa and Balos to use it.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. It’s available from listed areas around Kissamos and Chania town/nearby areas. If you tell them your hotel location, they can confirm whether it’s covered.

Do I need a passport or ID card?

Yes. You must bring your passport or ID card. Also note that you must submit your full passenger details to the provider for port authorities.

Are towels included?

No. You should bring a towel with you.

Are drinks like beer included?

The tour includes unlimited drinks such as beer, soft drinks, juice, ice tea, and water. At the same time, the rules state that alcohol isn’t allowed, so it’s smart to confirm what will be available on your exact departure.

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