Kissamos: Catamaran Balos Sunset Cruise with Sushi & Drinks

Balos Lagoon is the star here, but the real treat is seeing it from the water as the afternoon fades. You sail from Kissamos on a spacious catamaran, stop for swimming and snorkeling near Agios Sozon, then watch the sun drop over the sea with sushi and a drink in hand. It is a polished way to reach one of Crete’s most famous views without taking the rough road over the hills.

I like the small maximum group of 22 and the generous list of included extras: SUP boards, snorkeling gear, swim vests, noodles, fresh fruit, sushi, and an open selection of local drinks. I also like that round-trip transfers are offered from a wide range of pickup points around Chania, Georgioupolis, and nearby resorts.

The main consideration is timing. The advertised duration is 3.5 to 5.5 hours, and the exact schedule depends on your pickup option and conditions at sea. You also need to bring your own towel and sunscreen, and the cruise is not recommended for pregnant people, anyone with certain medical conditions, or anyone over 95.

Why this Balos sunset cruise works

• Balos from the sea: Reach the lagoon by catamaran, with a tender boat available to take you closer to the white and pink sand.
• A proper food-and-drink package: You get Prosecco, Cretan finger food, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine.
• Swimming with useful gear included: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are all available.
• A relaxed boat setup: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, onboard WC, music, and Wi-Fi make the time on board comfortable.
• A sunset-first schedule: The cruise is timed around the evening light, with the return sail taking place after sunset.
• Transfers simplify a remote outing: Optional pickup helps if you are staying around Chania, Kissamos, Georgioupolis, or along the listed resort routes.

Setting out from Kissamos with Prosecco

Your cruise begins at Kissamos Port, though the exact meeting point depends on the option you book. If you use the transfer, be at the stated pickup point at least 10 minutes early and look for the DanEri Yachts logo on the front window of the bus.

The transfer cannot wait for late arrivals. A delay of 10 to 15 minutes can happen, so you should remain at the meeting point during that window, but do not treat it as extra departure time. Port rules are strict, and the catamaran leaves on schedule.

Once aboard, the crew gives a short safety briefing and welcomes you with a glass of Prosecco and light snacks. The food begins with local Cretan treats made from fresh ingredients. Water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, local white wine, and Cretan beer are available during the cruise.

That opening matters because this is not simply a boat ride with one meal added at the end. The food and drinks are spread through the afternoon, so you can settle in rather than worry about buying refreshments later. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra, and red wine is not permitted.

The catamaran makes the journey part of the day

The catamaran is described as modern, spacious, and designed with both sunbeds and shaded lounge areas. That gives you a choice that many smaller boat trips do not: stretch out in the sun, or sit under cover when the heat becomes too much.

The group limit is 22 people, which keeps the experience more personal than a large excursion boat. A private group option is also available if you want the boat arranged for your own party.

You can move around during the sail, enjoy the sea views, use the Wi-Fi, or settle into the slower pace of the afternoon. Shoes are not allowed indoors, so wear something easy to remove. An outdoor shower is available after swimming, and an onboard WC is useful during a several-hour outing.

The boat also carries life jackets and swimming jackets. Fishing gear is available for a gentle fishing session, and a box of toys can be requested for children. Still, unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the activity is not suited to children under two.

Swimming and snorkeling near Agios Sozon

The main water stop is listed at Agios Sozon, with around 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, local snacks, drinks, and the sunset portion of the cruise. This is the part of the trip where you can make the outing active instead of simply scenic.

The included equipment is practical:

• High-quality masks and fins for snorkeling
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Swimming jackets
• Inflatable noodles
• An inflatable flamingo
• Fishing equipment
• Life jackets

You can paddle, float, snorkel, or stay dry on deck. The noodles are a nice touch for anyone who wants to enjoy the water without having to swim continuously. The flamingo is clearly aimed at photos, but it also adds a bit of harmless holiday silliness.

The exact swimming conditions depend on the weather and sea state. Do not assume the water will be calm simply because the cruise is marketed as relaxed. The operator can reschedule or cancel in poor conditions, and you should check the forecast if you are prone to seasickness.

Seeing Balos Lagoon from the water

Balos Lagoon is known for shallow turquoise water, pale sand, and pinkish tones along parts of the beach. Its position where several bodies of water meet gives the area an unusual, almost painted appearance, especially in late afternoon light.

The catamaran provides a different arrival from the usual land approach. Instead of making the steep drive and walk associated with reaching Balos by road, you see the coast from offshore and approach by boat. A tender boat can take you closer to the lagoon so you can explore the shoreline, walk on the sand, or sit in the shallow water.

This is an important detail for your expectations. The cruise brings you to the Balos area, but the amount of time you spend ashore depends on the sea conditions, timing, and how the crew manages the tender transfer. If your priority is a long beach session, a dedicated beach trip may give you more time on land. If you want the view without committing the entire day to the beach, the catamaran format is more appealing.

Bring a towel, since one is not included for Comfort guests, and pack sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. You should also bring a passport or ID card, or a copy, because passenger details are required for port permission.

Sushi, Cretan snacks, and an open drink selection

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise at its price. You receive a variety of sushi rolls after the lagoon visit, along with local finger food and a plate of seasonal fruit.

That menu gives the cruise a more polished feel than a basic excursion built around sandwiches. It also gives you a chance to try something different while still including familiar snacks and fresh fruit. The local white wine and Cretan beer suit the setting, while espresso and tea provide non-alcoholic options.

The package includes water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, and wine without extra charges. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included, so budget for those separately if they are important to you.

I would treat the sushi as a pleasant onboard meal rather than a reason to book the trip on its own. The value comes from the full combination: boat space, food, drinks, swimming equipment, sunset, and transport. People with serious dietary restrictions should contact the operator before booking, since no specific dietary arrangements are provided in the details available here.

The sunset is the main event

The return toward open water is timed for the evening light. As the sun lowers, the sea takes on changing shades, and the wide horizon gives you a clear view of the sunset without buildings blocking the scene.

You can watch from a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, or remain on deck with a drink. The cruise description places the sunset among the final highlights, so expect the best color near the end rather than at the beginning of the outing.

One Italian booking from September described the sunset as a slow build, followed by intense red and yellow light and a perfect sun sinking into the sea. That captures the appeal of this schedule: the boat is not rushing back to port before dark. The return takes place after sunset, with the catamaran moving through the evening darkness.

Sunset timing changes through the season, so the departure time will vary. Check the exact start time for your date instead of relying on a general afternoon schedule.

What the $147 price includes

At $147 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. It is also more than a transport service to Balos. The price includes round-trip transfer when selected, a luxury catamaran, an English-speaking crew, the welcome drink, snacks, sushi, seasonal fruit, an open selection of drinks, swimming gear, the lagoon visit, and the sunset cruise.

That is a strong package if you plan to use the extras. You get the most value by swimming, trying the SUP, using the snorkeling equipment, eating onboard, and enjoying several drinks. If you intend to sit quietly for the entire afternoon and skip the water activities, a cheaper sightseeing option may make more sense.

The transfer adds real value if you are staying outside Kissamos. Pickup points include areas around Chania, Georgioupolis, Souda, Kavros, and several hotels and local landmarks. Confirm your selected pickup point carefully, since the meeting location changes by option.

The activity has received a perfect overall rating from 41 listed bookings, with particular praise for the polished setup, friendly crew, and the fact that the experience matches its description. Those are useful signs, but the sea and weather remain outside anyone’s control.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a comfortable sunset outing with food and swimming built in. It also suits families with older children who can follow boat rules and enjoy the water equipment.

It is a good match if you want Balos scenery but prefer not to spend the day driving, hiking, and organizing your own food. It is also useful for a special occasion. Tell the company in advance about a birthday or anniversary, and a complimentary branded gift can be arranged.

This is not the right choice if you need a long, independent beach visit, dislike boats, or are highly sensitive to motion. It is also not suitable for pregnant people, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95. If mobility is an issue, contact the crew before booking because the tender transfer and movement around the boat may affect your comfort.

For cancellation, you can receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. The operator may also reschedule or cancel for bad weather.

Final call: a polished way to see Balos at sunset

Book this cruise if you want Balos, swimming, sushi, and sunset in one carefully planned half-day outing. The small group, shaded deck, open drinks, water equipment, and transfer options make the $147 fare reasonable for a full-service experience.

Skip it if your main goal is maximum time on the beach or the lowest possible price. For everyone else, this is a particularly appealing choice for a romantic evening, a birthday, or a last relaxed day in western Crete. Arrive early, pack your towel and ID, and let the sea set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the Balos sunset cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Kissamos Port. If you select a transfer, your exact pickup point depends on the option booked.

How long does the cruise last?

The listed duration is 3.5 to 5.5 hours. The exact timing depends on availability, your pickup arrangement, and the scheduled departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transfer is included when you choose an option with pickup. Available locations include areas around Chania, Souda, Georgioupolis, Kavros, and various hotels and local landmarks.

What food is included?

You receive welcome finger food, local Cretan snacks, a variety of sushi rolls, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, local Greek white wine, and Cretan beer. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, SUP boards, inflatable noodles, and life jackets. Swimming time is planned near Agios Sozon, subject to sea conditions.

Can I reach Balos Lagoon from the catamaran?

A tender boat can take you closer to Balos Lagoon, where you may walk along the sand or enjoy the shallow water. The exact amount of shore time depends on conditions and the cruise schedule.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. You should bring your own towel, swimwear, sun hat, sunscreen, and personal care items.

What identification is required?

Port authorities require each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. Bring a passport or ID card, and a copy is accepted.

Is the cruise suitable for children and people with health concerns?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the activity is not recommended for children under two. It is also not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95. Contact the operator before booking if you have mobility concerns or are prone to seasickness.