5 Boat Tickets & Passes Around the Mediterranean to Build a Day Around

1.Chania/Rethymno: Balos & Gramvousa With Pickup & Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,703 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $50Our pick

You’ll ride an air-conditioned bus from a selected pickup point to Kissamos, then board a large boat for Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. Expect a 20-minute castle hike, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and food for sale onboard. Guides such as Donia keep departure times clear, while the shared boat can carry more than 100 people.

“Best trip in the whole island. From beginning with the pick up , friendly guide and driver. The whole trip was amazing and I highly recommend when visiting Crete !”

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2.Plitvice Lakes Tour: Secured Tickets, Train & Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 802 reviews · 4 hours · from $41Best value

Walk 4 to 5 km through Plitvice Lakes with guides such as Samantha, Christian, Angelo, and Bethsy. See the upper and lower lakes, ride the park shuttle and a 15-minute boat, and stop at prime photo points. The guide reserves your entry, but you pay the changing park fee in cash, from 10 to 40 EUR.

“They were super accommodating! We got there late due to circumstances out of our hands and they were very helpful. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and also very kind. He answered any and all questions that the group had. Definitely worth it!”

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3.Zadar: Kornati and Telašćica Cruise with Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 759 reviews · from $68

Spend about nine hours sailing from Zadar through the Kornati islands to Telašćica Bay. An English-speaking crew, including Victoria on some departures, serves breakfast, lunch, wine, rakija, and unlimited water. Swim at Levrnaka and Lake Mir, hike for views, and watch for dolphins.

“I enjoyed the boat tour and the visits to the islands. I would highly recommend it if you're in the area.”

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4.Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 590 reviews · 12 hours · from $64

Spend about 12 hours traveling from Chania to Kissamos, then cruise to Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa. You can swim in clear, shallow water, explore a Venetian fortress, and see a half-sunken shipwreck. Guides such as Vicky, Eva, Irene, and Irini are praised for clear directions and friendly care. Expect a large ferry and a steep castle walk.

“Wonderful day at Balos and Gramvousa, it was all worth it and good value for money. Thank you to our guide Vicky who gave us all the necessary information and took good care of us.”

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5.Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 170 reviews · 1 day · from $85

Pair Genoa’s 70-plus aquarium exhibits with a four-hour cruise through the Pelagos Sanctuary. A marine biologist explains cetacean behavior and responsible viewing in Italian and English. The boat leaves beside the aquarium, but you must reserve the aquarium time separately. Bring sun protection, and keep your ticket if no animals appear.

“The combo deal is good. Sadly we didin’t see any whales or dolphins on our day. They came forwards and gave us a free voucher for it.”

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