The maritime laws in Crete are very strict and it is therefore impossible to rent a boat with an engine for private use. The S/Y Rena-Isabella is a beautiful sail boat that can take up to 12 persons that can be chartered with it’s captain for a wonderful day of sailing, snorkeling and fishing.

A relaxing day cruise around one the other largest natural harbours in the world is the ideal way to top up you tan, swim in crystal clear waters, and see the sights. A coach or taxi transfer will take you to Souda . Boarding is around 09.30 and after our departure from Souda Harbour we take off in an easterly direction. The first stop is just off the fishing village of Almyrida where you have time to swim and snorkel from the boat. The coast is full of natural caves made by the sea and after our first swim we continue to the Cape of Drapanos. The cave is on the eastern edge of the bay and as we enter the cave in the boat you have the opportunity to take amazing photos or videos and admire the scenery.

This delightful excursion takes you by coach to the port of Kissamos-Kastelli where you board a boat which takes about 1 hour to cross the bay of Kissamos, passing the ancient shipyards of Tarsanas, to the incomparable Balos Lagoon. (All other trips to Gramvousa go to Balos in the afternoon, we go in the morning in order to avoid the crowds). Once at Balos the boat drops anchor just off the shore and you are ferried in a small boat to the pristine beach, where you are free to spend the next 3 hours relaxing. There is no shade on Balos beach but umbrellas are available for rent on the boat (but get yours early as they are limited). The crystal clear jade waters and pale white sand at Balos Lagoon even enticed Prince Charles and Princess Diana to swim here whilst on their honeymoon aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. Balos today is part of a nature reserve and is an important habitat for birds, sea turtles, and the Mediterranean seal.