Kissamos: Catamaran Balos Sunset Cruise with Sushi & Drinks

Balos Lagoon is Crete’s great showstopper, and seeing it from a semi-private catamaran gives you more room than a standard boat trip. I like the combination of a tender ride toward the white-and-pink sand, a proper sushi meal, and an open selection of local beer, white wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. I also like that the catamaran carries SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, and a floating flamingo, so you can make the stop as active or lazy as you wish.

The main thing to consider is the price: $147 per person is a serious spend for an afternoon and evening on the water. It becomes better value if you use the transfer, eat and drink on board, enjoy the water equipment, and want a polished occasion rather than the cheapest way to see Balos. The cruise is weather-dependent, and anyone prone to seasickness should check conditions before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Balos from the water: A tender boat can take you closer to the lagoon, with time for the shore, shallow water, and famous white-and-pink sands.
• A small group at sea: The catamaran carries a maximum of 22 people, giving the trip a quieter feel than a large excursion boat.
• Sushi and Cretan snacks: You receive local finger food, sushi rolls, fresh seasonal fruit, and a welcome glass of Prosecco.
• An open drinks selection: Water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, local white wine, and Cretan beer are included. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra.
• Water time built in: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, noodles, fishing gear, and a floating flamingo are available.
• A sunset-first schedule: The outing saves its most memorable moment for the return across open water, when the sun drops toward the horizon.

Why this Balos sunset cruise feels different

Many Balos outings focus on getting you to the lagoon, letting you take a few pictures, and moving on. This one treats the boat itself as part of the occasion. You have sunbeds, shaded lounge areas, an outdoor shower, a toilet, music, Wi-Fi, and space to sit down with food and a drink.

That matters because Balos can be tiring. A road trip and long walk to the lagoon may suit some people, but this cruise lets you reach the area by sea and then return to a comfortable base. You can swim, dry off, eat sushi, and watch the coast slide past without packing up every hour.

The small maximum group of 22 is another useful detail. This is not a private cruise unless you book the private option, but it is much more intimate than a large ferry-style outing. You should still expect other people around the dining and swimming areas. The boat’s size gives you choices: stretch out in the sun, find shade, or join the water activities.

Starting at Kissamos Port with Prosecco and local bites

The cruise begins at Kissamos Port. If you use the included transfer, your exact pickup point depends on the option you book. Pickup locations cover areas around Chania, Georgioupolis, Kavros, and several named hotel, market, bank, and bus-stop points.

Be ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. The bus has a DanEri Yachts logo on the front window, and it cannot wait for late arrivals because of port rules. A delay of 10 to 15 minutes can happen, so wait at the meeting point during that window rather than arranging another ride too quickly.

At the port, the crew welcomes you aboard with Prosecco and light finger food. Local Cretan snacks made with fresh ingredients provide a more regional start than a purely generic boat buffet. A short safety briefing follows, and you can settle in while the catamaran leaves the harbor.

You need to provide each passenger’s full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number when booking. Port authorities require these details for cruise permission. Bring your passport or ID card, or an accepted copy, and keep your booking voucher available. The QR code is sent one day before departure.

Sailing toward Balos and the Agios Sozon stop

The first sailing section lasts about 30 minutes. This is a good time to get comfortable, choose a shaded or sunny spot, and take in the coast before the main stop.

The listed water stop is at Agios Sozon and lasts about 105 minutes. Here you have time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, local snacks, beer, wine, and scenic views. A description of the stop also includes a small cove with clear water near a Greek chapel, a pleasant setting for a swim and a few calm photographs.

The water equipment changes the feel of this part of the cruise. You can use a stand-up paddleboard if you want a bit of exercise, put on the supplied mask and fins for a look below the surface, or simply float with a noodle. Swim vests are available, as are life jackets. The inflatable flamingo is clearly aimed at fun photos rather than serious water activity, but it adds a light touch for families and groups of friends.

Fishing gear is also provided for a gentle fishing session. Do not expect a dedicated fishing trip, since the main focus is swimming and sunset, but it gives you another option if you want a quieter break from the water toys.

The stop is long enough to enjoy yourself, but not long enough to explore every corner of the Balos area at leisure. If your dream is an extended walk across the lagoon and surrounding shore, a dedicated daytime Balos trip may suit you better. This cruise is built around a taste of the lagoon followed by the evening sail.

Getting closer to Balos Lagoon by tender

A tender boat can take you closer to Balos Lagoon. That is useful because a catamaran cannot always move directly onto the shallow shore. From the tender, you can reach the soft white-and-pink sand and spend time in the shallow water before returning to the main boat.

Balos is special for its meeting of turquoise water, pale sand, and pink tones along parts of the beach. The colors change with the sun, so the lagoon can look quite different in late afternoon than it does under harsh midday light. The sunset timing gives the place a softer appearance, though the most dramatic sunset views come later from the boat.

The shore visit is not described as a long guided walk. You should think of it as an opportunity to step onto the sand, take photographs, wade, and enjoy the setting. Wear swimwear and bring a towel. Towels are not supplied for Comfort guests, and sunscreen and personal care items are your responsibility.

Sushi, fruit, and the drinks included

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise instead of a basic boat transfer. You receive a variety of sushi rolls, finger food, local snacks, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. The menu gives you something more substantial than packaged snacks, while the fruit works well after swimming in the sun.

The drinks package includes water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, local Greek white wine, and Cretan beer. That is a generous range for the $147 price, especially if you plan to spend several hours aboard. A welcome glass of Prosecco adds a celebratory start.

Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection are not included. Premium drinks can be ordered at an additional cost. Red wine is not allowed, so do not bring your own bottle. Glass objects, alcohol brought from outside, smoking indoors, and drugs are also prohibited.

The experience is polished without being fully formal. You can sit down for sushi, then return to a sunbed or jump back into the water. The setting does much of the work, but the food and drinks help the outing feel like a special evening rather than transport with a meal attached.

The return sail and Crete’s sunset

After the swimming and food, the catamaran heads back toward open water. The final 30-minute sailing segment gives you time to settle on deck for the main event: sunset.

The sunset is the point of the schedule, not an afterthought. The boat slows the pace as the sun moves toward the horizon, and you can watch the sky change from warm yellow to orange and red. The water reflects the fading light, and the return journey continues after dark.

Bring a hat and sunscreen even though the cruise ends in the evening. The sun is still strong during the first part of the trip, especially on the open deck. A light extra layer may also help later, but no specific clothing requirement is given beyond practical swimwear and sun protection.

The mood is likely to suit couples and friends looking for a romantic setting, but families can enjoy it too. A box of toys is available for children by request. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the trip is not recommended for children under two.

Is $147 good value?

At $147, this is not the budget way to see Balos. You are paying for a package that combines transport, a small-capacity luxury catamaran, food, drinks, equipment, and the sunset setting.

I think the value works best when you want the whole evening rather than only the lagoon. The return transfer can save you the trouble of reaching Kissamos Port, especially if you are staying away from the harbor. The sushi, fruit, open drinks, and water equipment would cost extra on many outings, though the exact comparison depends on what you would otherwise book.

The price is harder to justify if you do not drink, dislike sushi, plan to stay out of the water, or mainly want several hours on Balos beach. In that case, a simpler daytime boat trip may give you more time at the shore for less money.

The perfect five-star rating across 41 ratings supports the idea that the service is carefully managed. Specific praise focuses on the friendly crew, elegant presentation, and sunset. One detailed account describes a clear-water cove by a small Greek chapel, followed by a slow return toward sunset and a romantic ride back in the dark. That is a fair picture of the experience: polished, scenic, and designed for pleasure rather than speed.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples celebrating an anniversary, friends who want a stylish evening, solo visitors who prefer an organized outing, and families with older children who can enjoy swimming and the boat facilities.

It is especially suitable if you are staying near one of the listed transfer points and want the logistics handled for you. The private-group option may appeal to people marking a birthday or another special occasion. Tell the company in advance, since a complimentary branded gift is available for special occasions.

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, are over 95, or are prone to seasickness. The operator also asks anyone with mobility or health concerns to check before booking. The sea can change, and the cruise may be moved or canceled in bad weather.

Practical details for a smoother afternoon

Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, sunscreen, and your passport or ID. Shoes are not worn indoors, and marine life must not be touched. Smoking indoors is prohibited.

The cruise lasts between 3.5 and 5.5 hours, depending on the selected departure and pickup arrangement. Check the available start time carefully, since the duration is not identical for every option.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Life jackets are available, and the catamaran has an onboard WC and outdoor shower. Wi-Fi and music are provided, but the best reason to put your phone away is the view.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Since the trip depends on weather, keep some flexibility in your plans.

Should you book the DanEri Yachts sunset cruise?

Book it if you want Balos, swimming, dinner, drinks, and sunset in one well-organized outing. The small group, tender ride, sushi, open local drinks, and included water gear make it more than a simple sightseeing boat.

Skip it if your priority is the lowest price or a full day walking and relaxing on Balos beach. For everyone else, especially couples and small groups, the $147 cost is reasonable when you use the transfer and take advantage of what is included. Arrive early, pack your towel and sunscreen, and let the catamaran handle the evening.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

The cruise begins at Kissamos Port. Pickup is available from selected locations, depending on the option you book.

How long does the cruise last?

The duration is between 3.5 and 5.5 hours, depending on the selected option and starting time.

Is transfer included?

Complimentary round-trip transfer is included when you choose an option with pickup. The exact meeting point varies by booking choice.

What food is included?

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

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, local Greek white wine, and Cretan beer are included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside this selection cost extra.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling equipment, swim vests, life jackets, inflatable noodles, and stand-up paddleboards. You can also use the inflatable flamingo and fishing gear.

Can I visit Balos Lagoon from the boat?

Yes. A tender boat can take you closer to Balos Lagoon, where you can spend time near the white-and-pink sand and shallow water.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID card. A copy of your passport or ID may be accepted.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before departure.