Kissamos: Catamaran Balos Sunset Cruise with Sushi & Drinks

If you want Crete at its most dramatic, this cruise delivers. It pairs a modern, spacious catamaran with a classic Balos Lagoon stop, then finishes with a slow glide into sunset colors that feel almost unreal.

I especially like how comfortable the boat setup is, with sunbeds and shaded lounge areas so you can actually rest between swims. I also love the food and drink mix, with a welcome glass of Prosecco plus sushi rolls, fresh fruit, and unlimited coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine.

One thing to consider is timing and logistics: the cruise is weather-dependent, and the transfer will not wait if you are late to pickup, so you need to be on time at the meeting point.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Balos Lagoon focus with time to walk the sands or float in shallow water
• Open-bar style drinks plus espresso and tea, not just water and soda
• Water toys included: SUP, snorkeling gear, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and a flamingo float
• Sushi on the water with finger-food style extras and a fruit plate onboard
• Small group cap (maximum 22 travelers), which keeps the vibe more relaxed
• Cove-to-sunset rhythm with swimming time, then a sunset sail back over open sea

A Luxury Catamaran Day From Kissamos Port

This is the kind of cruise that works best when you stop planning and just follow the day. You start at Kissamos Port, where the crew handles the basics quickly, including a short safety briefing and welcome refreshments.

From the jump, the boat feels made for hanging out, not hustling. You get sunbeds for sun time, plus shaded lounge areas for breaks when the sun is doing its job too well. There is also an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, which is surprisingly useful once you’ve been swimming and snorkeling.

The cruise runs about 3.5 to 5.5 hours depending on the selected departure time and how conditions shape the schedule. That range matters, because you want to pick a slot that gives you a real chance to enjoy both swimming and the sunset without feeling rushed.

Welcome Prosecco, Real Drinks, and Sushi That Hits the Spot

Let’s talk value, because $147 per person can be either a steal or an overpay depending on what’s included. Here, you are getting an all-in package feel: welcome glass of Prosecco and finger food, sushi rolls onboard, a fresh seasonal fruit plate, and unlimited drinks like espresso, tea, water, soft drinks, local Greek white wine, and Cretan beer.

This is not a barebones sightseeing boat where you hope you like the snacks. Sushi is part of the main cruise experience, served back on the catamaran after your time in the water. The cruise also includes local snacks throughout the day, so you are unlikely to end up hungry between swims.

One practical note: cocktails and alcoholic beverages beyond the open bar selection are not included. If you love fancy drink upgrades, plan on paying extra for those. Still, between the included drinks and the food, most people will feel taken care of.

Getting to Balos Lagoon, the Part That Feels Like an Island Postcard

Balos Lagoon is why you book this. The whole day is built around reaching that place where turquoise water meets pale sands, with time set aside to actually experience it, not just stare at it from a distance.

Once you arrive, you can explore on foot (where conditions allow) and enjoy the shoreline. The cruise also sets you up for the “float and relax” version of Balos, with shallow water time where you can lie back and take in the light. If you like water time more than land time, this works well because it is not just a quick stop.

A tender boat can take you closer to the lagoon. That’s an important detail. It usually means you get a more intimate view of the sand and the water than you would from the main deck alone. It also makes the whole experience feel smoother and less crowded than you might expect from a popular destination.

Do know that Balos is weather and sea condition sensitive. If wind and waves kick up, the crew may adjust plans. You are warned that the cruise can be rescheduled or canceled in bad conditions, which is better than forcing a rough ride.

Agios Sozon Cove Time: Snorkeling, SUP, and That Quiet Moment

There’s a big difference between looking at the sea and playing in it. Your day includes a longer stop tied to Agios Sozon, with time set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

This is also where you get the kind of calm cove time that people remember. One review specifically praised a stop near a small Greek chapel, with clear water right at the shoreline and a setting that feels like it belongs on a film set. Even if you do not care about the chapel detail, the payoff is the same: you get a genuine break in the middle of the cruise, not just a scramble to photos.

Here’s what is included for that water play:

• Snorkeling gear, with high-quality masks and fins
• Swim vests
• SUP (stand-up paddleboards)
• Inflatable noodles for comfort and fun
• Fishing gear (complete set) for a gentle fishing experience

If you are not a confident swimmer, the swim vests and the inflatables make a big difference. If you want to try snorkeling but have never had good gear, this is one of the reasons to book, since it is included and not something you have to rent at the last second.

Also, the stop includes beer, wine, local snacks, swimming time, and scenic views on the way back and forth. That mix matters because it helps the day feel like a continuous experience, not a single stop and done.

The Sunset Sail: Where Color Really Does the Talking

The sunset portion is the big emotional payoff. After time in the lagoon area and your cove play, you head back out into open sea with the highlight waiting at the end: a breathtaking sunset over the water.

What I like about the way this is timed is that you are not watching sunset from a sweaty dock. You are moving, the light shifts across the water, and you can relax on deck while the day turns quiet. Reviews call out the slow build of color, from warm reds into gold tones, and how the sea reflects the sky in a way that makes you forget you have a schedule.

The crew also has music onboard, plus free Wi-Fi. That is not the main reason to come, but it helps if you want to save your photos, check maps for later, or just have a low-key playlist vibe while you wait for the sun to drop.

For best enjoyment, do two simple things:

1. Get a deck spot before the last hour starts cooling down.
2. Bring sunscreen and a light layer, because it can get chilly once the sun goes fully down.

Boat Comfort Details That Make the Day Feel Easier

Luxury cruises can sometimes mean extra rules and extra fuss. This one feels more practical, because the comfort is built into what you do for hours.

On the catamaran, you can choose where you want to be:

• Sunbeds for sun time
• Shaded lounge areas for breaks
• Open deck spots for sunset viewing

Once you start swimming, included gear saves you from decision fatigue. You do not have to figure out what mask fits, whether the fins are good, or whether the life jackets are adequate. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are included, plus onboard toilets and an outdoor shower.

One fun detail that adds to the vibe is the inflatable flamingo float. It’s an easy photo moment, but it also gives you a reason to slow down and enjoy the in-between time, when the boat is rocking gently and everyone is taking their turn in the water.

If you’re bringing kids, there is also a box of toys available by request. That is a small inclusion, but it can make the difference between a cranky day and a smooth day for families.

Price, Time, and Transfer: What You Are Actually Paying For

At $147 per person for a 3.5 to 5.5 hour cruise, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. Transport convenience via complimentary round-trip transfer
2. On-water experience design, meaning swimming time plus Balos Lagoon plus the sunset run
3. Meals and drinks included, including sushi and an open selection of wine and beer

The transfer coverage is a big deal on Crete. You are not trying to coordinate your own ride to a port area and then handle the return after sunset. Meeting points vary based on your selected option, and there are many listed drop-off locations, which helps you keep the day simple.

Two caution points so you do not get surprised:

• The transfer cannot wait, so be at the pickup point at least 10 minutes early.
• The transfer may be delayed by 10 to 15 minutes occasionally, so give yourself a little patience and stay in the meeting area.

If you are comparing this to cheaper cruises, the difference is usually not just boat quality. It is the combination of sushi, the open-drink selection, and the water gear. If you were going to rent snorkeling gear and pay for entry-style experiences anyway, this price starts to look more fair.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Should Skip It

This cruise works especially well for couples and friends who want a “one day, big highlights” outing. It also makes sense for solo travelers, because the small group cap of 22 travelers keeps the experience social but not chaotic.

It is a smart fit if you like water activities. SUP, snorkeling gear, swim vests, and inflatable noodles are all part of the package, and the schedule includes multiple chances to get in the water.

It is not a fit if you have concerns about sea conditions. The tour notes it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95 years. It also advises that if you are prone to seasickness, check the forecast and consult the team before booking.

If you want a very laid-back pace with minimal walking, you’ll still need to be comfortable with tender transfers and shoreline time at Balos. But you can keep it gentle since swimming and floating are fully supported.

Practical Packing List for a Balos Sunset Day

Pack like you are spending most of the day in and around water. The tour provides plenty onboard, but your personal comfort still depends on what you bring.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)

And keep these rules in mind:

• Pets are not allowed.
• Smoking indoors is not allowed.
• No weapons or sharp objects.
• No red wine.
• Do not touch marine life.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
• Shoes indoors are not allowed, so wear sandals or slip-on footwear for moving around the boat, and change into swim shoes if you use them.

If you want the day to feel smooth, arrive on time with your details ready. The cruise permission requires passenger full name, date of birth, passport/ID number, and nationality. The QR code ticket is sent one day before the tour.

Should You Book Kissamos Catamaran Balos Sunset Cruise?

Book it if you want a single half-day that hits three big goals: Balos Lagoon time, serious swimming gear included, and a sunset sail that actually feels like a finale.

Skip it if you want a strict, walk-everywhere itinerary, or if you are not comfortable with weather changes at sea. Since the cruise can be rescheduled or canceled, plan around flexibility if possible.

Finally, consider this your sweet spot choice if you value convenience and included comforts. Between sunbeds, shaded areas, sushi, fruit, open drinks, and the water toy setup, you are paying for a day that runs itself. That is the kind of vacation time that feels like a win.

FAQ

How long is the Kissamos Balos sunset cruise?

The duration is listed as 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the selected starting time and conditions.

Is round-trip transfer included?

Yes. Complimentary transfer (round trip) is included, with meeting point and drop-off locations varying by the option you book.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

You get a welcome glass of Prosecco and finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, fresh seasonal fruit, plus unlimited water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, local beer, and local Greek white wine. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond the open bar selection are not included.

Will there be snorkeling and SUP during the cruise?

Yes. You get SUP and snorkeling gear (high-quality masks and fins), plus swim vests, inflatable noodles, and life jackets for water time.

Does the cruise visit Balos Lagoon and include a sunset?

Yes. The experience includes a visit to Balos Lagoon and the most magical sunset on the island of Crete.

What should I bring to the boat?

Bring sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Is a towel provided?

A towel is not included for Comfort guests, so you should plan to bring one.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?

No, pets are not allowed.

What if the weather is bad?

The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled in case of bad conditions.