Balos – Elafonisi – Loutro - Sfakia
An exquisite cruise to get lost in the heart of paradise
Tropical beaches, turquoise waters, local food and unique sceneries right on the Mediterranean Sea: discover the most beautiful beaches and bays of Crete, some of them known only to locals and only reachable by boat. Enjoy endless beach-hopping, where every moment is filled with wonder and delight.
Choose between the Day cruise or the 2-day/2-night cruise to sail with the luxury of time.
DAY CRUISE - VIP CAR TRANSFER FROM €3,650
Day cruise itinerary
1 of the 2 legs of the itinerary is conducted by VIP car transfer, as this cruise covers a large part of Crete. Depending on the weather forecast, you will either depart from Chania on yacht and return by VIP car transfer from Sfakia, any time you like, or you will be driven straight from your hotel or villa to Sfakia to meet the yacht and start the cruise backwards (south to north), returning to Chania on yacht in the evening. The places you will visit are the same, whether the yacht departs from Chania and leaves you at Sfakia, or you depart from Sfakia and the yacht returns to Chania.
Balos lagoon will be the first or your last stop depending on which direction you will embark. You will pass by Gramvousa island, lying right next to it. As you head south towards Paleochora, you’ll visit the Elafonisi/Kedrodasos area with its famous pink-hued beach.
Until you reach the picturesque port of Sfakia, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the Cretan beaches and villages you’ll discover along the way: Sougia beach, Agia Roumeli village at the end of the epic Samaria Gorge, Agios Pavlos beach, Marmara beach, Loutro village, Glyka Nera beach and Iliggas beach.
2 DAY / 2-NIGHT CRUISE - VIP CAR TRANSFER FROM €5,200
2-day/2-night cruise itinerary
On day 1, you will start your cruise from Chania port. First, you will visit the unique Balos lagoon and Gramvousa island lying next to it. Then, you will head south, towards the Elafonisi/Kedrodasos area with its famous pink-hued beach. You will spend the 1st night in Paleochora, which is the 1st port in the south and a place where you can enjoy the local food and a nice drink.
On day 2, you will start the cruise from the southern beaches and coves, visiting places such as Agia Roumeli, which is the end of the epic Samaria Gorge, Agios Pavlos beach, Marmara beach, Glyka Nera beach and Loutro village. You will spend the 2nd night at Loutro, where you can taste the local cuisine and enjoy a drink.
At 9:00 am on the next morning, a VIP car transfer will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel or villa in the Chania or Rethymno area.
Our tip: Opt for the 2-day/2-night cruise to enjoy the magic of Crete with the luxury of time!
Why embark on the Southwestern Crete cruise
After you depart from Chania, the 1st destination is Balos beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the most photographed beach on Crete. Picture-perfect in every way, this idyllic paradise boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters that gently lap against pinkish white sands, creating a scene of wild natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
As you approach, you will see on one side the mirrored still waters of the lagoon reflecting the mountain and on the other side the pristine sea with many shades of blue.
The shallow, warm sea is perfect for young children to enjoy, while the sand in various spots boasts a delightful pinkish hue, attributed to the countless crushed shells. Venture beyond the rocky boundaries of the lagoon, and you will find deeper, cooler waters – an ideal setting for snorkeling adventures.
Balos lagoon is a Natura-protected area due to its exceptional ecological value and unique biodiversity. The lagoon is home to a variety of rare plant species, as well as important habitats for numerous bird species and marine life.
Our tip: The best time to visit is during the early morning hours. You can experience its beauty before the crowds arrive and enjoy the breathtaking scenery in relative peace.
Discover more about the beauty of Balos.
Heading south towards Paleochora, your next stop is the Elafonisi/Kedrodasos area with the world-famous pink sand beach. Elafonisi is a peninsula, which often breaks into 2 parts by water, giving the impression of being a separate island. Exotic pink-hued beaches and turquoise waters form on either side of the peninsula.
It is a Natura-protected area, as it is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several rare animals and plants find shelter on the island.
If you want to stay completely secluded, you can walk along the peninsula until you find a quiet cove that you like. There are some coves available for naturists near the west end of the peninsula.
Keep in mind: It is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
Tucked away on the southern coast of Crete lies the enchanting village of Loutro, a small hamlet untouched by mass tourism. Accessible only by boat or on foot, this picturesque destination is the perfect place to relax, reset and reconnect.
With its whitewashed buildings, blue doors, shutters and white and pink bougainvillea set against the rocky hillside, Loutro is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Feeling as if you have travelled back in time, you will find a village with no big hotels, no overcrowded streets, restaurants or beaches, and no cars.
While Loutro may not offer a bustling nightlife or many choices for entertainment, like the busier northern areas, you can unwind with a drink in hand, serenaded by the soothing sounds of the sea. You will find a deep connection with nature, breathtaking scenery, relaxation and a chance to disconnect and recharge amidst its tranquil surroundings.
As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village and the surrounding mountains, you will be captivated by the beauty of Loutro, which was named after the baths found there.
Our tip: Try snorkeling! Locals know that the crystal-clear waters surrounding Loutro are teeming with colorful fish, fascinating rock formations and even underwater caves.
Our cruise takes you on an unforgettable beach-hopping adventure, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Crete’s most beautiful beaches.
Sougia beach – Nestled beneath the shadow of towering cliffs and embraced by the azure waters of the Libyan Sea. Here, soft sands stretch as far as the eye can see, inviting you to unwind under the warm Mediterranean sun and dip your toes into the gentle waves.
Agia Roumeli – A picturesque village at the mouth of the legendary Samaria Gorge. Surrounded by rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters, Agia Roumeli offers a tranquil retreat. Relax on the pristine beaches and fill your heart with the stunning natural landscape.
Agios Pavlos beach – A unique pebbled beach known for its original beauty, crystalline waters and stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Amid this breathtaking natural landscape lies the same-named 10th-century Byzantine chapel, a testament to the region’s storied past and spiritual significance.
Marmara beach – Located at the exit of the Aradena Gorge, Marmara exudes an aura of timeless beauty and tranquility. This bay, with its colorful rocks and sea caves, is only accessible by boat.
Glyka Nera beach – Named after the freshwater springs that flow into the sea, this beach creates a surreal oasis of serenity. Nestled between towering cliffs, it is accessible only by boat or through a hiking trail.
Iliggas beach – An incredible beach with crystal-clear waters and thick silver sand at the exit of the Kavi Gorge. With its secluded coves and untouched beauty, Iliggas offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Our journey ends at the beautiful, picturesque port of Sfakia.
Our tip: Relax and enjoy!
Getting there
Our fleet of luxury yachts gives you the chance to discover the coastal beauty of Crete, by providing you with exclusive access to breathtaking bays and beaches.
From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, our yachts offer a range of amenities and personalized services tailored to exceed your every expectation.
Our experienced crew adds to this unique experience, guaranteeing a safe and comfortable cruise.
For the Day cruise
Choose one of the 3 yachts to embark on the Southwestern Crete cruise.
All prices below are all-inclusive: they include costs for fuel, VAT, captain and crew, lunch or sandwiches (depending on each yacht menu) and an open bar with wine, beers and soft drinks.
All our guests are offered fresh towels and snorkeling gear and have access to free WiFi.
For the 2-day/2-night cruise
Choose one of the 3 yachts to embark on the special 2-day Southwestern Crete cruise.
The prices below include 2-days’ yacht rental, captain, VAT, insurance, fuel, lunch and dinner on the first day and an open bar with wine, beers and soft drinks for all days. Guests will be provided with fresh beach towels and snorkeling gear and will have access to free WiFi. Lady Roula and Babyface also offer Netflix.
Babyface
Alfamarine 58
Lady Roula
Dufin 57
Axopar 1
Axopar 37
Important notes:
– The schedule above is indicative, as the places the yacht can stop are more than the ones mentioned and you can arrange where you would like to spend more time in cooperation with your captain.
– The captain is always the one who will decide where the yacht will spend the night with safety and enjoyment for its guests, according to the weather.
What we offer
INCLUDED
EXTRAS
For the Day cruise: Lunch, depending on the yacht, and open bar with wine, beer & sodas
For the 2-day/2-night cruise: Lunch and dinner for the 1st day and open bar with wine, beer & sodas on both days