Dia Island Sailing Cruise from Heraklion: 6 miles of snorkeling & meal
Snorkel in crystal water, then eat on the boat instead of rushing back to shore
You sail six miles offshore to an uninhabited island with crystal water, spend the day snorkeling and paddle boarding (weather permitting), eat a full Greek meal with wine on deck, and return to the old port by late afternoon. The crew handles all equipment and meal prep, so you show up and swim.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Sail to Dia Island and enjoy activities
- Depart from Heraklion Old Venetian port
- Sail for 1 hour to Dia Island
- Anchor in Saint George bay
- Enjoy snorkeling, fishing, paddle boarding
- Request equipment from crew
- Have Greek salad and appetizers
- Eat shrimp linguini main course
- Drink wine, beer, or soft drinks
- Eat tropical and local fruit salad
- Relax on yacht or swim
- Sail back to Heraklion
What’s included
- Snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and paddle board use (weather dependent) are all provided.
- Your meal includes Greek salad, Cretan appetizers, shrimp linguini with vegetarian and gluten-free options available, tropical and local fruit salad, and your choice of white wine, beer, soft drinks or ice tea.
- The price covers fuel, all fees and taxes, and use of the restroom on board.
- A swim stop is built into the itinerary.
Next departure: 29 Oct 2027
Information
Sail to Dia Island from Heraklion Old Port for snorkeling and paddle boarding, then enjoy a three-course meal with wine on the water.
Compare the 4 alternatives
Traveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves Heraklion's old Venetian port and you're standing on deck watching the fortress walls shrink behind you. About an hour of sailing north and Dia Island appears. This uninhabited place six miles offshore where the water actually does look different, clearer somehow, and the crew is already pointing out where the Minoan port used to be, somewhere under the sand. The legend about it is odd: Zeus created it as a monster to destroy the Cretans, then turned it into stone to save them instead. You're not sure if that's real history or just something they tell everyone, but it sticks with you.
Once anchored in Saint George bay, the crew hands out snorkeling gear and fishing rods if you want them, and yeah, the paddle boards are there too, though the crew will tell you straight up that rough wind means those stay on deck for safety. The water is cold enough to wake you up but not so cold you can't stay in for a while. Some people fish, some dive down looking for pottery shards (the crew says it happens), and some just float and watch the hawks circle the cliffs. There's a small white church on the island with that Aegean architecture, and if you're not in the water you're probably looking at it or at the wild goats moving across the rocks.
Around midway through the morning, the crew brings out lunch. Shrimp linguini as the main, Greek salad, a pile of Cretan appetizers: olives, cheese, whatever they've made that day. They ask about dietary stuff beforehand, so vegetarian and gluten-free versions show up without fuss. Wine, beer, soft drinks, whatever you want with it. The fruit salad comes later, tropical and local mixed together, and by then you're half-dry and half-ready to get back in the water one more time before the sail back to Heraklion takes the afternoon.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 657 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How long is the total trip?
Around 5 hours from departure to return, with about 1 hour sailing each way and 3 hours anchored at Dia Island.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear and fishing equipment are included. Paddle boards are available unless wind conditions make them unsafe.
What if I'm vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and gluten-free versions of the meal are available upon request when you book.
Is there a restroom on the yacht?
Yes, there's a restroom on board.
What's included to drink?
White wine, beer, soft drinks, ice tea and water are included with the meal.
Can infants come on this trip?
Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap.
Where do we depart from?
The journey begins at Heraklion's old Venetian port.
What if I'm traveling with friends but booked separately?
Let the operator know when you book and they'll arrange for your group to be on the same boat.
Is this suitable for people who aren't strong swimmers?
The trip is suitable for all fitness levels. You can stay on deck, fish, or wade in the bay without going deep.
Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Dia Island Sailing Cruise from Heraklion: 6 miles of snorkeling & meal
5h–6h · EN
from € 80 per person
≈ US$ 90 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.