Crete: Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal & Water Sports

Summary

Sail from heraklion to wild dia island for swimming greek food and sea air

You’ll sail from Heraklion to Dia Island with local crew, swim or snorkel in clear water, try paddle boards if you want (or just laugh if you fall in), then share Greek salad and shrimp linguini with cold wine on deck before drifting home salty-haired and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sea to smell so green — like salt, but also something wild, almost herbal. We left Heraklion’s old Venetian port in the morning, and I kept glancing back at those stone walls until they shrank into the haze. Our guide, Yiannis, was already joking about how Zeus turned Dia Island from a monster into a rock. “So you’re safe,” he said, grinning. The boat cut through choppy water and I felt that weird mix of excitement and slight seasickness (worth it though).

Landing in the bay at Dia was quieter than I thought it’d be — just a few seagulls and the sound of someone splashing off the stern. The water looked unreal, all blue-green ribbons over pale sand. I tried paddle boarding for maybe two minutes before realizing my balance is... not great. Li laughed when I fell in (twice), but honestly it felt good to just float there for a bit. Snorkeling was better — saw these tiny darting fish near some rocks. Didn’t find any ancient ruins but did spot a rabbit on shore, which felt random.

Lunch came out after we’d dried off — big bowls of Greek salad, plates of little Cretan appetizers (I never caught all the names), then shrimp linguini that tasted like summer evenings. There was cold white wine too; not fancy but perfect for that moment. The crew passed around fruit salad with slices of something that smelled almost like honey. I’m still thinking about that meal — maybe because we ate barefoot with wet hair and nobody cared.

On the way back to Heraklion, everyone got quiet for a while except Yiannis humming some old song at the wheel. The sun was lower and everything looked gold and soft-edged. Hard to explain but it felt like we’d been gone longer than just a day trip to Dia Island from Crete — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and activities at Dia Island

• Depart from Heraklion Old Venetian port
• Sail 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

Top questions

How long does the sailing cruise to Dia Island take?

The sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island takes about 1 hour each way.

Are meals included on the Dia Island sailing trip?

Yes, lunch is included: Greek salad, Cretan appetizers, shrimp linguini (with vegetarian/gluten-free options), plus fruit salad.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is available onboard at no extra cost.

Can I use paddle boards during the tour?

Paddle boards are available unless wind conditions are rough; ask the crew for equipment.

Is pickup included for this sailing cruise?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Heraklion Old Venetian Port.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes, white wine, beer, iced tea, soft drinks, and water are included during your meal.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Can I fish during the Dia Island cruise?

Fishing equipment is available onboard; ask the crew if you’d like to fish during your stop at Dia Island.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Heraklion’s old port with all fees covered, use of snorkeling gear and fishing equipment (just ask), paddle boards when it’s calm enough, a full lunch with shrimp linguini or veggie options plus Greek salad and Cretan starters, plenty of wine or beer if you want it, fresh fruit salad after swimming or sunbathing on deck—and restrooms onboard too before heading back in the afternoon.