Snorkeling from Heraklion to Dia Island: Small-Group Sailing

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/13

Duration6h–7h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Six hours snorkeling and paddleboarding in Aegean shallows with seafood lunch and local wine

A small-group sailing trip from Heraklion to Dia Island in Crete with a maximum of 10 guests, where you snorkel, paddleboard, and swim in the Aegean before anchoring for a freshly prepared Cretan lunch with unlimited local wine and beer. The crew speaks English, provides all snorkeling gear and paddleboards, and you can arrange pickup from Heraklion Port or from nearby towns like Malia, Hersonissos, or Gouves. The boat holds no more than 10 people, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and semi-private.

6h–7h

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and exploring Dia Island

Meet at Heraklion Port
Sail to Dia Island
Anchor near pristine beaches
Swim in crystal-clear waters
Snorkel and admire marine life
Relax and sunbathe on deck
Enjoy freshly prepared Cretan lunch
Drink unlimited local beverages
Socialize with local crew
Return to Heraklion Port

The Experience

The boat leaves Heraklion Port in the morning and sails along Crete's northern coast toward Dia Island, an unspoiled stretch of the Aegean with untouched shores and no development. Once anchored near the island's pristine beaches, you have the freedom to snorkel in the clear water, try paddleboarding, or simply float and sunbathe on deck while the crew handles the sailing. The snorkeling gear is provided, and the water is shallow enough to see the vibrant marine life beneath the surface without needing deep-water experience.

Lunch arrives mid-day on deck: freshly prepared Cretan pasta (seafood or pesto), Greek salad, and fruit, paired with unlimited local white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. The crew is local and English-speaking, and they share stories about the island and the sea; if dolphins appear, they'll sing to them. The whole day is built around a relaxed pace—no rushing between stops, no crowded tour groups. With a maximum of 10 people on board, the boat never feels packed, and you're free to spend as much time in the water or on deck as you want.

You can meet the boat at Heraklion Port, or if you're staying in nearby towns—Malia, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Gouves, or other areas—you have the option to arrange a transfer to the port at checkout. The whole experience runs six to seven hours from departure to return.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment.
stand-up paddleboard use.
a freshly prepared Cretan lunch with seafood or vegetarian pasta, Greek salad, and fruit.
unlimited local white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
an English-speaking local crew.
and optional hotel pickup from Heraklion or nearby towns like Malia, Hersonissos, Analipsi, and Gouves.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Set Sails Crete

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel and paddleboard in one outing—the boat carries you between multiple spots and includes lunch, so you can move between water activities and the island without breaking up your day.