Crete: Dia Island Sailing Trip with Lunch & Snorkeling

Sail to dia island for swimming snorkeling and lunch from heraklion

You’ll sail from Heraklion to Dia island with a small group and friendly local crew. Swim or snorkel in crystal-clear bays, watch for wildlife, then relax with an organic Cretan lunch served right on deck. It’s a day that lingers in your mind: the kind where you forget your phone exists for hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing trip to Dia Island with lunch

• Meet crew at Old Venetian port
• Receive safety and boat handling briefing
• Set sail to Dia Island
• Anchor at Agios Georgios or Panagia bay
• Swim, snorkel, or sunbathe for 1.5 hours
• Enjoy cool refreshments and seasonal fruit
• Have organic local lunch on board
• Set sail back to Heraklion port
• Watch for dolphins during return trip

The experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to drift away from Heraklion, just the sound of the sails and that salty breeze? We met our crew at the Old Venetian port: honestly, I was a little nervous about being on a yacht, but they were all smiles, showing us how to move around safely. The city faded behind us pretty quick. It’s almost an hour out to Dia island, but time sort of blurs when you’re watching the coastline shrink and someone’s laughing about how awkward you look in a life jacket (thanks, Giorgos).

The first thing I noticed at Dia wasn’t even the water. It was this silence. No cars, no crowds, just wind and a few birds. Our guide pointed out some wild goats up on the rocks (I never did spot one), and told us about how Dia is protected for its wildlife. When we anchored at Agios Georgios bay, I dipped my toes overboard: water so clear you could see tiny fish darting around your feet. Snorkeling felt surreal. I kept losing track of time chasing after shimmery blue flashes under the surface.

Lunch was honestly better than I expected: fresh tomatoes, something with feta and olive oil that tasted like sunshine, all laid out on deck with cold drinks. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet for a second chewing on watermelon and staring at the green-blue water (maybe we were all thinking the same thing: how do you go back to regular lunch after this?). On the way back, someone thought they saw dolphins. I missed them because I was busy trying not to spill wine on myself as the boat rocked. So yeah, next time I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup within 10km of Heraklion port, certified local crew guiding you throughout, all safety gear plus snorkeling equipment and SUP boards if you want them. Drinks flow freely (water, soft drinks or wine), and there’s a fresh organic Cretan lunch served right onboard before heading back toward town in the afternoon.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset cruise for small groupsGuide in English · 13:00 and 14:30The sunset cruise lasts 5 hours. A meal is served, with a vegetarian option available on request. Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks are provided, along with wine, enjoyed responsibly. Transfer is included free of charge within 10 km of Heraklion Port. Pickup is included.

Morning cruise for small groupsGuide in English · 10:00The morning cruise lasts 5 hours. It includes a meal, with a vegetarian option available on request, and unlimited drinks: mineral water, soft drinks, and wine, enjoyed responsibly. Transfer is included free of charge within 10 km of Heraklion Port. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 14:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Altersail

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

215 verified traveler reviews

5 ★187

4 ★17

3 ★8

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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 does the sailing trip from Heraklion to Dia island take?

The trip from Heraklion port to Dia island takes about one hour by yacht.

Is lunch included on the Dia island sailing tour?

Yes, an organic local lunch is served onboard during the sailing trip.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Unlimited mineral water, soft drinks, and wine (for adults) are included.

Can I snorkel or swim during this tour?

Yes, there’s time for swimming and snorkeling in Dia island’s bays with equipment provided.

Is hotel pickup included in this sailing trip?

Pickup is included for accommodations within 10km of Heraklion port.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are available onboard.

How many people join each sailing trip?

This is a small group sailing experience. Exact numbers may vary but groups are limited in size.

Will we see wildlife on Dia island?

You might spot wild goats or birds. Dolphins are sometimes seen during the return sail.