Sailing to Dia Island from Crete: snorkel, swim, dine

One hour under sail, over an hour in the water, a warm dinner on deck

A sailing trip from Heraklion to Dia Island, an uninhabited islet off Crete, where you snorkel in sheltered turquoise waters, swim, and eat a freshly cooked lunch aboard. The yacht carries a skipper and a small group; the sail out takes about an hour, and you spend the afternoon anchored in St. George's Bay before returning to port. Soft drinks, wine and water are included; you can add a transfer from your hotel or meet the boat at the harbor.

The Experience

The boat leaves Heraklion and sails across the Aegean for roughly an hour—long enough to feel the ocean swell and the spray, short enough that the crossing itself is part of the day, not a chore to endure. Once anchored in St. George's Bay, the water is shallow enough to wade into and clear enough to see the seabed. Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can spend over an hour in the water however you want: exploring with a mask, swimming, or simply floating in the bay while the crew prepares lunch below deck.

The meal is fresh and cooked aboard, served on the deck with Cretan wine, soft drinks and water flowing throughout the afternoon. If you brought a fishing rod or want to try your hand at it, the crew can set that up too. Between the water and the food, the rhythm is yours—some people stay in the bay the whole time, others come back to the boat to rest in the sun and return for a final swim before departure.

The return sail gives you time to sit with what you've done, watching the island recede and Crete grow larger. The whole outing runs about four and a half hours from the moment you step aboard. If you're staying outside Heraklion, you can arrange a pickup from your hotel; otherwise, you meet the boat at the harbor.

What’s included

• Skipper and yacht fuel.
• snorkeling gear.
• a freshly cooked lunch served on deck.
• soft drinks, white wine, and bottled water throughout the afternoon.
• English or Greek-speaking crew.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sailingtrips.gr

Is this one for you?Spend your afternoon sailing, swimming, and dining without leaving the boat—everything you need is already aboard, and the small group keeps the pace relaxed.

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Top questions

How long is the sail each way to Dia Island?

The sail from Heraklion to Dia takes roughly one hour each direction, giving you time to feel the motion of the boat and the Aegean wind without a long crossing.

What's included to eat and drink during the trip?

A freshly cooked lunch is served aboard, along with unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and bottled water throughout the afternoon.

Can I snorkel even if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling gear is provided and the bay where you anchor is shallow and sheltered, so you can wade in and explore at your own pace—there's no instruction or requirement to go deep.

Is there a pickup from my hotel, or do I need to get to the harbor myself?

One of the booking options includes hotel pickup from Heraklion; if you choose the meeting-point option instead, you'll go directly to the harbor to board.

What is Dia Island like?

Dia is an uninhabited islet off the coast of Heraklion with rugged landscapes, clear turquoise waters, and a sheltered bay called St. George's where the yacht anchors—it's a quiet place, not a developed beach or town.