Crete: Dia Island Sailing Trip with Snorkeling & Dinner

Summary

Sail from heraklion to dia island for swimming food and cretan wine

You’ll sail from Heraklion across bright Aegean waters to Dia Island, swim or snorkel in quiet bays, share laughs with your local crew over Cretan wine, and enjoy a freshly cooked meal on deck before drifting back toward Crete as the sun dips low. It’s relaxed and real — you might even find yourself wishing that ride home took just a bit longer.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever get used to that color — the water around Dia Island is this impossible blue-green, almost cartoonish. We left Heraklion in the late afternoon, sails snapping while our skipper, Yannis, grinned at the wind picking up. He told us stories about Dia being uninhabited except for wild goats and some rare birds. The boat rocked just enough to remind me I wasn’t on land anymore — salt spray on my lips, hair everywhere. I tried to help with a rope but mostly got in the way. Yannis just winked and said, “You’re here to relax.”

When we anchored at St. George’s Bay, it went quiet except for the soft slap of water against the hull and someone laughing as they jumped in. I hesitated — it looked cold — but then slipped in anyway and it was like waking up all over again. The snorkeling gear was waiting (I’m not exactly Jacques Cousteau), but even floating on my back felt good enough. Someone caught a small fish off the side; another guest tried to teach me how to say “cheers” in Greek (I still can’t pronounce it right). There was wine, of course — Cretan white, slightly sharp but perfect with that sea air.

The crew cooked dinner right there on deck while we dried off in the sun — grilled veggies and something with lemon that made everything smell bright. Eating outside with bare feet and salty skin is something I could get used to. On the way back toward Heraklion, we sprawled out along the benches, half asleep from sun and food. I watched the coastline come closer through a haze of tired happiness. Not sure if it was the wine or just Crete itself, but yeah — I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail, snorkel, dine, and return

• Board yacht in Heraklion
• Sail one hour to Dia Island
• Anchor at St. George's Bay
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Try fishing or relax onboard
• Enjoy local drinks and Cretan wine
• Savor freshly cooked lunch on deck
• Prepare for return journey
• Sail back to Heraklion

Top questions

How long does it take to sail from Heraklion to Dia Island?

It takes about one hour by yacht from Heraklion port to Dia Island.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this sailing trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for guests during the stop at Dia Island.

Are meals and drinks included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have a freshly cooked dinner onboard plus unlimited refreshments including soft drinks, bottled water, and Cretan white wine.

Can children or people using wheelchairs join this trip?

The sailing trip is suitable for all fitness levels; wheelchairs and strollers are welcome onboard.

Where does this sailing trip depart from?

The yacht departs from Heraklion port in Crete.

Is fishing allowed during the stop at Dia Island?

Yes, fishing gear is available for those who want to try fishing while anchored near Dia Island.

How long do we spend anchored at Dia Island?

You’ll have over an hour at anchor for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing before dinner is served onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing with an experienced skipper from Heraklion to Dia Island and back, all fuel costs covered, unlimited refreshments like bottled water, soft drinks and Cretan white wine throughout the journey, use of snorkeling gear and fishing equipment if you want it, plus a warm meal prepared fresh by your crew as you relax on deck before returning home.