Catamaran to Dia Island from Heraklion: Sail, swim, snorkel

Sail out, jump in the clear water, paddle back relaxed

A catamaran sails from Heraklion to Dia Island for a morning and afternoon of swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding in crystal-clear Cretan waters. The boat is a brand new Lagoon 46 catamaran. Lunch, fresh fruit, wine, beer and soft drinks are prepared on board and included. The trip runs 5.5 hours total, with roughly three hours at the island before the return sail to Heraklion. A live guide speaks English and Greek throughout.

The experience

If you land in Heraklion with a free afternoon or wake up on your first morning in Crete wanting to be on the water, this catamaran departs daily and picks up from the port. The sail to Dia Island takes about an hour: long enough to settle on deck, watch the Cretan coastline recede, and feel the shift from land to sea. The boat is a new Lagoon 46, a catamaran built for stability and space, so the crossing is smooth even if the wind picks up.

Once anchored at Dia Island, the crew sets you loose. Swim straight into the water. It stays clear and shallow near the boat, then drops deeper if you want to explore. Snorkeling gear is on board and ready. The underwater life along the north coast is rich enough that you'll see fish and the seabed without hunting for it. If you want to stay upright, stand-up paddleboards are free to use. The crew will show you how to launch from the catamaran and paddle around the island. Most people rotate between swimming, snorkeling and the boards across the three hours at anchor, with breaks to dry off and sit in the sun.

Around midday the crew prepares a freshly made lunch on deck: traditional Cretan pasta, fresh fruit, bread, and wine or beer if you want it. Water and soft drinks are unlimited. After eating, some people nap on the loungers, others take photos of the island or paddle out again. There's no schedule to follow once you're anchored. The crew watches the time and calls everyone back to the boat for the return sail to Heraklion, arriving around mid-afternoon.

What’s included

• Catamaran sailing to Dia Island and back to Heraklion.
• snorkeling equipment.
• stand-up paddleboards.
• freshly made Cretan lunch.
• fresh fruit.
• white wine, beer and soft drinks.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (1 to 8 years)

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Green Cruises

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Greek, so you follow the commentary and instructions in whichever language is comfortable: no translation lag, no guessing what the crew is saying. Bring swimwear and sunscreen. Everything else for the water is on the boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 8 years).

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 is the boat ride each way to Dia Island?

The sail from Heraklion to Dia Island takes about an hour each direction, so you spend roughly three hours anchored at the island itself before heading back.

What's included in the lunch on the catamaran?

The crew prepares freshly made traditional Cretan pasta, fresh fruit, bread, white wine, beer and soft drinks: all included in the price. Water is unlimited.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or paddleboard?

No. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are both on board and free to use. The crew will help you get set up with either one.

What's the water like at Dia Island for swimming?

Dia Island is known for crystal-clear water. The area near the boat is shallow and calm. The water stays clear whether you swim close to the catamaran or paddle out farther.