Sailing to Dia Island from Heraklion: SUP, snorkeling and lunch

You stand on a paddleboard and propel yourself across water so clear you see the seabed.

A four-hour sailing trip from Heraklion to Dia Island where you swim, paddleboard, snorkel and fish in the Cretan north coast's clear waters. The boat carries lunch, soft drinks, wine and fresh fruit. SUP lessons are free. A guide speaks English or Greek, and children from age two are welcome.

The experience

The Bavaria 51 sails daily from Heraklion with small groups or private bookings. Once you reach Dia Island, the water is yours to move through however you choose: jump in to swim, grab a paddleboard and a paddle to stand and propel yourself across the surface, pull on snorkeling gear to watch the underwater life, or cast a fishing line and see what bites. None of it requires experience. The SUP lessons are included, and the snorkeling equipment is there to use. If you catch nothing, the hours spent trying are the point.

Lunch happens on deck: freshly made pasta with seafood, Greek salad, fresh fruit, soft drinks and water. Wine is included if you want it. You bring a swimsuit, sunhat, towel and sunscreen. Everything else is on the boat. The sail itself is part of the activity. If you want to help manage the route, you can. The whole day runs four hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Free SUP lessons and paddleboard use.
• snorkeling equipment.
• fishing gear.
• freshly made lunch with pasta, seafood and Greek salad.
• fresh fruit.
• soft drinks and bottled water.
• wine.
• a guide in English or Greek.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (2 to 8 years)

GroupUp to 10

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

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Green Cruises

Is this one for you?Book the shared sailing trip if you want to meet other travelers and split the cost, or choose a private booking if your group wants the boat and the guide to yourselves for the day. Both include the same water activities, lunch and equipment. The difference is who else is on deck.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 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.

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

The water around Dia Island is clear enough to see the seabed, which is why snorkeling lets you watch the underwater fauna of the Cretan north coast. The conditions are ideal for both swimming and paddleboarding.

Do I need to know how to paddleboard before I book?

No. SUP lessons are free and included with the sailing trip, so you learn on the water whether you're experienced or starting for the first time.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is freshly made pasta with seafood and Greek salad, plus fresh fruit, soft drinks, water and wine. Everything is served on the boat during the sail.

Is the fishing equipment professional-grade?

The fishing gear is included but not professional equipment. It's there for the experience and the chance to try your luck in the water.