Snorkeling in Dia island from Heraklion: Sailing day with meals

A full day aboard a sailboat: snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and a meal in two bays

A sailing day trip from Heraklion to Dia island with snorkeling, swimming and paddle boarding in natural bays. You depart at 9 a.m., spend about an hour crossing to the island, then move between two bays (weather permitting) to swim and explore the seabed with provided equipment. A freshly prepared Greek meal and drinks are included, and you return to Heraklion at 4 p.m.

The experience

The boat leaves Heraklion port at 9 a.m. and sails for about an hour to reach Dia island, a natural, uninhabited site off the coast of Crete. Once you arrive, the crew prepares a meal while you swim and snorkel in the first bay using the equipment they provide: mask, fins and snorkel are ready for you. The water is clear enough to see the seabed, and the bay is sheltered and safe. After eating, you have time to relax on board with a drink before the captain takes the boat to a second bay (conditions permitting) for more swimming, fresh fruit, and a taste of traditional raki. If the weather doesn't allow a second stop, you stay longer in the main bay instead.

Paddle boards are available if you want to try something different from swimming. The crew is certified and trained in safety. They brief you on how to use the equipment and stay with the group throughout the day. Groups stay under 18 people, so the boat doesn't feel crowded. The meal includes Greek salad, tzatziki, and seafood pasta. The kitchen can adjust for dietary needs if you mention them when you book. You return to Heraklion at 4 p.m.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards.
• a freshly prepared Greek meal with salad, tzatziki and seafood pasta, plus fresh fruit and traditional raki.
• bottled water, soda and alcoholic beverages.
• lifejackets, safety instruction and insurance.
• a certified professional crew speaking English and Greek.
• pickup from your hotel or meeting point (included in at least one booking option).

Options for this experience

2 options

Sailing trip 9-16, from M/PointGuide in English or Greek · Available from 25 Oct 2027

Sailing trip 9-16 with transferGuide in English or Greek · 09:00Van with air conditioning; pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 5 Nov

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Sailingcrete

Is this one for you?Choose the option with transfer if your hotel is in Heraklion and you'd rather not drive to the port. The sailing trip alone works if you have your own transport or prefer to meet the boat directly. Groups stay under 18 people, so you get a calm day on the water without feeling crowded.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 4 years); Infant (under 3).

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 for snorkeling at Dia island?

The water is clear enough to see the seabed and the marine life around you. The bays where you swim are natural and sheltered, making them safe for snorkeling at all fitness levels. You use provided snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel), and the crew is there to help.

How long is the sailing time from Heraklion to Dia island?

The crossing takes about an hour each way. You depart at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m., giving you most of the day in the bays to swim, snorkel and paddle board.

What food and drinks are included?

A freshly prepared meal with Greek salad, tzatziki and seafood pasta is included, along with soda, bottled water and alcoholic beverages. Fresh fruit and traditional raki are served in the second bay (weather permitting). The kitchen can adjust the menu for dietary needs.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You don't need to bring snorkeling gear or a paddle board, both are provided. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel (towels are not provided). Lifejackets and all safety equipment are supplied by the crew.