Snorkeling Island Dia from Gouves: Cretan lunch & sunset options
Snorkel Island Dia, then eat what the skipper cooked
A sailing trip from Gouves to Island Dia (or St. George Bay on sunset tours) with snorkeling, swimming and fishing equipment included. The boat carries a maximum of 14 passengers plus crew, and a minibus picks you up from your hotel in the Malia–Gouves area. On day tours, you get traditional Cretan food prepared by the skipper. Sunset sails include drinks and fruit, with the option to extend to five hours and visit Island Dia instead of the bay.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Sailing trip to Dia Island or St. George Bay
- Minibus pickup from hotel
- Transfer to Gouves port
- Boat departs from Gouves port
- Sail to Dia Island or St. George Bay
- Captain explains island history
- Walk to church or swim/snorkel
- Enjoy Cretan food prepared onboard
- Sail back along the coastline
- Enjoy sunset views from boat
- Minibus returns to hotel
The experience
The minibus collects you from your hotel and drives to the port in Gouves, where the boat departs. On the sail out: roughly an hour to Island Dia on day tours, or 35 minutes to St. George Bay on the shorter sunset option: the captain talks through the island's history and what makes it protected. Once you arrive, you can walk to the small church on Island Dia, or slip into the water with snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddle board, or basic fishing equipment, all provided. The crew stays on hand, and the boat holds no more than 14 passengers, so it never feels crowded.
Day tours and the longer sunset sails both include a meal: traditional Cretan dishes like pastitio or gemista (vegetarian available on request), tzatziki, bread, salad and fruit, all prepared by the skipper in the galley. Drinks run to beer, wine, prosecco, coffee, tea and soft drinks, kept moderate for safety. The shorter three-hour sunset tour skips the food but brings drinks and fresh fruit as you watch the light change over the water. After the meal or the sunset, the boat turns back toward Gouves, and you see the coastline from a different angle on the return. The minibus is waiting at the port to take you back to your hotel.
You can choose between a day tour (roughly five hours), a sunset sail (three hours in summer, five hours in autumn), or a day trip in October. The longer options visit Island Dia. The three-hour sunset tour goes to St. George Bay instead. All departures include the minibus transfer from hotels across the Malia–Gouves area, or you can meet the crew directly at the port.
What’s included
- Minibus transfer from your hotel in the Malia–Gouves area.
- snorkeling gear, stand-up paddle boards, inflatables and basic fishing equipment.
- traditional Cretan food prepared by the skipper on day tours and the five-hour sunset option.
- drinks including beer, wine, prosecco, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- English-speaking skipper and crew.
- return transfer to your hotel.
Options for this experience
4 optionsBefore you book
Lasts 3h–5h, from € 90 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Operated by Eye travel
Is this one for you?Book the day tour if you want a full immersion: the island, a proper meal and time to explore both snorkeling and the church. The three-hour sunset sail suits a shorter schedule or a second activity earlier in the day, though you'll trade the meal for drinks and fruit and visit the bay instead of the island (except on the five-hour autumn sunset option, which includes both the island and the food).
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).
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 difference between the day tour and the sunset sail?
The day tour runs 4.5 to 5 hours, visits Island Dia, and includes a full traditional Cretan meal prepared by the skipper. The three-hour sunset tour sails to St. George Bay (in summer) or Island Dia (in autumn), includes drinks and fruit, and ends as the sun sets. A five-hour sunset option also visits Island Dia and includes the meal.
How long does it take to sail to Island Dia?
The sail to Island Dia takes roughly one hour. The journey to St. George Bay takes about 35 minutes.
What snorkeling and water equipment is included?
Snorkeling gear, stand-up paddle boards, inflatables and basic fishing equipment are all provided at no extra cost. You can use them freely during the time spent at the island or bay.
Is the minibus transfer included, and where does it pick up?
Yes, minibus transfer is included from hotels in the Malia–Stalida, Chersonissos, Piscopiano, Koutouloufari, Anissaras and Analipsi areas. If your hotel is outside this zone, you can meet the crew at the port in Gouves.
What's included in the Cretan food on the day tour?
The skipper prepares traditional Cretan dishes: pastitio or gemista (vegetarian available on request), tzatziki, bread, salad and fresh fruit. Drinks include beer, wine, prosecco, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.
How many people fit on the boat?
The boat carries a maximum of 14 passengers plus the skipper and crew, so the group stays small and manageable throughout the day.
Snorkeling Island Dia from Gouves: Cretan lunch & sunset options
3h–5h · EN
from € 90 per person