Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port.
After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island.
There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons.
About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks.
Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If you have booked separately from your group/friends/family please let us know so you are distributed in the same boat.
What To Expect
The island of Dia is an uninhabited island 6 miles north of Heraklion with crystal waters, beautiful wild scenery and rich history. The legend says that it used to be a monster created by Zeus to destroy the Cretans but he turned it into a stone to save them eventually. In the bay of Saint George where we anchor there was an ancient Minoan port that got destroyed along with the Minoan Civilization and sometimes it is possible to find ancient ruins and artifacts in the bottom of the beach. Nowadays there is a beautiful christian church of Aegean architecture. The island is home to many wildlife species such as rabbits, kri-kri goats, hawks and more while there is also a chance to meet the dolphins while sailing towards the island!
Castello del Molo (Koules)
The site was first fortified by the Arabs in the 9th or 10th centuries. By the second Byzantine period, a tower known as Castellum Comunis stood on the site. In 1303, the tower was destroyed in an earthquake but was repaired. In 1462, the Venetian Senate approved a programme to improve the fortifications of Candia. Eventually, the Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the Castello a Mare began to be built instead. The fortress was completed in 1540. In 1630, the fort was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor, and 25 cannons on the pathway leading to the roof. During the 21-year long Siege of Candia, Ottoman batteries easily neutralized the fort's firepower. The Ottomans eventually took the fort in 1669, after the Venetians surrendered the entire city. They did not make any major alterations to the fort, except for the additions of some battlements and embrasures. They built a small fort known as Little Koules on the landward side, but this was demolished in 1936.
Options
Pick up Ag. Pelagia-Elounda
Pick up Agia Pelagia-Elounda: Pick up from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria and Sisi. Pickup included
Pick up from Malia-Gazi
Pick up from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Heraklion, Gournes, Gazi Pickup included
Pick up & Drop off excluded
Pick up & Drop off Excluded: If you choose this option you will have to use your own transportation to arrive to the meeting point at the Heraklion Port.
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Use of Stand-up paddle board (SUP)
Shrimp Linguini. Greek salad. Various Cretan appetizers. A variety of tropical fruits.
All Fees and Taxes
Fuel
Use of Snorkelling equipment
White wine, Beer
Use of Fishing equipment
Restroom on board
Swim stop
Towels
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
540 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Fun!
feranmim2026,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great trip and experience! Had a lovely driver pick us up from our hotel where we met part of the group and then the lovely team who captained us and made us a lovely meal on the boat! Would recommend to anyone you’ll have such a great time!!
Dimitri and Dimitri were...
Laura B,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dimitri and Dimitri were incredible hosts. This excursion was a highlight of our trip. Phenomenal views, so fun, the food was delicious! Highly recommend!
The DIAdem of Crete
Caroline C,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dimitri and Dimitri were excellent guides for this tour! We got to enjoy some great views of Crete on our way to Dia Island as well as hear some history and legends about how Dia came to be. The food onboard was absolutely delicious! The shrimp and risotto were definitely standouts. They had a bunch of different water toys that we could use and they even busted out some fishing poles for us towards the end of the cruise. While we had a great time, would definitely recommend taking the sunset cruise if you’re able to. That would’ve made the trip that much better!
Nature’s Beauty!
Rosey T,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you have small children, skip this one… I have teenage boys, and it was perfect for them! My oldest was able to fish, they both got to use the paddle boat, diving and flipping off the side of the catamaran was a plus! Sailing on the boat was enough to put them into a short nap. My husband and I were able to sunbathe and take in the views! The lunch and dessert was amazing and our captain was great at answering all of our questions and giving us even a little history lesson about Dia Island! All in all I would book this again. It was very easy-going and no hassle or trouble at all.
Highlight of our Crete trip!
Valya A,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was one of the highlights of our trip to Crete. The boat was nice and spacious, we were 11 people including the captain and the skipper and there was enough space for all of us. The Dia Island itself was not too interesting, but it was a nice area to chill on the boat or swim (really blue, clear water!), although on the day we were there the water was a bit cold. The lunch was prepared fresh on the boat and was amazing! I was kind of expecting a cold, simple dish but the crew went above and beyond to prepare a delicious meal for us. Also we had a free flow of drinks including wine. Big thanks to Dima and Mano from Cretan Sailing Cruises - they were the best crew we could ever hope for. Friendly, funny, and they made sure every second we spent on the boat was comfortable. I would definitely recommend this trip - but make sure to bring warm clothes because it can get really windy on board!
Bachelorette party
nataliaoW4128UF,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was amazing and incredible. Also the food was like a 5 star restaurant. Totally happy 💛
Memorable day
188oliverr,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. Definitely worth the money. Very friendly crew and very good food
Fabulous aegean adventure.
X6772JRjohnk,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a beautiful boat and a small group. Manos and Dimitri welcomed us on board and it all started with a local snack and a description of the island (a dragon) and the local cretian history. The visit to Dia island took us to a secluded bay where we swam, snorkelled and did some paddle boarding. While this was going on a gorgeous dinner of shrimp, pasta, risotto and Greek salad was freshly prepared, ready for us. The service was great, Manos and Dimitri were so good - a fantastic afternoon & evening that we enjoyed do much. As a retired couple we really appreciate the extra care they took of us. Thank you
Wonderful day on the water
Kerri D,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful day on the water! The captains were delightful, very kind and attentive, warm and friendly. There were 12 passengers which seemed too many at first but we were then aloud to spread out and sit on the front deck of the boat which was PERFECT! The blue water was beautiful and the lunch was superb! Dia Island wasn’t much to see, a place to drop anchor and be protected from the wind. We had a blast swimming, snorkeling and SUPing around. Thank you Alex and Vascili for a wonderful day!
Boat experience
euroa664,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This boat ride was honestly the best most easy going experience ever. We unfortunately were a bit late and we let them know beforehand, they waited for us as we were driving from a distance. The staff was honestly the most friendliest, you can tell they love what they do as they are all so willing to help. The chef made the best food and she was the highlight of the day apart from the actives. She was so friendly and it felt like we’ve know her for so long. I would 100% recommend!!
Related Experiences
Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises