Private Tour
Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the unique destination of Dia island while traveling in style and comfort aboard our luxury sailing boat. Feel the breeze of Cretan sea, swim and dive into the crystal clear waters, explore the ruins of an ancient port, take a walk on the island or just relax on deck and enjoy the summer sun, while in the meantime tasting a delicious meal, served during your journey with us. The trip is private and you will have the chance to relax end enjoy it by yourself or with your company.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Fruits
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
Stand Up Paddleboard
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Snacks will be provided as part of the half-day trip package
Lunch will be provided as part of the full-day cruise package.
Private transportation
What To Expect
Discover the unique destination of Dia island while traveling private in style and comfort aboard our luxury sailing boat. Feel the breeze of Cretan sea, swim and dive into the crystal clear waters, explore the ruins of an ancient port, take a walk on the island or just relax on deck and enjoy the summer sun, while in the meantime tasting a delicious meal, served during your journey with us. Dia is an uninhabited island north of Heraklion surrounded by small rocky inlets and it is only accessible on boat. In the southern part of the island there are 4 quiet bays: the gulf of Agios Georgios, which is where boats use to moor, the gulf of Kapari, the bay of Panagia and the gulf of Agrielia. The island is of great archeological interest as it was populated during Minoan times and near the bay of Agios Georgios, a harbour settlement was established. The undersea discoveries of Jacques Yves Cousteau in 1974-5, provided evidence suggesting that there stood one of the biggest and most important ports in the whole island of Crete. The harbour appears to have sunk due to the destruction caused in the 1450 bc by the eruption of the volcano of Santorini.
Options
Half Day Cruises
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Snacks, Wine, Soft drinks
Half Day Sunset Cruise
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Snacks, Wine, Soft drinks
Full Day (Morning/Sunset)
Duration: 6 hours
Lunch, wine & soft drinks
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Top!
Robin K,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Private Tour to Dia and it was great! Easy, great skippers, great snacks and just a really good time. The boat was very clean and all in one that was a good experience.
Unforgettable sailing experience!
jgelsey,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A highlight of our visit to Greece! Captain George and Nikos, his mate, were terrific--friendly, professional and super helpful. The whole experience was close to perfect: gentle breezes, warm sun, cool water, great wine and snacks, and a beautiful sunset. Highly recommend sailing with Avanti!
We enjoyed our trip to...
Pam D,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed our trip to Dia Island. The crew was great and we enjoyed some good sandwiches and fresh fruit and drinks after we got to the island. The kids loved jumping from the boat and swimming around and exploring on the shore. Definitely recommend!
561pawelw,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great crew, great ship, awesome experience - highly recommend. Snacks where great, and when my kid got sea-sick the crew assisted with trying to calm down the ship movement and offering some meds - really appreciated!
Best day on Crete!
681danettec,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our day trip to Dia was incredible! Our private group of 7 was welcomed aboard where we were given instructions and allowed to ride in shade or sun on the way to Dia Island. The ride was smooth, and the landscape along the way is stunning. On arrival to the island, we were given a paddleboard and snorkels, and we spent about 2 hours looking at fish and then exploring the island. You can go into the church at the top of the hill: it is small but very lovely and clean, and the icons inside are all beautiful depictions. After exploring, we had a delicious lunch of salad and pasta. The pasta was the best food we've had on our stay! After lunch our guides also provided fresh fruit and pre-arranged a cake for us to celebrate. We had 45 more minutes to swim and relax before an equally smooth boat ride back. It was an unforgettable day and the highlight of our Crete trip!
Thoughtful and Gracious Hosts
christina s,
Nov 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00After careful consideration, the captain and first mate rescheduled our tour to a day with wasn't windy and cold - it was amazing! Their thoughtfuness to do this really shone, and the half-day tour was the perfect relaxing end to our Greek vacation. Both were such gracious hosts to make this a great experience... and the food was delicious!
October holidays in Crete
inesgN1802IJ,
Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All was great -service, views and the boat! During the trip we were offered snacks, local wine and fruits. Children were very excited and the 7 years old admitted that it was the best trip ever! Highly recommended!
Again and again! Let's recommend with a calm conscience!
Explore22661253720,
Oct 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just fantastic! We were greeted very friendly; brief briefing and off we went. It was our first time on a sailing ship and we felt really super cared for. The journey probably took an hour, but we didn't have time in mind at all. The view, the waves, the island ahead. It took your breath away. Once we arrived, we were allowed to swim, snorkel and jump off the boat. The children were enthusiastic about raging. There was a lunch, freshly prepared by the boys on the boat. Delicious!!! After a little lunch we swam a bit and then we went back again. Really amazing how hassle-free and easy the ride and docking was.
Money well spent on private charter
Patrick O,
Aug 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Friends had recommended the sailboat excursion to us to Dia Island but unfortunately the last time we were here we did not plan soon enough so one was not available. This time we were able to book it ahead of our arrival on our cruise ship. We met the boat within walking distance of the cruise port and started our voyage to the island. Capt Greg and his deckhand Demetri were so nice and helpful (also non-smokers). Waters were very calm and soon we were at Dia Island where we were mesmerized by the crystal clear blue waters. The depth was approx 12 feet and you could clearly see the bottom. The boat had a paddle board and snorkeling equipment, fishing pole. While we played in the water, Demetri prepared a beautiful lunch for us and when we got out to enjoy, he also offered us white and rose wine, among other things. We all enjoyed several glass of wine with our delicious snack lunch. Afterwards we had a little longer to play in the water or relax in the sun before we packed up and headed back to the marina. We all concurred that it was so much better than visiting the ancient ruins in the heat.
A very nice family experience. Super Leader
Lasousse,
Aug 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Family of 6 we made this private excursion on August 6, 2024 and it was really a great experience. Super Leader, very responsive via WhatsApp, shuttle transport Pension heraklion possible, excellent veggie lunch, snorkling equipment, fishing sets included. Anyway, very Leader. I recommend. PS: 1/2 day Check-out 15h arrival 19h30 was more than enough.
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Operated by Avanti Sailing