Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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 from Malia-Gazi
Pick up from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Heraklion, Gournes, Gazi
Pickup included
Pick up from Rethymno-Elounda
Pick up from Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Bali, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Sfakaki, Scaleta and Sisi.
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.
Reviews
488 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sailing in Greece
Denise C,
Sep 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Guide’s voice was quiet. Not all of us could hear him. Lunch was good. Snorkeling was not the best. Very little fish to see.
Don't book it!
Joyce h,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
1.00Very confusing figuring out who the contact people were, ours wasn't very friendly and hard to understand..boat MUCH smaller than pic and NO island, stuck in windy spot w/ warm beer and little rooom.
Boat was overcrowded.
Barbara H,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
2.00Boat was overcrowded. Very little interaction with boat captains. They mostly stayed in the bottom as a couple. Find another excursion.
Iconic Greek sailing day.
Paula K,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Well worth the expedition if you want to sail, swim, sunbath, eat, drink and nap in an iconic Greek settling. The sailboat held 12 and traveled for an hour to anchor in a protected cove in Dia. With an adorable church on the hill as a backdrop, swimming in clear and initially cool clear water was refreshing. Not much to look at snorkeling but the water clear. Inflatable SUP fun with the wind much stronger and the current non-exsisitant. A delightful Mediterranean meal served along with endless wine beer and water. Knowledgeable captain and crew stayed out of the way allowing the passengers to mingle and play.
A beautiful day in Dia!
Sarah A,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had the most incredible sailing excursion to Dia Island! Our captain (I’ll be posting a picture since I can’t remember his name) and the amazing deckhand Christina made the trip truly unforgettable. They were both so kind, welcoming, and skillful at navigating the wind, which made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Throughout the day, they served us plenty of refreshing drinks and prepared an exquisite lunch (I’ll share pictures of the meal—it was fantastic!). Their hospitality and attention to detail really stood out and made us feel so well cared for. Sailing to Dia Island was definitely one of the highlights of visiting Crete, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re considering it, go for it—you won’t forget!
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Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises