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 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.
Pick up from Malia-Gazi
Pick up from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Heraklion, Gournes, Gazi
Pickup included
Reviews
505 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A simple but beautiful excursion
DAVID N,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Booked the smaller boat but was invited to upgrade for free to the catamaran which was a lovely surprise, the crew were welcoming, helpful and very friendly. We would recommend this trip which in our opinion is great value for the money. The lunch was lovely with a mix of salad and local sides, our only comment would be that a member of staff should serve the pasta & prawns as those who got there 1st had more than they’re fair share of prawns leaving those at the back of the queue with hardly had any at all. A brilliant trip thank you.
One of a kind experience
Diya S,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing crew, so warm and welcoming. Food was all home made and delicious. Fishing, padel boarding and snorkelling was available plus jumping off the boat. So fun and so worth the money.
A Perfect Day on the Water
Ian M,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had such a fun time on this excursion. From the driver who picked us up to our sailboat host to the captain - everyone was so welcoming and accommodating. We had a perfect day on the water with plenty of time to swim, snorkel and paddle board. The lunch of shrimp linguine and Greek Salad with fruit plus beer and water were excellent. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Greece. I highly recommend.
Good but too quick to...
Julien S,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
4.00Good but too fast to dia you barely have time to swim a little. To enjoy the drinks you can not swim and vice versa.
Best time on the water!
Michelle W,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Such a wonderful trip with wonderful people on board! Our captain and co captain Yannis and Katrinia were amazing! Not only did they sail us to a beautiful spot to hang out and play in the water near dia island but they cooked us an incredible meal! It was so good as was the scenery and people we met from all around the world! Well worth time, money and all things considered! Best experience and small amount of people made it easy to make friends! Wine was good too! Thank you Captain!
Related Experiences
Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises