Semi-Private Morning Sailing Trip to Dia Island, Heraklion

This semi-private morning sailing trip sets off from Heraklion at 08:30, heading north to Dia Island before the summer heat builds and the sea fills with other boats. With a limited number of guests on board, the pace is relaxed and the experience stays personal from the moment you step on deck. You'll be welcomed with a drink and a snack before the captain runs through the safety basics and the boat leaves the harbor. The sail to Dia Island takes around an hour, arriving at Saint George Bay: a sheltered anchorage with calm, clear water and a raw, undeveloped coastline that looks much the same as it always has. Free time at anchor is yours to use as you like: swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, or simply sit on deck and watch the water. All equipment is provided by the crew at no extra cost. The chef then serves lunch on board: seafood pasta or rice with seafood, fresh salad, and unlimited wine or soft drinks. The boat raises anchor and heads back to Heraklion in the early afternoon. Dia Island is a protected Natura 2000 nature reserve and a known habitat for Caretta caretta sea turtles, with a good chance of spotting them in the water near the bay. Your captain and an on-board chef take care of everything once you're on the water. Morning departures suit families with young children who tire in the afternoon heat, couples who want a full day's sailing without the late return, and anyone who prefers the island before the midday crowds arrive. A children's menu and vegan menu are both available with 24 hours' advance notice.