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Semi Private Sailing Trip from Heraklion to Dia Island: All-Inclusive

10 photos
1 video
Duration
4h 30 min
Group style
Semi-private
Group size
Up to 10 guests
Transfer
On request

Highlights

  • Sail privately to Dia Island, a Natura 2000 protected site with clear water, cliffs, and rich marine life
  • Enjoy exclusive use of the boat, the day belongs entirely to your group
  • Swim, snorkel, fish, or paddle at your own pace with no fixed schedule on board
  • Taste a traditional Cretan meal served mid-cruise with local ingredients and wine
  • Try your hand at the helm with guidance from an experienced local skipper
  • Explore some of the most untouched coastline reachable from Heraklion by boat

What’s included

  • Exclusive private use of the boat for your group
  • Traditional Cretan meal on board with wine and drinks
  • Professional skipper and experienced host throughout the trip
  • Stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
  • Snorkeling and Fishing equipment
  • Accident insurance

Your day in Crete

The itinerary

Follow the day step by step. Times may shift slightly with local conditions.

1

08:45

Departure from Heraklion Port

Board your private sailboat at Heraklion marina. Meet the skipper and host, get settled on deck, and set off toward the open water north of the city.

2

09:00

Sail to Dia Island

Sail across the Aegean toward Dia Island. Depending on conditions, this is a good time to take the helm if you're curious about sailing, or simply sit back and watch the coastline of Crete recede behind you.

3

10:00

Anchor at Dia Island

The boat anchors at one of the island's bays, Agios Georgios or Panagia, depending on conditions. Swim off the side, snorkel along the rocky bottom, take the SUP out, try fishing, or stay on deck. The pace is entirely your own.

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4

11:00

Free Time

Time for swimming or exploring before the crew prepares for the return leg.

5

12:00

Traditional Cretan Meal on Board

Mid-cruise, the host serves a traditional Cretan meal with local ingredients and wine. Time to eat, rest, and enjoy the quiet of the bay.

6

12:15

Sail Back to Heraklion

The return sail back to Heraklion port. A good time to take in the coastline from the water and wind down before the day ends.

Useful details

Not Included

  • Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables or large bags that take up space on deck
  • Avoid shoes that are hard to remove quickly, sandals or slip-ons work best

What to Bring

  • Passport of ID
  • Beachwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • A light layer for the return trip if sailing into the evening

Experience summary

Some days on the water deserve no schedule and no strangers. This private sailing trip from Heraklion takes you and your group exclusively out to Dia Island, a protected Natura 2000 site just off the northern coast of Crete, where the pace is yours to set from the moment you step on board. The route crosses open Aegean water before the rugged cliffs and calm bays of Dia come into view. Depending on conditions, you'll anchor at Agios Georgios bay or Panagia bay, both quiet enough to hear the water against the hull. Swim off the side, grab the snorkeling gear and follow the rocks below the surface, try your hand at fishing, or take the SUP out and paddle toward the cliffs. Nobody rushes you along. What makes this private sailing trip stand apart from a standard boat tour is the complete freedom it gives your group. The boat is exclusively yours for the day, and the experienced local skipper and host are entirely focused on you. If you want to anchor longer, you anchor longer. If someone wants to learn how to handle the sails, there's time for that too. Partway through the day, a traditional Cretan meal is served on board, with local ingredients and wine, the kind of thing that turns a good day at sea into one worth remembering. Dia Island is one of the few protected natural areas accessible by boat from Heraklion, and its combination of clear water, steep coastline, and untouched flora makes it a strong reason to get out on the water. For families, couples, or a group of friends looking for a full day on the Aegean with complete privacy and no compromise on service, this is about as good as it gets from Heraklion.

Local planning notes

For families

A few useful details before your family sets off.

Notes from the host

  1. 01Having the boat privately means children can move freely on deck without worrying about other guests
  2. 02The traditional meal on board means no need to plan lunch separately, one less thing to organise with children
  3. 03Confirm with the operator in advance if you have young children, and ask about life jacket sizing and any minimum age requirements

Please read before booking

Important Notes

  1. 01Keep in mind that sailing is subject to weather conditions. Therefore, depending on the weather, we will either visit the Ag. Georgios bay or the Panagia bay (Dia Island), or the coast line of Heraklion.
  2. 02Departure from Heraklion port (exact meeting point provided at booking)
  3. 03As required by Greek maritime law, all guests must submit a copy of their passport or ID immediately after booking. Details on how to send these will be provided in your confirmation email
  4. 04The trip is subject to weather conditions. If conditions change, the crew may redirect to Agios Georgios bay, Panagia bay, or along the Heraklion coastline
  5. 05The boat is reserved exclusively for your group. No other guests will be on board

Languages

Greek, English

Find your way

Meeting point & directions

Cafe Marina - Heraklion Port

Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02

Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time

The map will show the route, distance and estimated travel time.

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Parking

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