Heraklion: Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch & Swimming

Clear water, calm sailing, good food. This six-hour trip from Heraklion takes you across the Aegean Sea to Dia Island, where you can swim, snorkel, fish, and paddleboard before lunch on board. I especially like the small group of up to eight people and the friendly crew, with guides such as George, Vaso, Marina, and Spiros often praised for attentive service.

The seafood pasta, Greek salad, fruit, and unlimited drinks make the $67 price look strong, especially if you are staying outside Heraklion and choose a transfer option. The main drawback is the long sailing time, about 80 minutes each way, and the meal is practical and well-liked rather than fine dining.

What makes this Dia Island trip worth considering

• Six nautical miles from Heraklion: You get open-water sailing and broad views of Crete’s rugged coast before reaching Dia.
• A real swim stop: Saint George Bay gives you about three hours for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, SUP paddleboarding, sunbathing, and lunch.
• Small-group feel: The boat carries no more than eight participants, so the crew can help with equipment and keep an eye on the group.
• Food and drinks included: Seafood pasta, Greek salad, fruit salad, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are part of the trip.
• Good choice for active and lazy sailors: You can fish or paddle out, or simply lie on deck, listen to music, and watch the sea.
• Optional pickup across eastern Crete: Transfers are available from selected stops in Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Analipsi, and several nearby resorts.

Leaving Heraklion Port for Dia Island

The day begins at the Old Anchor monument near Marina Cafe. A Set Sails representative meets you there and walks you to the boat. Parking is available near the meeting point, which helps if you are using a rental car.

If you choose a transfer option, an air-conditioned minivan collects you from a designated city bus stop. Pickup areas include Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria. Check the exact pickup point carefully, since this is not automatic door-to-door hotel service.

Once on board, the captain and crew give a short safety briefing. Comfortable shoes are useful for getting around the boat, and high heels are not allowed. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel. Port authorities require the full names, passport numbers, and countries of origin for everyone joining the trip, so have those details ready when booking.

The boat then heads toward Dia Island, about six nautical miles north of Heraklion. The ride takes roughly 80 minutes. That is long enough to settle into the rhythm of the boat, but it also means the sailing itself forms a large part of the day.

I like this part because you are not simply being driven to a beach. You watch Heraklion and Crete’s rough coastline recede, then spend time on open water. Keep your eyes open for dolphins, which the tour says you may see along the way. A sighting is never guaranteed, but the possibility adds a little excitement to an otherwise restful crossing.

The trip may be powered by sail when wind conditions allow. One of the most memorable moments described by people who took the excursion was sailing back with no engine power, sometimes as the sun went down and the first stars appeared. That depends on the wind and the captain’s judgment, but it shows why this is more than a standard motorboat transfer.

Saint George Bay, Dia Island’s main reward

Dia Island is linked to Greek mythology and has a mysterious reputation, but the practical appeal is simple: clear water, quiet surroundings, and a good place to stop offshore. The boat anchors in Saint George Bay for about three hours.

You can use that time in several ways. Swim from the yacht, put on the provided snorkeling gear, take the SUP paddleboard around the bay, or try the fishing equipment. Pool noodles and life jackets are available, which is useful because the water is deep around the boat. The excursion is not built around walking across the island, so think of Dia mainly as a beautiful water stop rather than a land tour.

The sea can feel cool, although some people find it comfortable enough for long swims. Water conditions and temperature will vary, so do not assume you will spend the whole three hours in the water. The deck gives you a good alternative for drying off, reading, sunbathing, or simply watching the bay.

Snorkeling is included, but expectations should stay sensible. This is a relaxed swim stop, not a specialist marine wildlife tour. You will have the chance to look beneath the surface in clear water, but the trip does not promise particular fish, reefs, or underwater sites.

Fishing adds a nice family-friendly touch. The crew can help children or first-time fishers use the equipment, and George was singled out for making the activity especially enjoyable for younger passengers. If fishing is important to you, ask the crew about it early rather than waiting until the final minutes at anchor.

The SUP board gives the stop a little freedom. You can paddle around the bay at your own pace, though equipment is shared, so busy periods may require patience. With a group limited to eight, access should be easier than on a large boat, but everyone still gets a turn.

Lunch on the boat: useful, filling, and easy

Lunch is served while the yacht is anchored. The standard meal includes pasta with shrimp, Greek salad, and fruit salad. Unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are also included.

The food receives plenty of praise, especially the shrimp pasta prepared by crew members such as George. One useful detail is that pesto pasta may be offered as a substitute, and gluten-free and vegan options are available on board. Tell the provider about your needs in advance so the crew can prepare properly.

I see the meal as one of the trip’s strongest value points. You do not need to pack a full lunch, buy drinks at a beach bar, or interrupt your swimming time to find food. The portions are described as generous, and fruit gives the meal a fresh finish.

Still, keep your expectations grounded. This is a boat lunch prepared for an active day at sea, not a restaurant meal. Some people find it very good, while others consider it simply fine. The setting, cold drinks, and convenience do much of the work here.

The unlimited drinks are particularly useful in Crete’s heat. Water matters most, but wine and beer can make the return sail more social. Drink sensibly, especially if you plan to swim, fish, or use the paddleboard afterward.

The return sail and the day’s changing mood

After lunch, you can take another swim before the boat heads back to Heraklion. The return crossing lasts about 80 minutes, so you have another long stretch to enjoy the sea.

This is often the quietest part of the day. You may nap on deck, listen to music, chat with the other people on board, or watch the coastline come back into view. The crew is generally described as friendly without being overbearing. That balance matters on a small boat, where too much forced entertainment would quickly become tiring.

Some departures return around sunset, creating a particularly attractive finish. The changing light, coastal views, and boat’s slower pace can be a real highlight. Do not book solely for a sunset unless your chosen departure time confirms it, since starting times can change and not every sailing will have the same light.

The captain may alter departure times because of port authority instructions or force majeure conditions. This is a normal part of sea travel. Safety takes priority, and the crew has the final say on sailing conditions, swimming, and equipment use.

What the small group changes

A maximum of eight participants is a major advantage here. On a large excursion boat, you might wait for a paddleboard, struggle to hear instructions, or feel like one person among many. A small group makes it easier to ask the crew for help with snorkeling gear, fishing, or getting into the water.

The atmosphere is social but not necessarily a party. People often end up sharing wine, talking on the deck, and taking turns with the water equipment. At the same time, you can choose a quieter day. Several descriptions of the experience emphasize relaxing, napping, and enjoying the views rather than loud entertainment.

The crew names vary by departure. George, Vaso, Marina, Spiros, Eva, Niko, Dimitri, Giorgious, Ilis, Nick, and Markos have all been praised for being warm, attentive, and professional. You cannot count on a particular crew pairing, but Set Sails appears to place strong emphasis on hospitality and practical help.

English is the listed operating language. If you have a mobility limitation, tell the provider before booking so they can assess what is possible. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is $67 good value?

At $67 per person, this is a solid package if you plan to use the boat’s full range of inclusions. You get a six-hour yacht cruise, captain and crew, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, a SUP paddleboard, insurance, and an optional transfer from selected parts of Crete.

The value is strongest for anyone based outside Heraklion. A transfer from places such as Malia, Hersonissos, Analipsi, or Gouves saves you from arranging a taxi or driving into the port. Confirm the exact transfer terms, since the included service uses designated pickup points and not every hotel appears to have direct collection.

For someone already staying beside Heraklion Port, the calculation is different. You could find a cheaper beach day, but you would not get the sailing time, onboard meal, drinks, or water activities in one package. You are paying for the full day on the sea, not only for access to Dia.

Premium services and personal expenses caused by misconduct or misunderstandings are not included. Most people should not need extras, but read the booking details so you know precisely which transport option you selected.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a mix of swimming and relaxation. The fishing gear and SUP board give children something to do, while the deck gives adults an easy way to take a break.

It also suits anyone who wants a beach day without sitting on the same stretch of sand. You get movement, changing views, and a sense of being offshore. The trip works well as a lighter day between visits to Heraklion’s archaeological sites and towns.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides. The outbound and return crossings take about 80 minutes each, and only around three hours are spent anchored at Dia. If you want several hours on land, a short ferry ride, or a serious snorkeling trip, this may not be the right match.

People who get seasick should also plan carefully. The tour information does not describe sea conditions or provide a seasickness guarantee, so ask the provider if you are concerned. Bring only what you need, keep your towel and swimwear handy, and follow the captain’s advice.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Crete plans are still moving, though departure times can change because of port authority decisions or weather-related conditions.

My verdict on the Dia Island cruise

You should book this trip if you want an easy, well-priced day combining sailing, swimming, lunch, and friendly service. The strongest points are the small group, the generous drink package, the clear water at Saint George Bay, and the chance to sail back under changing evening light.

I would not book it if your main goal is extensive time exploring Dia Island on foot or a gourmet meal. This is a water-based outing, with the island serving as the setting for swimming and relaxation.

For the best experience, bring your ID, towel, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and an open schedule. If you are staying in eastern Crete, compare the pickup point with your hotel before paying. If you enjoy being on the water and can handle the long crossings, $67 buys a relaxed and active slice of Crete that is hard to duplicate from the beach.

FAQ

How long does the Dia Island sailing trip last?

The activity lasts six hours. The trip to Dia takes about 80 minutes, the return sail takes about 80 minutes, and the stop at Saint George Bay lasts about three hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is the Old Anchor monument near Marina Cafe at Heraklion Port. A Set Sails representative meets you there and leads you to the boat.

Are transfers available from hotels outside Heraklion?

Transfers are available with selected options from designated pickup points in areas including Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Analipsi, Heraklion, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes seafood pasta with shrimp, Greek salad, and fruit salad. White wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are unlimited. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Can I swim, snorkel, fish, and use a paddleboard?

Yes. Swimming, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and SUP paddleboarding are included during the stop at Saint George Bay.

What should I bring, and is the trip wheelchair accessible?

Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.