Dia Island Sailboat Cruise with Swimming and Meal

Highlights

• Sail from Heraklion toward Dia Island on a comfortable sailboat with shaded and sunlit deck space.
• Anchor in a sheltered bay near Dia Island and swim in clear, turquoise water with simple snorkeling spots around the boat.
• Relax on deck while a light meal is prepared and served, with time to eat slowly and enjoy sea and island views.
• See Heraklion and the Cretan coastline from the water as you leave the harbor and return later in the day.
• Spend several unhurried hours at anchor, choosing between swimming, resting, or simply watching the sea and sky.
• Benefit from clear explanations about safety, the route, and how the day will run before you set off.

Tour Overview

This half day sailing trip is a good fit if you want to leave the city behind for a few hours without a long transfer. You will meet close to Heraklion’s harbor or be picked up from selected areas, then board a sailboat where the crew will explain the plan, basic rules on board, and how the schedule usually works.

Once the boat leaves the port, you will move out into the bay and set a relaxed course toward Dia Island. Weather and wind allowing, sails may be raised so you can experience quieter progress across the water, with time to take photos of Heraklion and the coast fading into the background.

Near Dia Island, the sailboat will anchor in a calm bay, giving you a long break to swim, snorkel, or simply float near the ladder. While you enjoy the water, a simple meal is prepared on board, often with light dishes that are easy to enjoy on deck. After eating and one last swim, you will start the return journey, watching the shoreline come back into view as you head toward Heraklion again.

Typical Itinerary

1. Pickup and harbor check in - Meet at the designated pickup point or directly at Heraklion harbor, check in with the crew, and step onto the sailboat.
2. Welcome and safety briefing - Listen to a short talk covering life jackets, moving safely around the boat, and how the day at sea will be structured.
3. Departure from Heraklion - Leave the port and head out along the coastline, with time to settle into a spot on deck and get used to the movement of the boat.
4. Sailing toward Dia Island - Travel across the bay in the direction of Dia Island, enjoying views of the open water and distant mountains.
5. Anchoring at a Dia Island bay - Drop anchor in a sheltered cove near Dia, where the crew will prepare a safe area for swimming and snorkeling around the boat.
6. Swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation - Use the ladder to get into the sea, float near the boat, or use provided masks to look at rocks and fish in the clear water.
7. Onboard meal - Dry off and sit on deck while a light meal is served, giving you time to eat, talk, and look at Dia Island’s shoreline.
8. Return sail to Heraklion - Enjoy a final swim if time allows, then climb back on board for the return trip, arriving at the harbor and disembarking at the end of the cruise.

The order of stops, the exact anchoring spot near Dia Island, and the amount of time spent sailing or at anchor can change with wind, sea conditions, and port traffic. The crew will adjust the program on the day to keep the cruise safe and comfortable.

What's Included

• Half day sailboat cruise from Heraklion to the Dia Island area and back.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop in a bay near Dia Island when conditions allow.
• Light onboard meal served during the time at anchor.
• Use of basic snorkeling masks and life jackets, subject to availability.
• Short safety and route briefing before departure and support from the crew throughout the trip.
• Pickup from selected meeting points, when specified at booking.

Not Included

• Hotel pickup from areas not listed in the confirmation; you may need to meet at the harbor.
• Additional drinks or snacks beyond those stated in the tour description.
• Beach towels, personal snorkel equipment, or fins if you prefer to use your own.
• Travel insurance, medical cover, or any personal shopping during the day.
• Tips for the crew, which are optional and based on your satisfaction with the cruise.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This experience is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations, as you will need to step between pier and boat and use ladders to enter and exit the sea.
• You should be comfortable standing and walking on a moving deck and using handrails when the boat is under way.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat, along with a light cover-up in case the sea breeze feels cool.
• Use reef friendly sunscreen and reapply during the day, as sun reflection from the water can be strong.
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed before or during the cruise.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised on deck and in the water at all times.
• Exact meeting points, pickup details, and any required information will be listed in your booking confirmation; plan extra time for traffic around Heraklion port.
• Sea and wind conditions may affect how much time is spent sailing or anchored; the crew may adjust the schedule to keep everyone safe.