Sunset Sailing Cruise Dia Island with Snorkeling

Highlights

• Leave Heraklion in the late afternoon on a comfortable sailing boat heading toward Dia Island.
• Stop at a sheltered bay near Dia for an unhurried swim and snorkeling session in clear water.
• Watch the light change over the sea and Cretan mountains as the sun sets during your return cruise.
• Relax on deck with a mix of shaded and sunny seating while you enjoy the cooler evening breeze.
• Experience the coastline around Heraklion from the water, with views of the harbor and hills from a different angle.
• Follow a simple, well explained plan that combines gentle sailing, water time, and sunset views into one outing.

Tour Overview

This sunset sailing cruise is designed for guests who prefer to be on the water during the cooler part of the day. After hotel pickup or meeting at the harbor, you will step on board a sailing boat where the crew will cover basic safety information and outline how the afternoon and evening will unfold.

The boat then departs Heraklion and heads out across the bay toward Dia Island. As the city fades behind you, you can settle into a comfortable spot on deck, look back at the harbor, and watch the coastline open up while the boat makes its way toward the small island offshore.

Once anchored in a suitable bay near Dia, there is time to swim and snorkel in the calm water around the boat. As the evening progresses, you will climb back on board and begin the return journey. The timing is planned so that you can see the sun moving toward the horizon, with changing colors over the sea and distant hills as you sail back toward Heraklion.

Typical Itinerary

1. Pickup and harbor arrival - Be collected from a designated pickup point or make your own way to Heraklion harbor and meet the crew at the sailing boat.
2. Welcome and safety briefing - Hear a clear explanation of safety guidelines, where you can sit or stand on deck, and how the cruise will run from departure to sunset.
3. Departure from Heraklion - Leave the harbor and follow the coastline, with time to take photos of the city and port while the boat heads toward open water.
4. Sail toward Dia Island - Enjoy a relaxed sail in the direction of Dia, feeling the evening breeze and watching the sea gradually change color as the sun lowers.
5. Anchoring and snorkeling stop - Drop anchor in a calm bay near Dia Island, where you can use the ladder to enter the water for swimming and snorkeling.
6. Free time in the bay - Alternate between time in the water and resting on deck, enjoying the quieter atmosphere as the light softens around the island.
7. Sunset return cruise - Climb back on board for the journey toward Heraklion, watching the sun set behind the hills and the lights of the city slowly appear.
8. Arrival back at the harbor - Disembark at the port and either walk to your next stop or join pre-arranged transport back to your hotel area.

The length of the swim stop, the exact anchoring point near Dia Island, and the timing of the sunset views can vary with the season, weather, and port schedules. The crew will adapt the plan on the day to make the most of light and sea conditions.

What's Included

• Sunset sailing cruise from Heraklion to the Dia Island area and back.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop near Dia Island when conditions allow.
• Use of basic snorkeling masks and life jackets on board, subject to availability.
• Short safety briefing and guidance from the crew throughout the cruise.
• Pickup from selected areas around Heraklion, when listed in the tour description.

Not Included

• Hotel pickup from locations not mentioned in your confirmation; you may need to meet at the harbor.
• Meals or snacks that are not specified as part of the cruise inclusions.
• Personal towels, warm layers, or additional snorkeling equipment if you prefer your own gear.
• Travel insurance, medical cover, and any personal spending during or after the trip.
• Tips for the crew, which are optional and based on your experience.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This cruise is not suitable for guests with significant mobility challenges, as you will need to step between pier and boat and use ladders for swimming.
• Expect some movement of the boat, especially when under sail; comfortable balance and the ability to use handrails is important.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and a light jacket or extra layer, as it can feel cooler on the water after sunset.
• Use reef friendly sunscreen, but apply it in good time before boarding to avoid slippery surfaces on deck.
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed before or during the cruise.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised closely on deck and in the water.
• Exact pickup locations, meeting points, and times will be provided with your booking; arrive early to allow for traffic around the harbor.
• Wind and sea conditions may affect how much time is spent sailing under sail versus engine and can slightly shift sunset timing relative to the route.