Heraklion: Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch & Swimming

Dia Island is Crete’s easy escape by sea: about six nautical miles from Heraklion, with a three-hour stop in Saint George Bay for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and paddleboarding. The day is less about sightseeing on land and more about enjoying clear water, open sea, and time on deck.

I like the generous stop at Dia and the fact that lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. I also like the small group size, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus. The main drawback is the long sailing time, about 80 minutes each way, and the food is convenient and well-liked by many, but not everyone finds it exceptional.

Key things to know before booking

• Six nautical miles from Heraklion: The cruise gives you broad views of Crete’s rugged coast before reaching Dia Island.
• Three hours at Saint George Bay: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, SUP paddleboarding, sunbathing, and lunch.
• Small group of up to eight: This is a quieter setup than a large excursion boat, with more room for personal attention.
• Shrimp pasta and unlimited drinks: Lunch includes seafood pasta, Greek salad, fruit salad, and drinks throughout the trip.
• Optional transfers across north Crete: Pickup can be arranged from selected places around Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, and nearby resorts.
• A sailing trip first, beach stop second: The time on the water matters here, so bring a good attitude toward open-sea travel.

Leaving Heraklion for Dia Island

Your morning starts at Heraklion Port, near the Old Anchor monument and Marina Cafe. A Set Sails representative meets you there and leads you to the boat. Parking is available near the meeting point, which helps if you have a rental car.

If you choose a transfer option, an air-conditioned minivan collects you from a designated city bus stop. Pickup points cover a wide stretch of Crete’s north coast, including Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, and several resort areas.

The transfer option is useful if you are staying outside Heraklion, but check the exact pickup point carefully. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in every option, and the information specifies designated stops rather than door-to-door service.

Once aboard, the captain and crew give a safety briefing before setting out. The vessel is described as spacious, and the group is limited to eight participants. That combination matters. You can move around, find a place on deck, and ask the crew for help without competing with a large crowd.

Eighty minutes across the Aegean Sea

The outward trip takes about 80 minutes. That is not a quick hop to a nearby beach. You are signing up for a proper sailing excursion, with open-water views and a chance to see Crete from a different angle.

The coast gradually recedes as you head toward Dia. Keep an eye on the water for dolphins, which are possible but never guaranteed. The views of Crete’s rough coastline are one of the strongest parts of the trip, especially if you enjoy the simple pleasure of watching land fall away while the boat moves under sail.

Several people particularly enjoyed the return under sail, with little or no engine power when the wind allowed it. That can make the ride feel more special than a standard motorboat transfer. On some departures, the afternoon light may lead into sunset and twilight, with the coast and port lights appearing as you return.

The tradeoff is clear: around 160 minutes of the six-hour outing is spent sailing to and from Dia. If you want nearly all your time in the water, a local beach excursion may suit you better. If you like the journey as much as the destination, the long crossing is part of the appeal.

Saint George Bay and Dia’s spare beauty

The boat drops anchor in Saint George Bay on Dia Island. The setting is quiet and stark, with dry hills and clear blue water. Dia is linked to Greek mythology, which adds a little atmosphere to an otherwise simple day at anchor.

You should not expect a long island walk or a busy program of historical sites. The attraction is the bay itself. You spend your time in and around the water, with the boat serving as your base.

The stop lasts about three hours. That is enough time to settle into your own rhythm. Swim first, relax on deck, try the equipment, eat lunch, then take another swim. The schedule does not force every activity into a narrow window.

The water can be cool, though many people find it comfortable enough for swimming. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, which is helpful because the water near the boat is deep. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew and use the flotation equipment.

Other boats may be anchored nearby. Saint George Bay is not presented as a private cove, and you should not expect complete solitude. Still, the small group and the open space around the boat help keep the mood calm rather than party-like.

Swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing

The water activities are simple, but they give the stop useful variety. You can swim straight from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, take the SUP paddleboard around the bay, or try the included fishing gear.

Snorkeling is best suited to people who want a relaxed look beneath the surface rather than a major marine-life expedition. The water is described as crystal clear, and the main pleasure is cooling off and seeing the bay from below.

The SUP is a good choice if you want to do more than lie on a sun deck. You can paddle around the bay and get a different view of Dia’s shore. Since this is a shared onboard activity, you may need to take turns rather than use it continuously.

Fishing adds a small bit of fun, especially for children. Crew members have helped younger passengers try their luck, but there is no promise of a catch. Think of it as an extra activity, not a dedicated fishing trip.

You can also skip all of this. The deck is there for sunbathing, napping, listening to music, and watching the water. One of the strengths of the experience is that you are not pushed into constant activity.

Lunch with shrimp pasta and unlimited drinks

Lunch is served onboard at Dia. The standard meal includes seafood pasta with shrimp, Greek salad, and fruit salad. Drinks include white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water without an extra charge.

The shrimp pasta receives frequent praise, and the portions are described as generous. Other departures have included pesto pasta as a substitute. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, but you should communicate your needs before or during booking so the crew can prepare properly.

I see the lunch as a practical value rather than a restaurant meal. You do not need to pack a full picnic, return to shore, or buy drinks at an island kiosk. The food is fresh enough for a boat lunch and fits the setting, with salad and fruit balancing the pasta.

That said, expectations matter. Some people find the food very good, while one detailed comment found it only average. If lunch is a major reason you choose a cruise, this may not satisfy you like a meal at a strong Cretan taverna. If you value convenience, warm food, and unlimited drinks while anchored in a beautiful bay, it works well.

The crew makes the difference

The experience provider is Set Sails, and crew names vary by departure. Guides and captains mentioned include George, Vaso, Spiros, Marina, Eva, Ilis, Nick, Markos, Giorgious, Niko, and Dmitri.

The most consistent praise goes to the crew’s friendly and attentive approach. They help with the equipment, explain what you need to know, keep an eye on swimmers, and give you space when you want to relax. Several crew members have been singled out for cooking, sailing ability, and extra effort with children trying fishing.

You should not expect a formal lecture-heavy tour. The tone is more hands-on and social. You can ask questions, chat with the crew, or sit quietly on deck. English is the listed operating language.

The small group limit of eight is important here. A crew member can help you with a mask or paddleboard without the usual scramble found on large boat trips. It also makes conversation with the other people onboard more natural, though the exact mood depends on the group that day.

The return journey and sunset possibility

After lunch and a final swim, the boat heads back toward Heraklion. The return takes another 80 minutes, but it can feel different from the morning crossing. You already know the boat, have settled into the pace, and may have the softer light of late afternoon.

Some departures reach sunset and twilight on the way back. The lights of the coast and the first stars can add a memorable finish, especially on a later sailing option. Check the departure time when booking, since the exact schedule can change.

The captain has the final word on timing and departure. Port Authority instructions or strong conditions can lead to changes. That is normal for a sea trip, and you should keep some flexibility in your plans after the cruise rather than booking a tight airport connection or fixed evening activity.

The boat returns to the meeting point near Heraklion Port. If you selected a transfer, the minivan route serves the chosen drop-off area. The long list of possible locations is useful for resort visitors, but confirm your actual stop instead of assuming the vehicle will deliver you directly to your hotel.

Is $67 a fair price?

At $67 per person, the price is reasonable for a six-hour outing that includes a yacht cruise, captain and crew, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, a SUP, and insurance.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, a beach lunch, drinks, and water equipment. The optional transfer can also save you the hassle of arranging a taxi or rental car from resorts outside Heraklion.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a short boat ride or a few hours on a beach. You are paying for the full package, including the two long crossings. The boat time is not filler, but it does shape the value.

For me, the strongest value comes from the combination of small-group sailing and three hours anchored at Dia. You get both a scenic trip and enough time to swim without feeling hurried. Unlimited drinks are also useful in the heat, though you should still bring sensible sun protection.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This outing suits couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day on the water without arranging every detail themselves. Children can enjoy the fishing and paddleboard, while adults can swim, share wine, or simply stretch out on deck.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Heraklion and want a beach day without taking a bus to a crowded resort shore. Dia gives you a sense of getting away, even though the trip is short enough to fit into one day.

You should think twice if you dislike boat motion, long periods at sea, or swimming from a boat in deep water. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed. Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel.

The trip is also not designed around independent exploration on land. If you want ruins, villages, museums, or a guided walk, spend your day in Heraklion or choose a land-based excursion. Dia is about water, wind, food, and open views.

Small details that can improve your day

Arrive at the Old Anchor meeting point with enough time to find the representative and boat. The port can feel confusing if you are rushing, so do not treat the stated start time as the moment to begin looking.

Wear practical footwear and bring a towel. You will be walking around a boat, getting wet, and using shared water equipment. Leave the high heels at your accommodation.

Give the provider the full names, passport numbers, and countries of origin for everyone in your party. These details are required for local port regulations.

Tell the provider about any impairment before departure. The crew will try to help, but the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the boat setting can limit access.

Finally, keep your plans loose around the cruise. Departure times can change because of port instructions or force majeure conditions. On the water, the captain’s call matters more than a fixed timetable.

Should you book the Dia Island sailing trip?

Book it if you want a full half-day at sea, not just a transfer to a beach. The best parts are the relaxed three-hour stop, clear swimming water, useful onboard equipment, friendly crew, and the chance to sail back under wind power as the light fades.

I would choose it for a couple looking for an easy day away from the resort, a family that likes swimming and fishing, or anyone who values a small group over a large party boat. The $67 price makes sense when you use the lunch, drinks, SUP, snorkeling gear, and transfer option.

Skip it if you need a short outing, dislike open water, or expect a gourmet meal and a private island. Dia is not a full sightseeing destination. It is a beautiful place to stop, swim, eat, and let the boat carry you home.

FAQ

How long is the sailing trip to Dia Island?

The full activity lasts six hours. The sailing time is about 80 minutes from Heraklion to Dia Island and another 80 minutes back.

Where does the tour start in Heraklion?

Meet near the Old Anchor monument by Marina Cafe at Heraklion Port. A Set Sails representative leads you to the boat, and parking is available near the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Transfers are available with selected options from designated stops in areas including Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Analipsi, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, and nearby locations. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included as a general feature.

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 available without an additional charge. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

What water activities are provided?

You can swim, snorkel, use the SUP paddleboard, and try fishing with the equipment provided onboard. Life jackets and pool noodles are also available.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel. High-heeled shoes are not allowed.