Heraklion: Dia Island Private Sailing Cruise with Full Meal

Key Points

• Exclusive private group experience for up to 10 guests on a luxurious sailing yacht
• Sail from Heraklion to the exotic Dia Island, with water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing
• Enjoy a full Mediterranean meal, including Greek salad, appetizers, shrimp linguini, and tropical fruits
• Unlimited drinks such as wine, beer, soft drinks, and juices are included throughout the trip
• Tour duration is around 5.5 hours, with morning or afternoon options to see the sunset
• The tour begins at the Heraklion Old Venetian port with a scenic sail past the Koules fortress

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Private Sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island on a Modern Yacht

This 5.5-hour private sailing cruise offers an intimate adventure from the historic Heraklion Old Venetian port to the exotic Dia Island. Priced at $1,005 per group (up to 10 people), it provides a luxurious, flexible way to explore Crete’s waters, with a focus on comfort, good food, and water fun. The tour departs with a large, comfortable yacht, making it suitable for groups seeking a relaxed, high-quality day on the sea.

The experience includes sailing both to and from Dia, with approximately 75 minutes of sailing at each leg of the journey. Guests enjoy passing Koules fortress, a famous Venetian structure at the marina entrance, and gaining insights into the legend and history of Dia from the crew.

Exploring Dia Island’s Crystal Waters and Water Activities

Upon arriving at the bay of Dia, guests are welcomed with crystal turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. While stand-up paddle boards are available, they are not used under rough wind conditions for safety. Water equipment such as snorkel gear and fishing gear are provided, giving guests plenty to do during the free time.

The anchor in the bay allows for relaxation in the water or on the yacht, giving everyone a chance to unwind amidst stunning scenery. The crew is attentive and ready to assist with gear or requests for drinks while guests enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Enjoying a Full Mediterranean Meal with Unlimited Drinks

One of the highlights of this cruise is the delicious onboard meal. After about an hour at anchor, a Mediterranean menu arrives, including Greek salad, appetizers such as olive paste and bread sticks, and a main course of shrimp linguini. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request, making the meal accessible for different dietary needs.

Guests can pair their meal with wine, beer, soft drinks, ice tea, or juice, all included in the price. Tropical and local fruits are served as a refreshing fruit salad after the meal, completing the culinary experience.

Sunset Views and Perfect Photos from the Yacht Deck

The tour offers a choice between a morning cruise and an afternoon cruise that features a beautiful sunset. The yacht’s comfortable deck provides an ideal vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon, creating a memorable backdrop for photos and relaxed conversations.

The sunset cruise is especially praised for its romantic atmosphere and the chance to enjoy Crete’s scenic coastline as daylight fades, making it a popular choice for special occasions like proposals or intimate celebrations.

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Ease of Logistics and Comfort on Board

The tour begins at Cafe Marina, situated at the Heraklion Old Venetian port. Guests are advised to arrive by 8:40 AM or 14:40 depending on the selected cruise, ensuring a smooth start. The meeting point is easy to find, and optional hotel pickup is available from various nearby locations, including Heraklion and surrounding areas.

The group size is limited to 10, ensuring an exclusive and personalized experience. The crew, speaking English and Greek, is experienced and attentive, providing an introduction to sailing, serving drinks, and guiding water activities.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Guests should bring a passport or ID, and towels are recommended for swimming. Since pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed onboard, it’s best to prepare accordingly. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

For safety, stand-up paddle boards are unavailable during rough wind conditions. Passengers need to provide their full details during booking, including passport number, full name, nationality, and gender, for check-in purposes.

The Experience Provider: Cretan Sailing Cruises

This cruise is operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises, a provider known for their private group experiences. The tour emphasizes flexibility, with options to reserve and pay later, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Their professional crew, including captains Zoey, Spiros, Christos, and Giannis, are praised for their friendly service and knowledgeable storytelling, making each trip both relaxing and engaging.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this sailing cruise special is its combination of luxury, water activities, and exquisite food all wrapped into a private, intimate setting. Guests enjoy unlimited drinks, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and the chance to spot dolphins or take in a beautiful sunset—all on a large modern yacht designed for comfort.

The reviews consistently highlight the friendly crew, excellent food, and beautiful scenery. This tour is ideal for groups seeking a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun in Crete’s waters.

Final Thoughts on the Heraklion: Dia Island Private Sailing Cruise

This cruise offers a luxurious, relaxed day at sea with the perfect balance of sailing, water activities, and gourmet food. The private group setting ensures a personalized experience, while the scenery and sunset views add that extra touch of magic. For those who want to combine adventure, comfort, and excellent service, this tour delivers.

While it may be less suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues, the high-quality crew and well-planned itinerary promise a memorable outing. If you’re looking for a special day on Crete’s waters with flexible scheduling, this cruise is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option, from various areas around Heraklion and nearby towns.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring passport or ID and towels for swimming. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and sunscreen.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Yes, these dietary preferences can be accommodated upon request for the onboard meal.

Can I do water activities in rough weather?
Stand-up paddle boards are not available during rough wind conditions for safety reasons, but snorkeling and fishing gear are provided.

How long is the cruise?
The total duration is approximately 5.5 hours, including sailing, water activities, and the meal.

What is the start time?
Start times depend on your chosen option: 8:40 AM for the morning cruise or 14:40 for the afternoon sunset cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for children?
The tour is designed for groups up to 10 and is generally suitable for most ages, but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of luxurious yacht comfort, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, water activities, and scenic sunset views makes this cruise a special Crete experience.

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