Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities

Outty Ranking 89 4.7 · 589 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $78
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Outty Ranking

89/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 589 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities worth booking?

Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities is a 5-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $78 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 589 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
89 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (589)
Duration
5 hours
From
$78 per person

Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port. After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island. There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons. About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks. Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.

What you get

    About this experience

    Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port. After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island. There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons. About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks. Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.

    What's included

    Included

    • Carbonated beverages
    • Use of Stand-up paddle board (SUP)
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Fuel
    • Use of snorkeling equipment
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Use of Fishing equipment
    • On-board restrooms
    • Swim stop

    Not included

    • Towels

    What you'll see and do

    1. The island of Dia is an uninhabited island 6 miles north of Heraklion with crystal waters, beautiful wild scenery and rich history. The legend says that it used to be a monster created by Zeus to destroy the Cretans but he turned it into a stone to save them eventually. In the bay of Saint George where we anchor there was an ancient Minoan port that got destroyed along with the Minoan Civilization and sometimes it is possible to find ancient ruins and artifacts in the bottom of the beach. Nowadays there is a beautiful christian church of Aegean architecture. The island is home to many wildlife species such as rabbits, kri-kri goats, hawks and more while there is also a chance to meet the dolphins while sailing towards the island!

      180 minutes here

    2. Castello del Molo (Koules)

      The site was first fortified by the Arabs in the 9th or 10th centuries. By the second Byzantine period, a tower known as Castellum Comunis stood on the site. In 1303, the tower was destroyed in an earthquake but was repaired. In 1462, the Venetian Senate approved a programme to improve the fortifications of Candia. Eventually, the Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the Castello a Mare began to be built instead. The fortress was completed in 1540. In 1630, the fort was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor, and 25 cannons on the pathway leading to the roof. During the 21-year long Siege of Candia, Ottoman batteries easily neutralized the fort's firepower. The Ottomans eventually took the fort in 1669, after the Venetians surrendered the entire city. They did not make any major alterations to the fort, except for the additions of some battlements and embrasures. They built a small fort known as Little Koules on the landward side, but this was demolished in 1936.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Heraklion

    Meet at the "Meeting Point – Dia Island Boat Trips" at the Heraklion old Venetian port. Please be at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Meet at the "Meeting Point – Dia Island Boat Trips" at the Heraklion old Venetian port. Please be at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.

    Options you can book

    • Pick up from Malia-Gazi

      Pick up from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Heraklion, Gournes, Gazi Pickup included

    • Pick up Ag. Pelagia-Elounda

      Pick up Agia Pelagia-Elounda: Pick up from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria and Sisi. Pickup included

    • Pick up & Drop off excluded

      Pick up & Drop off Excluded: If you choose this option you will have to use your own transportation to arrive to the meeting point at the Heraklion Port.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cretan Sailing Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • If you have booked separately from your group/friends/family please let us know so you are distributed in the same boat.

    Photos

    Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, photo 2Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, photo 3Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, photo 4Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, photo 5Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, photo 6Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities in Heraklion, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 589 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    7 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    589 verified traveler reviews for Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    500
    4 star
    53
    3 star
    20
    2 star
    7
    1 star
    9
    Sort
    Nevaeh_H · October 2026

    This experience is...

    This experience is divine, the staff are super friendly the food and fruits were delicious especially with free drinks. The boat ride is 100% worth it especially if u can catch the sunset the water is turquoise and blue and the centre nearby is very nice.

    via Viator

    Alex_S · October 2026

    Amazing boat trip with great guides!

    Absolutely great crew! They were super friendly and even let us play some bad bunny songs! Thank you so much, highly recommend this boat trip!

    via Viator

    Brenden_O · October 2026

    Manos and Maria were...

    Manos and Maria were awesome. Definitely worth every penny and the food was really good. Cant recommend this trip enough.

    via Viator

    Infolass · October 2026

    A wonderful relaxing way to spend a day.

    The best day of our holiday! Captain Emmanuel with Yiorgos and Richard gave us a wonderful trip to Dia Island from Iraklion in a well appointed catamaran. Accompanied by a great selection of music, the prawn linguine was excellent the wine plentiful and we loved the inflatable “deck” that meant we lazed on the side with our feet dangling in the sea! If we’d had another day we would have returned. Just take a fleece or jumper with you because if it’s breezy you’ll know it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Joann_C · September 2026

    Crete

    The crew was awesome. Captain dimetre and George. The cook Richard. All were so nice. Went paddle boarding to the island. Such a beautiful island.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $78 to $140
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    206
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cretan Sailing Cruises, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.1.

    See everything Cretan Sailing Cruises runs

    Why this scores 89

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)62
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities cost?

    +

    Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities take?

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    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.

    Is Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 589 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities?

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    Around 206 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Heraklion?

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    On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Heraklion?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Heraklion?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities?

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    Included: Carbonated beverages; Use of Stand-up paddle board (SUP); Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and Fuel. Not included: Towels. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 650 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities?

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    Across 589 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, value for money, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    What booking options are available for Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Meal and Water Activities?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including Pick up from Malia-Gazi, Pick up Ag. Pelagia-Elounda, Pick up & Drop off excluded. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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