Heraklion: Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch & Swimming

Dia Island is the real prize here: a quiet, uninhabited-looking patch of rock reached by a six-nautical-mile sail from Heraklion. At Saint George Bay, you can swim, snorkel, fish, paddle a SUP, or simply stretch out on deck while lunch is prepared.

I like the small group limit of eight, which makes the boat feel personal rather than crowded. I also like the generous food and drink setup, especially the shrimp pasta, Greek salad, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. The tradeoff is the long sailing time, about 80 minutes each way, so this is not a quick beach transfer.

Key points

• Six hours on the water: About 80 minutes each way, with roughly three hours anchored at Dia Island.
• A proper activity stop: Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and SUP use are included rather than offered as costly extras.
• Small group sailing: The yacht is limited to eight participants, giving you more room and easier access to the crew.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect shrimp pasta, Greek salad, fruit, and unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Flexible departure options: Meet at Heraklion Port or use a minivan transfer from selected areas of Crete.
• Sunset potential: Some departures return around sunset, adding a memorable finish, though exact timing can change.

Sailing from Heraklion Port to Dia Island

The day begins at the Old Anchor monument near Marina Cafe in Heraklion Port. A Set Sails representative meets you there and leads you to the yacht. Parking is available near the meeting point, which helps if you are staying in Heraklion and have your own car.

After a short walk and safety briefing, the boat leaves the harbor. The first 80 minutes are about the ride itself: Crete’s rugged coastline slips behind you, the open Aegean spreads around the boat, and you have time to settle into the pace of the day.

Keep your eyes open for dolphins. They are not guaranteed, of course, but the open-water route gives you a chance to see them. The crew may also let you enjoy stretches of sailing with the engine off when the wind is right. That quiet, wind-powered return has been one of the most memorable parts of the trip for some people, especially near sunset.

This is not a speedboat outing. The boat takes its time, and that is both the point and the main thing to consider. You get a full day on the water, but nearly half of the travel time is spent reaching and leaving Dia. If you want a fast transfer to a swimming cove, choose a shorter boat trip. If you enjoy the motion of a sailboat and open views, the journey is part of the attraction.

Saint George Bay and Dia Island

The yacht anchors at Saint George Bay, a sheltered spot on Dia Island. The setting is spare and peaceful, with pale rock, clear water, and little of the built-up feel found along Crete’s main coast. Dia is tied to Greek mythology, which gives the stop an extra layer of interest, but the practical appeal is simple: this is your main swimming and activity area for about three hours.

The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and masks are supplied. Bring realistic expectations. This is not presented as a specialized marine-life tour, and the information does not promise a particular species or underwater site. You can expect a chance to look below the surface, cool off, and enjoy the bay from the water.

You can also use the included fishing equipment. Fishing is a nice option for children or anyone who wants a little more to do than sunbathe, though no catch is guaranteed. Some crew members make a special effort to help younger participants, and the activity works best when you treat it as a bit of fun rather than a serious fishing trip.

The SUP paddleboard gives you another way to explore the bay. You can paddle away from the yacht and get a different view of the island, then return for a swim. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, which is useful because the water is deep in places.

The cove can have other boats nearby. It is not described as a party stop, and the atmosphere is generally suited to swimming, relaxing, and chatting with the small group on your yacht. You should not expect a private bay all to yourself, but there is enough room for the included water activities.

Lunch on Board: Shrimp Pasta, Salad, and Fruit

Lunch is served while the yacht is anchored. The main meal is seafood pasta with shrimp, alongside Greek salad and fruit salad. Several people particularly enjoyed the pasta, and crew members have also served pesto pasta as a substitute.

The meal is practical rather than restaurant-style. You do not need to pack a picnic or leave the bay to find food, and the generous drinks selection makes the long day easier. Unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included.

The food will not be the main reason to book this trip, and expectations should stay sensible. One person found it merely adequate, while others praised the shrimp pasta and portion sizes. I would describe lunch as a welcome, filling part of the package, not a gourmet event.

Gluten-free and vegan meals are available. Tell the provider about your needs when booking, rather than waiting until you board. The same applies to any physical impairment. The crew says it will try to accommodate participants, but the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What the Small Group Changes

The yacht carries no more than eight participants. That number matters. You are not competing with a large crowd for the paddleboard, fishing gear, or a comfortable place on deck. It is also easier to ask the captain for help, especially if you are not confident in the water.

Crew members named in the supplied information include George, Vaso, Spiros, Marina, Giorgious, Eva, Niko, Dmitri, Nick, Marco, and Ilis. The exact team depends on the departure, but the repeated pattern is clear: the crew handles the sailing, food, safety guidance, and equipment while giving people room to relax.

That balance is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You can get help without having a guide talking at you all day. Crew members have been praised for being attentive without hovering, which suits a boat trip where people want both company and quiet.

A small group also means you will likely share the day closely with the other people aboard. That can be a plus if you enjoy casual conversation over wine and lunch. If you want complete privacy, even eight people may feel social.

Choosing Morning or Sunset Timing

The experience lasts six hours, but the exact starting time depends on availability. Some departures return in the late afternoon or around sunset. Those later trips can be especially appealing because the light changes on the way back, and the coastline, port, and sea take on a softer look.

A sunset option may also run cooler than a hot midday departure. On the other hand, you should check the actual schedule before booking. Departure times can change because of port authority instructions or other force majeure conditions, and the captain has the final say on safe operation.

Do not plan a tight dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening connection immediately after the trip. The advertised duration is six hours, but transport arrangements and port conditions deserve a little breathing room.

Transfers from Heraklion and Eastern Crete

You can meet the boat in Heraklion or choose an option with a minivan transfer from selected points. Pickup areas include Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Analipsi, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria, among others.

The transfer vehicle is air-conditioned, and pickup is from a designated city bus stop or listed meeting point. This is not necessarily a door-to-door hotel service, so check the exact pickup location for your booking. The long list of stops is useful if you are staying along the northern coast, but it also means you should allow time for other pickups.

If you are already in Heraklion, meeting at the port is the simpler choice. Go to the Old Anchor monument near Marina Cafe, where the representative will guide you to the boat. If you are staying farther east, the transfer option can remove the need to arrange a taxi or rental car for the port.

Is $67 Good Value?

At $67 per person, the trip offers solid value for a six-hour outing. The price includes the yacht cruise, captain and crew, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, SUP use, fishing equipment, and insurance. You are paying for a full day on the water rather than only a boat ride to a beach.

The strongest value comes from the combination of food and activities. A separate boat trip, restaurant meal, drinks, and water equipment could easily cost more, while this package keeps the day simple. The small group limit makes the price more attractive than a large excursion with fewer personal touches.

There are still limits. Premium services are not included, and personal expenses caused by misconduct or misunderstandings are your responsibility. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not universally included either, so select the transfer option if you need transport from one of the listed areas.

For a couple, family, or small group that wants swimming and sailing in one day, $67 is a fair price. For someone who dislikes being on a boat for long stretches, the value is weaker no matter how much food and equipment are included.

What to Bring and What to Skip

Pack swimwear and a towel. You will want both for the swimming stop, even if you plan to spend much of the time on deck. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for the port and boat.

Bring a passport or ID card. Port authorities require the complete names, passport numbers, and countries of origin for everyone taking part, so have those details ready when you book.

High-heeled shoes are not allowed. That is sensible on a sailing boat, where stable footwear matters more than style. You should also expect normal sun exposure on deck, though sunscreen is not specifically listed among the required items.

Who Will Enjoy This Sailing Day?

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed sea day with several ways to use your time. Swimmers can spend much of the stop in the water. Less active participants can sunbathe, eat, talk, and watch the coast. Children may enjoy the fishing and paddleboard, but every child should be supervised around the water.

It suits couples who want a scenic day without organizing each detail themselves. The sunset departures can add a romantic feel, while the small group keeps the outing more personal than a large party boat.

It also works well for families and mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can fish, and someone else can stay dry with a drink on deck. The included equipment prevents the usual scramble to rent gear at the beach.

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, dislike deep water, or want a short, highly active itinerary with constant guided instruction. This is a flexible boat day, not a formal sailing lesson or a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

Final Verdict: Book It for the Sail, Not Just the Stop

Book this experience if the idea of spending 80 minutes sailing each way sounds pleasant rather than inconvenient. Dia Island provides the setting, but the full appeal is the mix of open-water travel, a small crew, swimming, food, and an unhurried return.

The best version of the day includes favorable wind, a calm bay, clear water, and a sunset on the way back. Conditions can change, and the captain may adjust timing for safety. Still, with lunch, drinks, SUP, snorkeling, fishing, and transfers available for $67, this is a practical and enjoyable choice for a Crete holiday.

If you prefer land-based sightseeing or a quick trip to the beach, spend your money elsewhere. If you want to make a full day of the sea and return to Heraklion with salt on your skin and a slower sense of time, Set Sails offers good value.

FAQ

How long does the Dia Island sailing trip last?

The experience lasts six hours. The sailing portion takes about 80 minutes each way, with around three hours spent at Dia Island.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at the Old Anchor monument near Marina Cafe in Heraklion Port. A Set Sails representative meets you there and leads you to the boat.

Can I book a transfer to Heraklion Port?

Yes. Some booking options include an air-conditioned minivan transfer from selected points in areas such as Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Analipsi, Heraklion, and Agia Pelagia. Pickup is from designated stops or meeting points.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes seafood pasta with shrimp, Greek salad, and fruit salad. Unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and fishing equipment are included. Life jackets and pool noodles are also available for use in the water.

What should I bring?

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

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should inform the provider about any other impairments so the crew can try to assist where possible.