Heraklion: Dia Island Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner

The best part of this six-hour trip is the pause at Saint George Bay on Dia Island, where you can swim in clear water, eat dinner on deck, and watch the sun drop behind the island. The crossing gives you open-sea views and a good look at Crete from a different angle.

I like the small group of up to eight and the useful mix of activities. You can snorkel, fish, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on the yacht. I also like that the meal and unlimited basic drinks are included, with vegan and gluten-free choices available.

The main consideration is the sea. The return crossing can be rough when swells pick up, and the trip is not suited to people prone to seasickness. Also, alcoholic drinks are not served while the boat is moving, so the wine and beer are mainly for the stop at Dia Island.

Key points to know before you go

• Dia Island is only about six nautical miles from Heraklion, making this an easy taste of sailing rather than a long offshore expedition.
• Saint George Bay is the main event, with roughly three hours for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, dinner, and sunset.
• Dinner includes Greek salad, shrimp pasta, fruit, and unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• The boat carries snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and a SUP board, so you do not need to rent these separately.
• The crew has earned strong praise for its warmth and care, with George, Niko, Pagnos, and Eva among the names associated with different departures.
• Hotel pickup is optional, and the small group size keeps the outing more personal than a large excursion boat.

Sailing north from Heraklion Port

You meet near the Old Anchor monument beside Marina Cafe. A Set Sails representative waits there and walks you to the yacht. Parking is available near the meeting point, which helps if you are making your own way to the harbor.

After a safety briefing, the yacht heads north across the Aegean Sea. The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way, so you spend close to two hours under sail or on the water in total. That is enough time to enjoy the coastline, settle into the rhythm of the boat, and take photos without feeling rushed.

The yacht is private to your small group, but the activity itself is not necessarily private to one booking party unless you reserve the full boat. The stated capacity is eight people, a useful limit for anyone who dislikes crowded day cruises. You will have more room to talk with the crew, move around the deck, and use the equipment than you would on a large catamaran.

The crew may include George and Niko, or Pagnos and Eva, depending on the departure. The most consistent praise is directed at the crew’s friendly manner, care, and sailing ability. George has been described as a genuine sailor who clearly enjoys his work, while the two Georges on another departure helped make the trip feel social as well as well-run.

You might spot dolphins during the crossing, though this is a possibility rather than a promised part of the trip. The guaranteed reward is the view: Crete receding behind you, open water ahead, and Dia Island slowly taking shape on the horizon.

Three hours at Saint George Bay

Dia Island is a protected-looking, unbuilt-feeling stop just offshore from Heraklion, and Saint George Bay gives the cruise its main sense of escape. The yacht anchors here for about three hours, leaving enough time for several activities rather than one quick swim.

The water is described as crystal clear and blue, making swimming and snorkeling the natural first choices. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you can go straight from the boat into the water without arranging a separate rental. Bring a towel, sun protection, and comfortable shoes. High heels are not allowed, and sensible footwear is the better choice on any boat deck.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can sunbathe on the yacht or try the fishing equipment. The SUP board gives you another way to explore the bay at a gentle pace. Since the boat remains anchored for a long stop, you can switch between activities instead of choosing just one.

The bay is also where the trip slows down. After the excitement of getting into the water, you can sit on deck with a drink and watch the color of the sea change as evening approaches. This is not a packed sightseeing circuit with several shore stops. Its appeal comes from staying in one attractive place long enough to relax.

The final swim is scheduled as the day draws to a close. If you want the best chance to enjoy the water before dinner or sunset, avoid leaving all your swimming time until the end. The order of activities can change with conditions, and the captain has the final say for safety.

Dinner on deck with a Cretan view

Dinner is served aboard the boat, usually during the long stop at Dia Island. The meal includes Greek salad, pasta with shrimp, and fruit for dessert. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, but you should provide dietary information when booking so the crew can prepare properly.

The meal is a practical part of the price, not just a token snack. You receive enough food to make the evening feel like a full outing rather than a boat ride that requires another dinner afterward. The setting helps, too. You eat with the bay in view, and the sunset supplies the scenery without any extra charge.

Unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Spirits and other alcoholic drinks cost extra and are not included in the package. One important rule is that alcohol is not served while the yacht is moving. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it means you should not expect drinks during the two crossing periods.

The quality of the included wine and beer has received mixed practical feedback. You get plenty, but this is a casual boat meal, not a wine tasting. I would choose the tour for the sailing, swimming, food, and sunset, with the drinks treated as a useful bonus rather than the main attraction.

Sunset over Dia Island

The sunset is the emotional high point of the outing. As the light fades, Dia Island and the surrounding sea take on softer colors, and the boat becomes a quiet place to sit after swimming and eating.

Your exact sunset timing depends on the departure time and the season. Check the available starting times carefully, since the trip lasts six hours and the schedule can change. Port Authority instructions or other force majeure conditions can also alter departure times. The captain and crew make those calls to keep the boat safe.

The return to Heraklion takes about 80 minutes. This can be calm and peaceful, but sea conditions vary. One departure encountered large swells on the way back, turning the crossing into more of an adventure. That is worth taking seriously if you get seasick. The activity is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

A practical tip: take seasickness precautions before boarding if you need them, bring a hat and sunscreen, and keep a layer handy for the evening ride. These items are not supplied, and the open deck offers little shelter from sun or wind.

What the $77 price really covers

At $77 per person, the price is strong if you plan to use the inclusions. You are paying for a six-hour sailing trip, a small group, the boat, crew, dinner, unlimited basic drinks, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and a SUP board. That removes several common add-on costs.

The value is better for someone who wants a full evening out rather than a simple sunset cruise. You get time in the water, a meal, and a scenic return trip. If you only want to watch the sunset from a boat and do not care about swimming or the included food, a shorter cruise might suit you better.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option. The driver collects you from a designated city bus stop, and the listed drop-off area covers places around Heraklion, Gazi, Agia Pelagia, Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Kokkini Hani, and other nearby locations. Check your exact pickup point before booking, since this is not described as door-to-door service for every hotel.

If you arrange your own transport, the Old Anchor meeting point is near Marina Cafe, with parking nearby. The activity ends back at that same meeting point.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this to couples, friends, and families with older children who want several experiences folded into one evening. The small group keeps it more relaxed, and the choice between active water time and quiet deck time suits people with different energy levels.

It is especially good for anyone staying in or near Heraklion who wants to get onto the water without committing to a full-day cruise. Dia Island is close enough to reach without spending the entire day in transit, but far enough offshore to feel like a real break from the city.

The trip also suits people who value a friendly crew. The strongest praise centers on the staff’s hospitality, professionalism, and willingness to help. The two Georges have been singled out for making the outing both entertaining and well organized, while Pagnos, Eva, and Niko are also associated with warm, capable service on different trips.

I would think twice if you dislike open water, need step-free access, or tend to feel sick on boats. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the sea can become lively on the return. The boat may be comfortable, but it remains a boat, not a floating restaurant with guaranteed smooth water.

Small details that make the evening easier

Bring your passport, or a copy, because the port authorities require complete names, passport numbers, and countries of origin for everyone joining the trip. You should provide those details before departure.

Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly. Bring a towel, since one is listed among the items you should carry.

Do not bring your own drinks. High heels are not permitted, and extra spirits are not part of the included package. If you have an impairment or mobility concern, tell the provider in advance. The crew will try to accommodate individual needs, although the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The hosts speak English and French. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Crete schedule is still shifting.

Should you book the Dia Island sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group sailing trip with plenty of time at anchor, a proper meal, and a sunset to finish the day. The combination of snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, and dinner gives the $77 price real value.

Skip it if your priority is luxury dining, premium wine, or a guaranteed glass-smooth sea. The included drinks are basic, the crossing can be rough, and the boat does not serve alcohol underway.

For most able-bodied visitors who enjoy the water, this is a well-balanced Heraklion outing. Go prepared for sun, wind, and the possibility of swells, and you will get the most from the quiet bay, open-sea views, and the crew’s welcoming approach.

FAQ

How long does the Dia Island sunset boat tour last?

The experience lasts about six hours. The sailing time is roughly 80 minutes from Heraklion to Dia Island and another 80 minutes back, with about three hours at Saint George Bay.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Old Anchor monument near Marina Cafe at Heraklion Port. A Set Sails representative waits there and leads you to the boat.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select that option. The driver collects you from a designated city bus stop.

What food is served aboard the boat?

The meal includes Greek salad, pasta with shrimp, and fruit for dessert. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Additional alcoholic drinks, such as spirits, are not included.

Can I swim or snorkel at Dia Island?

Yes. The yacht anchors at Saint George Bay, where you can swim and snorkel in the clear water. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the tour suitable for people with seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Sea conditions can change, and the return crossing may include swells.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or a copy. High-heeled shoes and personal drinks are not allowed.