Sailing Trip to Dia Island – All Inclusive

Dia Island is the star here. After leaving Heraklion, you anchor off a quiet, nearly untouched shore for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The clear water and open views give this outing its real appeal, while lunch is cooked aboard the boat and served with seafood pasta, Greek salad, fruit, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

I like the generous food and drinks, and I like that the day gives you time to enjoy the sea rather than rush through several stops. George and Niko are friendly crew members who help make the boat feel social. The main caution is that this is called a sailing trip, but the boat may motor much of the way, and one outing had 14 people despite the stated maximum of 10.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours near Dia Island: Most of the island time is for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and enjoying the quiet shore.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Seafood pasta, pesto pasta, Greek salad, and fruit salad are included.
• Drinks are part of the price: You get local beer, local white wine, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• Equipment is supplied: Snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard are available without an extra charge.
• Heraklion departure: The meeting point is Old Anchor on Leof. Nearchou, with pickup details sent after booking.
• Small-group promise: The stated maximum is 10 people, though you should confirm the group size before setting out.

Dia Island is the reason to go

Dia Island sits off the northern coast of Crete, reached by boat from Heraklion. The appeal is not a long list of monuments or organized attractions. It is the chance to spend part of a day beside a quiet island with only a few buildings and clear water around the boat.

You are not visiting Dia for a complicated shore program. Once the boat anchors, the main activities are simple: swim, look for fish with the provided snorkeling gear, try the stand-up paddleboard, and sit back on deck. That simplicity is a strength if you want a sea day with little planning.

The island stop lasts about three hours. That is enough time to swim without watching the clock every few minutes, and it leaves room for lunch and the boat ride itself. You might find the shore more appealing than the inland area, since the experience centers on the water and the views from the boat.

The water is described as clear enough to see fish easily. Bring your mask and use the supplied equipment if you prefer not to pack your own. Snorkeling conditions can change with wind and sea movement, so I would treat it as a pleasant chance to see marine life, not as a formal snorkeling excursion with a guided reef tour.

What the six to eight hours look like

The full outing takes about six to eight hours. You meet at Old Anchor, Leof. Nearchou, in Heraklion. Pickup may be offered, but the exact pickup point and time are provided after your booking, so do not assume the boat collects you directly from your hotel.

The trip begins with the run out from the city toward Dia. The sea crossing is part of the experience, but expectations matter. The product is sold as a sailing trip, while a past outing was described as more of a cruise because the boat did not actually sail. If you are booking mainly for the sensation of sailing under wind power, ask Set Sails Crete what kind of boat and sailing conditions are planned for your date.

Once you reach the island, the boat anchors near the shore. This is when the day becomes active. You can get into the water, use the snorkeling equipment, paddle on the stand-up board, or remain aboard and take in the views. There is no admission fee for the island stop.

The timing leaves room for a long swim and a relaxed meal. A choppy sea can make the ride less comfortable, and conditions can vary from one day to another. The experience requires good weather, so a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The strongest part of the outing is the freedom to choose how you use your time near Dia. You do not have to sign up for separate activities or rent equipment on shore. Snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard are included.

If you enjoy swimming, the clear water is the main reward. You can cool off, watch fish below the surface, and return to the boat when you are ready. The water was described as cool but easy to see through, which is useful to know if you prefer warm Mediterranean water.

Snorkeling is best suited to people who are comfortable getting into open water from a boat. The supplied equipment removes one packing chore, but you should still bring a towel, since towels are not included. Swimsuits are also not supplied, an obvious point but one worth handling before you leave your accommodation.

The paddleboard adds another option for anyone who wants activity without a long swim. The supplied equipment is a nice extra at this price, though the number of people wanting to use it could affect how much time you get. No reservation system for equipment is provided, so be ready to share.

The shore itself is described as largely untouched, with only a few buildings. That gives Dia a quiet feel, but it also means you should not expect a developed beach facility, a string of cafes, or a full set of services on land. Plan to use the boat as your base.

A fresh lunch served at sea

Lunch is one of the better-value parts of this trip. The meal includes seafood pasta, pasta with pesto, Greek salad, and fruit salad. That gives you a seafood choice plus a simpler option for anyone who does not want seafood.

A boat-cooked meal also fits the day better than a rushed packed lunch. After swimming, you can dry off in the sun and eat aboard with the island nearby. The food is not presented as fine dining, and you should not book this expecting a restaurant-level menu. Its value comes from being fresh, included, and served in the right setting.

Drinks are unusually generous for a trip in this price range. Local beer and local white wine are included, along with local soft drinks and bottled water. One outing included plenty of beer, wine, water, and lemonade, so you should not need to buy drinks during the day.

Alcohol changes the practical side of the experience. If you plan to swim or paddle after lunch, pace yourself and use the water and soft drinks as well. The boat day is long enough that hydration matters, especially in full sun.

The crew and the size of the boat group

The crew is an important part of a small boat outing. George and Niko are associated with the experience, and the captain has been described as funny and chatty. That kind of easy conversation can make the crossing feel shorter and help a mixed group settle in together.

You should expect a social day rather than a private charter. People eat together, use the same swimming area, and share the equipment. If you like meeting people over a meal, that is a plus. If you want a quiet boat with plenty of personal space, check the final headcount first.

The stated maximum is 10 people. That would be a comfortable size for a boat-based day, particularly when everyone wants to swim or use the paddleboard. However, one outing had 14 people, which felt crowded to the person who booked it. I would contact Set Sails Crete before the trip and confirm both the boat capacity and the expected number on your date.

The difference between 10 and 14 people matters more on the water than it does on a bus. You have fewer places to sit, more people sharing equipment, and less room to move around while lunch is being served. A small group is one of the experience’s key selling points, so it deserves a direct question.

Is $90.51 a fair price?

At $90.51 per person, the cost is reasonable if you plan to use the included extras. You are paying for roughly six to eight hours, boat transport to Dia, an English-speaking guide, lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, and taxes and fees.

The value improves if you would otherwise rent snorkeling gear, buy lunch, and purchase drinks separately. The meal is substantial enough to replace a restaurant lunch, and the local beer and white wine add something that many basic boat trips charge extra for.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is a short swim near Heraklion. You are paying for the full day structure, including the sea crossing and time aboard. It also makes less sense for anyone who dislikes group outings or expects a guaranteed, sail-powered voyage.

I would compare this with the cost of a private boat before booking if you are traveling as a larger family or group. The advertised maximum of 10 keeps the experience fairly intimate, but the report of 14 people means you should not assume a consistently small group without checking.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy day on the water with food and drinks handled in advance. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy swimming, a relaxed lunch, and meeting other people aboard.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Heraklion and want to see a quieter side of the area without arranging a boat, equipment, and catering on your own. The English-speaking guide makes the outing straightforward for English speakers.

Families may like the choice of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or staying aboard. Still, parents should consider that the experience centers on open water and that swimsuits and towels are not included. The available information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Blind and partially blind participants are welcome.

I would be more cautious about booking if you need a strictly private experience, have limited tolerance for a choppy crossing, or want guaranteed sailing under wind power. The trip requires good weather, and the sea can be rougher on some days than others.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear your swimsuit from the start and pack a towel. The activity does not provide either one. You should also bring anything you need for time in the sun, although the specific sun protection supplied by the operator is not stated.

The meeting point is Old Anchor, Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. If you request pickup, wait for the operator to send the exact location and time after receiving your booking.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The trip is offered in English, and mobile tickets are accepted. Since the outing can last as long as eight hours, keep your schedule flexible after the stated start time.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local time, and a poor-weather or minimum-participant cancellation gives you the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Dia Island boat trip?

Book it if you want a full sea day with lunch, drinks, and water equipment included. Dia’s quiet shore, clear water, and three-hour anchor stop give the trip more substance than a short harbor cruise, while the seafood pasta and local drinks make the $90.51 price easier to justify.

Before paying, confirm the expected group size and ask how much actual sailing is planned. That small check will help you decide if the trip matches your idea of a sailing day. If you are happy with a relaxed cruise that may include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a sociable meal, this is a strong choice from Heraklion.

FAQ

How long is the sailing trip to Dia Island?

The experience lasts approximately six to eight hours, including the boat journey and time at Dia Island.

How long do you spend at Dia Island?

The planned stop at Dia Island lasts about three hours.

Where does the experience start and end?

It starts at Old Anchor, Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup point and time are sent after the booking is received.

What food is included?

Lunch includes seafood pasta, pasta with pesto, Greek salad, and fruit salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Local beer, local white wine, local soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and use of a stand-up paddleboard are included.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimsuit?

Yes. Towels and swimsuits are not included, so you need to bring your own.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.