Dia Island: Private Full Day Sailing Cruise

Dia Island, a rugged, uninhabited gem off the northern coast of Crete, beckons adventurers to explore its natural wonders. Accessible only by private sailing cruise, the island promises a day of discovery, from snorkeling for ancient pottery to encountering Cretan wild goats and playful dolphins. With a comfortable boat, full menu, and hotel transfers, this excursion offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, the chance to uncover Dia’s hidden treasures is an opportunity not to be missed.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Sail to the uninhabited Dia Island off the northern coast of Crete for a day of exploring its natural wonders and opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing.
• Admire the stunning Cretan coastline and azure Aegean waters during the one-hour journey from Herakleon port to the island.
• Disembark and freely explore the rocky cliffs, secluded coves, and pristine beaches, with the chance to spot Cretan wild goats and dolphins.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters in search of ancient Byzantine or Venetian pottery, adding an exciting historical element to the island adventure.
• Utilize the provided stand-up paddleboard and fishing rods to enhance your immersion in the serene and picturesque setting of Dia Island.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Explore Uninhabited Dia Island

Situated off the northern coast of Crete, Dia Island offers visitors the chance to explore an uninhabited, rugged paradise teeming with natural wonders.

Travelers can discover the island’s rocky cliffs, which are home to Cretan wild goats, and may even spot dolphins swimming in the surrounding waters.

The island’s history is equally captivating, with the possibility of uncovering ancient Byzantine or Venetian pottery while snorkeling.

From hiking along the island’s secluded trails to swimming in its crystal-clear waters, Dia Island promises a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

With its untouched beauty and abundance of natural treasures, this private sailing cruise provides a unique opportunity to escape the crowds and take in the serene solitude of an untamed island.

Sailing Journey to Dia Island

The sailing journey to Dia Island from the Herakleon port takes approximately an hour, as the private cruise departs from Cafe Marina and navigates the tranquil waters towards the uninhabited island.

During this leisurely voyage, passengers can:

• Admire the stunning views of the Cretan coastline and the sparkling azure waters of the Aegean Sea.
• Spot various marine life, including schools of colorful fish and possibly even dolphins, which are known to frequent the area.
• Relax on the boat’s comfortable mats and enjoy the soothing sounds of the wind and waves, as the skipper and assistant guide the vessel smoothly towards its destination.

The cruise provides a serene and picturesque start to the day’s adventure on the remote Dia Island.

Visit, Swim, and Snorkel

Upon arriving at Dia Island, guests disembark the boat and have ample time to explore the uninhabited island’s rocky cliffs, secluded coves, and pristine beaches.

Donning the provided snorkeling equipment, they can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, searching for ancient Byzantine or Venetian pottery and potentially spotting Cretan wild goats and other marine life along the shore.

The stand-up paddleboard offers a unique perspective as guests glide across the serene surface, while the fishing rods provide the opportunity to try their hand at catching local seafood.

Throughout the 4-hour visit, guests can freely swim, snorkel, and relax, making the most of this secluded island paradise before sailing back to Heraklion.

Cretan Wild Goats and Dolphins

Along the rugged coastline of Dia Island, visitors may spot Cretan wild goats, or ‘kri-kri‘, as they nimbly traverse the steep, rocky terrain.

With a bit of luck, they might also catch a glimpse of playful dolphins frolicking in the island’s crystal-clear waters.

The Cretan wild goat, a majestic and elusive creature, is a symbol of the island’s untamed natural beauty. These agile animals are well-adapted to the island’s challenging environment, navigating the cliffs and valleys with ease.

As for the dolphins, they’re a common sight in the waters around Dia, delighting visitors with their acrobatic displays and social interactions. Spotting these magnificent marine mammals is a true highlight of the sailing experience.

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Chance to Find Ancient Pottery

Along With the island’s natural wonders, the sailing cruise also offers the chance for participants to uncover remnants of Dia’s rich historical past.

As they explore the island’s rocky coves and shorelines while snorkeling, guests may stumble upon ancient Byzantine or Venetian pottery fragments, providing a tangible connection to the island’s long-forgotten civilizations.

The opportunity to discover these archaeological treasures adds an exciting element to the cruise, allowing visitors to engage with Dia’s storied past firsthand.

Whether it’s shards of intricately decorated ceramics or pieces of glazed tiles, each find offers a glimpse into the island’s dynamic history and the cultures that once thrived there.

This chance to uncover the past is a truly unique aspect of the Dia Island sailing experience.

Full Menu and Drinks Included

The full-day sailing cruise includes a comprehensive menu featuring an array of traditional Greek culinary delights. Guests can enjoy a spread of tzatziki, fresh Greek salad, a hearty meat or seafood pasta dish, and seasonal fruits, all served on board.

Plus, a selection of beverages is provided, including water, soft drinks, white wine, and the local spirit raki.

The menu is designed to cater to a variety of dietary preferences, with vegetarian options available upon request.

The drinks selection offers something for all, from refreshing water and soft drinks to the unique and flavorful raki, providing a well-rounded experience for your.

Comprehensive menu with traditional Greek dishes
Diverse beverage selection, including local raki
Vegetarian options available upon request

Comfortable Boat Amenities

Beyond the delectable menu and refreshing beverages, the full-day sailing cruise also provides a range of comfortable amenities to enhance the overall experience for guests.

The boat features cozy mats on the bow, allowing passengers to recline and bask in the sun or gaze out at the stunning scenery.

Plus, the vessel includes a cabin where guests can store their personal belongings, ensuring a hassle-free and relaxed journey.

Guests can also make use of the provided snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboard, and fishing rods to explore the waters around Dia Island further.

With these thoughtful touches, the sailing experience caters to every need, ensuring a truly enjoyable and comfortable day out on the Aegean Sea.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

For guests’ convenience, the full-day sailing cruise offers optional hotel pickup and drop-off services upon request.

This seamless transportation arrangement allows travelers to effortlessly begin and conclude their Dia Island adventure directly from their accommodations, eliminating the need to navigate to the meeting point independently.

The hotel pickup and drop-off service provides several benefits:

• Hassle-free start and end to the day’s excursion
• Personalized attention and assistance with luggage
• Ensures punctual arrival at the departure point

This thoughtful service caters to the needs of your, enabling them to focus on enjoying the sailing experience to the fullest without the worry of transportation logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Activity for a Private Group?

Yes, this activity can be booked for a private group. The sailing cruise has a limited capacity of 10 participants, allowing for a small group experience tailored to the customers’ needs.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Number of Participants?

There is a maximum of 10 participants for this private sailing cruise. The activity is limited to a small group experience, allowing for a more personalized and exclusive outing. The minimum number of participants is not specified.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Activity?

The activity has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. This allows participants to cancel their reservation without penalty if they are unable to attend, providing them with flexibility.

Is There Any Additional Cost for Special Dietary Requirements?

There is no additional cost for special dietary requirements. According to the activity details, vegetarian meals are available upon request as part of the included full menu.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

There are no age restrictions for this activity. The experience is suitable for participants of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The cruise can accommodate guests with a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian options.

Recap

The Dia Island private sailing cruise offers a unique and immersive adventure. Visitors can explore the island’s natural wonders, engage in various activities, and potentially uncover historical artifacts.

With comfortable boat amenities, a full menu, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this excursion provides a well-rounded and unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover Crete’s hidden gem.

You can check if your dates are available here: