Dia Island: Semi-Private Full Day Sailing Trip with meal

If you’re dreaming of a leisurely day on the water in Crete, the Dia Island sailing trip offered by Avanti Sailing is worth considering. It’s a full-day adventure that combines sailing, swimming in clear waters, and enjoying a delicious meal—all in a small, intimate group. From what we’ve seen in reviews and descriptions, this tour offers a good mix of relaxation and activity, all set against the backdrop of one of Crete’s most charming islands.

What really makes this trip stand out are a couple of things we love: first, the semi-private setting means you’re not crammed with dozens of strangers, and second, the quality of the onboard meal and drinks. However, it’s not all smooth sailing—if you’re looking for a tour with included hotel transfers or if you need specific accessibility features, that might be a challenge here. Still, if you’re after a laid-back day with a bit of adventure, this experience could be just right.

This trip is especially suited to travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, beautiful scenery, and a taste of local flavors without too much fuss. It’s great for those who don’t mind small groups and who want to experience the sea in comfort while exploring a scenic, less-crowded part of Crete.

Key Points

• Small-group experience enhances intimacy and personal attention.
• Flexible activities include swimming, snorkeling, and sailing involvement.
• Quality onboard meal with fresh fruit, local wine, and soft drinks adds to the value.
• Ideal for relaxing travelers craving scenic views and light adventure.
• Limited accessibility for wheelchair users, so check if relevant.
• Cost-effective at $96, especially considering the included meal and activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Dia Island Sailing Trip

This tour kicks off at the Venetian port of Heraklion, specifically from the Cafe Marina, a convenient starting point. From there, you’ll set sail northward on a stylish sailing boat—not a large cruise ship, but an elegant vessel that offers a semi-private atmosphere. Expect a journey of about 6 hours in total, with the trip divided into several segments, offering plenty of opportunities to relax or join in the sailing.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Departure from Heraklion at Cafe Marina
Here, you’ll meet your friendly crew and board your comfortable boat about 15 minutes before departure. The process is straightforward, and the captain is known to be welcoming and knowledgeable.

Stop 2: Scenic Cruise to Dia Island (1 hour)
The first leg of the trip is a gentle cruise that takes you past scenic views of the coast. It’s a good time to settle in, soak up the sun, or enjoy the breeze. Many reviews mention how pleasant this part of the journey is, with the boat providing a sense of moving smoothly through the water.

Stop 3: Exploring Dia Island (around 4 hours)
Once anchored off Dia, the real fun begins. You’ll have several options: go swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, explore the ancient port ruins, or take a leisurely walk around the island. Many travelers rave about the beautiful scenery and the calm, inviting waters, perfect for a relaxing swim or marine life spotting. The onboard meal is served here, which is a highlight for most—fresh fruits, a hearty lunch, and refreshing drinks including local premium wine. One reviewer shared, “Lunch was very good, and the captain told us interesting facts about the island,” adding a personal touch to the experience.

Stop 4: Return Cruise to Heraklion (1 hour)
After a few hours of exploring and relaxing, you’ll cruise back with scenic views, often accompanied by lively conversation among the small group. It’s a peaceful way to end the day, with many noting how the gentle sailing makes for a calming return.

What Makes This Trip Special?

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures a more personalized experience, which many appreciate. The crew is described as friendly, helpful, and safety-conscious. The quality of the meal—featuring fresh fruits and local wine—sets this apart from many standard day tours that only offer snacks or minimal refreshments.

According to reviews, travelers loved the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views, with one commenting, “The captain was very friendly and told us about the island,” which adds a layer of cultural interest to the day.

The Practical Details

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Duration and Timing

The tour lasts about 6 hours, with the start time varying based on availability—so it’s worth checking ahead. The exact departure is from Heraklion’s Venetian port, at the left side of Marina Café. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to meet your crew.

Price and Value

At $96 per person, this experience offers good value considering the all-inclusive meal, soft drinks, wine, snorkeling gear, and paddleboard. The price also covers taxes and fuel, so you’re not surprised by hidden costs. It’s a fair price for the quality of the experience, especially if you enjoy small-group sailing and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are the experienced crew, drinks, lunch, fruits, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and the boat’s fuel and taxes. Not included are hotel transfers (which cost about $18 each way) and towels (around $25 if you buy or rent locally). If you wish to be picked up or dropped off at your hotel, that’s an extra consideration.

What to Bring

Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The weather in Crete can be hot during summer, so sun protection is essential. Remember your passport or ID, as you’ll need to provide details for the port authorities.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly. Also, high-heeled shoes are not allowed on the boat for safety reasons.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

We’ve seen reviews paint a pretty positive picture of this trip. Nicole said, “Had so much fun! The captain was very friendly and told us about the island,” highlighting the friendly atmosphere. Papadogiorgakis mentioned, “The crew was really friendly and helpful,” which makes a big difference when you’re out on the water. Another review from Farsaraki appreciated the sense of safety and the kindness of the family-run boat, which suggests a warm, trustworthy environment.

Most travelers emphasize how beautiful Dia Island is and how the onboard lunch and drinks add to the relaxing vibe. The combination of sailing, swimming, and good food makes this a well-rounded day trip—especially for those who prefer a less hurried, more personal experience.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who enjoys being on the water but prefers a more intimate, laid-back environment, then this trip will suit you. It’s perfect for those who love swimming, scenic views, and good food with a touch of local charm. The small group size means you’ll have plenty of room to relax and ask questions, and the knowledgeable crew ensures your safety and comfort.

However, if you’re looking for a tour that includes hotel pickups, more extensive activities, or has wheelchair accessibility, you might want to explore other options. This isn’t the tour for someone seeking a highly structured or family-accessible experience, but it’s ideal if you value a cozy, personal sailing day with stunning scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and cost around $18 per person. You’ll meet at the Heraklion Venetian port instead.

How long is the trip?
The total duration is about 6 hours, with most of that time spent sailing, swimming, and enjoying the onboard meal.

What is the starting point?
The departure point is at the left side of Marina Café in Heraklion’s Venetian port, where the crew will welcome you 15 minutes before the scheduled start.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Don’t forget your passport or ID, as it’s required by the port authorities.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the experience is family-friendly, it’s not specifically marketed as a family tour, and considerations like swimming ability and safety should be kept in mind.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay nothing today—perfect if your plans are still flexible.

Final Thoughts

This Dia Island sailing trip offers a calm, scenic escape with the perks of a small group, tasty local food, and the chance to enjoy the Crete sea in style. It’s best for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, scenic views, and a touch of adventure without the crowds. The onboard meal, the knowledgeable crew, and the stunning scenery are all highlights that make this tour a worthwhile option.

If you’re looking for a value-packed day with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and taste local wines, this experience could be exactly what you need. Just be sure to consider your comfort with the boat’s accessibility and whether the off-site meeting point fits your plans.

Overall, for an authentic, intimate day on the water, this trip delivers plenty of memorable moments—making it a lovely way to spend a day in Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: