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Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities
4.7
270 Ratings
Iraklio
Sail to Dia Island from Heraklion. Enjoy snorkeling, fishing, paddle boarding, and a delicious meal on our comfortable yachts. Book your adventure now.
Duration:
5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Dia - The island of Dia is an uninhabited island 6 miles north of Heraklion with crystal waters, beautiful wild scenery and rich history. The legend says that it used to be a monster created by Zeus to destroy the Cretans but he turned it into a stone to save them eventually. In the bay of Saint George where we anchor there was an ancient Minoan port that got destroyed along with the Minoan Civilization and sometimes it is possible to find ancient ruins and artifacts in the bottom of the beach. Nowadays there is a beautiful christian church of Aegean architecture. The island is home to many wildlife species such as rabbits, kri-kri goats, hawks and more while there is also a chance to meet the dolphins while sailing towards the island!
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Castello del Molo (Koules) - The site was first fortified by the Arabs in the 9th or 10th centuries. By the second Byzantine period, a tower known as Castellum Comunis stood on the site. In 1303, the tower was destroyed in an earthquake but was repaired.
In 1462, the Venetian Senate approved a programme to improve the fortifications of Candia. Eventually, the Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the Castello a Mare began to be built instead. The fortress was completed in 1540.
In 1630, the fort was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor, and 25 cannons on the pathway leading to the roof.
During the 21-year long Siege of Candia, Ottoman batteries easily neutralized the fort’s firepower. The Ottomans eventually took the fort in 1669, after the Venetians surrendered the entire city. They did not make any major alterations to the fort, except for the additions of some battlements and embrasures. They built a small fort known as Little Koules on the landward side, but this was demolished in 1936.
What's Included
- White wine, Beer
- Carbonated beverages
- Use of Fishing equipment
- Lunch
- Fuel
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All fees and/or taxes
- On-board restrooms
- Use of Stand-up paddle board (SUP)
- Swim stop
What's Not Included
- Towels
Additional Information
Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port. After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island. There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons. About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks. Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.
- If you have booked separately from your group/friends/family please let us know so you are distributed in the same boat.
Location
Cafe Marina
Leoforos Nearchou
Meet at the "Cafe Marina" at the Heraklion old Venetian port. Please google the name of the cafe instead of the street address for more accuracy.
If you are in the morning cruise please be at the meeting point at 8:40.
If you are in the afternoon cruise please be at the meeting point at 14:40.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(270 Ratings)
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Charine_o
Aug 21, 2024
A great activity to do on holiday. - The food was excellent. Our tour guides made the whole thing lots of fun, especially with their karaoke!
I had a nice group, who were friendly and it didn't matter I was doing the activity alone.
Good equipment provided foe snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Transfers to and from hotel were in lovely air conditioned vans.
The views were amazing and it was an unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Noura9706
Aug 20, 2024
Amazing boat day - This boat tour was absolutely worth it! It was so relaxing, since it was a small group of 10 people. The dinner was amazing, and the best part was the sunset. Snorkeling equipment was available, as well as paddle boards. Very nice crew too, I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dave_h
Aug 19, 2024
Great trip and great grub - The captain and first mate were skilled sailors on choppy waters. Dia Island was beautiful and the water was an incredible blue. The meal that was prepared was delicious and abundant.
Review provided by Viator
Scottg632
Aug 17, 2024
Great day sailing and lost phone returned . - Great day out on the yacht . Under sail all the way as quite windy , plenty of time to snorkel, swim at St George’s bay and a lovely meal . Loved every minute of the trip . When departing the yacht and half way back to the hotel in Analipsi, I realised I had left my mobile on the yacht , a message was sent to the skipper and the mobile was returned to my hotel that evening with a minimum of fuss . Very professional outfit , thanks for a lovely day and the return of my phone .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauren_a
Aug 16, 2024
A must do trip!! - The staff on the boat were amazing from the offset. My little boy was a little nervous when the boat tilted in the wind, the captain reassured him, played music that he liked, and laughed and joked.
We were constantly offered beers, wine and soft drinks etc.
The island we went to was stunning, clear blue water, and so much to do like paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, snorkelling etc.
When we got back aboard the food prepared by the crew of two was lovely! I’m vegetarian, they prepared mine separately, and everything we ate as a family was really nice!
We even slowed down on our return to take in the sunset - it was the perfect end to a lovely day!
Review provided by Viator
Davidml591yk
Aug 15, 2024
Experince to Remember - Amazing boat trip and experiance . Food was flawless and the captain was very nice and funny . Told us alot of history about Crete . Also showed me how to do fishing since i never liked the swimming part of the trip . Wow the food was 10/10 also . Met lovely people on our trip also . Downside was our hotel was far out so they never picked us up . We ran a little late due to this but they waited on us and we made the trip thanks again for that you made our honeymoon very special
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aylab681
Aug 15, 2024
Great experience - Great time, great swimming, great food, great crew. Great experience overall. The sunset was magnificent. A lot to do and see when we ankered.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beny459
Aug 15, 2024
Perfect Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkelling - Highly recommend this trip. We were collected from our hotel at the agreed time and dropped off at the harbour. The boat itself is lovely. Really clean and plenty of space for everyone. The crew were friendly and entertaining, and provided cold beers and wine, plus a delicious meal at lunchtime. The island of Dia is stunning and the sea is crystal clear. We had lots of time to swim, paddle, and snorkel, and there was equipment available to use for all guests. One of the highlights of our holiday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Verolive
Aug 13, 2024
Magical afternoon and sunset with 2 great hosts - Excellent afternoon and sunset in the company of 2 exceptional young people not speaking French but English and always on the lookout for our well-being
We are not good at English and we managed to understand each other
An afternoon sailing and landing with meals , swimming please yourself with a return at the end of the day with a breathtaking sunset
Beautiful friendly people letting you enjoy yourself safely
I recommend his 2 young men and this excursion which is a stop on picture quiet MAGIC
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monicamx6869fg
Aug 9, 2024
Great sailing experience - The sailing was great, we got to swim in the crystal clear water, enjoy the sun, learn a little bit about Dia Island, and enjoy a great lunch prepared by the crew. I would recommend this activity for a hot summer day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
