The 5 Best Island Boat Trips in Crete

1.Sailboat Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,405 reviews · 1 hour - 390 minutes · from $35Our pick

Sail from Heraklion to Dia Island on a shared yacht trip with lunch, local wine, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and optional fishing. You get about four to six hours on the water, with crew such as Stavroula, Dennis, or Mido. Private and one-hour coastal options are also available.

“The activity was very well organised (10/10) as well as the pick up and drop off service.”

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2.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 992 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $23Best value

Travel from Chania, Kalyves, or nearby resorts to Kissamos, then sail to Gramvousa and Balos. You get time to swim, hike to the Venetian fortress, and enjoy the sea from a large ferry. Guides such as Stella keep the day moving, while food and drinks are available on board. Boat fees may cost extra, depending on your pickup option.

“Really nice guide and welcoming, was a comfy ride to the port and back. Our guide was really friendly and kept us informed and updated with the itinerary and what to expect. The Gramvousa Island was amazing, definitely recommend walking up to the Fortress first and then spending the rest of the time on the beach. Note there are no cafes or food on the island, only one small souvenir shop. Spent 2.75 hours which was a good amount of time to do both. It’s worth noting that you can’t actually go into the Balos beach due to the new conservation rules unless you swim to it from the boat.…”

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3.Private Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 466 reviews · 4.5 hours

You’ll sail from Heraklion with a two-person English or Greek-speaking crew to Dia Island’s Gulf of Saint George, once explored by Jacques Yves Cousteau. Expect a private boat for up to eight, clear water for swimming and snorkeling, fishing gear, paddleboards, fruit, wine, soft drinks, and about 2.5 hours at anchor. Hotel transfers and full meals cost extra.

“Sailing trip was great, guides gave a lot of explanation concerning the boat, island and history.”

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4.Luxury Catamaran Cruise, Dia Island –Open Bar & Lunch -Top Rated!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $145Top rated

You sail from Cafe Marina in Heraklion to Dia Island aboard an EOS Yachts catamaran, with a certified English-speaking crew, fresh seafood lunch, local wine and beer, snorkeling gear, SUPs, fishing equipment, and a quiet three-hour stop in a turquoise bay. The group is limited to 25 people.

“What a day Amazing food as a first Amazing boat Amazing staff Amazing day and amazing trip 20/10 thanks again . Check out my page for some photos also @seriouslyscrumptiouseats”

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5.Dia Island Catamaran – Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $181

Set out from Heraklion at 9:30 a.m. aboard a luxury catamaran for Dia Island. The English-speaking crew serves brunch, a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch, dessert, and selected unlimited drinks. You get about four hours to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, or relax, with space for no more than 14 people.

“It was a very nice trip with very nice guys! The island of Dia is worth a sailing tour. Thanks to the team!”

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