Try a unique sailing experience. Travel with us to Dia island in style, elegance, and comfort. Join the sailing procedure if you feel like it, get eye-catching views of Heraklion from aboard, let the sea breeze fondle your skin.
Upon arrival you may swim, fish, snorkel into the crystal-clear waters, play with a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard),
If you have booked the luxurious, 53 ft long sailboat, MGV TREATON, you may have a lot of fun around the enormous swimming and entertainment area consisting of the aft opening door and the three unfolding steps.
You may also just relax and continue suntanning on the huge front deck area of the yacht, which is equipped with comfortable, high-quality mattresses.
Minoans, the ancient inhabitants of Crete, are known as the most skillful sailors of the ancient world. They were expertized, capable and owned such a powerful navy that the Minoan cities had no need to build any kind of fortification for protection. Minoan civilization is considered the only long-lasting peaceful civilization on earth.
While a visit at Knossos reveals the significance of the uniquely intellectual, humanitarian yet so robust achievements of the Minoans, this cruise is an excellent opportunity to have a taste of these achievements from another perspective – underwater !
Dia island is located about 7 nautical miles north of Heraklion. It is accessible only by boats. Beside Dia lay two islets, Paximadi and Petalidi. In the south side of the island there are five small, spectacular, wind-protected coves: Agios Georgios, Kapari, Panagia, Agrielia and Aginara. In the north there are rocky cliffs up to 60 meters high.
According to the legend Dia was created by Zeus. During Minoan era the island was inhabited. Near Agios Georgios bay a harbour settlement was discovered. The findings of Jacques Yves Cousteau in 1974, while searching for the lost Atlantis between Crete and Santorini, are of great archaeological interest. In 1976, Cousteau suggested that there stood one of the most important ports in the whole island of Crete. The harbour appeared to have sunk due to the destruction caused because of the eruption of Santorini volcano (1450 BC) . You may still see the ruins during snorkeling around the place.
The only available facilities are the port, in the bay of St. George, and a forestry shelter. A stone paved path leads to the forestry shelter, another one leads to a tiny, beautiful Chapel named Analipsis. The island is a Natura 2000 protected area, a particularly important refuge for native plants and animals with minimal dispersion in the southern Aegean and one of the few areas where some exceedingly rare kinds of falcons nest (e.g., Falco eleanorae).
Trip Timetable
- 9:30 – 10:30: Departure from Heraklion port / Arrival at Dia island
- 10:30 – 12:00: Free Time for Swimming
- 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch Time*
- 12:30 – 13:00 Free Time for Swimming
- 13.00 – 14:00: Departure from Dia island / Arrival at Heraklion port
Lunch options
- Seasonal fresh fruits, unlimited water, refreshments, local wine: included in the price
- Tasty sandwiches, greek salad, local wine, beers: 10 € per person
- Chicken menu (fresh chicken fillets, rice with vegetables, greek salad, local wine, beers): 15 € per person
- Vegan menu (fresh mushroom fillets, rice with vegetables, Greek salad, local wine, beers): 15 € per person
- You may bring your own menu onboard free of charge
For the meals we use extra virgin Cretan olive oil (family production)
Terms & Conditions
Price Includes
- Air conditioned 53 ft sailboat
- Experienced Crew
- Snorkeling and Fishing Equipment
- Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), Water toys
- Fuel, Taxes and Final Cleaning fee
- Fresh fruits, unlimited water, soft drinks, local wine, coffee
- Lunch at an extra cost (as described in the above paragraph)
- Four electric toilets and the two front cabins (with clean bed linen) are available in case some of the guests need to rest or have a nap.
Not included in the price
- Beach Towels
- Optional tips for the crew
- Any other products / services not clearly mentioned as included.
Useful Tips
- Bring a beach towel, sunscreen, a hat, your swimming suit, and a light jacket.
- Bring your passport or ID with you the day of travel.
Meeting point: Meet us in front of Marina Café at the Venetian harbor in Heraklion Port.
Additional Info
- Since the cruise is a private one, we can adjust timetable or destination according to your personal requests.
- Modifications to the trip schedule may be applied depending on weather conditions.
- In case the trip has to be canceled due to severe weather conditions you will be offered an alternative day. If no other date can be found, you will get a full refund.
Cancellation Conditions
- More than 60 days before check in: No charge.
- Between 59 and 30 days before check in: 60% of the total cost.
- Less than 30 days before check in: 100% of the total cost.
- If the boat is re – booked for the same date the client will be refunded. Only the dossier expenses (120 euros) will be charged.