Set sail from the old Venetian Port of Heraklion to Dia Island on a yacht tour. Cruise through the Mediterranean Sea. Feel the wind on your skin, cool off in the sea by snorkeling and swimming, and enjoy a full meal onboard. After an hour of sailing, drop anchor at St George's Bay, the biggest bay on the island. Spend 2.5 hours there, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. With the snorkeling equipment that is available for everyone on board, explore the Mediterranean biodiversity and the remains of the ancient Minoans' port. Or use the fishing gear to try your hand at fishing, with respect to the local ecosystem. For the more adventurous, there is also a chance to walk the wild landscape of the island towards the chapel of Analipsi. Later, come back onboard for a taste of local cuisine. Sit on the deck, savor your meal, admire the scenic view, and listen to music.

Relax & Enjoy We offer our guests the opportunity to visit Dia Island, by sailing boat. You can choose between a morning or sunset private half-day cruise, and a full-day private cruise, up to ten persons. Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island's cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Our cruises include historical narrations across the Cretan coastline, sailing, swimming, exploring the Aegean Sea. Relax on board our sailing boat MARYLINE, enjoy the stunning view of the city and feel the refreshing summer breeze!

Dia is an uninhabited island in the north of Crete which played an important role in navigation in antiquity, especially in the Minoan and medieval times. Enjoy sailing in clear tropical waters and warm sun! The yacht sails from the port of Heraklion and arrives in Dia after an hour. Once you get there, you will have free time to admire the natural beauty of the island and of course enjoy sunbathing and your swim in the crystal clear water. You will also have the opportunity to use the amateur fishing and swimming equipment as enjoy your meal on board.

Enjoy a yachting cruise aboard a catamaran at sunset to Dia Island. Sail the Aegean Sea in the evening and capture romantic and colorful views as the sun goes down. Reach the bay and take time for swimming and snorkeling, or try out a water carpet. Snack on finger foods and feel the ambiance. Depart in the evening from Heraklion Harbor and experience a warm welcome aboard by the Captain and Crew. Learn all the safety rules and feel totally at ease as the sun sets in vibrant colors on the sea's surface. Arrive at Dia Island, and find yourself dipping into the turquoise waters and enjoying its cool and refreshing nature. Try snorkeling along the surface and witness the seabed below. Try out SUP paddling, or leisurely wave along the water on a water carpet. In the meantime, the crew sets the table with delicious food and beverages. Delight in a scrumptious cheese plate and get properly introduced to the world of Cretan cheese, something definitely worth trying. Feel totally satisfied with a great evening out on the sea.

Join a city cruise from Heraklion to the protected island of Dia. Snorkel in crystal-clear water, enjoy a Mediterranean meal with drinks, snorkel or fish with the gear provided, and watch goats skedaddle across the wild hillside.  Begin the tour at Heraklion harbour in the morning. Meet the captain and crew and undergo a safety briefing before setting sail for Dia. Upon arrival at the uninhabited island off the northern coast of Crete, choose from an array of activities such as snorkelling, SUP paddling, fishing, and sunbathing, with all gear and swimming accessories available on board. If you're traveling with kids, head to the special entertainment area with board games. If your little one needs a nap, the boat's comfortable cabins are fully equipped for it. Our groups are up to 20 guests.

Summer is all about the sea and sun and on these holidays make sure you make the most of it! An early rise to avoid the extra hot temperatures and spend most of your day sailing will definitely reward you on every level. Unique experiences are made with unique destinations! We make sure to pick you up from your accommodation and meet at the Old Venetian port of Heraklion to start our half day trip. As we welcome you on board, you will be given a briefing about safety and boat handling. And let’s set sails to our destination, the beautiful Dia island. Dia is an uninhabited island, 7 nautical miles north of Heraklion and is protected by the Natura 2000 project because of its biodiversity. Our trip there lasts almost one hour, during which you can enjoy the beauty of the sea, the silence and calmness and get informed on eco sailing and marine life around Crete or participate in the sailing activities with our skilled skipper! We set anchor on either Agios Georgios or Panagia bay (depending on the weather conditions), which are located on the south part of the island. Both coves are known for their green, crystal waters surrounded by the protected wildlife, like the medium sized “Falco Eleonorae” the lizard Podarcis erchardii schiebeli, the wild goat Capra Aegagrus Cretica, an important rabbit population which belongs to the endemic subspecies Oryctolagus cuniculus cnossicus and the monkseal Monachus monachus. Ask our team on everything you want to know about the history and the myths of this island! For about one hour and a half, you will enjoy these beautiful water with swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or socialising with your fellow adventurers! Cool refreshments and seasonal fruit will accompany the fun! And if you are already feeling hungry after a full morning our skipper and host has prepared for you a warm lunch on spot, made exclusively from fresh and local ingredients! After your lunch and perhaps after a quick dive, we will set our sails again to return back to Heraklion Venetian port. Have your cameras ready in case we spot some of our lovely mammal friends, the dolphins.

Discover the unique destination of Dia island while traveling private in style and comfort aboard our luxury sailing boat. Feel the breeze of Cretan sea, swim and dive into the crystal clear waters, explore the ruins of an ancient port, take a walk on the island or just relax on deck and enjoy the summer sun, while in the meantime tasting delicious snacks, served during your journey with us. Whether travelling with friends, family or your significant other, "Avanti Sailing" promises an unforgettable experience with professionalism, excellence and outstanding value!

Visit Dia Island, by sailing boat. You can choose between a morning or sunset private half-day cruise, and a full-day private cruise, up to ten persons. Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island's cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Our cruises include historical narrations across the Cretan coastline, sailing, swimming, exploring the Aegean Sea. Relax on board our sailing boat Maryline, enjoy the stunning view of the city and feel the refreshing summer breeze!

Embark on a cruise from Heraklion to the uninhabited and Natura 2000-protected island of Dia. Enjoy a completely private sailing tour and take in views of the magnificent sunset and coastline. Once on the island, feel free to swim, fish, snorkel, try out sea scootering or stand-up paddleboarding, before heading back to Heraklion after sunset. Meet your guide and board a luxurious 53-foot sailboat, that boasts a spacious entertainment area, ample cockpit and lounge area, extra freezers and drink fridges, washrooms, and air-conditioning. As you sail towards Dia, learn of the local myths and legends of the island. Hear about how it was created by Zeus, the God of the sky and thunder and ruler of Mont Olympus. Upon reaching the island, take some time to swim in the azure Cretan waters. Alternatively, stay on the boat and enjoy all the amenities it has to offer. Suntan on the massive front deck, and relax on the comfortable, high-quality mattresses. Enjoy seasonal fresh fruit and soft drinks served by the crew. You may also enjoy a delicious authentic Mediterranean meal onboard and some luscious, fragrant local wine. Absorb every second of the stunning sunset and the twilight magic as the sun, led by the Greek God Helios riding his golden chariot, dives into the magnificent Aegean Sea. Capture the magic moments forever by snapping incredible photos or videos. Set your mind free and let your romantic summer dreams become a reality. As night falls, cruise back to the old Venetian harbor under the brilliant starlit Cretan sky, feeling at ease, euphoric, and completely rejuvenated.

Relax & Enjoy We offer our guests the opportunity to visit Dia Island, by sailing boat. You can choose a Sunset private cruise, up to ten persons. Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island's cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Our cruises include historical narrations across the Cretan coastline, sailing, swimming, exploring the Aegean Sea. Relax on board our sailing boat named "Ianira" , enjoy the stunning view of the city and feel the refreshing summer breeze! Admire the colours on the sky during the sunset time !!