Agios Georgios bay, Dia

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Dia, an uninhabited island situated 12 miles off the coast of Heraklion city, serves as a popular summer excursion spot. Daily boat trips allow visitors to witness the island’s rugged landscape and take a dip in its crystal clear waters. The docking point for these boats is known as the port of Agios Georgios or Saint George.

Agios Georgios, the bay that greets visitors arriving from the west, houses a large pier for tourist boats. Another pier lies across, beneath the picturesque chapel of Analipsis or Ascension. This well-sheltered cove served as a major port for the ancient Minoans, a fact confirmed by Jacques Yves Cousteau’s explorations. An abandoned tavern, once operational, stands by the pier. To the west lies a small sandy beach with turquoise waters, untouched by the frequent northern winds.

If you venture westward towards the chapel of Analipsis, two more secluded sandy beaches can be found along the path. Further along the trail lies the scenic Church of the Ascension. On special occasions, numerous ships, including large ferries, sail from Heraklion to join the celebrations. The church, known for its stunning views, is neighboured by the remnants of an older chapel and Dia’s shelter. Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the shelter need to contact the Port Office of Heraklion for the key and necessary permissions.

Agios Georgios bay, Dia Map

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Beach details

  • Sand
  • Blue
  • Boat
  • Family friendly
  • Ideal for snorkeling
  • Nudism friendly

Most frequent asked questions

Is Agios Georgios bay suitable for swimming?

Yes, the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is suitable for swimming. However, it is recommended to check the water conditions before entering the water.

Are there any water sports activities available at Agios Georgios bay?

No, there are no water sports activities available at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia.

Is there a lifeguard on duty at Agios Georgios bay?

No, there is no lifeguard on duty at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia.

Is there a restaurant or cafe near Agios Georgios bay?

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Agios Georgios bay, Dia.

Is Agios Georgios bay suitable for families with children?

Yes, the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is suitable for families with children. However, parents should always keep an eye on their children while they are in the water.

Is there a parking area near Agios Georgios bay?

Yes, there is a parking area near the Agios Georgios bay, Dia.

Is Agios Georgios bay accessible for people with disabilities?

No, the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is not accessible for people with disabilities.

What is the water colour of the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

The water colour of the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is blue.

What type of sand is found on the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

The Agios Georgios bay, Dia has sand.

How deep is the water at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

The water at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is shallow.

What is the surface of the sea like at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

The surface of the sea at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is usually calm.

What is the crowd like at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

The Agios Georgios bay, Dia is usually quiet.

What facilities are available at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

There are no facilities available at the Agios Georgios bay, Dia.

How can the Agios Georgios bay, Dia be accessed?

The Agios Georgios bay, Dia can be accessed by boat.

Is the Agios Georgios bay, Dia nudism friendly?

Yes, the Agios Georgios bay, Dia is nudism friendly.

What activities are ideal for the Agios Georgios bay, Dia?

The Agios Georgios bay, Dia is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.

Things to do near Agios Georgios bay, Dia

Find below list of things to do near Agios Georgios bay, Dia:

  • Agios Georgios bay

Sailing trip suits better for newlyweds and couples, it can become as well a budget option for family vacation.

We take on boat tours snorkelling & fishing equipment, sup, inflatable flamingo & unicorn, guests’ popular photo shoot objects. You will dive in crystal clear Mediterranean water.

White Cretan wine and light snacks: cheese, fruit are served on board. Products are purchased from local farmers market.

The highlight of the cruise – meeting sunset at the bay exit. Incredibly beautiful and exciting sight.

  • Agios Georgios bay

Our crew will meet you at the Old Venetian port and welcome you on board, where you will be given a briefing about safety and boat handling. We set our sails and we are off to our destination, Dia island.

Dia is an uninhabited island, 7 nautical miles north of Heraklion and belongs to Natura 2000 project because of its biodiversity. Our trip lasts almost one hour, during which you can enjoy the silence, the sun and the blue surroundings, or you can just participate in sailing with our skilled skipper.

First stop is Agrilia Bay, one of the remote beaches of the island where we can avoid the crowds. As we approach you can smell the wild oregano from aboard! You have the chance to enjoy your first swim, snorkel or relax with a cool refreshment and fresh fruit for about an hour.

For about one hour and a half, you will enjoy these beautiful water with swimming, snorkelling, 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, we have plenty of time to take in this magnificent scenery and relax on board. 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.

This cruise is just for you and your friends or family to enjoy privacy and the beauty that surrounds you with your loved ones!

  • Agios Georgios bay

Choose to be picked up from your hotel in Heraklion Area or make your own way to the meeting point. At the meeting point a comfortable minivan will pick you up and take you to the most appropriate point for the flight, depending on the weather conditions.
Board a small-group basket up to 8 passengers together with an experienced balloon captain. You can fully participate in the preparation of the hot air balloon for the flight with the crew. Before the flight, there will be a detailed briefing from the pilot about what you will see, as well as general safety guidance.
Then, enjoy the sensation of gracefully rising above the ground. Take memorable photos of the stunning panoramic views over Crete and the surrounding ocean.
After setting back gently on the ground, travel by bus to a local taverna where you will be offered sparkling wine to celebrate your new experience. Enjoy a traditional Cretan breakfast with eggs, cheese, fruites, and cheese pies. Receive a flight certificate and a small gift to remember your flight.
Later in the afternoon continue your day with a sunset cruise on a luxury sailing catamaran for up to 20 passengers.
We take on boat tours snorkeling & fishing equipment, sup, inflatable flamingo & unicorn, guests’ popular photo shoot objects. You will dive in crystal clear Mediterranean water. On the catamaran are waiting for you white Cretan wine and light snacks: cheese, fruit are served on board. Products are purchased from local farmers market. The highlight of the cruise – meeting sunset at the bay exit. Incredibly beautiful and exciting sight

  • Dia, Crete

Cruise schedule 9:30-16:00 :

09:30
welcome on board (coffee, tea, soft drinks, cheese pies, biscuits), safety instructions, departure

10:45
stop in Dia Island bay, swimming and other activities (snorkeling, sup surfing, fishing)

13:00
lunch on board (green salad “BIO”, Greek salad, pasta with traditional shrimp saganaki with feta, traditional mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, chicken breast, chicken nuggets or pasta for children, fruits & homemade sweets, water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, white Cretan wine, beer, raki (Greek vodka) / during the season, menu might change without prior notice)

14:00 – 14:45
leisure time, sun bathing, swimming and other activities

16:00
arrival to port

Boat excursions from Crete suit better to families with children and small companies. Our catamarans are equipped with the latest technology, so that the sea gets as comfortable as the shore.

While staying in Dia Island bay, swim on an inflatable flamingo or go exploring the island on SUP board. Or take photos with crystal clear azure waters background. Menu is prepared with local organic products.

*IMPORTANT; booking through app doesn’t guarantee availability for the date requested. This is an activity highly demanded. Get your guide confirms the booking request, we process it and we will contact you to confirm availability, offer new dates for you, or fully refund you without any inconvenient.

  • Dia, Crete

Sail with us to the exotic Dia island on our large and comfortable Catamaran. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian harbor.
As we start, we pass by the glorious Koules fortress which is built right at the entrance of the marina. A few minutes later we exit the main port of Heraklion and we set sails for our destination. As you admire the beautiful Cretan sea and enjoy the feel of sailing our crew will tell you about the legend of Dia island and its history.
About 1 hour later we arrive to the bay of Dia. There you can enjoy the crystal turquoise waters and our many water activities such as snorkeling, fishing, paddle boarding and more (the standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons). While at anchor in the bay our crew will be happy to offer you any piece of equipment for our water activities and serve you plentiful drinks so please don’t hesitate to request it from them.
About 1 hour later our delicious Mediterranean 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 will set sails once again to Heraklion and say goodbye to the beautiful scenery full of joy and great memories.
You can choose between the morning or the afternoon cruise with the sunset view.

We look forward to welcome you on board for an unforgettable day!

  • Dia, Crete

Embark on the most family-friendly cruise from the port of Heraklion to Dia Island. Play on the catamaran nets, relax and sunbathe, listen to the music, waves, and wind, explore the collection of table games, and watch the captain at work.

Join the crew in the afternoon when the day’s heat is slowly fading, and the water is still warm and pleasant. Start the cruise by meeting the friendly crew, and enjoying welcome drinks and snacks.

Upon arrival at Dia, delight in the crystal-clear lagoon and its calm waters by swimming and using snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and fun inflatable toys. As your appetite grows, the crew will freshly prepare a delicious dinner, complete with a special menu for little adventurers. Don’t forget about dessert and fresh seasonal fruits.

On the return journey, savor the magical sunset at sea and enjoy a calm, sweet family evening. Add another unforgettable memory to your family’s happy moments!

Stays near Agios Georgios bay, Dia

Find below the list of hotels near Agios Georgios bay, Dia:

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Beaches near Agios Georgios bay, Dia

Find below list of beaches near Agios Georgios bay, Dia:

  • 2.8 km
Panagia bay, Dia is located 2.8 km away.

Panagia Bay, the most sheltered bay on Dia Island, sits 2km east of the primary port of Agios Georgios. It is nestled amongst arid, rocky slopes abundant with oregano and native Cretan herbs. The island is teeming with wild rabbits that can often be seen darting from the shrubbery. At the mouth of Dia’s only canyon, a petite beach with large pebbles takes form. The bay is named after the Panagia (Virgin Mary) cave situated to the east.

Access to Panagia is primarily by private or chartered sailboat, as the tour boats that service Dia typically visit the Agios Georgios bay. The bay floor is a sight to behold. If one is vigilant while snorkelling, it is possible to spot fragments of pottery, potentially remnants of an ancient shipwreck.

  • Panagia bay, Dia
  • Sand
  • Shallow
  • Blue

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