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This is a sailing trip rather than a motorboat cruise: 4.5 hours from Heraklion port out to Dia island, under sail where the wind allows, with a stop for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding and a full meal served on board. Dia is the uninhabited island you can see on the horizon from Heraklion, and its sheltered bays are the anchorage. SAILINGTRIPS.GR run it from €80, with a 4.84 rating across 1,491 reviews, one of the largest review bases of any tour we list.
The half-day splits into the sail out, the anchorage and the sail back.
First is the departure from Heraklion port, where the crew take passenger details for the port authority before casting off. Second is the crossing to Dia, about seven nautical miles north of the city, spent on deck cushions with the island growing ahead. Third is the anchorage in one of Dia’s bays, where snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards and fishing tackle come out and lunch is served with unlimited drinks. Fourth is the return leg under sail to Heraklion.
Dia is a protected, uninhabited island. There is no development on it at all, which is why the water in its bays is as clear as it is.
The route runs north from the city into open water.
The €80 covers the boat, the crew, the food, the drinks and all the water equipment.
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We recommend this one on the strength of its record. A 4.84 average across 1,491 reviews is a large enough sample that it stops being an opinion and starts being a measurement, most tours on this site are rated by a few dozen people. Guide quality and transportation both score 4.9 out of 5.
The crew is the reason. Reviewers name Captain Dionysis and his co-captain Vangelis repeatedly and unprompted. A British guest who sailed on a windy, choppy day praised the captain specifically for keeping the passage smooth and for briefing everyone properly before departure, which is the thing you actually want to read about a sailing trip.
Sailing is also genuinely different from a motor cruise. A Canadian visitor described it as peaceful even on a windier day, and jumping off a sailboat into open water is not the same experience as stepping off a catamaran platform. If you want the sea rather than a floating sunbed, this is the right boat.
Two honest points.
The booking options confuse people, and this is the one consistent criticism. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers want clearer detail on what is included, particularly lunch and drink options by tour length. The listing carries three different products: the shared half-day trip to Dia with lunch, private trips where meals are an optional extra, and a 1-hour coastal sail that does not reach Dia and includes no lunch, no snorkelling, no paddleboards and no fishing. Book the wrong one and you get a very different afternoon.
Value for money is the weakest score at 4.7 out of 5. €80 is real money for half a day, and while the meal and unlimited drinks account for much of it, it is the dimension reviewers rate lowest.
If you want the same island with a steadier deck and a family focus, the catamaran option covers the same water.
Check which option you booked, send passport details early, and bring your own towel.
The meeting point is Epimenidou 19 at Heraklion port. All passengers must supply passport or ID details in advance for departure authorisation; these go only to the local port authority.
Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a jacket. The minimum age on shared cruises is 4; infants are welcome on private trips. Flag any dietary requirement in advance.
The shared cruise runs 4 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion port, including the sail out, the swimming stop and the return.
A full meal and unlimited drinks are included on the shared half-day trip; on private trips the meal is an optional add-on chosen at checkout.
No, the 1-hour coastal tour stays along the Heraklion shore and includes no lunch, snorkelling, paddleboards or fishing.
Your passport or ID card is required by the port authority, plus a towel, which is the only item not supplied on board.
Dia is uninhabited and protected, with no development on it, which is why its bays stay so clear.
Shared cruises take children from age 4; infants are welcome on private charters.
Check dates and prices for the Dia island sailing trip from Heraklion.
This cruise leaves Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour and spends 4.5 hours at two islands west of the city: Agioi Theodoroi, a protected reserve for the Cretan wild goat, and Lazaretta, with its two sandy beaches. Manos Cruises runs the Ferryman boat from Akti Enoseos, prices start at €38, and the tour holds a 4.91 rating across 799 reviews with a perfect 5.0 on guiding, transport and value alike.
The boat heads west from the Old Port, makes three stops and returns past the harbour for the view back at the city. Each stop has a distinct purpose.
First comes a 20-minute anchorage off Agioi Theodoroi beside the wreck of a German aircraft from the Second World War, destroyed and lying in clear water. Swimmers go in to see it, this stop is for swimmers only, with no landing. Second, the boat moves to a small gulf on the same island for around 30 minutes, where the kri-kri goats are often visible on the slopes. Third is Lazaretta, a small island opposite Nea Chora, where two sandy beaches and clear water make the longest stop of the trip.
The return leg runs past the Venetian harbour, giving you the lighthouse and the walled fortresses from the water. Homemade raki is poured on the way.
The route covers two islets off the Chania coast, both within sight of the city.
The fare covers the boat, the guiding, snorkelling kit and a light snack, and it leaves out towels and hotel transfer.
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Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
We recommend this cruise as the easiest way to get off the Chania seafront and into clear water without committing a whole day. We rate the stretch west of the Old Port as underused, most visitors look east towards the beaches and never notice that two islands sit twenty minutes from the harbour wall. The wreck stop in particular is the kind of thing you normally need a dive licence to see, and here it is a swim.
The review record is the strongest argument. A 4.91 average across 799 reviews with 5.0 on every measured dimension is close to the ceiling. Reading through them, three things recur. The crew are named personally, Manos and Lucas come up repeatedly, and described as attentive rather than merely competent. The history commentary is mentioned as often as the swimming, so the guiding is real rather than decorative. And several people describe booking it last-minute as a filler and rating it the day of their trip.
Two honest caveats.
GetYourGuide’s own summary of the verified reviews says the included lunch is basic and that travellers would like more substantial snacks and drinking water. The inclusion list is a sandwich, a juice and raki, so treat it as a snack, eat beforehand and bring your own water.
The second is the swimming itself. The first stop has no landing at all, it is a swim-only anchorage, and the second beach is reachable only by swimming or by the tender. One reviewer flagged sea urchins between the rocks. Confident swimmers get the most out of this trip; hesitant ones will spend it on deck.
Bring your own water, wear something on your feet in the water, and take the morning sailing for the calmest sea.
The boat leaves from Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Port waterfront. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear and a towel.
Two points about access matter when you choose this trip. The first stop at Agioi Theodoroi is for swimmers only, and the second stop’s beach can be reached only by swimming or by taking the tender boat. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out, so book ahead in July and August.
The cruise runs 4.5 hours, covering two stops at Agioi Theodoroi and a longer stop at Lazaretta.
Yes, by swimming to it. The boat anchors for about 20 minutes beside a destroyed German aircraft from the Second World War, in water clear enough to see it from the surface.
A sandwich, juice and raki are included. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would prefer more substantial snacks, so eat before you board.
Non-swimmers see the islands but not the stops. The first anchorage has no landing, and the second beach is reached only by swimming or by tender boat.
The boat departs Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Venetian Harbour waterfront.
Sightings are likely rather than certain. Agioi Theodoroi is a protected reserve for the endangered Cretan goat, and the second stop is positioned where they are most often visible.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta.
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping tour aboard an innovative jet boat combining boat and plane technology. Glide across the water at top speeds and gaze at Crete’s vibrant shore from the water. Take a break from your adventure to go swimming and snorkeling.
Climb aboard the jet boat at Hersonissos Port to begin your exhilarating journey. Feel the thrill of making fantastic 360° maneuvers at high speeds, and experience how the boat dashes across the ocean and stops quickly. Stay safe at all times as you ride a stable vessel steered by a professional.
During your fun ride we explore places like Malia,Stalis and Analsipsi and after we enjoy a stop at Saint George’s Bay, a paradisiac location, to unwind from the speed. Seize the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters before making your way back to the port.
This is the cheapest way to get on the water in Chania and one of the best rated: two hours on a traditional wooden boat from the Venetian harbour, out past the lighthouse to Lazaretta, a small uninhabited islet reachable only by swimming. Snorkelling gear and a glass of wine are included. Manos Cruises run it from €19, with a 4.9 rating across 710 reviews.
Two hours split into a short crossing and a long stop. Three parts make it up.
First is the departure across the old Venetian harbour, which passes the whole waterfront and comes close under the Venetian lighthouse, the shot most people want from Chania. Second is the short run west to Lazaretta, with the crew explaining the islet’s history on the way; it served as the harbour’s quarantine and leper island, which is why it was left alone. Third is about 1.5 hours anchored there for snorkelling and swimming, with masks provided, before the return leg gives you the town and lighthouse from the sea.
The islet has no landing and is reached only by swimming, which is exactly why the marine life around it is worth the trip.
The route stays within sight of the old town.
At €19 this is the least expensive boat trip we list, and the snorkelling gear is part of it.
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We recommend this one without reservation, and the numbers are the reason. A 4.9 average across 710 reviews is the strongest combination of rating and volume on this site, and guide quality scores a straight 5.0 out of 5, we have not seen another tour here hold a perfect guiding score at that sample size.
The crew is what people write about. A Swiss reviewer described the guides as funny and friendly while still making sure everyone was safe. A Canadian guest said the hosts went above and beyond to make sure everyone on the boat was enjoying themselves. A German visitor named Manos and his crew as super organised. This is a small operation and it reads like one.
The value is the second reason. €19 buys two hours, snorkelling gear and a glass of wine, and a Polish reviewer summed it up as a pleasant atmosphere at an attractive price. Value for money scores 4.9.
The snorkelling is genuinely good rather than incidental. Because nobody can land on Lazaretta, the water around it is undisturbed, a New Zealand reviewer reported heaps of fish, an American guest saw a sea turtle in the port and plenty of fish at the islet, and a Belgian visitor noted the crew handing out masks and pool noodles so weaker swimmers could join in.
One criticism, and it is the only one that recurs.
Some people want longer in the water. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers would improve it with a longer swim stop. At 1.5 hours of a 2-hour trip the swim is already most of the booking, so this is less a fault than a sign people enjoy it, but if you want a half-day at sea, this is not that trip.
Bring a towel, wear something you can swim in, and look for the wooden boat.
The boat leaves from the old Venetian harbour, close to the Porto Veneziano hotel and in front of Taverna Neoria. There is no transport to the harbour included, but the old town is walkable.
Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. High-heeled shoes, oversize luggage and large bags are not permitted on board.
The trip runs 2 hours, of which about 1.5 hours are spent anchored at the islet for swimming and snorkelling.
Masks are provided, along with a glass of wine and guided commentary, at no extra cost.
No, the islet is reached only by swimming, which is why the marine life around it is so undisturbed.
Lazaretta served as the quarantine and leper island for the old Venetian harbour, and the crew explain its history on the way out.
From the old Venetian harbour in Chania, near the Porto Veneziano hotel, look for the white wooden boat named Ferryman.
Yes, towels are not provided, and neither is food.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat trip to Lazaretta island.
This day trip crosses the White Mountains from Rethymno to Chora Sfakion, then takes a boat along the south coast to Glyka Nera, Sweet Water Beach, and the car-free village of Loutro. Glyka Nera gets its name from freshwater springs that rise through the shingle at the waterline, and Loutro is reachable only by boat or on foot. Markidis Travel runs it over 11 hours from €30, with a 4.72 rating across 202 reviews.
The day is a mountain drive followed by two boat stops on a coast with no road. Four stages make it up.
First is the coach from the Rethymno area south over the mountains to Chora Sfakion, a drive reviewers single out for the narrow roads and the driving that handles them. Second is a 15-minute boat to Glyka Nera, where cold fresh water rises through the pebbles at the sea’s edge and mixes with the salt. Third is Loutro, a whitewashed village with no cars and no road in, where the water is clear straight off the front. Fourth is the boat back to Sfakia and the coach to Rethymno.
The boats run to a fixed timetable and the coach does not wait for latecomers at any meeting point.
The route crosses from the north coast to the Libyan Sea in the Sfakia region.
The €30 covers the coach and the guide; the boat is paid separately and it is not optional.
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The real price is €45 per person once the boat is counted, which is what one reviewer pointed out and what you should budget.
We recommend this trip because Loutro and Glyka Nera cannot be reached any other way without a lot of effort. There is no road to either. You either walk the coastal path from Chora Sfakion in the heat, or you take a boat, and this trip is the boat with the mountain drive attached.
The reviews name the team constantly, which is the clearest signal of a well-run small operator. Emmanuela, Kostas and a driver named Tossca all appear by name across French, British, Canadian and Italian reviews, described as kind, accommodating and explaining things properly in more than one language. A German reviewer took their hat off to the bus drivers specifically, for the narrow mountain roads.
The places themselves need little selling. A French reviewer called Loutro heaven on earth; an Italian pair called both stops absolute must-sees.
Three caveats, all consistent across the record.
The schedule leans towards Loutro. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would prefer less time in crowded Loutro and more at Glyka Nera, and two separate reviewers said the same. If Sweet Water Beach is your reason for coming, know that it gets the shorter stop.
Sfakia itself gets skipped. Two French reviewers wanted free time in Chora Sfakion, calling the port typical and charming, and one noted they never really saw it. The village is a transit point on this itinerary.
The €15 boat catches people out. It is stated in the listing but it is not in the headline price, and one French reviewer called the trip a bit expensive at €45 per person all in. Bring cash.
Carry the boat fare in cash, be early at every meeting point, and swim at the springs rather than photographing them.
Guests staying at Nea Magnisia and RG Village are collected from the Allwyn Shop in Stavromenos. There is no pick-up from the Panormo area or from four named hotels, check the list before booking.
Bring beachwear and cash. The day runs 11 hours, and the trip is flagged as likely to sell out.
The day runs 11 hours in total, including the mountain drive from Rethymno and two boat stops.
The €15 boat ticket is not included and is paid separately, which brings the real cost to around €45 per person.
Freshwater springs rise through the pebbles at the waterline, so cold fresh water sits over the salt water at the shore.
Loutro has no road access. The village is reached only by boat or on foot along the coastal path.
Loutro gets the longer stop. Reviewers consistently ask for more time at Glyka Nera, and GetYourGuide’s review summary reports the same.
Sfakia is a transit point rather than a stop. Several reviewers wished for free time in the port and did not get it.
Check dates and prices for the Glyka Nera, Loutro and Sfakia day trip.
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.
Kick off your shoes and come onboard an elegant yacht on a private sailing tour. Embark on a full-day or half-day private cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshment.
Benefit from optional pick-up from your hotel or apartment, and then relax on a 1-hour sailing cruise to Dia Island on a luxury yacht only for you and your family or friends.
After dropping anchor in the romantic Gulf of Saint George, spend your day discovering an idyllic location with great history, such as the underwater ancient Minoan port, which was one of the favorite destinations of the explorer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Enjoy fishing, swimming in the crystal clear water, swim ashore and walk among the wild nature of the island, or just relaxing in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Snorkeling and fishing equipment are provided for your comfort and convenience by the attentive crew, along with unlimited refreshments and seasonal fruits.
Depart from Dia Island and journey back to Heraklion, where a transfer to your hotel or cruise ship is provided if requested.
Enjoy a boat cruise from the old port of Chania Town to the islands of Thodorou and Lazaretta. Captain Nestor will take care of you, especially the children, fetching starfish and octopus, and helping you explore the world underwater.
At the natural reserve of Thodorou island, also known as “Goat Island”, Nestor takes you around to spot the wild Kri Kri goat, stopping for a while at the decaying wreck of a World War II German airplane. From there you continue to the island of Lazaretta where you can relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach, swim or just chill out on the boat gazing through the window to the depths below. The boat will return later to the port of Chania.
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