Semi-Private Sailing Cruises in Crete: Our Top 6

1.Small Group Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Our pick

Review of Crete’s small-group sailing trip to Dia Island, with snorkeling, SUP, lunch, wildlife, hotel pickup, and practical booking advice.

“- Captain and staff including pick up driver were really nice - water is really clear - boat is clean - captain brought a sea urchin to show to everyone. That was cute. BUT - the Equipment is the worst snorkeling Equipment We ever had on such a trip - at first they just had 8 snorkels for 12 ppl. So the Captain handed me his private one. That one was good. Later he found some more and said i have to change. Then i had to Deal with the rubish everyone had. Water came with EVERY breath. I didnt make it 2 meters of the boat on second attempt.…”

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

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

Sail from Heraklion to Dia Island on a small catamaran with fresh lunch, open drinks, snorkeling, paddleboards, and a relaxed bay stop.

“The crew was really nice and did everything for its customers. It was a blast on the boat and very fun. Would go again.”

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3.Balos Shared Catamaran Cruise (small groups up to 10 or 22ppl)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $199

Review of Crete’s Balos catamaran cruise, with swimming, Gramvousa fortress, Cretan lunch, snorkeling, costs, and practical advice.

“Caring and friendly crew who were very focused on everyone having a great day. Transfer from our hotel to port was great and once on board we were provided with coffees, soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks, fresh fruit and a tasty lunch. At the swim stops there were floatation aids, snorkel masks, dry bags and tenders to shore provided. The waters were beautiful and clear. The aperol cocktail served on the sail back to port was a nice touch. Definitely recommend this tour over the public ferries which looked far too crowded! Thanks all for an amazing day!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 42 reviews · 6.5 - 8.5 hours · from $176

Review the Dia Island catamaran from Crete, with a small group, open bar, gourmet lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

“It was the beast sailing cruise in my life. Everything was perfect! I enjoyed the food, the sea. Crew was really nice and welcoming! Highly recommend!”

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5.South Crete: Small group Full Day/ Sunset Sailing & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail South Crete from Agia Galini to Paximadia and Agios Pavlos for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, wine, and sunset views.

“Thank you for a most wonderful way to see and experience Crete! We lloved our sail and snorkel at the Proxima Islands. We saw several squid and got to enjoy swimming in a cave there. On the way back we were treated to a delicious dinner and enjoyed the company of other passengers and crew. I highly recommend.”

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6.Small group 5,5h Sunset Sailing trip to Dia Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $84

Review of a small-group sunset sail from Heraklion to Dia Island, with snorkeling, snacks, friendly skippers, and practical booking advice.

“Great time on the sea and snorkelling. The captain and skipper were very very friendly. Our teenagers loved it too.”

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