Crete · SUNSET CRUISES IN HERAKLION
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 sunset cruises in Heraklion worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
You’ll learn to handle a quad with a short lesson, then follow a multilingual guide from Agia Pelagia along quiet coastal and mountain paths. Visit abandoned Achlada, hear about Cretan village life, taste olive oil, olives, and honey, and finish with a sunset over the bay.
Travel in a small Land Rover group with guides such as Kosta, Chris, George, or Yiannis, stopping for village life, herbs, raki, olive oil, and mountain views. At sunset, enjoy prosecco and fruit before a traditional taverna dinner with unlimited wine and possible Greek dancing.
“George was an INCREDIBLE host and driver for the evening. We both had a fantastic time and felt it was worth every penny. There are multiple stops along the way with stunning settings for photos. George was instrumental in encouraging everyone to capture the moments, with his own photography skills highly commended. The evening meal was at a great local authentic Greek tavern, which also accommodated vegan options within the food offered. We would not hesitate to recommend this experience to someone else! P.s. we would recommend bringing some cash to buy the olive oil and honey along the journey.”
Sail from Heraklion with a local captain and crew to Dia Island, where you have about 3.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and quiet time in Saint George Bay. Alex, Yannis, Kosta, and Niko have led recent trips, though the crew may vary.
“Everything was great and the crew was incredibly nice and entertaining.”
Sail from Heraklion to uninhabited Dia Island with a small crew, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, food, wine, and raki. Depending on the boat and departure, you may meet crew members such as Alex, Kostas, Emanuel, Constantine, Thanos, or Eleanor. Choose a shared or private catamaran and a half-day or full-day outing.
“This experience was the cherry on the cake for our trip here. For a cheap price a 4 hour boat-trip with food, amazing view on the sea and sunset, snorkling and swimming. The guides/captains were all very kind. 10/10 would recommend.”
Set Sails takes you from Heraklion to Dia Island aboard a small-group sailing yacht limited to eight people. Swim, snorkel, fish, paddleboard, and enjoy Greek salad, shrimp pasta, fruit, and drinks before sailing home at sunset with guides such as Georges, Niko, Pagnos, or Eva.
“Very friendly and welcoming guides. It’s totally worth it. I would highly recommend! Amazing waters and the sun set is mesmerizing.”
Join DanEri Yachts from Heraklion’s Marina Café for a 3.5-hour sunset cruise to Dia. You’ll swim or snorkel from a comfortable catamaran, enjoy sushi, Cretan snacks, fruit, wine, beer, and soft drinks, then sail home as the sun sets. George may host with island stories and music.
“My family and I recently went on this sunset cruise while away in Crete. Firstly one member of another family travelling with us was offered a drink before we set sail, yet nobody else was offered one. When we arrived at the point where you can swim and snorkel one drink was offered to everyone on board. When the snacks were brought out (which were very nice) we were plagued with wasps! Nobody mentioned this before we arrived at the island in which we were able to swim etc. It really did ruin the trip. On our way back to Heraklion I asked for another drink and was given the…”
Start with a sunrise balloon flight over the Lassithi Plateau, help inflate the balloon, then enjoy a Greek breakfast. Later, board a semi-private catamaran from Heraklion or Hersonissos for swimming, snorkeling, sushi, fresh fruit, unlimited local drinks, and sunset views near Dia Island. Sergey and the yacht crew may be part of your day.
“have to say this activity was an amazing experience, firstly the hot air balloon was lovely, the boys that were our guides were so friendly and so attentive! we have to give special recognition to the staff and the experience on the catamaran, firstly they were all so friendly and helpful, Secondly, we want to thank Joanna, Minas and Wesley for helping me propose to my partner and made it so special! It is an experience me and my partner will never forget, they truly made the experience unforgettable! the cruise itself was also fantastic with lovely views, great swim and the food was unbelievable!”
Join Georges, Marina, and the captain for a five-hour catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island. Swim in a clear bay, use the SUP boards, kayak, slide, sea scooter, and snorkeling gear, then enjoy a fresh Mediterranean meal, open drinks, and a sunset sail home.
“Great skipper and crew, very competent. Food and wine was great. Lovely sunset on way home. Everyone had a great time”
Sail from Heraklion at 3:15 pm on a small-group yacht trip toward Dia Island, with stops around the Venetian harbor, Koules, and Agios Georgios. The price includes fuel, drinks, snacks, fees, and snorkeling gear. Expect an English-speaking skipper and up to 10 people aboard.
“Our young skipper was delightful and spoke excellent English. We really enjoyed our cruise to Dia Island. The water where we snorkeled was a beautiful turquoise, and you could see to the bottom.”
Set out from Cafe Marina in Heraklion at 4:30 pm with Captain Yannis and crew for a private sunset sail to Dia. Your group of up to 10 travels aboard a Bavaria Cruiser 51, with champagne, wine, beer, fruit, snacks, SUP use, and snorkeling equipment included.
“We had a fantastic time on our boat trip to Dia Island in Crete. Our captain, Yannis, made our experience so enjoyable!! The boat was very comfortable and nice. We had good food and drinks with friendly service. The waters around Dia were so clear. Overall, it was the perfect day!”
Sail from Heraklion with an experienced crew to Dia island, where you can swim, snorkel, fish, use a SUP board, and enjoy wine, fruit, and snacks. George and Nick have been praised for their warm service. The return trip brings sunset views over Heraklion.
“One of the highlights of our entire trip to Greece!! George and Nick were a fantastic crew and they made us feel welcome and well taken care of. The trip itself offered the perfect combination of elements: gentle breezes, warm sun, cool water, great wine and snacks and a beautiful sunset. Could not ask for anything more from a sailing excursion. Highly recommend!!”
Set out at 5 pm with English-speaking guide Alexandros on a private jeep safari from Heraklion’s resort area. Visit Agios Nikolaos, see Spinalonga from Plaka, reach a high sunset viewpoint, and finish with dinner at a family-run restaurant.
“This was one of the best tours I've ever had in all my travels. Alexandros was magnificent as tour guide, driver and teller of stories. He was prompt, professional and polite. He took us to an olive oil factory where he knew everyone, the small towns we visited were quaint and unique. He is a VERY skilled driver as well getting to the top of the island for an awesome sunset with music and photos. Then to top it off the dinner was magnificent, at this family-owned restaurant where the food was excellent, and the hosts were better! My wife and I could not have asked for a better excursion.”
Pick a coast, a gorge or a kitchen.
