Crete · VIP
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 vip experiences justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
From Heraklion’s Old Venetian Harbor, you sail to Dia Island aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran with an English or Greek-speaking crew. Swim, snorkel, fish, or use the SUP board before a Mediterranean meal, unlimited drinks, and a relaxed return, with morning and sunset departures.
“The sunset on the boat, I truly recommend the evening trip.”
Join DanEri Yachts for a 7.5-hour cruise from Kissamos to Balos and Gramvousa. With a maximum of 22 people, captains such as Yannis and Dimitri, a chef-prepared lunch, snorkeling, paddleboards, and early arrival before the ferries, this is a polished way to see Crete’s famous northwest coast.
“Dimitri, Yanni (sp) and Jessica delivered a first class experience. We were sorry it had to end! The boat, food, music, meeting fellow travelers, the beach and views made for a perfect day. Highly recommend adding this to your holiday.”
Spend 6.5 hours aboard a modern catamaran from Panormo, with a small group of up to 20. Enjoy breakfast, gourmet snacks, swimming, SUPs, snorkeling, fishing, a farm-sourced Mediterranean lunch, and unlimited soft drinks, beer, and Cretan white wine.
“Great Experience. Crew was amazing. Had a really fun time. Couldn't fault the experience. The crew were great with the kids in the family too.”
Spend about 3.5 hours aboard a modern catamaran from Hersonissos, cruising Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay. You’ll get Prosecco, sushi, Greek wine, beer, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and time to swim near Saint George Bay before sunset.
“A fantastic evening cruise, really chilled and relaxed. We were given plenty of time to swim and use the snorkeling equipment before sitting and watching the beautiful sunset. The crew were really friendly and couldn't do enough for us. The welcome drink, all inclusive other drinks and snacks were an added bonus. I would definitely recommend this trip for anyone visiting Crete.”
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…”
Sail from Panormo on a luxury catamaran toward Bali Bay or Skaleta. Enjoy Prosecco, sushi, local wine and beer, swimming, snorkeling, SUP boards, and a sunset at sea with an English-speaking crew. The cruise lasts about 3.5 hours and ends where it begins.
“The trip was perfect from start to finish! Brilliant crew, spacious boat, not too many people, good quality food and drink. The sunset and Coast as we sailed were just magical.”
Sail from Heraklion to a quiet bay near Dia Island aboard a semi-private catamaran with an English- and Greek-speaking crew. Enjoy coffee, local pies, unlimited drinks, a fresh Mediterranean lunch, swimming, snorkeling, SUP, fishing, WiFi, music, and inflatables.
“I would only recommend this trip! The crew was amazing, very friendly and we had some great conversations and fun time with them! The food was delicious and they paid a lot of attention to allergic people. There were a lot of snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, pool noodles and a flamingo! The catamaran was beautiful and very clean! Overall, an amazing experience and the highlight of my trip to Crete! Don’t miss it!☺️”
You’ll visit Knossos with guide options available at extra cost, shape pottery in Thrapsano, taste Cretan olive oil, and enjoy lunch in a village setting. Pickup is offered from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Malia, Hersonissos, and nearby resorts. Guides include Michael, Panagiotis, George, and Petra.
“Expérience très intéressante ! Avec des guides passionnés et chaleureux. La vue pendant le trajet est magnifique ! Petit bémol : pour la visite du palais de Cnossos, je déconseille la tablette pour visiter ! Mieux vaux mettre quelques euros en plus pour un guide professionnel pour un groupe! A part ça, c’était parfait avec une nourriture locale et très fraîche !”
You’ll ride with a private driver in a six-passenger Land Rover and shape an eight-hour Crete day around places such as Lassithi Plateau, Kritsa, Richtis Gorge, or Elounda. Guides including Michael and Ralph are praised for history, mythology, botany, and safe driving.
“Interesting tour in the Lassithi plateau starting in Agios Nikolaos and Kritsa.The guide Michael was great. He knew a lot about history, Greek mythology and botany. Magnificent scenery with fields of blossoming Kamille flowers.”
Spend about six hours aboard a private skippered sailboat from Heraklion to Dia Island. You’ll sail for roughly an hour, anchor at St. George’s Bay, then swim, snorkel, fish, and relax with fruit, soft drinks, water, and white wine. Hotel transfers, lunch, and celebration extras cost more.
“It was a wonderful and relaxing boat trip with friendly staff. Truly a delightful experience on the sea”
Travel from Chania to Elafonisi Beach in a private vehicle with a local guide such as Nikos. You’ll have flexible pickup, time at the pink-and-white shore, stops at Topolia Gorge and Agia Sofia Cave, plus help choosing a Cretan taverna.
“Nikos was a fantastic guide. He taught us so much about the history and culture of Crete while we were on our day trip. Elafonisi Beach is crowded as mentioned in most reviews, but still worth seeing. The water is calm and shallow which was perfect for kids to play in. This is a really nice way to see parts of Crete outside of the city. Nikos took us to a fantastic restaurant for lunch. Would definitely recommend this tour.”
Join the captain and his brother for a six-hour cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island. You’ll swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, and enjoy lunch on the yacht. The group is limited to 15, with return to the harbor around 4:30pm.
“Nice trip to relax and very nice lunch, good organisation, Nice staff, boat clean and good condition.”
Spend about five hours sailing from Heraklion toward Dia Island with Captain Nikos and first mate Helen. Swim and snorkel in Agios Georgios Bay, enjoy lunch prepared aboard, and relax with unlimited water and soft drinks. Hotel-area pickup may be arranged, but private transport is not included.
“Amazing day cruise to Dia Island. Magda, her captain and staff were great. Food was delicious. Definitely would book again.”
Ride in a private, air-conditioned 4x4 with a local guide and shape a four-hour Crete outing around your interests. Choose coastal towns, caves, waterfalls, archaeology, or olive culture. Guides have included George, Petra, Armin, Eric, Abel, and Gaetin.
“We had an amazing time in Crete with our guide Armin. He is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, especially concerning history and archaeology and we learned a lot about the ancient Minoan culture. We had nothing planned and on the spot he managed to craft an absolutely perfect day for my mother and I. It ended up being one of our favorite days on a multi-island trip. Thank you!”
Travel by private vehicle from Georgioupolis, Rethymno, or Bali to Spili, Preveli Beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and three monasteries. Your guide handles the driving, shares local stories, and serves a full tavern lunch with unlimited Cretan wine.
“Our Cretan Safari adventure was amazing. With our guide and driver, Dionisios we explored stunning places. Each location was more breathtaking than the last, and Dionisios's deep knowledge and passion for Crete made the experience unforgettable. He guided us with expertise and ensured our comfort and safety throughout the journey. We are deeply grateful for this unforgettable experience and highly recommend this adventure to anyone visiting Crete!”
Pick a coast, a gorge or a kitchen.
