REVIEW · CRETE
Sailing Trip to Dia Island – All Inclusive
Book on Viator →Operated by Set Sails Crete · Bookable on Viator
A day on the water with Dia Island views. This all-inclusive boat trip delivers 3 hours at Nisi Dia for swimming, snorkeling, and SUP, plus a full lunch and drinks onboard. I especially like the mix of active water time and the easy, guided feel with an English-speaking crew, and you get snorkeling equipment without having to source it yourself. One thing to consider: the day can feel more like a relaxed cruise than a big, hands-on sailing adventure.
I’m also a fan of how the food is handled. You’ll eat a proper lunch onboard—seafood pasta or pesto pasta, Greek salad, and fruit salad—then wash it down with local white wine and local beer, along with soda, water, and lemonade. Expect the boat to be small enough that you’re sharing space, not spreading out like at a large resort pool.
If conditions turn a little choppy, it’s worth planning for motion. One review noted the water was more choppy than their first time, but the crew kept things enjoyable and the day still worked.
In This Review
- Key Things You’ll Want to Know Before You Go
- Day at Sea to Nisi Dia: What the All-Inclusive Really Buys You
- Getting There From Old Anchor: Pickup and Meeting Point Reality
- The Nisi Dia Stop: 3 Hours for Swimming, Snorkeling, and SUP
- Swimming breaks
- Snorkeling equipment included
- SUP time
- The island feel: few buildings, lots of sea
- Food and Drinks On Board: Seafood Pasta, Local Wine, and a No-Stress Lunch
- What this means for you
- Gear You Get (and Gear You Must Bring): Towels, Swimsuits, and Sun Care
- Crew Energy Matters: Friendly Guides and a Funny Captain Moment
- Price and Value Check: Is $90.51 Worth It?
- Who Should Book This Dia Island Trip?
- Should You Book This Sailing Trip to Dia Island?
- FAQ
- How long is the Dia Island sailing trip?
- How much time do we get at Dia Island (Nisi Dia)?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are snorkeling and stand up paddle gear included?
- What should I bring myself?
- Is pickup offered?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is the guide available in English?
- Do I need to print anything?
- What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
Key Things You’ll Want to Know Before You Go

- Nisi Dia time first: plan on about 3 hours at the island for swim breaks and water activities
- All-inclusive lunch and drinks: seafood pasta or pesto pasta plus Greek salad, fruit salad, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
- Snorkeling gear is included: you won’t need to rent or pack equipment
- SUP is included: you get stand up paddle time along with swimming and snorkeling
- Small group size: the activity caps at 10, so bring your calm if it feels cozy
- English guide onboard: you’ll get help and context without a language hurdle
Day at Sea to Nisi Dia: What the All-Inclusive Really Buys You

This is a classic “boat day” built for convenience. You’re not just paying for a seat on a vessel; you’re paying for a full package of time, food, and gear. For about $90.51 per person (and a 6 to 8 hour total window), you’ll get lunch, drinks, and the water gear that usually adds extra cost on similar tours.
The best part is how it reduces decision fatigue. You show up, you go, and you spend your attention on what matters: the sea, the island, and the simple joy of being away from the harbor for hours. If you’ve ever planned a snorkel day and then got stuck hunting for rentals, towels, and a spot to eat afterward, this format is a big win.
Also, the island focus is real. You’re not spending the whole day hopping around ports. You’re anchored near Dia Island (Nisi Dia) for a meaningful stretch, which makes it easier to actually enjoy swimming and snorkeling instead of just changing locations.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Crete
Getting There From Old Anchor: Pickup and Meeting Point Reality
The trip starts at Old Anchor, Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece, with pickup available. After you book, you’ll receive details on the pickup point and time. That’s great if you want door-to-boarding convenience, and it’s also handy if you’d rather not navigate the harbor area on your own.
A practical tip: aim to arrive a few minutes early. Even when pickup is offered, the meeting point is where the day truly organizes. And since this activity is designed for a small group, being prompt helps you get settled, claim your preferred spot, and start the day without stress.
You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which keeps the whole thing simple—no searching for printed documents.
The Nisi Dia Stop: 3 Hours for Swimming, Snorkeling, and SUP

Here’s the heart of the experience: about 3 hours at Nisi Dia, with admission included. The boat anchors near the coast, and you’re given a window to explore the water and nearby shoreline.
What I like about this timing is that it’s long enough to do more than one thing. You can swim, take a snorkeling turn, maybe try SUP, and still have time to relax after. One person described how cool but clear the Aegean water was, with fish visible right away. That tracks with what you want from a short island day: good visibility and time to actually use it.
Swimming breaks
Expect a straightforward setup: you’ll get chances to get into the water for a swim. If you’re sensitive to temperature changes, remember the water can feel cool at first. Once you’re in, clear visibility can make the whole experience feel effortless.
Snorkeling equipment included
You’ll have snorkeling gear provided. This matters because it lowers the barrier to entry. If you’re new to snorkeling, you won’t spend the morning struggling with rentals or questionable fit. If you already snorkel, you still benefit from having equipment handled for you.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Crete
SUP time
Stand up paddle is included too. If you’ve ever tried SUP in sheltered water, you’ll likely appreciate how it can be both relaxing and a little playful. For a short stop, it’s also a nice way to move around without needing to swim the entire time.
The island feel: few buildings, lots of sea
Dia Island is known for being lightly developed, and the vibe you’re chasing is that quiet, open-water feeling. You’re anchored near beaches and can enjoy sea views all around—more “time on the water” than “tour of attractions.”
Food and Drinks On Board: Seafood Pasta, Local Wine, and a No-Stress Lunch

The onboard meal is a big part of why this trip feels worth it. You get lunch plus drinks, and it’s laid out like a real group meal rather than a snack.
You can expect:
- Seafood pasta or pesto pasta
- Greek salad
- Fruit salad
Then there’s the drink side:
- Local beer
- Local white wine
- Local soft drinks, water
- Bottled water
- (Onboard lemonade also shows up in at least one account I saw—so it’s safe to expect some non-alcohol options beyond basic water.)
One review highlighted shrimp pasta and Greek salad as the main onboard meal, and they noted plenty of wine, beer, water, and lemonade. That matches the all-inclusive spirit: you shouldn’t need to pull out money just to have a satisfying meal and a couple drinks with it.
What this means for you
If you’re the kind of traveler who hates figuring out lunch plans during a day trip, this is built for you. You get fed without needing reservations, and you’re not stuck bargaining for a “good enough” sandwich at a seaside spot. The trade-off is that you’ll eat on a boat, so go in ready for that style of dining—simple, communal, and designed to keep the day moving.
Gear You Get (and Gear You Must Bring): Towels, Swimsuits, and Sun Care

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and SUP access. That’s the main gear win. But there are two key items you’ll need to handle yourself:
- Towels
- Swimsuits
Bring both, even if you think you’ll be fine with a quick rinse and dry in the sun. The sea time is the point, and a towel makes the transition from water to lunch far more comfortable.
Also, plan for sun. With several hours outdoors and time in the water, you’ll want sunscreen and something to shade your head. A light cover-up helps too, especially when you’re taking breaks between swim and snorkeling.
If you’re prone to feeling seasick, consider bringing your usual motion-sickness solution. One account described choppier conditions, and even when the crew keeps it friendly, rougher water changes how the day feels.
Crew Energy Matters: Friendly Guides and a Funny Captain Moment

A surprisingly important factor on small boat trips is the crew vibe. This one leans friendly and talkative. In particular, names like George and Niko came up in a standout account, and the captain was described as funny and chatty—exactly the kind of energy that keeps a boat day from turning into awkward silence.
You’ll also have an English guide, which helps you understand what’s happening, when it’s time to get in the water, and how to use the gear safely. If you’re traveling with mixed confidence in water activities, a supportive guide can make the difference between hesitating and actually enjoying the experience.
Price and Value Check: Is $90.51 Worth It?

Let’s be practical about value. At $90.51 per person, you’re paying for:
- A full boat outing (about 6 to 8 hours)
- 3 hours at Nisi Dia
- Lunch (seafood pasta or pesto pasta + Greek salad + fruit salad)
- Drinks (local beer, local white wine, soft drinks, water)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Stand up paddle
- All fees and taxes
- English guide
For a day trip that covers food, drinks, and water equipment, this is the part where the “all-inclusive” label actually matters. You’re not just buying transportation—you’re buying the entire day’s essentials.
Could it feel crowded? The activity says a maximum group size of 10. Still, space on a boat is space on a boat. If you’re expecting a lot of personal room, go in with a realistic mindset. A negative note from one account pointed out the day felt more like a cruise than a sail, and they also felt the group was larger than they expected. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s a good reminder to set expectations: this is about water time at Dia Island, not about steering lines yourself.
Who Should Book This Dia Island Trip?

This trip fits best if you want:
- A short island stop with real water time (snorkel, swim, SUP)
- A simple plan with lunch and drinks handled
- An English-speaking guide and a small-group feel
- A day that works for couples, friends, or solo travelers who don’t want to organize gear and meals
It may not be ideal if you’re the type who needs a loud, sightseeing-heavy itinerary. This is calmer. The value comes from the sea time and included comforts.
Also, the trip lists support for most travelers, including service animals, and it notes that blind or partially blind travelers are welcome. If you have specific needs, it’s smart to contact the provider and ask how the crew supports the day.
Should You Book This Sailing Trip to Dia Island?
If you’re looking for an easy, all-inclusive boat day with snorkeling gear, SUP, and a real lunch, I’d say it’s a strong yes. Dia Island is the star, and you’ll get enough time to do more than one activity in the water.
I’d only hesitate if you want a true sailing experience with active sailing participation. Some days can feel more like cruising around the coast than steering a classic sailboat, and small boat space can feel cozy rather than spacious.
If you’re okay with a relaxed format and you bring a swimsuit and towel, you’ll likely come away remembering the water clarity, the island stillness, and the simple fact that everything was taken care of for you.
FAQ
How long is the Dia Island sailing trip?
It runs about 6 to 8 hours total.
How much time do we get at Dia Island (Nisi Dia)?
You’ll spend about 3 hours at the island.
What’s included in the price?
Lunch (seafood pasta or pesto pasta, Greek salad, fruit salad), local beer and local white wine, soft drinks and water, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddle.
Are snorkeling and stand up paddle gear included?
Yes—snorkeling equipment and stand up paddle are included.
What should I bring myself?
Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Those aren’t included.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered, and the exact pickup point and time are provided after booking.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Old Anchor, Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.
Is the guide available in English?
Yes, the guide is provided in English.
Do I need to print anything?
No. You’ll use a mobile ticket.
What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.


















