Sail away from Gouves in a small group. This 3 to 5 hour sailing out of Heraklion keeps the day flexible, with time for swimming and snorkelling and extras like SUP and fishing gear.

What I like most is the relaxed vibe that comes from a boat capped at about 14 passengers, plus the fact that the cruise is built around real water time, not just sitting in transit.

I also really like the meal setup: a Cretan lunch on board with snacks and drinks, including wine and raki on the longer option. One thing to watch before you book: whether you visit Dia Island depends on the departure time window (day vs sunset) and the dates.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small-group boat (up to 14 travelers) for a calmer day on the water
• Dia Island or Bay of Saint George, depending on which time slot you choose
• Snorkel gear, SUP, and fishing equipment included for on-water fun
• Cretan lunch + snacks and drinks served on board, including wine; raki on 5-hour option
• Crew energy that focuses on getting you comfortable and making the day smooth

Setting off from Gouves Port Marina: the start that keeps it easy

Your sailing day begins at the small port of Gouves, at Gouves Port Marina in Kato Gouves. It’s nice that the trip starts and ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport at the end of the day.

If you’re staying around Malia, Stalida/Stalis, Chersonissos, Piscopiano, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, or Gouves, pickup can be arranged. The operator says you’ll need to email them at least 24 hours before your tour for the exact pickup time and place, so build that into your planning.

The tour runs in English and uses a mobile ticket. Also worth knowing: the boat capacity is designed for a limited group, which is a big part of why this feels like a true outing rather than a crowded boat tour.

Dia Island vs Bay of Saint George: choose your time for the right scenery

This is the part that can make or break your expectations, so decide based on what you want to see.

For the 4.5 hour to 5 hour day sailing, you visit the island of DIA during the trip. That’s the best option if Dia is the main reason you booked.

If you’re booking a sunset sailing (3 hours to 4.5 hours), the plan changes by date. From 15/06 to 15/08, you don’t go to Dia Island; instead, you sail to the Bay of Saint George for the evening vibe.

For the sunset 5 hour option, the routing changes again: from 16/08 to 31/10, the sailing includes Dia Island. So if Dia matters, aim for the day sailing or the longer sunset sailing in that later season.

This is also why two people can come away with very different photos: same general trip, different target coastline and island stop depending on when you go.

What you actually do on the water: swim, snorkel, SUP, and more

This tour is built for hands-on time in the sea. You’ll have choices during the sailing: you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or hike depending on the stop and what feels right that day.

Snorkelling gear is provided, and you’ll also find SUP equipment on board. That matters because it turns the trip from a view-only cruise into something you’ll remember physically, like the feeling of moving under your own power on calm water.

Fishing equipment is also included. If fishing is your thing, you get the chance to try without having to bring anything. If it isn’t your thing, it still adds to the laid-back “everyone’s doing their own thing” atmosphere.

One practical note: plan for getting a little wet. A sailing day in Crete can mean sea spray, splashes during boarding, and wet moments when you swap between swimming and gear time.

The Dia Island experience: chapel walks, beach time, and boat-to-shore comfort

When your route includes Dia Island, you’ll get more than a quick pass. You’re set up for a mix of water fun and short land time, including the chance to walk to a small chapel/church on the island.

Some passengers also describe time to relax on Dia with comfort items on board, like beanbags. That’s a small detail, but it changes how the island break feels: less like rushing from activity to activity, more like a pause where you can actually enjoy the place.

Not every departure includes Dia, so if you want the island walk and island atmosphere, pick your slot carefully based on the duration and date windows above.

A small comfort-win: the tone of the tour is casual. Reviews note that you don’t need super technical hiking shoes, which is helpful if you’re already travelling light.

Lunch and drinks in Crete: what you get and how it changes by duration

The onboard meal is a major reason people rate this tour so high. You get a delicious Cretan lunch, plus snacks and drinks served during the cruise.

For the 5-hour option, the drinks add an extra layer: the inclusions include wine and raki. That’s a big value boost compared with many boat tours where you might get water or a soft drink and call it lunch.

Even on shorter options, expect drinks and a proper meal rather than a token snack. Reviews mention things like pasta with seafood, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki, and they describe the food as plentiful.

If food is a priority for you, this is one of the more solid setups from the area you’re considering. And because it’s served on board, you don’t waste time searching for a meal once you’re off the boat.

One small consideration: like many small boats, space is limited. If the boat is near full capacity, you may feel the closeness a bit during meal time. The operator states the capacity is set by law, but your personal comfort can still vary depending on how many people are on board that day.

Crew and sailing style: why the vibe feels relaxed

The trip runs with a captain plus a first mate/host. Across multiple departures, you can expect a team focused on keeping the day fun and smooth, including helping passengers manage motion sickness when needed.

You may meet different crew members depending on the day. Names I saw include captains like Manos and Dimitris/Dimitrios, and onboard helpers including people like Maria, Strattos, Gaetane, and Matina. The common thread is that the team seems to work like a unit: guiding activity time and keeping energy up without turning the day into a performance.

Sailing itself can feel more or less windy depending on weather and conditions. The good news is that even when the sailing pace varies, the plan still centers on swimming and snorkel time, so you’re not stuck feeling bored if the wind is light.

Getting picked up and back: timing, areas, and the one message to send

This tour offers transfers only within a specific zone: Malia through Stalida/Stalis, Chersonissos and Piscopiano, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, and Gouves. If you’re outside those areas, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Gouves Port Marina.

Because pickup times can differ by area, you’ll want to contact the provider to get the exact location and time. The rule is at least 24 hours before the day of the tour, and it’s worth doing early so you can plan your morning without stress.

The experience ends back at the meeting point, meaning you’ll have a predictable finish even if your hotel transfer isn’t included.

Price and value: is $108.13 worth it?

At about $108.13 per person, you’re paying for a combination that’s harder to find together: a small-group sailing, included activity gear (snorkelling, SUP, fishing equipment), and a real lunch with drinks.

If you’ve been shopping boat tours in Crete, you’ll notice a common pattern: either you get the scenery with minimal food, or you get food but fewer included activities. This one tries to do both. The value is strongest if you’ll use the water time, like snorkelling or SUP, and if you’ll actually enjoy the meal instead of just treating it as fuel.

The longer 5-hour option is especially good value if you like drinks beyond soft beverages, since wine and raki are part of the deal. If you’d rather keep it lighter on time, the shorter slot still includes snorkeling and swim time, just with a different itinerary depending on when you go.

Who should book this sailing (and who might prefer something else)

This tour fits best if you want a balance of relaxation and activity. You’re a good match if you like the idea of spending a few hours on the water, getting in the sea, and still having lunch served to you without hunting for a place on shore.

It’s also a strong option for groups of friends and mixed-age groups because the day is flexible and the crew helps people stay comfortable. If you’ve got motion sickness concerns, the operator says the crew can help, and that kind of support matters more than you’d think.

You might rethink the booking if Dia Island is your one must-see. The itinerary changes by season and time slot, so you need to match your date and duration to the routing you want.

Should you book? My practical call

I’d book this sailing if you want a small-group day with included water activities and a proper meal. The combination of snorkel time, SUP, and an on-board Cretan lunch with drinks is exactly the kind of trip that makes Crete feel tangible, not just scenic.

I’d also choose your timing carefully. If you’re targeting Dia Island itself, go for the day sailing (4.5–5 hours) or the sunset 5-hour option in the later date window. If you’re more into a calm evening feel, the sunset shorter options can be great, but expect Bay of Saint George instead of Dia during the dates when Dia is not included.

If you’re comfortable with those trade-offs, this is a solid way to spend part of your Heraklion-area stay without turning your day into logistics.

FAQ

How long is the sailing from Gouves?

The sailing options are about 3 hours to 5 hours, depending on the specific departure you choose.

Does this trip always visit Dia Island?

No. Dia Island is included on the 4.5–5 hour option, and on the sunset 5 hour option for certain dates. For the shorter sunset option during 15/06 to 15/08, the trip uses Bay of Saint George instead of Dia.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at the meeting point in the port of Gouves (Gouves Port Marina, Kato Gouves 700 14, Greece).

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available only within certain areas (Malia, Stalida/Stalis, Chersonissos, Piscopiano, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, and Gouves). For exact pickup time and place, the provider asks you to email at least 24 hours before the tour.

How big is the group?

The boat is set for a small group, with a maximum of 14 travelers plus crew.

What’s included for water activities?

Snorkelling equipment is provided, and SUP equipment is also provided. Fishing equipment is provided too.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a Cretan lunch, plus snacks and drinks. On the 5-hour option, wine and raki are included.

What if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.