TO THE ISLAND OF DIA FROM HERAKLION
DAY CRUISE WITH LUNCH
Dia is located 7 nautical miles northeast of the city of Heraklion. Thanks to its infinite natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, it has been included in NATURA 2000, the European highly valued landscapes protection programme.
The island is protected from strong winds due to its privileged geographical location, which makes it an excellent destination even on the windiest summer days.
ITINERARIES
Our ship "BALOS EXPRESS" departs from Monday to Friday from the port of Heraklion at 09.00 in the morning and returns to the same port at 14.30, from April until October. Every Wednesday for adults only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CRUISE
See the island on the map
We leave the port of Heraklion at 09.00 and travel for about 45 minutes in the crystal clear waters of the Cretan Sea.
Our spacious, large boat ensures that your trip will be comfortable and pleasant. The ship's restaurant-bar (self-service) is open throughout the cruise. You can enjoy your breakfast, admire the wonderful view of the Cretan coastline and have fun listening to the lively music set of the ship's DJ.
The small, uninhabited island of Dia is so close to urban centres and yet its wild, authentic beauty offers the visitor a unique experience. From afar, it looks like a giant crocodile (or lizard) and as we get closer, the waters surrounding it become deep blue.
We anchor the ship in the stunning bay of Agios Georgios, very close to the coast, where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters.
We also offer equipment for water activities, such as life jackets, boards, masks, snorkels, flippers, balls, etc.
Dia has no infrastructure at all, only a church, which commemorates the Ascension.
There are many legends and stories surrounding this island. Ancient gods, people, mythology and historical events have shaped its wondrous aura. Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the famous oceanographer and explorer, conducted research in its waters and discovered ancient shipwrecks and a Minoan port, perhaps the most important port of Knossos.
You can tour the island, which has a maximum altitude of 266 meters and is generally walkable, full of rock formations and garrigue. The bushes, the steep cliffs, and the endless blue make up a wild, magical landscape!
The ship will depart, approximately at 11.30, for a nearby but also wonderful beach of the island, in the bay of Panagitsa, where you will swim in the crystal clear waters and relax.
From 12.00 to 13.30 in the self-service restaurant on board, we offer you free food and drinks (choice of cold dishes, salads, fruits, coffee, soft drinks, beer).
Enjoy your food and drinks on board, indulge in music, dance, have fun, live a beautiful and different experience.
Αt 13.45 the ship will depart for the port of Heraklion, where it will arrive at 14.30.
The time you will spend with us will fill you with good energy as well as beautiful images and moments that the island and the trip gave you.
We will be happy to welcome you again on our cruises!