Boat excursions in Crete Greece – Boat trip on Crete: An excursion that never bores is spending the day on a boat. Especially in the summer months it can get hot and nothing is as wonderful as cooling down on the water. Here you will find more information about our boat excursions, sailing excursions and boat rentals on Crete. There are many possibilities to spend your holidays also on the water at Crete.
Boat excursions in Crete – The Zorbas boat
With the Zorbas boat from Chersonissos to the islet near Stalis and Agios Georgios bay: We leave from the port of Chersonissos and sail along the coast of Crete to the bay of Agios Georgios. In the bay, the boat anchors and anyone who wants can enter the water. There is nothing like jumping into the clear sea water from the boat. Here the sea is calm and we have plenty of time to snorkel and swim from the boat. Then we continue to the islet off the coast near Stalis. Here the boat also stops for a while to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Crete has beautiful nature, even underwater. Of course, you can also stay on board to laze in the sun or float on the water with an air mattress. The boat trip takes about 3 hours and has no lunch along the way.
Boat excursions in Crete – Boat trips with other boats
History of Dia island: During ancient times the island played an important role, especially in Minoan and medieval times. In the Minoan period the island was inhabited and near the bay of Saint George a walled port was found. In 1976 the French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau conducted underwater exploration around Dia and found the remains of an old port in the waters between Heraklion and Dia. According to Cousteau it was the largest and most important port of Knossos. The port seemed to have been destroyed by natural disasters caused by the volcano of Thira, in 1450 BC. In the Middle Ages the island was a natural “beacon at sea” for the skippers, so they knew that the coast and the ports of Crete were approaching.
Sailing to Dia (Heraklion): Perhaps you are thinking about booking a sailing holiday in Crete Greece, but you have never sailed at sea. To try this out you can join us on a daytrip sailing to Dia, the uninhabited island north of Crete. We organize a sailing trip to Dia from Heraklion. You do not sail yourself, because there is a captain present. Dia is part of the European Nature Network (NATURA) 2000, because of the very important biodiversity found on the island. There is no infrastructure on Dia island.
Boat trips – Nemo glass bottom boat
Nemo glass bottom boat: This is a great excursion for the whole family and can be done a few times a week. The Nemo boat has a flat glass bottom and sails at a nice speed. Through the glass bottom you can see a lot of the underwater world around Crete. The boat trip starts from the harbour of Hersonissos. The Nemo boat sails to the bay of Saint George, where the boat drops anchor and you can go for swimming and snorkelling. It is really nice to go snorkelling to the side of the bay, it really is not far away. Close to the beach are some little sandstone caves. The bay is surrounded by white sandstone cliffs. Of course you can also stay on board of the Nemo for sunbathing.
When to go on a boat trip?
The boat trip can be done from April till the first days of November. The Nemo boat is suitable for all ages, for the young and the not so young. The boat will not be fully packed; there will be maximum 40 guests on board. Often we join our guests on this boat trip. There are a couple of days a week you can go with the Nemo boat. There are snorkelling sets available on board of the Nemo boat, but we always suggest you bring your own.
More boat trips
Sunset boat excursion with the Nemo boat or sailing boat: In the evening you can also sail along the coast of Crete to enjoy the beautiful sunset. The departure is from the harbour of Hersonissos. Sometimes it is with the Nemo boat or else the sailing boat.
Fishing with the Nemo boat: Should you wish to go fishing at sea, you can join a unique boat trip we organise for you with the Nemo boat. With a line behind the boat and go for it! You can also bring your own fishing rod to enjoy fishing in the area of the accommodation or on this boat. Boat excursions around Crete, also with fishing.
Sailing with a two masts sailing vessel: We offer this excursion during the summer months or on special request. This sailing excursion is ideal for groups. The boat can take a maximum of 49 persons. In the summer this sailing trip is a few times a month possible. We often sail with this sailing boat to Dia Island (from Zorbas Island you can see Dia Island). Everything you should need is available on board; drinks, BBQ, snorkel sets, etc. It is also possible to go with this sailing boat to the bay of Agios Georgios during sunset on Crete.
Boat trips – Sailing to Dia
Sailing to Dia with the two masts sailing vessel: We depart from the harbour of Hersonissos. First we cruise with the help of the engine, but then we let the sails do the work. The boat has two large sails and two genoas. At sea you have a magnificent view of Crete. The island Dia is 10-12 kilometres from the coast. Arriving at Dia, the sailing boat will dock at the large jetty and we unload the boat. We walk about 100 meters up to a nice little Greek church with a BBQ and a wood oven. Nicely covered in the shadow we explain you more about Dia Island. Down along the sandy path is a beautiful bay for snorkelling. It is a perfect area to go for snorkelling with its underwater grass and great variety of fishes. Even the experienced snorkeler has a lot to discover.
There is also a small and quiet sandy beach, where you can enjoy some sunbathing therapy and have a refreshing dip in the sea. You can also go for a walk on Dia Island; you will be surprised how many little bays there are. Every time you can see the beauty of Crete from far away. Even fishing is an option here, should you wish to do so. In short, this is a lovely uninhabited island with something to do for everyone!
In the afternoon we eat lunch together. Who cannot wait to get back in the water, can go back to the sailing boat, where the captain has put out the ramp for diving from the boat into the sea. With the wind in the sails we then go to the bay of Agios Georgios, where you can swim and snorkel again.
Boat excursions in Crete – Rent a boat on Crete
Boat rental on Crete Greece: You can also independently rent a boat in Crete. You must have though experience on the water! These little boats accommodate 7 persons, including the driver and can be rented all year round. The boats are very suitable as recreational fishing boat. They are equipped with a 30HP engine and a spare engine of 5HP for (possible) problems, 10 life jackets, a MP3-player, fish finder and depth meter. You will receive, from wherever your departure is, a complete briefing on how everything functions, etc.
Boat excursions in Crete – Boat excursion to Dia Island
Dia Island: The trip to Dia Island takes the whole day. We leave at 9 am from the port and we sail to the Eastern tip of the island and then we sail along the South coast of Dia with a stop at the cave at the Madonna Bay. From this point you cannot see Crete anymore. On a quiet day you can see many fish and birds here. After this we will head for the South West Cape of Dia Island, where we will moor at a deserted beach. We will stay here a few hours, to barbecue, swim, snorkel, hike fish, etc. From here you can easily hike to the North side of Dia Island. After we have enjoyed the barbecue, picnic and a refreshing swim in the sea, the boats will sail to the North side of Dia Island, along a beautiful island with a reef.
We sail along meters high rocks (it is 60 meters deep under water there) and we can also visit a sea cave. After passing the North coast of Dia Island we will sail to the island Paximadi. This is a small island, which is located about 4 to 5 km from Dia Island. Paximadi in Greek means “hard bread “ and indeed the island looks like it. We sail to the small island and anchor at the South side of it. Swimming and snorkelling is delightful here. There are many amphorae from ancient times in the water; you may look at them, but unfortunately it is forbidden to touch these amphorae. The rock of Paximadi has a number of small underwater caves on the South side, where you can enjoy looking at the fish through your mask.
What to see during the boat trip?
Dolphins in Crete: We cannot guarantee that we will see dolphins around Crete. Once the dolphins swam around the boat, which was a magnificent spectacle. Between Dia and Paximadi it is more likely to see dolphins. It is no coincidence that the ancient Greeks made frescoes of dolphins in the palace of Knossos. Every time we see flying fish, it often means that later in the day we can see dolphins. We have also seen often the Caretta – Caretta, these are the giant turtles.
Boat excursions in Crete – Boat trip to Chrissi Island
Boat excursion to Chrissi Island: From Ierapetra you can go daily to Chrissi Island. Every day at 10.00 hours you can board and at 10.30 hours the boat leaves to Chrissi Island. You will be back between 17.00 and 17.30 hours at the harbour. Chrissi Island means “golden island”, since the island has beautiful gold coloured beaches. The real name of Chrissi Island used to be Gaidouronissi, which means “Donkey Island”. Unfortunately there are no more donkeys here.
Upon arrival at the island (15 kilometres from the coast) most people go to the other side of the island, to the famous gold coloured sandy beach. It actually is also nice to go from the boat immediately to the right, which is the best area for snorkelling. At the boat dock at Chrissi Island is a bar and a tavern. The white sandy beaches are magnificent; there are not many places in Europe with so beautiful beaches. On Chrissi Island you can go for walking, sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, etc.
Boat excursions in Crete – Visit the famous island of Spinalonga
By boat to Spinalonga (from Elounda or Plaka): Daily you can go by boat to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka. Spinalonga is the island where they used to bring the leprosy patient to. The island got famous because of the TV-series: “Who pays the Ferryman” & “The Island”. “The Island” is a TV-series on the Greek TV based on the book of the English author Viktoria Hislop. It can get busy on Spinalonga, but definitely the island is worth a visit! Upon arrival you can walk around the entire island. The give you an idea how Spinalonga used to look like, they restored the beautiful old little street.
Submarine boat from Agios Nikolaos: From the port of Agios Nikolaos is the departure with the “Submarine” boat. This boat has a double hull, where you can sit inside and enjoy the underwater world. This trip goes a few times per day. You can also go to the upper deck, but the underwater world is really special to see. You will see the sea life and nature in the water.
Boat excursions in Crete – Sailing, snorkelling and fishing are all possible
Sailing at Crete & Greek islands: We offer options for sailing holidays around Crete Greece, both summer and winter. You can assemble your own sailing holidays, like visiting other Greek islands from Crete.
Sailing and walking at Dia: A nice excursion that has a combination of sailing and walking on Crete. Dia Island is 12 kilometres from the coast of Crete and can be seen from many locations on Crete. The Southside of Dia has the shape of a crocodile. Next to Dia Island is a much smaller island called ”Paximadi” (which means “hard bread”). Dia is a beautiful island with many things to see. In general the boats anchor at the island and you can go swimming, snorkelling or walking. This tour brings you to the secret spots of Dia Island.
Snorkelling with boat excursions: We organise every summer many snorkel excursions. It is surprisingly beautiful and you should do this at least once. Crete has a stunning underwater landscape with many different fishes.
Fishing on Crete: There are many places at Crete where you can go for fishing, from a pier or harbour, but of course you can also go with a (fishing) boat. Close to Zorbas Island are shops where you can purchase everything you should need for fishing!
Water sports on Crete: There are many kinds of water sports on Crete: banana boat, tubes, jet ski, water-ski, sailing boats rental, catamaran, pedalo and much more!
By boat to Santorini: Santorini is a famous Greek island, about 127 kilometres from Crete. Santorini is famous from the postcards with the little white houses and blue roofs. From Heraklion you can go daily to Santorini.
More information
Photo book boat holidays on Crete: This page shows you many pictures from the past years of boat excursions in Crete, boat rental, speedboat, sailing, etc.. These pictures are made by our guests and us.
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Sitemap excursions: This page gives you a lot of information about excursions during your holidays on Crete.
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Holiday information Crete Zorbas Island: For renting apartments and holiday homes, all your excursions and cheap flights to Crete. If you are looking for apartment rental and accommodation on Crete, you have come to the right place. We have a variety of apartments, suitable for families, singles, couples or more people travelling together. We can help you to organize your holiday on Crete Greece to your wishes. An active outdoor vacation, active holidays, a beach holiday, or a combination of both we can all realize for you.
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Boat excursions in Crete