9 Private Sailing Charters in Crete, Best Day First

1.Balos and Gramvousa Private Sailing Trip with Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 41 reviews · 8 hours · from $931 whole boat, up to 10Our pick

You’ll sail from Kissamos Port aboard Izabela, a private boat with a grey bimini, to Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa. Expect two hours at each stop, a Cretan lunch with wine, beer, and soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and a 20-minute walk to Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress. George, Christopher, and the crew have earned praise for friendly service and careful timing.

“We loved our whole day! The boat was perfect for our group of 7 people. Both Gramvousa and Balos was amazing the water is so clear and calm. George was amazing, we helped ourselves to drinks and lunch was delicious. George allowed us the perfect amount of time to swim, explore and relax. Facilities were great also.”

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2.Private Sailing Cruise, Balos and Gramvousa with meal and drinks.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $947 whole boat, up to 10Top rated

Spend eight hours aboard Izabela, cruising from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa. Swim, snorkel, visit a Venetian fortress, and enjoy a Cretan lunch with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Skippers such as Christopher, George, Yanni, and Alex tailor the pace for your private group of up to 10.

“The communication was amazing!!! We received timely answers to any concerns about pickup time and returning to the cruise on time. The pickup from the cruise was on time, and the van was lovely and comfortable for our party. The dock welcomed us with a beautiful, clean, and spacious boat. George was an amazing host who welcomed us and inquired about the sites we wanted to see. The food was top-notch, and it was traditional Greek food. We were given wine and beer, which was amazing! At each site we stopped at, we never felt rushed. The boat was supplied with an array of floaties, which made the time in…”

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3.Private Sailing Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $625 whole boat, up to 10

Set sail from central Heraklion with Captain Greg and his crew for a private six-hour cruise to Dia Island. Swim in clear water, snorkel, paddleboard, explore an ancient harbor site, and enjoy fruit, snacks, drinks, and a meal. The boat takes only your group, up to 10 people.

“We enjoyed our trip to Dia Island. The crew was great and we enjoyed some good sandwiches and fresh fruit and drinks after we got to the island. The kids loved jumping from the boat and swimming around and exploring on the shore. Definitely recommend!”

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4.Fully Private Sailing Cruise with Meal & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 7 hours · from $883 whole boat, up to 4

Spend seven private hours aboard the sailing yacht BE HAPPY with skipper Nikos and a hostess. Sail from Souda Bay, stop at Ai Giannis and quiet coves, swim and snorkel, then enjoy a fresh Cretan three-course lunch with wine, beer, and dessert. Hotel transfers are available by request.

“Nikos (aka Nick) was a great captain and chef. He was patient with our children, taught us all a bit of sailing, and took us to beautiful spots. His fill in first mate Svetlana was also very kind. Do not hesitate to book this experience, much better than than the mass market boats that cram on as many people as possible. You will have a great day with Nick as your captain.”

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5.Heraklion Private Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Dia with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $2,103 whole boat, up to 15

Meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Cafe Marina in Heraklion at 9:30 a.m. for a private 6.5-hour catamaran trip to Dia Island. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, fish, paddleboard, and enjoy salads, seafood, chicken, dessert, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The trip ends where it begins.

“The Catamaran was very clean and large! We had paddle boats kayakes and snorkel equipment. We highly enjoyed this tour the Captain and his first mate made our excursion exceptional! Food and service was awesome! We highly recommend this tour!”

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6.Private Sailing Cruise from Agios Nikolaos around Mirabello Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $1,022 whole boat, up to 10

Set sail from Agios Nikolaos with Avanti Sailing for about six hours around Spinalonga and Mirabello Bay. Yannis or Giannis and Christos or Christoph may host, depending on the crew. Expect a private boat, Venetian fortress views, a swim near Kolokytha’s Blue Lagoon, local wine, snacks, SUP and snorkel gear, and a return to the marina.

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7.Semi-private Sailing trip with Lunch and Water Toys

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $168Best value

Sail from Agios Nikolaos for about five hours aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran. You can swim, snorkel, paddle a transparent canoe, ride the inflatable slide, use a SUP or sea scooter, fish, and enjoy Mediterranean lunch with soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The trip returns to the marina.

“This was really fantastic. It was a surprise trip for my wife and she absolutely loved it. So many water activities to choose from and there is even a slide which the other boats don’t have!! The food is really good too and drinks are included. Would totally recommend this trip and the blue lagoon is amazing! Thank you to the crew for accommodating us and making us feel welcome”

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8.Balos Catamaran Private Sailing Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $3,099 whole boat, up to 10

Spend about seven hours on a private catamaran for up to 10 people, sailing from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa. Swim with provided snorkel gear, visit the old fortress, and enjoy Cretan snacks, drinks, wine, and a homemade Mediterranean lunch. The crew may include Panos, Giorgios, George, John, Nena, or Konstantinos.

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9.5,5 hours Private Sailing Trips from Heraklion to Island of Dia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $775 whole boat, up to 10

Set out from Heraklion’s Old Venetian Harbor on a private 5.5-hour sailing trip for up to 10 people. Your crew provides snorkeling gear, fuel, and all fees, then helps plan the day aboard an immaculate boat. Swim in Dia’s small bay, relax on the beach, and visit its picturesque church.

“We chose this excursion as part of my wife's 30th birthday. We and her friends flew to Greece and couldn't have chosen a better way to experience Crete than sailing to Dia on this excursion. We were able to play our own music via bluetooth, were provided snorkeling gear, and noodle floaties, and enjoyed a nice sunny day swimming around in the Mediterranean Sea.”

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