Crete sits between two seas. To the north, the Cretan Sea — deep, open, running towards the Cyclades. To the south, the Libyan Sea — warmer, wilder, running towards the African coast. Between them: 260 kilometres of coastline, from sheltered Venetian harbours and fishing villages to wild southern cliffs accessible only by boat, and sea caves with water so clear the floor is visible at twenty metres.
The island's relationship with the sea is not decorative. Minoans were the Mediterranean's first great maritime traders. Cretan fishermen have been reading these waters before dawn for thousands of years. The sea here is not an amenity — it is part of the island's character.
For small parties who want to experience Crete from the water — fishing with a local captain, sailing to an uninhabited island, exploring coastal landscapes that no road reaches — MD Holidays works with two specialist partners operating out of Heraklion: GoFishing Charters and Sailing Trips Crete.
Pantanassa Port · Heraklion · gofishing.gr
GoFishing Charters is operated by Skipper Konstantinos Drakomathioulakis with deep knowledge of the waters around the island. With over five years of professional fishing tourism experience and a network of productive spots built through years of personal exploration, Konstantinos brings something no generic boat tour can offer: the instinct and local knowledge of someone for whom these waters are home.
The operation offers three formats, each suited to a different profile and ambition.
The island's relationship with the sea is not decorative. Minoans were the Mediterranean's first great maritime traders. Cretan fishermen have been reading these waters before dawn for thousands of years. The sea here is not an amenity — it is part of the island's character.
For small parties who want to experience Crete from the water — fishing with a local captain, sailing to an uninhabited island, exploring coastal landscapes that no road reaches — MD Holidays works with two specialist partners operating out of Heraklion: GoFishing Charters and Sailing Trips Crete.
The flagship programme — a private fishing charter for small parties who want to actually fish. Departing from Pantanassa Port, the boat heads to grounds chosen by the skipper based on season, conditions and target species. The waters around Crete hold an impressive variety: sea bream, sea bass, grouper, amberjack, and — in the right season — albacore tuna and mahi-mahi in the deeper offshore grounds. Techniques range from light inshore spinning and jigging to slow jigging and bottom fishing in deeper water. The skipper adapts to the party's experience level — first-timers are fully guided; experienced anglers are given the space to work.
For guests already on a private yacht anywhere around Crete, GoFishing offers a unique concierge service: Skipper Konstantinos and his team come to you — wherever your vessel is anchored — and guide your party to the most productive fishing grounds in the area. From hidden coastal coves to deep offshore marks, the programme is built entirely around the yacht's position and the clients' preferences. Ideal for luxury travel or incentive programmes where the yacht is already part of the itinerary.
The 4-Hour Coastal Escape
A perfect half-day adventure where you will cruise past breathtaking landscapes, discover secluded shores, and dive into turquoise waters for a refreshing swim and snorkel.
The 6-Hour Full-Day Adventure
For those wishing to wind down at a more relaxed pace, this extended cruise offers longer stops at multiple remote beaches, deeper exploration of untouched coves, and plenty of time to soak up the sun.
The 6-Hour Dia Island Expedition
Escape to the tranquil, mythologically rich island of Zeus, located 9 miles off Heraklion. This dedicated 6-hour journey invites you to leave the crowds behind to swim, snorkel, and relax in the crystal-clear waters of Dia's secluded bays.
The Romantic Sunset Cruise
Experience the ultimate magic of the golden hour. Sail as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the Cretan sky in breathtaking colors, and enjoy a serene evening atmosphere on the tranquil sea.
To ensure your maritime adventure is as comfortable as it is beautiful, our boats are fully equipped with premium snorkeling gear, an ice box to keep everything chilled, and a steady supply of delicious onboard snacks and refreshing drinks served by our hospitable crew.
Nine kilometres north of Heraklion lies Dia: uninhabited, protected as a nature reserve, its steep cliffs dropping into water of extraordinary clarity. The island is home to the Kri-Kri — the Cretan wild goat — and to underwater landscapes that reward snorkelers with visibility regularly exceeding fifteen metres. It is a place most visitors to Heraklion can see from the shore but never reach. Sailing Trips Crete closes that gap — by catamaran, sailing yacht or motor yacht, depending on the party's preference.
→ By Catamaran (private or shared)
· approx. 4–5 hours
The catamaran is the most comfortable and spacious option for Dia — wide sun decks, shaded seating, toilets, Bluetooth sound system and room to move freely. Soft drinks, Cretan wine and local beer served throughout; a full Mediterranean-style meal prepared onboard for day trips (seafood orzo, local cheeses, dessert). Private charter means only your party onboard, with departure time and pace set by you. A shared departure option is also available for smaller parties (maximum 8 passengers), with morning and afternoon slots from March to October. Snorkeling gear, SUP boards and fishing equipment included
→ By Sailing Yacht (private)
· approx. 3 hours (half day)
For those who want the sailing experience proper — wind, sail, the particular quiet of a boat moving under canvas. The sailing yacht reaches Dia in a half-day format, combining the crossing with time at anchor for swimming and snorkeling. The crew's knowledge of anchorages and sea conditions makes the route as much about discovery as about the destination. Snorkeling gear included.
→ By Motor Yacht (private)
· approx. 4–4.5 hours
The motor yacht prioritises range and flexibility — reaching Dia efficiently while leaving time to explore the coastline en route, stopping at coves and swimming spots that the other vessels cannot always access. Ideal for parties who want maximum time at the destination rather than time under sail. Snorkeling gear included.
1-Hour Coastal Cruise — by Sailing Yacht
A short private sail along the Heraklion coastline — the most accessible introduction to the water for parties with limited time, or as a standalone evening programme component. Departures flexible.
Hidden Coves & Beaches — by Motor Yacht · approx. 3–4 hours
The motor yacht's range makes it the ideal vessel for this programme: a private exploration of sections of the northern Cretan coast that are unreachable by road and rarely visited. Each stop is chosen by the skipper for the quality of the water and the privacy of the location. Snorkeling gear included.
Sunset Cruise — by Catamaran or Motor Yacht · evening departure
An evening departure combining the extraordinary light of the Cretan Sea at the end of the day with drinks, music and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. Available by catamaran (spacious, social, ideal for larger private parties) or by motor yacht (more intimate, faster to reach the best vantage points). Premium finger food and appetizers served during the cruise. One of the most effective standalone evening programmes available for parties based in Heraklion.