Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

The best thing about this 5.5-hour catamaran trip is that it treats a day at sea as more than a boat ride. You sail from Heraklion to Dia Island, swim in a quiet bay, use the water gear, and sit down to a proper meal cooked onboard. The return across the Aegean, often with the sun dropping behind you, gives the outing a fine finish.

I like the new, spacious catamaran, which gives you room to find shade, stretch out, and avoid the cramped feeling common on cheaper boat trips. I also like the food plan: a chef prepares a fresh Mediterranean meal, and the package includes wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, dessert, and raki.

The main consideration is the price, $141 per person. That is a lot for half a day, and sea conditions can limit snorkeling or paddleboarding. Still, for a small-group cruise with a modern boat, substantial food, equipment, and attentive service, the cost can make sense for a special day in Crete.

Key Points Before You Book

• A modern catamaran with space for up to 22 people: This is a semi-private outing, not a large excursion boat.
• A real meal cooked onboard: The seafood menu is central to the experience, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives available if requested in advance.
• About three hours at Dia Island: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, SUP, fishing, or simply sitting in the sun.
• Captain Thanasis and an English-speaking crew: The crew handles safety, food, drinks, and water equipment throughout the trip.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are part of the price. Cocktails cost extra.
• A sunset-toned return to Heraklion: The ride home is scenic, with broad views across the Aegean and the port approaching in the distance.

Leaving Heraklion by Way of Koules Fortress

Your meeting point is Cafe Marina at Heraklion Port. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The catamaran leaves at the scheduled time, so this is not the sort of outing where you can stroll in at the last minute with a coffee in hand.

The crew welcomes you aboard with coffee, local Cretan treats, cake, and small savory snacks. A short safety briefing follows. It is practical rather than theatrical, covering the basics before the boat gets moving.

The first views are of Heraklion’s waterfront and Rocca a Mare, better known as Koules Fortress. The old stone fortress guards the harbor entrance and makes a good opening photograph. This is a brief sightseeing moment, not a full fortress visit, so you will not tour the interior.

From the port, the catamaran spends about an hour sailing toward Dia Island. The ride gives you time to settle into the boat. You can sit in the shaded areas, take photographs, watch the coastline recede, or simply enjoy the movement of the sea.

The exact feel of the crossing depends on wind and water conditions. Some outings are smooth and calm. On rougher days, the ride may feel more active, especially if you are prone to seasickness. If that is a concern, choose a shaded seat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

Dia Island and the Quiet Bay

Dia Island sits off the northern coast of Crete and is wrapped in old stories about Zeus and Minoan seafaring. The myth adds atmosphere, but the real pleasure is simpler: you reach a coastline that can only be accessed by boat, then spend time in clear water away from the city.

The catamaran anchors in one of Dia’s sheltered bays for roughly three hours. This is the heart of the outing. You are not rushing from one photo stop to the next. You have a long block of free time to choose your own pace.

The water is used for swimming and snorkeling, with masks, fins, and swimming vests supplied. The seabed supports fish and other small marine life, though visibility and wildlife vary with weather and season. Bring realistic expectations. This is a pleasant Mediterranean snorkeling stop, not a dedicated scuba or marine-life expedition.

You can also use the stand-up paddleboards, canoe boards, fishing gear, floating toys, and swimming noodles. Sea scooters are available only by advance request and are not part of the standard package. If that equipment matters to you, ask about it before departure rather than expecting to arrange it at the bay.

There is enough time for active guests to try several activities, but also enough space for a slower afternoon. I would use the first part of the stop for swimming and paddling, then dry off before lunch. After eating, you can take another swim or settle into a shaded spot.

Dolphins and seabirds may appear during the journey. Treat these as lucky extras, not promised features. Keep your camera ready, but do not let wildlife watching distract you from the views right in front of you.

A Chef-Prepared Lunch at Sea

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic boat excursion. The main meal is freshly prepared onboard using local ingredients, with a premium seafood Mediterranean menu as the standard choice.

The exact dishes may vary. Seafood risotto, shrimp, and other freshly prepared plates have featured on different departures. The meal is served with assorted cheeses and cold cuts, followed by seasonal fruit, a local dessert, and raki.

You can request chicken, vegetarian, or children’s meals, but do so at least one day before departure. Do not assume the crew can change the menu at the last moment. The same applies to dietary needs: communicate them early.

The bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are not included, though they may be available by request for an additional charge. This distinction matters because the word luxury can lead people to expect a full cocktail service. The included drinks are generous, but the package is built around wine, beer, and nonalcoholic options.

The meal is especially valuable because it saves you from returning hungry after several hours in the sun and water. It also changes the rhythm of the trip. Instead of grabbing a quick sandwich between activities, you sit down, eat properly, and let the crew take care of the service.

Past departures have also included birthday cakes and small celebrations arranged from booking details. If you are marking an occasion, mention it when reserving. The crew has shown a willingness to add thoughtful touches, but these should be requested rather than expected as a formal inclusion.

What the Catamaran Is Really Like

The boat is a new, modern catamaran with indoor and outdoor areas, shaded seating, a toilet, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. The wide layout matters. You can move around, find a quieter place, and avoid feeling packed in during the crossing or meal.

The maximum group size is 22 people. That is not a private charter, but it is far smaller than a standard party boat. The semi-private setup gives the crew a reasonable chance to check on people, explain the equipment, and keep service personal.

The boat has been especially well maintained, with a clean finish and comfortable seating. There are facilities for both men and women, though space on any boat remains limited compared with a hotel or restaurant. The shower is useful after swimming, but bring your own towel.

Free Wi-Fi is available, but I would treat it as a convenience rather than the point of the trip. The best part of the cruise is looking up from your phone. If you need to stay in touch, the connection is there. If not, this is a good chance to put the device away.

Shade is important in the Greek sun. The catamaran has covered areas, and these are valuable during lunch and the return ride. You should still bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A hat and a light cover-up are sensible additions, even though they are not listed as required items.

Smoking indoors is not allowed, and pets are not permitted.

The Crew and the Tone of the Day

Captain Thanasis is named in several accounts of the trip and is known for combining a professional approach with easy conversation. The certified crew speaks English and Greek, handles the safety briefing, serves the meal and drinks, and helps with the swimming equipment.

The best part of a small boat experience is often the crew’s timing. You want help when you need it, but you do not want constant interruption. This outing aims for that balance. Drinks are replenished, equipment is available, and safety remains a priority without turning the day into a series of rules.

The crew has also shown care when someone becomes unwell. That does not remove the need to prepare for motion sickness, but it is reassuring to know that staff are paying attention.

The atmosphere suits couples, families, small groups of friends, and people celebrating a birthday or anniversary. Children can use the water toys and children’s meal option, but parents should remember that this is a full sailing outing, not a land-based beach day. Everyone needs to be comfortable around open water and follow crew instructions.

The boat can also be booked as a private charter. The standard experience, however, is semi-private with up to 22 participants.

Is $141 a Fair Price?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Dia Island. Lower-cost boat outings may offer a similar route for less money, especially if you care mainly about reaching the island and swimming.

The comparison changes when you count what is included. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a professional crew, welcome snacks, a chef-prepared main meal, cheeses and cold cuts, dessert, fruit, raki, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, SUPs, canoe boards, fishing gear, inflatables, a shower, a toilet, and Wi-Fi.

You are also paying for space and group size. A crowded boat can make a half-day on the water feel tiring. Here, the limit of 22 people and the catamaran’s wide design give you a more relaxed setting.

I would call it good value for a special occasion or for anyone who wants food and comfort as much as swimming. It is less compelling for a strict budget traveler who is happy with a basic boat, a packed lunch, and fewer included activities.

The value is strongest when you use the equipment, eat the meal, and make use of the full time at Dia Island. If you plan to sit quietly for the whole afternoon and skip seafood, a simpler cruise may suit you better.

Timing, Booking, and Small Practical Details

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, with about one hour sailing to Dia Island, around 3.25 hours at the island, and another hour returning to Heraklion. Start times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

You must provide each participant’s full name, passport or identification number, date of birth, nationality, and gender, as required by Greek naval regulations. Have these details ready to avoid a last-minute scramble.

Menu changes should be requested at least one day before departure. Transfers from your hotel are not included, though private transportation can be arranged on request. The normal meeting point is Cafe Marina at Heraklion Port, where a crew member guides you to the boat.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while your plans are still taking shape.

The cruise operates in changing sea conditions. One departure may offer long swims, paddling, and excellent visibility, while another may need to reduce water activities. The crew’s priority is safety, so do not book this expecting every activity to run regardless of weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a polished day on the water without booking a fully private yacht. It works particularly well for:

• Couples seeking a scenic half-day with good food and room to relax
• Families who want swimming, paddleboards, and an included children’s menu
• Small groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• Food-focused visitors who care about a freshly prepared meal
• First-time sailors who want crew support and a comfortable boat
• Cruise passengers with a stop in Heraklion and enough time for a 5.5-hour outing

I would think twice if you dislike boats, struggle with open-water motion, want a long land visit on Dia Island, or are searching for the lowest-cost way to swim near Heraklion. This is a sea day, not an archaeological tour or a hiking trip.

Should You Book the EOS Yachts Dia Island Cruise?

I would book it if you see the boat itself, the meal, and the service as part of the attraction. The standout features are the spacious catamaran, the small maximum group size, the chef-prepared food, and the amount of equipment included.

I would also choose it for a birthday or final day in Crete, when a comfortable meal and a sunset return feel worth paying for. Ask for your preferred menu in advance, arrive early, and bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel.

Skip it if your main aim is simply a cheap swim stop. But if you want a well-organized day that combines Dia Island, good food, water activities, and a polished boat, the $141 price is defensible and likely to feel worthwhile.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 5.5 hours. The route includes about one hour sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island, around 3.25 hours at the island, and about one hour sailing back.

Where does the cruise meet in Heraklion?

The meeting point is at the entrance of Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member will meet you there and guide you to the catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The boat leaves on time.

Is the cruise private?

The standard cruise is semi-private, with a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are also available by request.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared Mediterranean meal is included, along with gourmet platters of cheeses and cold cuts, seasonal fruit, a local dessert, and raki.

Are alternative meals available?

Yes. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menus are available. Request a menu change at least one day before departure.

Which drinks are included?

The all-inclusive bar includes water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are available only by request and are not included in the standard price.

What water activities are available?

You can use snorkeling equipment, swimming vests, fishing gear, stand-up paddleboards, canoe boards, inflatables, and swimming noodles. Sea scooters require advance booking and are subject to availability.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The boat has toilets, a shower, and free Wi-Fi, but the standard package does not include private hotel transportation.