Heraklion Luxury Catamaran Dia Isla -Gourmet Lunch Top Rated

Heraklion’s best day on the water may be this 5.5-hour cruise to Dia Island, where you trade the city port for calm bays, clear water, and a freshly cooked lunch aboard a sleek catamaran. The island carries old Cretan myths, but the real appeal is simple: a comfortable boat, plenty of time to swim, and a meal prepared by chef Charis.

I like the combination of proper onboard cooking and useful water gear. You are not handed a cold sandwich after a swim. You get a seafood-based Mediterranean meal, drinks, fruit, dessert, and raki, plus snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, canoe boards, and fishing gear. I also like the easy port departure and the chance to see Koules Fortress from the sea.

The main consideration is timing. Five and a half hours is long enough to feel like a full outing, and the cruise departs exactly on schedule. You need to arrive 15 minutes early, and guests who want a meat, vegetarian, or children’s meal must request it at least a day ahead.

Key points to know before you book

• Dia Island stop: Spend about 3 hours in a quiet bay with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, fishing, and relaxing.
• Chef-prepared lunch: The main seafood menu is cooked onboard with local ingredients, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives available by request.
• Comfortable catamaran: The boat has shaded areas, a WC, shower, free Wi-Fi, and room to sit out of the sun.
• Skilled crew: Skipper Thanasis, chef Charis, and crew member Marios are among the names connected with the particularly attentive service.
• Included drinks: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails cost extra.
• Optional sea scooter: Sea scooters are available only with advance booking and are assigned in priority order.

Leaving Heraklion beside Koules Fortress

Your meeting point is the entrance to Marina Café at Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and guides you to the boat for check-in, so the start is straightforward even if you are unfamiliar with the harbor.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. This is not a casual come-when-you-can sailing trip. The boat leaves at the scheduled time, and late arrivals risk missing the cruise.

The first part of the outing gives you a quick look at Heraklion from the water. You receive coffee and Cretan treats, including cake and local delicacies, followed by a short safety briefing. That briefing is brief but useful, especially if you plan to use the boards, canoe equipment, or swimming gear later.

The boat passes Rocca a Mare Fortress, better known as Koules Fortress, at the harbor entrance. You have about five minutes for photos and views. This is not a full fortress visit, so think of it as a scenic opening rather than a history stop.

From there, the catamaran heads out toward Dia Island. The ride takes roughly an hour. You get open Aegean views, fresh air, and a chance to settle into the boat before the main stop. Keep your camera ready, since dolphins and seabirds may appear during the crossing, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What the modern catamaran adds

The boat is a major part of the value here. It is described as new, spacious, clean, and fitted with black shades and tents that create welcome cover from the Cretan sun. That matters more than it may sound. A day at sea can become tiring when every seat is exposed, but shaded areas let you enjoy the views without spending five hours baking in direct sun.

The catamaran also has a WC for men and women, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. The shower is handy after swimming, while the Wi-Fi lets you stay connected if you need it. You can also ignore it and treat the cruise as a proper break from your phone.

The boat is designed for both comfort and activity. You can sit back with a drink, stretch out in the shade, or use the included gear once the boat anchors. The experience feels more polished than a basic transport boat, yet it still gives you access to the sea rather than keeping you seated the whole time.

One point to keep in mind is that the exact feel of the trip depends on weather and sea conditions. One particularly happy birthday outing was affected by cooler weather, a reminder that even a luxury boat cannot control the elements. Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear, and a light extra layer if the day looks uncertain.

Three hours in Dia Island’s quiet bay

Dia Island is the centerpiece of the cruise. The catamaran anchors in one of the island’s sheltered bays, reached by boat and surrounded by clear water and an undeveloped coastline. You have about 3 hours here, which is generous compared with tours that allow only a quick swim.

The island is tied to Cretan mythology and is said to have been shaped by Zeus. You also have the chance to walk part of an ancient Minoan path, an unusual bonus for an outing focused mainly on the sea. The experience is not a formal archaeological tour, so do not expect a long guided history lesson. Still, the myth and old path give the stop more character than an ordinary beach break.

Your main choice is how active you want to be. The calm bay is suited to swimming and snorkeling, and high-quality masks and related equipment are included. Swimming vests are also available. The seabed has marine life, so the snorkeling offers a look beneath the surface rather than just a quick dip in open water.

You can also use the stand-up paddleboards and canoe boards. Fishing gear is available, and inflatables and swimming noodles make the water accessible for people who would rather float than paddle. Sea scooters are not part of the standard package. They require advance booking, with priority given in booking order.

This variety is useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddle, while others can remain near the boat with a float or simply enjoy the view. Parents should request the children’s menu ahead of time, and anyone with dietary preferences should contact the reservation department at least one day before sailing.

A real lunch, not an afterthought

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The main meal is a freshly prepared seafood Mediterranean menu made onboard with high-quality local ingredients. The experience includes gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts, followed by the main course and drinks.

Chef Charis receives particular praise for the cooking. Dishes mentioned include seafood and shrimp tempura risotto, while a vegetarian meal was prepared in a traditional clay pot. A meat risotto was also prepared for passengers who had not requested a menu change in advance, though you should not rely on last-minute flexibility. Give the crew notice so they can plan properly.

The menu is served with an open bar offering unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. After lunch come seasonal fruit, a local Cretan dessert, and raki. Cocktails are available on request but are not included.

I appreciate that the meal is treated as part of the outing rather than a basic refueling stop. You have been swimming and paddling, and a proper meal gives the middle of the day a pleasant pause. It also lets you sample Cretan flavors without giving up time to find a restaurant on shore.

The seafood focus may not suit everyone. If you do not eat seafood, arrange the chicken, vegetarian, or children’s option at least one day ahead. Anyone with allergies should also raise the issue before departure, since the supplied details only confirm the available menu categories, not specific allergy procedures.

The crew and the small details

The service is a strong part of the experience. Skipper Thanasis is praised for his sailing experience and for sharing stories while the boat is anchored. The crew is English-speaking, qualified, and certified, which gives the trip a reassuring professional base.

Chef Charis is central to the food experience, while Marios is noted for taking photos during the return journey. The crew has also made thoughtful gestures for special occasions, including an unexpected birthday cake. That sort of attention can make a half-day cruise feel personal rather than mechanical.

The company is family-run, and the practical details reflect that care: welcome coffee, Cretan snacks, good snorkeling equipment, shaded seating, and staff willing to help with menu needs. At the same time, this is still a scheduled shared cruise, not a private yacht charter. If you want complete control over the route, departure time, and menu, a private boat would be a better fit.

The optional hotel or cruise-ship transfer can be arranged on request. It is not included in the $122 price, so ask about the cost after booking if reaching Heraklion Port is inconvenient.

Is $122 a fair price?

At $122 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Crete. You are paying for more than a boat ride, though. The price includes a modern catamaran, professional crew, welcome refreshments, a chef-prepared meal, open bar drinks, dessert, snorkeling gear, swimming vests, fishing equipment, SUP boards, canoe equipment, inflatables, a shower, WC, and Wi-Fi.

That package gives the price solid value for someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and water activities. The roughly 3-hour stop at Dia is also important. You are not spending most of your money on a short sail with a rushed swim.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, do not eat seafood, and plan to remain seated throughout the outing. In that case, a simpler sightseeing cruise may meet your needs for less. You should also compare the cost of transfer if you are staying outside central Heraklion.

For a cruise stop, the price can make particular sense. The departure point is at Heraklion Port, the outing returns to the same place, and the total duration fits comfortably into a port day if your ship’s schedule allows enough margin. Still, check your all-aboard time carefully and allow for your return to the ship.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this experience to couples, families with advance meal planning, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a polished day at sea without arranging every detail separately. It works especially well for people who want both relaxation and activity.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, seafood, and time in the sun. The shaded seating and onboard facilities also help if you want comfort but do not want to spend the whole day on a beach.

It may be less suitable if you dislike boats, have very limited time in Heraklion, or want a quiet private sailing experience. The cruise has a set route and schedule, and the sea can be cooler or rougher than expected. Anyone prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly, although no specific motion-sickness service is listed.

Bring your own hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Pets are not allowed, and smoking indoors is prohibited.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. You will need to provide each participant’s full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender because of Greek naval regulations.

Those details can be submitted during booking or at least one day before departure. Do not leave them until the last minute. The same one-day deadline applies to requests for a chicken, vegetarian, or children’s meal.

The trip ends back at Marina Café in Heraklion Port. That simple return point is useful for cruise passengers and anyone planning another activity in the city afterward, but keep enough time in hand for the return to your hotel or ship.

Should you book the EOS Yachts Dia Island cruise?

Book it if you want a luxury catamaran day with a serious lunch, not just a short boat excursion. The combination of a new boat, helpful crew, open bar, quality equipment, and three hours at Dia Island gives you a full experience for the price.

I would be especially quick to recommend it to anyone staying in Heraklion, stopping there by cruise ship, or celebrating a special occasion. Request your meal preference early, arrive on time, and reserve the sea scooter ahead if that is important to you.

Skip it if you want the lowest-cost sailing option or a private, fully flexible itinerary. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded way to see Crete from the water, with enough time for both a swim and a proper meal before the catamaran returns to port.

FAQ

How long is the Dia Island catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. Check availability for the specific departure time.

Where does the cruise start?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The cruise leaves exactly on time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a freshly prepared seafood Mediterranean lunch, gourmet platters with cheeses and cold cuts, seasonal fruit, a local Cretan dessert, and raki.

Are vegetarian or meat meals available?

Yes. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menu options are available, but you must request an alternative at least one day before departure.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails are available on request for an additional charge.

What activities are available at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, fish, use stand-up paddleboards, paddle canoe boards, and play with inflatable sea equipment and swimming noodles.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included.

Are sea scooters included?

No. Sea scooters require advance booking, and priority is given in booking order.