Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

The best part of this 5.5-hour Dia Island cruise is the combination of a polished catamaran and a real chef cooking onboard. You sail from Heraklion, stop in a calm bay off Dia, and spend several hours swimming, snorkeling, paddling, eating, and relaxing rather than rushing from one sight to the next.

I like the spacious new boat, which gives you shaded seating, comfortable lounging areas, a WC, shower, and Wi-Fi. I also like the food: this is not a sandwich-and-chips boat trip. The seafood menu is prepared onboard, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s options available if arranged in advance.

The main consideration is price. At $141 per person, this costs more than a basic harbor cruise, and sea conditions can limit swimming or water activities. Still, the included lunch, open bar, equipment, and small maximum group of 22 make it a strong choice if you want comfort rather than the cheapest way to reach Dia Island.

Key points to know before booking

• A chef cooks lunch onboard: Expect a fresh Mediterranean seafood meal, with meat, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives available by request.
• Dia Island gets 3.25 hours: That is enough time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, canoeing, fishing, lunch, and a second swim.
• The catamaran is limited to 22 people: This is semi-private, not an enormous party boat.
• Captain Thanasis is part of the experience: He and the English-speaking crew are known for attentive service, safety, and a relaxed mood.
• The bar is included: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails and sea scooters cost extra.
• The boat leaves on time: Arrive at Marina Café in Heraklion Port at least 15 minutes before departure.

Setting sail from Heraklion’s old harbor

Your meeting point is the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and leads you to the catamaran, so you do not need to search the harbor on your own.

The opening part of the trip is pleasantly unhurried. You receive coffee, local Cretan cake, and small delicacies while the crew gives a short safety briefing. This is a useful start, especially if you are new to sailing or traveling with children. The boat has certified crew members, swimming vests, and snorkeling equipment, so safety is treated as part of the fun rather than a long interruption.

You then pass Heraklion’s Rocca a Mare Fortress, also called Koules Fortress. The stop is brief, around five minutes, but it gives you a fine harbor view and a chance to take photographs before heading out into the Aegean.

The trip from the harbor toward Dia takes about an hour. You can sit in the shade, stretch out on the deck, or watch the coast recede. On a clear day, the sea and the open horizon are the real entertainment. Keep an eye out for seabirds, and possibly dolphins, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Dia Island, myth, and a calm swimming bay

Dia is an uninhabited island north of Heraklion, shaped like a lizard when seen from above. Local legend connects it with Zeus, and the island has long been tied to Cretan mythology and seafaring stories. You are not coming here for a town, museum, or long walk. The reward is the water and the feeling of being away from the mainland.

The catamaran anchors in one of the island’s sheltered bays. This is the heart of the outing, with about three hours and 15 minutes available for water activities, lunch, and free time.

The bay is chosen for swimming and paddling, but conditions can change. On a calm day, you can use the snorkeling gear, swimming vest, SUP boards, canoe board, fishing equipment, inflatables, and swimming noodles. If you prefer not to jump straight into the water, the catamaran’s deck gives you a good place to watch the action and enjoy the view.

Snorkeling around Dia offers a look at the rocky seabed and local marine life. It is not presented as a formal guided marine biology session, so you should think of it as relaxed recreational snorkeling rather than a specialist excursion. Bring your own sense of timing: you can swim, paddle, float, or simply sit in the shade.

Sea scooters are available only by advance request and are not included in the standard price. If that equipment matters to you, arrange it before departure because availability follows a priority order.

A gourmet lunch instead of standard boat food

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper sailing trip. The main meal is prepared fresh onboard by a chef, with a premium seafood Mediterranean menu based on local ingredients.

Specific dishes can vary, but the food served on recent trips has included seafood risotto with Greek kantaifi shrimp, along with substantial meat alternatives such as lasagna or a moussaka-style dish. The cooking has been a repeated highlight of the experience, and that makes sense: a hot, carefully prepared meal tastes far better after a swim than a prepacked lunch.

The meal also includes gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts, seasonal fruit, local dessert, and raki. Drinks include unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are not part of the standard package, though they can be requested separately.

You need to notify EOS Yachts at least one day before the cruise if you want a seafood alternative. The available choices include chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menus. Do not wait until you board and hope for a change. The kitchen is working in a compact boat galley, so advance notice matters.

The dining setup adds to the social side of the trip. This is not a private yacht charter where your own group controls every moment. It is a semi-private cruise with up to 22 people, and the captain’s friendly approach encourages a relaxed, shared atmosphere. If you want complete privacy, EOS Yachts also offers private charter options.

What the crew adds to the day

Captain Thanasis is repeatedly praised for being personable, professional, and attentive. He is not simply steering the boat while someone else handles the passengers. He takes time to speak with people onboard, explain the plan, and keep the mood easy.

The English and Greek-speaking crew handle drinks, food, equipment, and safety. You can expect staff to offer help with swimming gear, paddling, and general comfort without making the service feel stiff. That balance matters on a boat trip. Too little attention leaves you wondering what to do next, while too much can make a relaxed day feel managed.

Chef Haris has also received specific praise for his cooking, particularly the unusual shrimp risotto and the care taken with alternative meals. If you enjoy food-focused excursions, the chef is a genuine advantage here, not just a marketing label.

The crew also makes an effort with celebrations. Birthday cakes and small surprises have been arranged for people whose special occasions were included in the booking details. If you are marking a birthday or anniversary, tell the company in advance rather than assuming the crew will know.

The catamaran, comfort, and group size

The boat is a major part of the value. It is described as new, clean, modern, and spacious, with black shade covers and several areas for sitting or lying down. The shaded spaces are especially useful during the strong Cretan sun. You can enjoy the sea without spending the entire day exposed to direct light.

A WC for men and women, plus a shower, makes the trip more comfortable than a basic day boat. Free Wi-Fi is available, although you may find it easier to put your phone away once the boat reaches the open water.

The maximum group size is 22. That does not make the outing private, but it does avoid the packed feeling common on large excursion boats. You still share the catamaran, the dining area, and the water equipment, so the experience works best if you are comfortable with a friendly group setting.

The catamaran’s size also helps when conditions are less than ideal. It offers more room to sit and move around than a small sailing boat, though no boat can remove the effects of wind and waves. One afternoon had limited activities because of sea conditions, but the crew adapted and continued looking after everyone.

Returning to Heraklion in the late light

After lunch and more time in the water, the catamaran heads back toward Heraklion. The return journey takes around an hour. Depending on the departure time and season, you may sail into warm evening light or catch the sunset over the Aegean.

The final part of the trip includes fruit, local dessert, and raki. That small closing course is a pleasant touch, especially after several hours of swimming and sun. It also gives you something to enjoy while the harbor comes back into view.

The sunset is not guaranteed at every departure, and the exact light depends on the season and schedule. Still, the return crossing gives you some of the best open-water views of the day. If photography matters to you, keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and remember that the most attractive light may occur when you are simply sitting back.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is an upper-midrange boat excursion rather than a budget outing. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a modern catamaran, certified crew, welcome snacks, a chef-prepared lunch, cheese and cold-cut platters, dessert, raki, an open bar with beer and wine, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, canoe equipment, fishing gear, inflatables, towels or vests supplied for the water, a shower, and Wi-Fi.

A cheaper cruise may offer a similar route but not the same level of food, space, or equipment. You are paying for the overall day, not simply transportation to Dia Island.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the boat’s facilities and eat onboard. If you do not drink alcohol, dislike swimming, or mainly want a quick view of the island, you may find the price harder to justify. For a special occasion, a family day, or a relaxed alternative to several separate activities, the package is easier to defend.

Hotel transfers are not included, though pickup and private transportation can be requested. This matters if you are staying away from central Heraklion or arriving by cruise ship. The meeting point is in Heraklion Port, and the exact departure time should be checked when booking.

Who should book this Dia Island cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want a comfortable day on the water with good food and room to relax. It suits couples, families, small groups, and people celebrating a birthday or another occasion.

It is also a good choice for first-time sailors. The crew gives a safety briefing, the water equipment is included, and you can take part at your own pace. You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the boat, though you should be comfortable around open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Families should note that children’s meals are available by request, and the range of inflatables and noodles gives younger passengers something to do. Parents still need to supervise children around the water and boat edges.

I would think twice if your priority is a quiet private charter, a long walk on Dia, or a guaranteed dolphin sighting. This is a shared catamaran day with swimming and dining at its center. Weather can also affect how much time you spend using the SUP boards, canoe, and snorkeling gear.

Practical details that matter

Arrive at least 15 minutes early at Marina Café in Heraklion Port. The cruise leaves at the scheduled time, and late arrival is not something you want to test.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring a light cover-up for the return journey, although the supplied information specifically requires swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Smoking indoors and pets are not allowed.

During booking, provide each participant’s full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. These details are required under Greek naval regulations and should be submitted no later than one day before departure.

The activity is offered in English and Greek. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available. These policies are useful if your schedule is still changing, but the boat’s departure itself is not flexible once the day arrives.

Should you book it?

Book this EOS Yachts cruise if you want Dia Island paired with a comfortable boat, generous food, an open bar, and a crew that pays attention to small details. The modern catamaran and chef-prepared lunch are the two biggest reasons to choose it over a standard sailing trip.

Skip it if you are seeking the lowest price or a private boat for your group alone. For everyone else, especially couples, families, and people marking a special occasion, the $141 price buys a full half-day experience rather than a simple ride. I would make this one of my first choices for a relaxed day at sea from Heraklion, provided the forecast looks good and you reserve any special meal or sea scooter in advance.

FAQ

How long is the Heraklion to Dia Island catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. The sailing time is about one hour each way, with approximately 3.25 hours at Dia Island and a short welcome and fortress viewing period.

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is at the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and guides you to the catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

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

What food is included?

The cruise includes welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies, cheese and cold-cut platters, a chef-prepared Mediterranean seafood lunch, seasonal fruit, local dessert, and raki.

Are alternative meals available?

Yes. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menus are available, but you should request a change at least one day before departure.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails are available only on request and are not part of the standard package.

What water activities are available?

You can use snorkeling gear, swimming vests, fishing gear, stand-up paddleboards, canoe board equipment, inflatables, and swimming noodles. Sea scooters require advance booking and are not included.

Is the cruise private?

No. The standard experience is a semi-private trip with a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are also available.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Private transportation and pickup are not included, but transfer service can be requested separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Also provide the required participant details, including full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender, during booking or at least one day before departure.