Heraklion: Dia Island Ultimate Catamaran Cruise with Meal

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring Crete’s beautiful coastline and hidden treasures, this Dia Island catamaran cruise might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what makes this experience a popular choice, and it’s easy to see why it earns glowing reviews and high ratings. It’s not just about getting from point A to B — it’s about what you do once you’re there, and how comfortable and enjoyable the whole journey is.

What we love most about this cruise is how luxurious and spacious the boat is — at 17 meters, it’s the largest catamaran in Crete, which helps ensure a smooth, stable ride. Plus, the meals are a highlight: fresh Mediterranean cuisine featuring local ingredients, thoughtfully prepared to suit different dietary preferences. The water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding are plentiful, giving the trip a fun, active vibe.

One thing worth considering is that, like most boat trips, it depends heavily on the weather. If winds pick up, some water activities might be limited, especially paddleboarding. Also, it’s a bit of a longer day at around 5.5 hours, which might be tiring for very young children or those not comfortable on boats. Still, for most travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic adventure with good food and plenty of swimming, this cruise hits the right notes.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of comfort, scenic views, and engaging water-based fun. It’s especially appealing if you value quality food, a well-organized itinerary, and a friendly crew. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable day on Crete’s waters, this cruise offers a well-rounded experience.

Key Points

• Spacious, luxurious boat: The 17-meter catamaran offers plenty of room and stability, making it a comfortable ride.
• Beautiful Dia Island: Known for turquoise waters and mythological stories, it’s a scenic highlight.
• Multiple water activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing are included, catering to a variety of interests.
• Tasty Mediterranean meal: Enjoy a well-prepared, diverse menu with local ingredients, plus unlimited drinks.
• Flexible options: Choose between morning or afternoon cruises, with sunset views available.
• Positive reviews: From friendly guides to stunning scenery, most travelers are very happy with their day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

When you book this cruise, what you’re getting is more than just a boat ride; it’s a thoughtfully curated day of relaxation, adventure, and good eats. Starting at Heraklion’s Old Venetian port, the journey kicks off with a scenic sail past Koules fortress, a historic highlight that immediately sets a stunning maritime tone. The crew, described as welcoming and attentive, will keep you comfortable throughout the trip, making sure your drinks are topped up and your needs are met.

The ride out to Dia Island lasts about an hour, during which you can kick back on the deck, enjoy the views, and listen to stories about the island’s mythology and history. This part of the trip offers a chance to soak in the sights and atmosphere before arriving at your destination.

Once anchored in the bay of Dia, the real fun begins. The water is described as crystal clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling — equipment is provided, of course. Comments from travelers mention how full-face snorkel gear and ample paddleboards make it easy to explore and have fun. While paddling in calm waters is ideal, note that rougher conditions might limit paddleboard activity for safety reasons.

The crew’s efficiency and friendliness are often highlighted. Many reviews praise how quickly they set up gear and serve drinks once at anchor, ensuring no one misses out on the fun. As one reviewer put it, “The guides served us delicious pasta with shrimps and salads, and drinks were always available.” This highlights how the crew focuses on making the day seamless and enjoyable, from water activities to meal service.

The Meal

The onboard meal is a core part of this experience. It’s not just a snack — it’s a well-rounded Mediterranean feast. Expect a variety of dishes like Greek salad, appetizers, mushroom or truffle risotto (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian options available), and shrimp linguini. Travelers rave about how good the food is, often describing it as “brilliant” or “perfection.” The meal is served after a good chunk of swimming and relaxing, giving you a chance to refuel and enjoy the company of fellow travelers.

During the meal, you’ll also have access to a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, and iced tea — all included in the price. The tropical and local fruits served as dessert add a refreshing touch, rounding out the culinary experience. Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the food, emphasizing that it exceeds expectations for a boat tour.

Scenic Cruising and Relaxation

The cruise continues with more sailing, giving you time to relax on deck or in the water. The scenery of Dia Island, with its mythological background and stunning turquoise waters, makes for excellent photo opportunities. Many reviewers comment on how peaceful and beautiful the whole environment is, often noting that even in low season, it’s a tranquil and restful escape.

You’ll have around three hours of free time at the bay, which is ample for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating and soaking up the sun. Afterward, the boat heads back to Heraklion, passing along the coast and giving you another chance to enjoy the sea breeze. On the return sail, most agree that the experience remains comfortable and the crew attentive, making sure everyone is content before heading back.

Practical Details: What Matters Most

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Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Heraklion port: Passing Koules fortress, the journey begins with scenic views and storytelling about Dia Island.
• Sailing to Dia: About an hour of gentle cruising, perfect for relaxing and taking in the sea breeze.
• Time at Dia: Roughly 3.75 hours to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, enjoy the water, and eat.
• Return trip: About an hour of sailing back, ending at the original meeting point.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The boat’s size and reviews suggest a comfortable environment with enough room for everyone to spread out. The crew is described as cheerful and helpful, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Price and Value

At around $108 per person, this cruise provides a good balance of comfort, activities, and food. Several reviews highlight how the meal and water activities are of high quality, making it good value for those who want a full day of fun on the water. The inclusion of unlimited drinks and equipment rental adds to the overall value.

Accessibility and Suitability

While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s worth noting that it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, mainly due to boat and water activity considerations.

Timing and Flexibility

Choosing between a morning or afternoon cruise lets you fit this adventure into your schedule, and the sunset option offers a more romantic, tranquil experience. Meeting points are straightforward at the Heraklion Old Venetian port, with pickup options available if you prefer door-to-door service.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the crew’s friendliness and professionalism make a big difference. Many travelers mention how the guides, like Mariana, made the experience memorable. The quality of the food also consistently earns praise — seafood pasta, fresh salads, and tropical fruits are common favorites.

Several visitors point out how the calm waters and absence of crowds, especially in low season, give a peaceful vibe. The scenery—fishing houses, small churches, and the natural beauty—is especially appreciated by those who love getting off the beaten path for a quiet moment.

The boat itself is described as very clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. The availability of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and fishing equipment means you can spend your time doing whatever floats your boat — literally.

Final Thoughts

This Dia Island catamaran cruise offers a compelling mix of comfort, adventure, and excellent food. Its high rating and glowing reviews suggest that most travelers find it to be a highlight of their trip to Crete. The combination of a luxurious boat, friendly crew, stunning scenery, and tasty Mediterranean cuisine makes it a well-rounded day out.

If you enjoy a relaxed pace with ample opportunities for water activities, and you appreciate a good meal served with local flavors, this cruise should be on your radar. It’s perfect for those who want a balance between adventure and comfort, and who value friendly, attentive service.

However, keep in mind that weather can influence water activities, and the day is quite full, which might be tiring if you’re not comfortable on boats or have limited mobility. Still, for most, it’s a memorable, picture-perfect way to spend a day in Crete.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, and water activities depend on weather conditions. It’s best for older children or teenagers comfortable in the water and on boats.

What should I bring?
Towels, passports or ID cards (copies accepted), and sunscreen are handy. Towels are not included, so bring one if you plan to swim.

Can I choose between a morning or afternoon cruise?
Yes, you can select a cruise time — morning or afternoon with sunset. Make sure to check the availability and meet at the specified time.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, iced tea, water) and a delicious Mediterranean meal are included in the price.

How long is the total experience?
The cruise lasts about 5.5 hours, including transfers, sailing, water activities, and meals.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Bad weather can limit water activities like paddleboarding, but the crew will do their best to make the experience enjoyable. Cancellation policies allow you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This cruise blends scenic beauty, good food, and water fun in a way that’s likely to leave you with some great memories. If you’re after a relaxing, well-organized day on Crete’s waters, it’s a solid choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: