Hersonissos: Dia Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

If you’re considering adding a sea escape to your Crete itinerary, the Dia Catamaran Cruise from Hersonissos stands out as a top choice. This experience offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Greek flavors, making it tempting for many travelers—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family.

What drew us to this cruise? First, the luxury feel of the catamaran and the generous water activities are genuinely appealing. Second, the fresh Mediterranean lunch with unlimited drinks makes it feel like a proper treat. That said, the cruise does have some considerations—namely, it lasts around 6.5 to 7.5 hours, which might be a bit long for those with limited stamina or young kids. This trip is best suited for those who love a laid-back day on the water, beautiful scenery, and good food.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience
• Unspoiled Dia Island offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling
• All-inclusive drinks keep the vibe relaxed and social
• Freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch caters to various dietary preferences
• Experienced crew ensures safety, comfort, and fun
• Flexible itinerary with weather-dependent adjustments

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Cruise Stands Out

Our understanding of this tour comes from numerous detailed reviews praising its well-organized, friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The combination of luxury, fun water activities, and authentic local cuisine seems to hit the right notes for many travelers. It’s not a wild party boat but a more relaxed, quality experience that prioritizes comfort and authenticity.

You’ll love the way the crew seems genuinely attentive, handling everyone’s needs with a friendly approach. Many reviews mention how the small group size—around 15 to 20 guests—makes the whole day feel intimate and unrushed. And if you’re after stunning views and water-based fun, this cruise delivers in spades.

One of the biggest draws is the unlimited drinks on board, including soft drinks, beer, and wine, which makes staying relaxed all day easy. The lunch is another highlight. It’s freshly cooked, healthy, and designed by a certified nutritionist to balance flavor and wellness—a thoughtful touch that many reviewers appreciated.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point & Check-in

Your day begins at Hersonissos Port, where you’ll need to arrive about 15 minutes early. Look for the white DanEri Yachts catamaran flag to find your vessel. The meeting point is straightforward, and the crew is used to guiding guests smoothly through check-in. If you’ve booked transportation, they’ll handle pickups from designated areas like Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or Plaka, making it easy to join the cruise without extra hassle.

Onboard Welcome & Breakfast

Once aboard, you’ll be greeted with espresso, tea, water, and soft drinks, along with a healthy breakfast bowl prepared by a nutritionist. This thoughtful start energizes your morning and sets a relaxed tone for the day.

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The Catamaran Ride to Dia Island

The first leg of the journey takes about 105 minutes. During this time, passengers can unwind on comfortable sunbeds, sip drinks, or enjoy the scenic views. Many reviews mention how the catamaran itself feels luxurious—stylish, clean, and well-maintained. The space onboard is generous, so even if you’re not sunbathing, you won’t feel crowded.

Arrival at Dia Island

Once at Dia, the uninhabited, protected zone reveals stunning crystal waters and natural beauty. According to legends, Zeus himself shaped this island, adding a mythical touch to its allure. The water activities kick off here—snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, and inflatable flamingo floats are all provided. Guests can glide across the clear waters, snorkel to see the marine life, or simply relax on the beach.

Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the water and the variety of water toys, noting that there’s plenty of time to enjoy these activities without feeling rushed. One guest said, “The water was simply beautiful, and there was lots of space for everyone to enjoy the water.”

Lunch & Relaxation

After working up an appetite, a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch is served on board. The menu is designed to highlight local, organic ingredients, with options suited for seafood lovers, vegetarians, or children. The lunch is described as light, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, with some reviewers noting it was excellent and catered well to dietary restrictions.

You can pair your meal with a Greek beer or a crisp white wine from the open bar, which adds to the leisurely mood. Many reviews mention how well the crew manages the drinks service, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and hydrated.

Afternoon Swim & Return Journey

Post-lunch, you’re free to relax on deck, soak in the sun, or take another dip in the water. The sea breeze and warm sun make for an ideal way to wind down the trip. Around 3.25 hours after arriving at Dia, the boat begins its journey back to Hersonissos.

The return cruise offers more scenic views and a chance to reflect on the day. The boat’s comfortable, spacious design ensures everyone can relax during the ride home.

Water Activities & Entertainment

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the water-based fun. The crew prepares a variety of snorkeling masks, stand-up paddleboards, and fishing gear. Guests frequently praise the variety and quality of equipment, with many saying they appreciated the ample time to explore the shallow waters.

The inflatable flamingo float is a fun addition, perfect for snapping social media pics or simply lounging on the water. One guest shared, “We loved the flamingo float and the snorkeling—such a fun way to see the marine life.”

For those less inclined to water sports, lounging on the deck with a drink and enjoying the scenic views is just as fulfilling. The small group size makes for a less hectic, more personalized atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred activities at their own pace.

The Food & Drink Experience

As many reviews highlight, the lunch is a standout feature—thoughtfully prepared by a certified nutritionist, it’s light, fresh, and full of flavor. The menu is seasonal, emphasizing high-quality, local ingredients, and offers options for seafood, vegetarian dishes, and children’s meals upon request.

The unlimited drinks are another big plus. Guests can sip wine, beer, or soft drinks throughout the day without concern. The crew is attentive and efficient, ensuring everyone stays refreshed. Many reviewers appreciated the high-quality drinks and the relaxed service, which kept the atmosphere lively but not rushed.

One guest mentioned, “The drinks kept coming, and the lunch was delicious—a perfect combination for a relaxing day.”

Who Is This Cruise For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, relaxed experience with plenty of time for water activities and good food. It suits those who appreciate a small group environment and detailed service. The family-friendly vibe is evident, with kids enjoying the water toys and calm waters, though it’s less suitable for very young children or pregnant women due to the sea travel.

It’s especially well-suited for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a memorable day on the water, away from the crowds. If you’re after a more active, adventure-packed day, this might feel a bit slow, but if you prefer a luxury, scenic trip with good food and drinks, this cruise has a lot to offer.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: About 6.5 to 7.5 hours, so plan accordingly.
• Group Size: Limited to around 20 travelers, making it more intimate.
• Price & Value: Considering the included food, drinks, water activities, and the luxury of the boat, many reviews suggest this offers good value for money.
• What to bring: Sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and ID or passport.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health concerns; check with the team if unsure.
• Weather: Cruises are dependent on weather conditions; cancellations or schedule changes can happen for safety.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the water activities, especially the paddleboards, snorkeling, and inflatable flamingo floats. However, the trip is mostly geared toward adults and older kids who can handle sea travel comfortably.

What should I wear?
Comfortable swimwear underneath, plus a sun hat and sunscreen for protection. The boat is open-air, so dress casually and bring a towel.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the lunch is prepared with care, and special requests like allergy considerations (shellfish, etc.) are noted in advance.

Can I join without transportation?
Absolutely. Just arrive at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes early. If you booked a transfer, they’ll handle the pickup.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t safe, the departure may be rescheduled or canceled, with options for a full refund if you cancel in time.

How many water toys are available?
There are snorkel masks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing equipment, and inflatable floats, with enough for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

The Dia Catamaran Cruise from Hersonissos offers a luxurious, relaxed way to experience Crete’s stunning coastline and unspoiled Dia Island. With its well-organized itinerary, friendly crew, and thoughtful touches like healthy food and unlimited drinks, it’s a top pick for those after a day of comfort, water fun, and scenic beauty.

While it’s not a party boat or high-intensity adventure, it excels at providing a calm, enjoyable environment suited for travelers who love the water and good company. The small group size and attention to detail make it stand out compared to larger, more commercial options.

If you’re looking for a balanced day of leisure, water activities, and authentic Greek cuisine, this cruise could be just what you need. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate a premium experience without the overwhelming crowds, and if you want to create memories that will last long after you return home.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to unwind on Crete’s beautiful waters, this trip offers a genuine taste of luxury and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: