Thinking about a day on the water while visiting Crete? This private catamaran cruise from Hersonissos to Dia Island offers a blend of luxury, relaxation, and fun. It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion, spend quality time with loved ones, or simply escape the mainland’s busy beaches for a serene day at sea.
What caught our eye? First, the private nature of the cruise means you’re not stuck with a crowd—more space, more flexibility, more privacy. Second, the onboard amenities, like unlimited drinks, a delicious Mediterranean lunch, and water activities, really elevate the experience. But, there’s a slight catch: the price is on the higher end, at around $2,146 for up to 10 guests, which might seem steep for some travelers.
This experience suits those who want a tailored, luxurious day on the water, especially if celebrating something special or traveling with a group that appreciates comfort and exclusivity. If you’re after a fun, scenic, and restful day without the hustle of larger tours, this could be just what you need.
Key Points
- Private, luxury setting ensures a personalized experience away from crowds.
- Includes a delicious Mediterranean lunch with local ingredients, seafood, and meat options.
- Water activities abound—snorkeling, SUP, fishing, and inflatable fun await.
- Enjoy unlimited drinks, including soft drinks, wine, and beer, with music and WiFi onboard.
- Perfect for celebration, family outings, or relaxing with friends in style.
- Weather-dependent, so flexibility might be needed in case of bad conditions.
What You Can Expect from This Cruise
This isn’t your average boat trip. From the moment you arrive at DanEri Yachts, the crew makes you feel welcome with coffee, tea, pies, and a friendly attitude. The journey begins with a short safety briefing and some local snacks, setting a relaxing tone before setting sail. The boat itself is described as a luxurious, spacious catamaran, ideal for comfort and space, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends.
The Route and Stops
The cruise is divided into several parts, each offering something unique. The first leg is a 105-minute sail from Hersonissos, giving you time to unwind, enjoy the breeze, and take in coastal views. You’ll cruise past the stunning Crete shoreline, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or just enjoy the scenery.
Dia Island
The highlight for many is the stop at Dia Island, a tranquil bay with crystal-clear waters. Here, the real fun begins—swimming, snorkeling, and fishing are on offer with gear provided. For those who want to stay dry but still enjoy the views, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is available. Kids love the inflatable flamingo and the shallow waters safe for little swimmers. According to reviews, the water clarity is fantastic, and the environment feels peaceful and untouched.
The Meal
After working up an appetite, you’ll settle in for a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch on board. The meal features a range of salads, seafood, meat dishes, and homemade desserts. Special options for children are available, making it family-friendly if you’re traveling with little ones. Many reviews mention the food as a significant highlight, noting how fresh and tasty everything is, often accompanied by local wines and soft drinks.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Return Journey
As the cruise winds down, you can relax on deck, enjoying the sunshine and the gentle sea breeze. The crew is friendly and attentive, making sure everyone’s comfortable. The trip back is a chance to chat with your companions, listen to music, or simply soak in the scenery.
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
Start at DanEri Yachts
The experience kicks off at the Hersonissos port, where the crew welcomes you with coffee, tea, and pies—small touches that set a cozy, friendly tone. Arriving about 15 minutes early is recommended to check in and find your vessel, marked by the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailboat.
Stop 1: Hersonissos
Here, a brief safety briefing and some local snacks help you settle in. This part is quick but necessary, giving you a chance to meet your crew and get comfortable.
Stop 2: Catamaran Cruising
The first significant sailing segment lasts about an hour and 45 minutes. During this time, you can relax on the deck, enjoy music, and marvel at the coastline. Many reviews mention the beautiful views along the way.
Stop 3: Dia Island
The main event: a scenic stop at Dia Island. Your time here is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the surroundings. Travelers love the water clarity and the tranquility of the bay.
Stop 4: Return
The cruise back takes roughly 1.5 hours, which is enough to unwind and reflect on the day. The crew often offers more drinks and a chance to chat, making the return journey a relaxed capstone.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The package offers a lot, especially when it comes to water fun and food. You’ll get a luxurious boat, a professional crew with safety certifications, and all the gear needed for water activities. The Mediterranean lunch is cooked fresh on board, which many reviews praise for its quality and variety.
Unlimited drinks are a big plus, including soft drinks, wines, and beers—perfect for toasting or simply staying refreshed. The onboard entertainment features music and WiFi, making it easier to share your trip or stay connected.
What isn’t included? Transport to and from the port, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer. The price may seem high, but when you consider the private setting, food, drinks, and activities, it begins to look more like a curated experience rather than just a boat ride.
How the Experience Feels in Practice
Reviewers consistently mention the stunning coastal vistas and the crystal-clear waters as some of the best parts. Many say the crew is friendly, attentive, and helpful, which makes a big difference when relaxing on a private boat.
The food scores high marks, often described as “delicious” and “filling,” with some noting they enjoyed the seafood and salads the most. The water activities seem to be genuinely fun—snorkeling gear works well, and the SUPs are a hit with guests of all ages.
A few comments about the weather: since the cruise depends on good weather, it’s worth keeping an eye on forecasts. Bad weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so flexibility might be necessary.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a luxury, private experience on the water. It works well for celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, as the setting is intimate and customizable. Families with children will also find it manageable, thanks to the calm waters, kid-friendly gear, and meal options.
If you’re traveling with a group of up to 10 people, the cost per person is reasonable given the exclusivity, food, drinks, and activities included. It’s less suited for travelers on a tight budget but makes sense for those valuing comfort, privacy, and a touch of luxury.
Final Thoughts
This private catamaran cruise from Hersonissos to Dia Island offers a superb way to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty without the crowds. The combination of stunning scenery, water activities, and freshly cooked food makes it a memorable experience, particularly if you value personalized service.
While the price might seem high at first glance, the value lies in the exclusivity and the range of amenities included. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want a day of unwinding with friends, this cruise delivers a relaxed, enjoyable, and picture-perfect adventure.
If you’re after a laid-back day on the water with plenty of options for swimming, lounging, and good food, this could be just what you’re looking for.
Hersonissos: Private Catamaran Cruise, Dia Island with Lunch
FAQ
Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise includes kid-friendly water gear like arm floaties and inflatables, along with a special meal option for children, making it manageable for families.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID. It’s also nice to have your own music playlist if you want to customize the onboard tunes.
How long is the cruise?
The total duration is approximately 6.5 hours, including all stops and sail time. The sailing segments are about 105 minutes each way, with a longer stop at Dia Island.
Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are provided onboard. It’s perfect for keeping refreshed during the trip.
What type of boat is used?
A luxurious, spacious catamaran designed for comfort and stability, great for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, the cruise depends on weather conditions. Bad weather could lead to rescheduling or cancellation, so check forecasts and be flexible.
Does the cruise include transportation to the port?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point at Hersonissos port.
Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some peace of mind if your plans change.
What languages are spoken onboard?
The main languages are English and Greek, with the crew providing service in both.
If this private cruise sounds like your kind of escape, it offers a blend of luxury, scenic beauty, and fun water activities that many travelers find irresistible. It’s a chance to truly unwind, enjoy the Greek sun, and make memories that will last long after your trip.
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