Heraklion Private Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Dia with Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water surrounded by Crete’s best scenery, this private sailing catamaran trip to Dia Island might catch your eye. From what travelers say, it’s a well-loved experience — earning a solid 5 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate. It’s a perfect choice if you’re after a blend of relaxation, adventure, and good food — and you’re willing to splurge a bit for exclusivity and comfort.

What really shines about this tour? First, the luxurious catamaran and the quality of the crew get high praise. The second is the delicious Mediterranean lunch served onboard, made from local ingredients and accompanied by generous drinks. That said, there’s a minor point to consider: the actual activities on Dia Island are limited, mainly swimming or snorkeling, since it’s uninhabited and rocky, not sandy.

This experience seems ideal for those who want a private, worry-free day at sea. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups who value personalized service, tasty food, and scenic views. If you’re after an active beach day with sunbathing on soft sands, this might not be your best fit, but if you want to enjoy Crete’s waters in style, it’s a lovely option.

Key Points

• Luxury private experience with an intimate group of up to 10 people
• High-quality amenities like snorkeling gear, SUP boards, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment
• Delicious Mediterranean cuisine served for lunch, including local wines and unlimited beer
• Beautiful scenery en route to the uninhabited Dia Island and around Crete’s coast
• Flexible activities: swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, or relaxing on deck
• Excellent reviews praise the crew’s friendliness, food quality, and overall comfort

Setting the Scene: What to Expect From the Tour

This private catamaran tour offers a balanced mix of relaxation and fun, with around 6 hours of sailing and island time. Starting from Heraklion, you’ll set sail aboard the Excess 11, a luxurious vessel noted for its comfort and style. The departure is at 9:30 am, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy your day.

The itinerary is straightforward but packed with opportunities: your first stop is Dia Beach, an uninhabited spot famous for its crystal-clear waters and rocky shoreline. Unlike Crete’s more famous sandy beaches, Dia’s shoreline is more rugged, perfect for snorkeling and exploring underwater life. As one reviewer pointed out, “there’s no sandy beach on Dia, just rocky shores,” so it’s less about lounging on soft sand and more about swimming and exploring the underwater world.

The Highlight: Dia Beach and Water Activities

Once anchored at Dia, the crew sets up for a variety of fun options. You can swim directly from the boat, jump off the side, or use the supplied snorkeling gear to see the marine life beneath the surface. For those craving a bit more adventure, paddleboards are available, and you might enjoy the novelty of floating around on inflatables like a flamingo — a fun photo-op, for sure.

The reviews consistently praise the crew’s ability to assist with these activities, making the experience accessible whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the first time. You’ll have plenty of time to relax here, with soft music playing and free Wi-Fi onboard so you can share your photos instantly.

The Food: Mediterranean Feast on Deck

One of the biggest hits of this tour is the lunch served onboard, crafted with local ingredients and full of flavor. Expect a cheese platter, green and Greek salads, and options like shrimp pasta or rice with feta, as well as mussels in turmeric sauce with ouzo, and chicken breast with oranges. Children aren’t forgotten either, with kid-friendly options like pasta or chicken nuggets.

Dessert features seasonal fruits, and the drinks flow freely — unlimited beer and local dry white wine (for guests aged 18+) make the meal a relaxed, sociable affair. Coffee and traditional cheese pies also add a nice touch. The quality of the food is frequently highlighted as being fresh, homemade, and thoughtfully prepared.

The Journey Back: Relax and Take in the Views

After the delicious meal, you’ll continue to enjoy the sea views as the boat gently cruises back towards Heraklion. Many reviews mention how the combination of scenic vistas and attentive service made the day memorable. Whether you’re napping, chatting with friends, or snapping photos, there’s a soothing quality to this cruise.

The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, with most of it spent on the water or at the island. Since it’s a private tour, your group will have space to spread out and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the crowds typical of larger group excursions.

The Pros and Cons: What to Keep in Mind

While this cruise checks many boxes for a relaxing day, it’s worth mentioning some points to consider. The price at around $1,462.77 per group (up to 10 people) makes it a premium experience. For some travelers, that’s a worthwhile splurge, especially if you’re celebrating something special or traveling in a group. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are more affordable options, but they might lack the intimacy and quality of this private cruise.

Another aspect is the limited activities on Dia Island itself. It’s rocky, not sandy, so it might not suit beach lovers wanting to lounge on soft sands. The main on-island activity is swimming or snorkeling just off the boat, so if you’re expecting extensive land-based exploration, this might not satisfy that craving.

Lastly, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point in Iraklio, which is conveniently near public transportation.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or families who appreciate a private, premium experience. It suits travelers who want to enjoy Crete’s waters in comfort, with excellent food and a crew that’s attentive but not intrusive. If you’re after a relaxed day with a focus on quality over quantity, this could be a highlight of your Crete trip.

Those who value scenic views, good wine, and fresh seafood will find plenty to love. However, if you’re looking for a sandy beach day or more active land-based adventures, you might want to explore other options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children are welcome, and kid-friendly options like pasta and chicken nuggets are available. Keep in mind that activities like snorkeling and fishing are included, so supervise young kids accordingly.

What’s included in the price? The tour fee covers the private sailing experience, lunch with a variety of dishes, unlimited beer and wine (18+), coffee and cheese pies, soda, snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, and onboard Wi-Fi.

Are there any additional costs? The only expenses not included are hotel pickup and drop-off, which are not part of this tour.

How long does the tour last? The experience is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, from departure at 9:30 am until you return to the meeting point.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where does the tour start? The meeting point is Cafe Marina, Iraklio, Greece.

Is this tour private? Yes, only your group will participate, providing personalized attention and flexibility.

Do I need to bring anything special? Just bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and camera — everything else, including snorkeling gear and SUP boards, is provided.

Wrapping It Up

This Heraklion private catamaran cruise to Dia offers a memorable way to enjoy Crete’s waters without the hustle of crowded tours. The mix of stunning scenery, excellent food, and attentive service creates a relaxing, enjoyable day on the sea. Perfect for those who value comfort, quality, and a touch of luxury, it delivers on many fronts.

While it’s not designed for sandy beach lovers or those wanting a full day on land, it’s an experience that rewards travelers seeking a peaceful, tastefully curated escape. If your idea of a perfect day involves sailing, snorkeling, and savoring local flavors in a private setting, this cruise might be just what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a lovely day out, this tour combines the best Crete has to offer — good company, beautiful views, and a delicious meal, all on a beautiful boat.