Heraklion: Private Catamaran Cruise to Dia with Meal & Drinks

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water with your own crew, plenty of comfort, and a taste of authentic Greek leisure, this private catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t done the trip ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it delivers a laid-back, personalized experience perfect for celebrating special moments or simply escaping the crowds.

What really draws us to this experience are the luxury and privacy—your own boat, your own itinerary—and the variety of activities onboard, from snorkeling to paddleboarding, all served with a hearty, freshly prepared meal. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s a private tour, which naturally comes at a higher price point, making it more suitable for those who value exclusivity over budget flexibility. This trip suits travelers who want a comfortable, flexible day on the water with good food, drinks, and stunning views—ideal for couples, friends, or small groups celebrating something special.

Key Points

• Private, exclusive experience tailored to your group with a maximum of 15 people.
• Flexible schedule options—morning or afternoon cruise—perfect for different preferences.
• Includes a gourmet onboard meal, unlimited drinks, and WiFi, creating a relaxing, modern vibe.
• Activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing, making it fun for all ages.
• Beautiful Dia Island stop with crystal-clear waters and photo opportunities.
• Price point reflects a high level of comfort and personalization, making it ideal for celebrations or special occasions.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

When you book this private catamaran cruise, you’re securing a vessel that’s all yours—up to 15 people—so you can tailor your day without the typical bustle of group tours. The meeting point is at Cafe Marina in Heraklion, a convenient spot near public transportation, which simplifies logistics. The tour lasts around five hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the sea, the island, and the onboard amenities.

Starting the Day: Arrival and Setting Sail

Most guests arrive relaxed, greeted with traditional Greek coffee, tea, cheese pies, and biscuits—an inviting touch that sets the tone for the day. Once everyone is onboard, the crew kicks off with unlimited drinks including local white wine, beer, sodas, and water, so there’s no need to worry about hydration or finding a bar ashore.

Cruising and the Journey

The boat itself looks to be a modern, comfortable vessel—ample deck space for sunbathing or lounging, equipped with a stereo system for your personal playlist, and free WiFi to keep everyone connected. The crew takes care of the navigation, allowing you to sit back, relax, and soak in the scenery.

You can choose a morning departure—a good option if you prefer calm seas and a quieter atmosphere—or an afternoon trip to catch the stunning sunset as the sky turns to shades of orange and pink. Either way, the experience is all about enjoying the cruise at your pace.

The Highlight: Dia Island Stop

The real star of the trip is the stunning Dia Island, an uninhabited stretch of paradise. Once anchored in the bay, you’ll have opportunities to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, paddleboard around, or just float and soak up the sun. The water often gets praise for its clarity, making it ideal for underwater exploration.

Guests have mentioned fun activities like jumping off the boat and using the inflatables, including a flamingo—a perfect prop for playful photos. The crew also offers fishing gear if you’re feeling lucky, adding a bit of leisure competition.

Dining on Board

The meal onboard is more than just a snack—it’s a thoughtfully prepared, fresh Mediterranean feast. Expect a cheese platter, green and Greek salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric and ouzo, and chicken dishes—plus kid-friendly options like nuggets or pasta. The dessert features seasonal fruits, rounding out the meal nicely.

Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, noting that the dishes are expertly cooked and flavorful. The food, combined with unlimited drinks, makes this cruise feel like an intimate, luxury dining experience on the water.

Relaxation & Fun

While many guests spend their time sunbathing or snapping photos, the onboard music and WiFi encourage sharing the moments instantly. Whether you’re capturing a sunset or a playful splash in the water, the cruise offers plenty of scenic and memorable opportunities.

End of the Day

As your trip winds down, you’ll head back to Heraklion, with the soft glow of sunset or the calm of the morning, depending on your choice. Guests often describe this as a perfect way to wrap up a holiday or celebrate a special occasion. One reviewer summed it up as “such a perfect day,” highlighting the mix of fun activities, good food, and relaxing vibes.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The cost of approximately $2,314 per group (up to 15 people) reflects a high level of exclusivity and comfort. With this, you get all drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, fishing equipment, WiFi, and a freshly prepared meal with dessert. The only notable exclusion is hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to and from the meeting point.

Is This Worth the Price?

For those valuing privacy, personalized service, and a luxurious setup, the price makes sense. You’ll essentially have a private yacht experience, which is quite special compared to standard group tours. The reviews suggest the quality of the food and the crew’s friendliness align with the premium price, making it a worthwhile splurge for celebrating or indulging in some well-deserved downtime.

Considerations

Since it’s a private cruise, the schedule can be flexible but also depends on weather conditions. The experience is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to bad weather come with a full refund or rescheduling options. If you’re traveling with kids, this cruise could be suitable given the activities and relaxed pace, but it’s worth noting that alcoholic beverages are for those aged 18+.

The Sum Up

This private catamaran cruise offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. With a focus on comfort and personalized service, it’s best suited for those who want to celebrate, relax, or enjoy a day with friends or family in a more exclusive setting. The stunning views, excellent food, and variety of activities make it a memorable way to experience Crete’s waters and Dia Island.

While not the cheapest option, the experience justifies the price for travelers seeking privacy and tailored comfort. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious day out, especially if you’re looking for a flexible itinerary with the option to snorkel, paddleboard, or simply unwind in style.

If you’re after an authentic, relaxed, and well-curated day on the water, this cruise is likely to leave you with beautiful memories—and a few great photos to share.

FAQ

How many people can participate in this cruise?
Up to 15 people can join, making it intimate and private for your group.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the entire experience for your group, including unlimited drinks (beer, local wine, sodas, water), use of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, fishing equipment, WiFi, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean meal with dessert.

Are alcoholic drinks served onboard?
Yes. Unlimited beer and local dry white wine are included but only for guests aged 18 and above.

Is there an option for a morning or afternoon cruise?
Yes, you can choose either a morning cruise for calm, peaceful sunshine or an afternoon trip to enjoy the sunset views.

What activities can I expect during the trip?
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, jumping into the water, fishing, and taking photos with inflatables like the flamingo are all available activities.

Does the cruise accommodate families or children?
While there’s no specific mention of children, kid-friendly options like pasta and nuggets are available, and the activities are generally suitable for all ages.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Cafe Marina in Heraklion, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, bookings are made about 73 days in advance, so plan accordingly if you want a specific date or time.

This experience seems like a fantastic way to enjoy Crete’s waters in privacy and style. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a memorable day on the sea, it looks like a pretty hard-to-beat option.