Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

What makes this sailing feel special is the goal, mythic Dia Island plus serious time in the water, served up on a modern luxury catamaran out of Heraklion. You get that classic Crete sea-and-sun day, but the pacing is smoother and the comfort level is higher than typical boat trips.

I love the human touch here, Captain Thanasis keeps things calm and organized, and Chef Haris turns lunch into the main event, not an afterthought. I also like that the day is built around options, from snorkeling gear to paddleboarding and canoe boards, so you can match the activity level to your mood.

One thing to consider is the sea. On days with choppy conditions, the crew may scale back some water activities for safety, so you might not get every single option exactly as planned.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Modern, luxury catamaran comfort with space to relax instead of feeling packed in
• Chef-cooked gourmet menu onboard, plus local sweets and raki after lunch
• Dia Island time in a sheltered bay, built for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, canoe board, and inflatables
• Snorkeling gear and swimming vests included, so you do not have to bring or rent anything
• All-inclusive bar (wine, beer, soft drinks, water), with Cocktails not included
• Wildlife spotting opportunities, including dolphins and seabirds

First stop: Cafe Marina check-in, quick briefing, then you’re at sea

The day starts at Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port. A crew member meets you at the entrance, helps with check-in, and gets you onto the catamaran. Arrive 15 minutes early, because the cruise leaves at the scheduled time.

Before you head out, you get the practical stuff done fast: a welcome, local snacks, and a short safety briefing. This matters because the rest of the day is active. When the rules are clear up front, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the water time at Dia.

Also pay attention to the vibe of the group. This is a semi-private experience with a maximum of 22 participants, which is a big part of why it feels more like a day out with a team than a cattle-press excursion. Reviews consistently point to the staff being attentive and good at keeping the mood easy, and you can feel that in how the day flows.

Sailing out from Heraklion: the short fort photo stop that sets the tone

Your route takes you out from the harbor with a quick photo stop by a fort area (Rocca a Mare). It is brief, but it gives you that “we’re really leaving land” moment without eating your limited time at sea.

Then you settle into sailing mode. During the cruise segment, you typically have around one hour of time moving toward Dia Island. This is where you can do the first pass of “day at sea” priorities:

• Find a comfortable spot for shade or sun
• Get your camera ready for the first Aegean light
• Take in Heraklion waterfront views as the coastline falls behind

If you are the type who likes to have a plan, this is also the time to check the water options. The crew provides snorkeling gear later, but you can still get a feel for where you will climb in from the boat when you get to the bay.

Dia Island anchor time: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, canoe board, and inflatables

The heart of the day is Dia Island, where the boat anchors in a bay you can reach only by boat. That “only by sea” access is exactly why this is a good day trip. It keeps the beach feeling quieter and lets you spend your time on the water instead of on crowded land.

You get about 3.25 hours at Dia. That is not just time on paper, it gives you room to do two or three things without rushing.

Here’s what you can usually do from the boat:

• Swimming in the clear water
• Snorkeling with included gear and swimming vests
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) equipment
• Canoe board equipment
• Fishing gear (included)
• Inflatable sea toys plus swimming noodles
• A “climb down or jump in” style of access, with the crew watching and helping

Sea scooter note: Sea scooters are not included. They are available on request with advance booking, and they are handled by priority order. If sea scooters are your must-do, treat that as a separate planning step.

One practical tip: bring your towel and sunscreen, because when you are in and out of the water, you will want to dry off and reapply. Swimwear goes without saying.

Wildlife is another big reason to pay attention while you’re in the bay and traveling. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds, which can pop up during the cruise and around the area.

When weather changes the plan

If the sea state is rough, some water activities may get limited. That does not mean the day is ruined. It usually means the crew shifts focus to what is safe and enjoyable in those conditions. I like to think of this tour as “time on the water with smart safety,” not “guaranteed access to every gear option no matter what.”

Chef-cooked Mediterranean lunch plus all-inclusive drinks

This is where the price starts to make sense. Boat trips often serve food, but this one leans hard into the idea that you should eat something genuinely good while you are out there.

Lunch is served onboard with a premium Mediterranean menu that is freshly prepared using high-quality local ingredients. The main menu is seafood, with meat and vegetarian options available, plus kids’ menus.

You also get:

• Welcome items first, including local delicacies and coffee
• Gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts
• Seasonal fruits
• A local Cretan dessert
• Raki after lunch

Drinks are all-inclusive: unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are not included, so if cocktails are your thing, plan to budget separately or request what the operator says is possible.

What I like about the food setup is the pacing. It is not “sit down once, eat, and wait.” It is more like a full onboard meal cycle, with snacks and drinks spread through the day. That matters because it reduces the hungry gaps that can make half-day trips feel longer.

Also, the crew does not seem to treat meals as generic boat food. The onboard chef gets strong praise for dishes cooked on site, including seafood-focused meals and a few rich favorites people remember long after the cruise ends.

What the return trip gives you: golden light and a proper sundown feel

After Dia, you sail back toward Heraklion, again with about one hour on the water. This part is not just transit. It is when light gets softer and the views turn more cinematic.

If you are a photographer, this is your second chance for stunning frames: the catamaran moving across open water with changing angles of coastline and sky. If you are not, it still matters because it is calmer, less “activity gear time,” and more “sit back, drink something cold, and let the day land.”

The crew typically serves seasonal dessert and drinks around this wind-down moment. You get a final snack, then you return to the marina feeling like you spent a full day, even though the timing is a compact 5.5 hours.

Luxury comfort you can actually feel: space, shower, and onboard WC

Luxury is not just marketing here. It is practical stuff you notice right away once you get onboard.

The catamaran includes:

• WC for men and women
• Shower
• Free Wi-Fi
• Plenty of spots to relax, with room that helps prevent that crowded-boat feeling

The shower matters more than you think. If you swim and snorkel, you will be grateful you can clean up before you head back into Heraklion. The WC and shower also make it easier to enjoy the second swim without worrying about basic logistics.

Free Wi-Fi is a nice bonus if you want to share pictures quickly, but the best use is simple: check messages, post one shot, then put the phone away and watch the sea.

Is $141 per person good value for this 5.5-hour day?

At $141 per person for about 5.5 hours, the value depends on what you care about most.

Here’s what you get for the money:

• A luxury catamaran experience
• Chef-cooked onboard lunch plus sweets and raki
• All-inclusive drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, water)
• Snorkeling gear and swimming vests
• Additional included activities: SUP, canoe board, fishing gear, inflatables
• A small semi-private group size (up to 22)
• Onboard basics that make the day smoother (WC, shower, Wi-Fi)

If you compare this to boat days where you pay extra for food, gear, and drinks, this price starts to look more fair. The big “value lever” is that the operator does not treat lunch as a snack. When food is cooked onboard at chef level, you feel it in the experience, and you spend the rest of the day relaxed, not hunting for lunch after.

If you only want a quick swim with no interest in snorkeling gear or an included bar, you might decide it is more than you need. But if you want a true half-day package where everything is handled, it reads as strong value.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you:

• Want time at sea from Heraklion without the stress of transfers
• Care about good food on a boat trip
• Enjoy snorkeling and want gear included
• Like having multiple water options, not just one
• Are celebrating something special, because the crew may do thoughtful touches when they know in advance

It may not be your best match if:

• You want cocktails included as a standard
• You are set on booking a sea scooter and are not willing to plan ahead
• You are extremely weather-sensitive and expect zero changes to activity levels

Should you book the Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Dia Island?

If you want a half-day that feels polished, with chef-level lunch, included water gear, and a small-group luxury feel, I would book it. The best part is the combination: people come for Dia Island swimming time, but they stay impressed by the onboard food and the way the crew keeps everything moving smoothly.

If you are picky about water activities, do two things: bring the right gear (towel, sunscreen, swimwear), and be clear about sea scooter timing when booking. Then show up on time, get settled, and let Dia Island do what it does best, clear water, myth-making views, and a day that stays easy in your body.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at the entrance of Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port. A member of the EOS Yachts crew welcomes you there and guides you to the boat for check-in.

How long is the Dia Island catamaran experience?

The duration is listed as 5.5 hours.

What’s included in the gourmet menu and drinks?

Lunch is a Mediterranean seafood menu onboard, with meat and vegetarian options also available. Drinks included in the all-inclusive bar are water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Seasonal fruits and local Cretan dessert are included, along with raki.

Is a sea scooter included in the price?

No. Sea scooters are available on request with advance booking, and priority order is respected. They are not included by default.

What activities are included once you’re anchored at Dia Island?

Included activities include swimming, snorkeling, SUP equipment, canoe board equipment, fishing gear, and inflatable sea toys (like swimming noodles). Snorkeling gear and swimming vests are provided.

What onboard facilities are available?

The catamaran includes a WC for men and women and a shower. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

What guest details are required for booking?

You need to provide full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender, in accordance with Greek naval regulations.

Is there free cancellation and a pay-later option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now and pay later option, where you can book without paying immediately.