Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

Dia Island is the real star of this 5.5-hour catamaran cruise from Heraklion. You sail from the old harbor, anchor in a calm cove, then spend more than three hours swimming, snorkeling, paddling, eating, and resting aboard a modern yacht. I especially like the freshly cooked seafood lunch and the generous choice of included activities, from SUP boards to fishing gear.

I also like the crew’s personal touch. Captain Thanasis is frequently singled out for his warm, capable manner, while the chef prepares food onboard rather than simply unpacking a cold buffet. The one thing to consider is the sea: wind and changing conditions can limit water activities, and this is a shared trip for up to 22 people, not a private yacht charter.

The best parts of this Dia Island sailing day

• Chef-cooked lunch at sea: Fresh seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices are prepared onboard, with local ingredients and Cretan desserts afterward.
• A modern catamaran with room to spread out: You get shaded areas, comfortable seating, a WC, shower, and free Wi-Fi.
• A long stop at Dia Island: About 3 hours and 15 minutes are set aside for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, paddleboarding, lunch, and free time.
• A genuinely useful activity kit: Snorkeling equipment, swimming vests, fishing gear, SUP boards, canoe boards, inflatables, and noodles are included.
• A polished but friendly crew: Captain Thanasis and the EOS team combine safety briefings with relaxed service and regular drink refills.
• A sunset-tinged return to Heraklion: The trip back gives you broad Aegean views and a fine final stretch on the water.

Why this catamaran trip earns its price

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing from Heraklion. It is priced as a premium half-day experience, and the value depends on how much you want from your time at sea.

You are not paying only for transport to Dia Island. The price covers a new catamaran, a professional English-speaking crew, welcome coffee and Cretan snacks, a chef-prepared meal, an open bar with local white wine and beer, water and soft drinks, dessert, and a full set of water equipment. That adds up quickly if you were paying separately for food, drinks, and organized activities.

The strongest value is the food. Several dishes are described as restaurant-quality, including seafood risotto made with Greek kantaifi shrimp, while meat and vegetarian alternatives are available. The meal is not an afterthought between swims. It is one of the main reasons to choose this cruise over a basic excursion with sandwiches.

I would book this if you want comfort, food, and service as much as scenery. If your main aim is simply to reach Dia Island as cheaply as possible, you can find less expensive options. Those usually will not include this level of catering, a newer catamaran, or such a broad range of equipment.

Meeting the crew at Heraklion Port

Your starting point is Cafe Marina at Heraklion Port. An EOS crew member meets you at the entrance and walks you to the boat for check-in, so you do not need to search the harbor on your own.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat leaves at the scheduled time, and a late arrival could mean missing the cruise. Private hotel transfers are not included, though pickup can be arranged on request.

Once aboard, you receive a welcome drink, coffee, cake, and local Cretan delicacies. There is also a short safety briefing. It is a sensible beginning, especially if this is your first catamaran trip or you plan to use the paddleboards and canoe boards later.

The group size is capped at 22 people. That makes this a semi-private experience rather than a crowded harbor excursion, but you should still expect to share the boat and its seating areas. Private charter options are available separately if you want the yacht to yourself.

Sailing past Rocca a Mare Fortress

The cruise begins near the historic Rocca a Mare Fortress, also known as Koules Fortress. You have a short photo stop and a chance to see Heraklion from the water before the catamaran points toward Dia Island.

This is a brief part of the outing, around five minutes for the sightseeing stop, followed by roughly an hour of sailing. The fortress gives the departure a strong sense of place. You are not simply leaving from an anonymous marina. You are setting out beside one of Heraklion’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks.

The one-hour journey is part of the pleasure, not dead time. A catamaran gives you wide views, open air, and several places to sit in sun or shade. Keep your camera ready for views back toward Crete, but also watch the sea. Dolphins and seabirds are possible sightings, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

Conditions matter here. The sea can be calm and easy, or wind can make the crossing less comfortable. The crew adjusts the outing to the weather, and activities may be reduced if conditions are unsuitable. That is worth accepting for a sea trip, but do not book this expecting every listed water activity to operate in every kind of weather.

Arriving at Dia Island’s quiet cove

Dia Island is tied to Cretan myth and is said to have been shaped by Zeus. You will not spend the day walking across a developed resort island. The main attraction is the water and the feeling of being away from the city.

The catamaran anchors in a sheltered bay accessible by boat. The water is described as clear and turquoise, with an unspoiled shoreline and a seabed suited to snorkeling. This is the point where the trip shifts from scenic cruise to relaxed water day.

You can enter the sea from the boat, swim near the catamaran, or use the available gear. Snorkeling equipment and swimming vests are included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or flotation aid. The underwater setting is part of the appeal, though visibility and marine life will depend on the day.

If you prefer activity, take a SUP board or canoe board. Fishing gear, inflatable toys, and swimming noodles are also supplied. You can try a little of everything, then return to the shaded deck when you have had enough sun.

The equipment matters because it gives the stop some flexibility. You are not tied to one organized water sport with a fixed schedule. You can swim for ten minutes, paddle for half an hour, or simply sit with a drink and watch the bay.

Sea scooters are not included. They can be requested in advance and are supplied according to priority, so do not count on one unless you arrange it early.

The onboard lunch is more than standard excursion food

After time in the water, lunch is served aboard the catamaran. The main menu focuses on fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors, prepared onboard by a chef using local ingredients.

Specific dishes mentioned include seafood risotto with Greek kantaifi shrimp. The meat option has included a lasagna-style dish with a moussaka-like character, and chicken is available. Vegetarian and children’s menus can also be requested.

You must mention a menu change at least one day before departure. Do not assume the crew can replace the seafood at the last minute, especially on a boat where supplies are planned for a fixed number of people.

Before the main meal, you may receive gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts, along with local snacks. After lunch, seasonal fruit, a traditional Cretan dessert, and raki complete the meal.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are extra and available on request. That distinction matters because the word luxury can suggest a full premium bar, while the included drinks are more focused on straightforward refreshments and local wine.

I like the pacing of the food service. You are not rushed from swimming directly into a meal and then back to the harbor. There is time to eat, rest, have another swim, and enjoy the boat. Several people also describe the crew as attentive without being stiff, with drinks offered regularly and help available when needed.

Comfort on a new catamaran

The boat is one of the clearest reasons to choose this outing over a basic sailing trip. It is described as new, spacious, spotless, and well maintained, with shaded areas that help on bright summer days.

You have onboard toilets for men and women, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. The facilities will not turn the catamaran into a floating hotel, but they make a half-day at sea much easier. A proper WC is especially useful when the boat is anchored away from shore.

The layout also helps the social side of the trip. You can sit with your group, move to a quieter area, or find a place in the shade. The maximum of 22 participants is not intimate in the way a private charter is, but it is small enough to keep the boat from feeling like a large excursion vessel.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses are sensible additions, though only the first three are specifically requested. Smoking indoors and pets are not allowed.

What Captain Thanasis adds to the day

Captain Thanasis is repeatedly praised for being professional, personable, and skilled. One especially useful detail is his habit of addressing the group as a team, making the shared nature of the trip clear from the start.

That tone suits this excursion. The crew needs to balance safety with fun, particularly when people are jumping from the boat, using boards, and swimming in open water. The briefing is short, but safety remains part of the operation rather than an obstacle to enjoying yourself.

The crew also handles special occasions well. Birthday cakes and small surprises have been arranged even when the celebration was not heavily advertised in advance. If you are booking for a birthday or anniversary, it is still wise to mention it when reserving, but the team appears alert to those details.

Chef Charis, also written as Haris in some material, receives particular praise for the food. That matters because cooking in a boat galley is a harder task than serving prepared trays. The seafood menu is a real feature, not just a decorative phrase in the tour name.

The return sail to Heraklion

After lunch and more time in the water, the catamaran turns back toward Heraklion. The return takes about an hour, giving you a final chance to sit back and watch the Aegean change color.

The golden light and sunset views are among the most memorable parts of the trip, especially on later departures. Exact departure times vary, so check availability for the day you want. Do not assume every sailing will return at sunset simply because sunset is part of the advertised atmosphere.

Before arrival, the crew serves Cretan dessert and drinks. Then the boat returns to Cafe Marina, where the experience began.

The sailing back is also when you feel the tradeoff of a five-and-a-half-hour cruise. This is a substantial block of a day, not a quick add-on before dinner. For many people, that is the point. You get enough time to settle into the rhythm of the sea instead of spending most of the outing boarding and disembarking.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, small groups of friends, and anyone marking a special occasion. Children can use the swimming equipment and enjoy the inflatables, while adults get a comfortable boat, food, drinks, and time to relax.

It is also a good choice for first-time sailors. You do not need sailing experience, and the crew handles the route, safety, equipment, and meal. You can be active or do very little.

It suits people who care about food. If your idea of a good boat trip includes a proper meal rather than a packed lunch, the onboard chef is a major advantage.

I would be more cautious if you suffer badly from seasickness, dislike shared outings, or want guaranteed calm water. The crew can respond to conditions, but no operator can promise a flat sea or unlimited access to every activity. A private charter may be better for a group that values privacy above price.

The 97 percent perfect score for transport fits the practical side of the outing: the boat, crew, boarding, and route are handled with care. Still, the tour is not a private yacht experience at $141. It is a polished shared cruise with up to 22 people.

Booking details worth knowing

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, and the guides speak English and Greek. Full names, passport or ID numbers, dates of birth, nationalities, and genders are required for all participants under Greek naval regulations. Provide these details during booking or at least one day before departure.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Menu changes should also be requested at least one day ahead.

The main menu is seafood, but chicken, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives are available. Cocktails cost extra, and sea scooters require advance booking.

Should you book the EOS Dia Island catamaran?

Book it if you want the full package: a modern boat, attentive crew, chef-prepared food, included drinks, good swimming time, and a calm island setting. The strongest parts are the meal, the equipment, and the crew, especially Captain Thanasis and Chef Charis.

Skip it if your only goal is the lowest-cost trip to Dia Island or if you need a private boat. For everyone else, $141 buys a well-organized half-day with enough variety to suit both active swimmers and people who would rather lie in the shade with a glass of local wine.

FAQ

How long does the Heraklion catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts 5.5 hours, including the sailing time between Heraklion and Dia Island.

Where does the cruise start?

You meet the EOS Yachts crew at the entrance of Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port. The crew then guides you to the catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The catamaran leaves exactly on time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch is included, with a seafood main menu and chicken, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives available by advance request.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails are available on request but are not included.

What water activities are provided?

You can use snorkeling equipment, swimming vests, fishing gear, SUP boards, canoe boards, inflatable sea toys, and swimming noodles.

Is the trip private?

No. This is a semi-private cruise with a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are available separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel the reservation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.