Dia Island Catamaran Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group

Set sail from Heraklion on a luxurious catamaran for a 6.5-hour adventure around Dia Island in Crete. This tour combines comfort, fun, and stunning scenery, making it an excellent choice for families, groups of friends, or couples seeking a relaxing escape in the Aegean. With unlimited drinks, water activities, and a delicious Mediterranean lunch, it offers a well-rounded day on the water. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the friendly crew helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

While the tour is highly praised for its excellent service and beautiful vessel, it’s primarily designed for those who enjoy a mix of relaxation and active water fun. The tour’s accessibility is good, but participants should be comfortable with being on a boat for several hours and prepared for some physical activity during swimming or paddleboarding.

Key Points

• Luxury catamaran with a small group setting for personalized service
• 6.5-hour cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island with multiple stops
• Unlimited drinks including soft drinks, white wine, and beer throughout the day
• Water activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and inflatable flamingo fun
• Fresh Mediterranean lunch crafted from local ingredients, with options for children, vegetarians, and vegans
• Breathtaking coastal views and a scenic route with photo stops and opportunities for swimming

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departing from Heraklion with a Comfortable and Well-Equipped Catamaran

This tour starts at the Marina Café in Heraklion, where you’ll arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The luxurious vessel is described as new and classy, with a friendly crew that wears DanEri t-shirts for easy recognition. No worries if you’re arriving by car — there is a municipal parking area nearby, with a fee of approximately 5 EUR per day.

The group size is kept small to ensure a more personal experience, which is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect in reviews. This setup allows for more space on board and attentive service from the experienced crew, who are certified by Red Cross.

Scenic Route and Key Stops on the Cruise

The cruise includes a brief stop at Rocca a Mare Fortress, where passengers can take a quick photo and enjoy the scenic views from the boat. The vessel then spends about an hour sailing toward Dia Island, offering plenty of time to relax, listen to curated music, and connect via free WiFi.

The highlight is the secluded bay near Dia Island, where the boat anchors for approximately 4.42 hours. This is the main activity zone, with options for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The clear waters attract many, making it easy to explore the underwater world or simply relax on the boat.

After the water fun, the boat returns for another hour of sailing, providing a chance to unwind and enjoy the views. The cruise concludes back at the Marina Café in Heraklion, leaving plenty of time to explore the city afterward.

Water Activities and Fun on Board

This cruise truly shines with the variety of water activities offered. Visitors can snorkel to observe marine life, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with provided equipment, or fish with the gear available onboard. Kids and adults can enjoy playing on inflatable flamingos and other floaties, which frequently earn praise for their fun factor.

All necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets and arm floaties, are provided, ensuring everyone can enjoy water activities safely. The crew’s friendliness and attention to detail make these moments especially enjoyable, highlighted by reviews praising the staff’s helpfulness and good humor.

Culinary Experience: Mediterranean Lunch on the Water

A notable feature of this tour is the freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, crafted locally. The menu includes a variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables, with homemade fruit desserts. Children also receive a special kids menu to keep them happy.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request, reflecting the tour’s flexibility. The delicious food is often cited as exceeding expectations, with many reviews emphasizing the quality and freshness of the meals.

The all-you-can-drink policy includes soft drinks, white wine, and beer, which are served throughout the cruise, adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Entertainment, Music, and Connectivity During the Cruise

Music plays a curated selection of tracks on board, creating a lively yet laid-back setting. The free WiFi allows guests to share photos and stay connected during the day, which many find adds to the enjoyment.

The small-group environment makes it easy to socialize or find quiet moments for reflection, and the crew often engages with guests to enhance the friendly vibe.

Additional Stops and Departure Details

The tour offers up to 16 drop-off locations around Crete, including popular spots like Gouves, Malia, and Heraklion. This flexible approach makes it easier to coordinate transfers if needed, although hotel pickup is not included in the base price.

The itinerary includes a safety briefing, welcome refreshments, and a photo stop at Rocca a Mare Fortress, giving a glimpse of the Cretan coast before heading toward Dia Island. The main activity period at Dia involves swimming, snorkeling, brunch, and water fun, all carefully timed to maximize enjoyment.

Crew, Service, and Overall Atmosphere

Multiple reviews describe the crew as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with some mentioning the chef going out of their way to ensure meals meet dietary needs. The service quality is consistently praised, from the initial welcome to the after-hours relaxation on deck.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, fun-filled day with a warm, welcoming crew guiding the experience. The vessel’s cleanliness and new appearance also contribute to a sense of quality and safety.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cruise suits families with children, thanks to kids’ menus and floaties, as well as groups of friends or couples looking for a romantic, yet lively day on the water. The water activities appeal to adventure seekers, while the gourmet lunch and relaxing atmosphere make it ideal for those wanting comfort and good food.

While not specified, the tour likely is not suitable for pregnant women due to water activity involvement, and participants should be comfortable on a boat for several hours.

Final Thoughts on the Dia Island Catamaran Experience

This 6.5-hour cruise offers a balanced blend of scenic sailing, water fun, and delicious food, all delivered with a high level of service. The small-group setting along with unlimited drinks and water activities creates an engaging yet relaxed environment.

Highly praised for its friendly crew, beautiful vessel, and quality meals, this tour provides a memorable day in Crete. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a mix of comfort, adventure, and scenic beauty in a manageable group size.

The main considerations are the duration and the need for participants to be comfortable on a boat. With its positive reviews and standout features, this cruise is a solid choice for a special day out at Dia Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard package but can be arranged if you choose an option with transfer service from select locations.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID card. It’s also helpful to have a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can be requested in advance.

How long is the main activity at Dia Island?
The main water activities, swimming, and lunch last approximately 4.42 hours, with additional time for the sailing portions.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and special kids’ meals are provided. Kids can enjoy inflatables and water activities suitable for their age.

What is the group size?
The tour operates on a small-group basis, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable environment.

Can I expect a lively atmosphere?
Yes, with curated music and unlimited drinks, the atmosphere is both lively and relaxing.

What is the vessel like?
The catamaran is described as new, classy, and well-maintained, providing a comfortable setting for the cruise.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The cruise is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in case of bad weather.

Is there a limit to the water activities?
Participants can snorkel, paddleboard, fish, and use inflatables freely, with all necessary gear provided and safety equipment available.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby