Heraklion Luxury Catamaran Dia Isla -Gourmet Lunch Top Rated

Crete looks best from the sea. This 5.5-hour EOS Yachts cruise combines a new luxury catamaran, a chef-prepared Mediterranean lunch, and several hours in a calm bay near Dia Island. I especially like the restaurant-quality food and the amount of space on board, with shaded seating, a WC, shower, Wi-Fi, and room to relax. The main consideration is timing: the boat leaves exactly on schedule, and the seafood-based menu requires advance notice if you prefer meat, vegetarian food, or a children’s meal.

I also like the range of water activities. You can swim, snorkel, paddle a SUP, use a canoe board, try fishing, or float on the inflatables without paying extra for the basic equipment. Sea scooters are available only by advance request, so you should arrange that before departure if it is high on your list.

This is not a rough-and-ready boat ride. The crew aims for a polished, almost private-yacht feel, while still giving you time to enjoy Dia’s quiet shoreline. The price is $122 per person, which is a serious spend, but the included food, open bar, equipment, and high level of service make it easier to justify than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Five details that shape the day

• The cruise begins by Heraklion’s Koules Fortress, giving you an excellent photo stop before the boat heads offshore.
• Chef Charis prepares lunch on board, with seafood, meat, vegetarian, and children’s menu options available when requested in advance.
• Dia Island gives you about three hours in one bay, enough time for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, lunch, and a second swim.
• The catamaran has generous shaded areas, a useful feature if you want the sea views without sitting in full sun all day.
• The bar includes water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer, while cocktails and sea scooters cost extra.
• The crew includes skipper Thanasis and photographer Marios, both singled out in the experience feedback for their care and professionalism.

Starting at Heraklion Port with coffee and Cretan treats

Your meeting point is the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and guides you to the catamaran for check-in. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This is important because the cruise departs at its scheduled time, not when the last person wanders down to the dock.

The welcome sets the tone. You receive coffee and local Cretan treats, including cake and small delicacies, followed by a short safety briefing. It is a useful balance: the crew keeps the information brief, but you still learn what you need before heading out.

You must provide each passenger’s full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. Greek naval regulations require these details, and they should be supplied during booking or at least one day before departure. It is a small administrative step, but leaving it late can create needless stress.

The optional hotel or cruise-ship transfer is not included. You can request it after booking, which may help if you are arriving from outside central Heraklion or stepping off a cruise ship for the day. If you are on a tight cruise-port schedule, confirm the transfer plan before committing.

Cruising past Rocca a Mare Fortress

The first sightseeing moment comes almost immediately. From the port, you cruise past Rocca a Mare Fortress, better known as Koules, the large stone fortress guarding Heraklion’s harbor.

The stop is short, about five minutes, but it gives you time for photographs and a view of the city from the water. Do not expect a long historical visit inside the fortress. The value here is visual: you see one of Heraklion’s most recognizable landmarks from a fresh angle before the catamaran turns toward open water.

After that, the boat spends about an hour sailing toward Dia Island. This is when the catamaran itself becomes part of the experience. The vessel is described as new, sleek, spacious, and spotless, with black shades and covered areas that offer shelter from the strong Cretan sun.

That space matters. On a crowded day boat, the journey can feel like a contest for a seat. Here, you have more room to spread out, take photographs, or simply watch the coastline recede. The catamaran also has separate men’s and women’s WC facilities, a shower, and free Wi-Fi.

The Wi-Fi is a practical extra rather than the reason to book. You can stay connected if needed, but the better choice is probably to put the phone away for stretches and enjoy the water. Keep your camera ready, though. The return trip is praised for its changing light and wide views across the Aegean.

Reaching Dia Island and its mythic setting

Dia Island sits off the northern coast of Crete and is tied to Greek mythology. Local legend says Zeus shaped the island, and its outline has long been linked with the god’s presence. You do not need to treat the story as historical fact to appreciate its effect. The island feels removed from Heraklion, and arriving by boat gives the setting a clear sense of occasion.

The catamaran anchors in one of Dia’s sheltered bays, accessible only by boat. The provided schedule allows roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes here. That is the heart of the trip, and the timing is generous enough that you should not feel rushed from one activity to the next.

The water is described as clear and calm, with a seabed suitable for snorkeling. Bring your own sense of expectation, however. This is a natural bay, not a managed marine park, so conditions can change with weather and visibility. The attraction is the chance to see the underwater setting around a quiet island, not a promise of a specific marine animal sighting.

Keep watch for dolphins and seabirds during the sailing portions. They are possible sightings, not guaranteed features, so enjoy them if they appear and do not book the cruise solely for wildlife.

Swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and fishing

Once anchored, you can choose your own pace. Swimming and snorkeling are the main activities, and the company supplies high-quality snorkeling gear and swimming vests. That makes the water time easier for people who do not want to pack their own equipment.

You can also use a stand-up paddleboard or canoe board. These are good choices if you want something more active than floating but do not want a demanding excursion. The bay’s calm conditions are presented as suitable for paddling, though your comfort will still depend on wind and sea conditions on the day.

Fishing gear and inflatable sea toys are also included. Swimming noodles are available for an easy, low-effort way to stay in the water. The menu of activities is broad enough for a mixed group: one person can snorkel, another can paddle, and someone else can remain on deck with a drink.

Sea scooters are different. They are not included as a standard amenity and require advance booking, with priority given in booking order. If you want one, ask before the day of departure rather than assuming one will be available.

You can also take photographs from the boat or shoreline. The company’s photographer, Marios, is praised for taking pictures, but you should still bring your own camera or phone if you want personal control over the shots. A hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and camera belong in your day bag. Water is included on board, though bringing a refillable bottle is still sensible.

A chef-prepared lunch instead of standard boat fare

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper island boat. Lunch is freshly prepared on board by a chef, with a premium seafood Mediterranean menu based on local ingredients.

Specific feedback praises chef Charis, especially for seafood dishes and a shrimp tempura risotto. A vegetarian meal has been prepared in a traditional clay pot, and a meat risotto was made for passengers who had not arranged a menu change in advance. That last example should not be treated as a promise. The safe approach is to tell the reservation team at least one day before departure.

The standard menu is seafood-based. Meat, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives are available, but you must request them ahead of time. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask exactly what can be accommodated before paying.

The food begins with gourmet platters of assorted cheeses and cold cuts, along with the welcome snacks. Lunch is paired with the open bar, which includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Afterward, the crew serves seasonal fruit, a local Cretan dessert, and raki.

This is a full meal, not just a sandwich between swims. That helps explain the price and also changes the pace of the afternoon. You can eat properly, rest in the shade, then return to the water for another swim.

Cocktails are not included. They can be requested separately, so factor that in if you are expecting a full premium drinks package.

The return sail and the changing mood of the Aegean

After lunch and free time, the catamaran begins the hour-long return to Heraklion. The trip back is not simply transportation. The open-water views, the light, and the chance to settle into a comfortable seat create a quieter final chapter.

Some departures may include a sunset or late-day glow, depending on the scheduled start time and season. Check availability for the exact departure time rather than assuming every cruise is a sunset sailing. One of the most appealing parts of the experience is the possibility of watching the sun drop over the water with a drink in hand, but it is tied to the day’s timing.

The crew receives frequent praise for its warmth and attention. Skipper Thanasis is noted for his sailing experience and stories, while the wider team is described as professional without being stiff. That matters on a cruise like this. Good service is not just about bringing food and equipment. It helps you feel safe in the water and looked after without being hurried.

The catamaran returns to Marina Café, the same place where you began. That simple arrangement makes the day easier, especially if you are working around a cruise-ship call or an evening reservation in Heraklion.

What the $122 price really buys you

At $122 per person, this is not a budget way to reach Dia Island. You are paying for a luxury catamaran, professional crew, food prepared on board, an open bar, water equipment, and 5.5 hours on the sea.

The value improves if you plan to use the inclusions. Someone who swims, snorkels, paddles, eats the full lunch, and enjoys a few drinks receives much more than someone who only wants a short boat ride and a view. The included equipment also means you do not need to arrange separate snorkeling or paddle rentals.

The high ratings, with 68 reviews averaging five stars, focus heavily on the boat, food, crew, and overall care. Specific praise goes to the spacious design, shaded seating, Chef Charis, skipper Thanasis, and the team’s ability to mark occasions such as birthdays. One corporate group also praised the organization behind the cruise, which suggests the service is designed to handle more than casual sightseeing.

Still, a perfect rating does not remove the practical limits. The weather can affect comfort and water activities. One birthday trip was excellent but had cooler weather than expected. You should also understand that the cruise is a shared experience, not a private charter, unless you arrange a private event separately.

Who will enjoy this Dia Island cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, small groups, and anyone who wants a polished day on the water rather than a basic ferry-style outing. It works especially well for people who value good food and comfort as much as swimming.

It is also a strong choice for a special occasion. The crew has made extra efforts for birthdays, including a cake, even when the celebration was not announced in advance. You should still tell the company about a special event ahead of time if it matters to you.

Families should pay attention to the children’s menu option and swimming vests. The water toys and gentle paddling options give children something to do, though parents remain responsible for supervision in the sea.

This may not suit you if you dislike boats, need a very cheap activity, or want a long visit on land. Dia Island time is spent in a bay, with swimming and onboard lunch rather than a formal island tour. A person seeking archaeological sites, extended hiking, or a beach day with a broad shore may prefer another Crete excursion.

The mention of an ancient Minoan path on Dia suggests that a short walk may be possible, but walking is not the central feature of the scheduled program. Choose this for the sea first.

Practical advice before you book

Reserve early if you want a sea scooter or a particular date. Request a non-seafood meal at least one day ahead, and provide all required passenger details before departure.

Wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothing and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, and camera. Sun protection matters even with shaded areas because you will spend several hours around reflective water.

Arrive 15 minutes early at Marina Café. The crew guides you to the boat, but a late arrival could mean missing the departure. Pets are not allowed, and smoking indoors is prohibited.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms are useful if your Crete plans are still shifting, but check the booking conditions at the time you reserve.

Should you book the EOS Yachts catamaran?

Book it if you want a full luxury sea day, not just a boat transfer. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, attentive crew, chef-prepared lunch, included drinks, and long stop at Dia Island. You get real time in the water, plus enough comfort to make the sailing enjoyable for non-swimmers.

I would skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible price or a land-based tour of Dia. At $122, the experience makes sense when you use the food, bar, equipment, and shaded deck. For a special day in Crete, especially during a Heraklion cruise stop, it offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, activity, and local flavor.

FAQ

How long is the Heraklion catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and 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 seafood lunch is included, along with gourmet cheese and cold-cut platters, seasonal fruit, a local dessert, and raki.

Are vegetarian or meat meals available?

Yes. Meat, vegetarian, and children’s menu options are available, but you must request them from the reservation department at least one day before the cruise.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are available on request at an additional cost.

What water activities are available?

You can swim, snorkel, paddle a stand-up paddleboard, use a canoe board, try fishing, and use inflatable sea toys and swimming noodles.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included.

Are sea scooters included?

No. Sea scooters require advance booking, and priority is given in booking order.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Private pickup and transfer service is not included, but you can request transfers to or from your hotel or cruise ship after booking.