Crete: Dia Island Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Dia Island sailing, swimming, paddleboarding and fresh Cretan lunch

You’ll sail from Crete to Dia Island on a small-group catamaran, with time to swim in clear water, try paddleboarding or snorkeling, and relax while the crew prepares fresh Mediterranean lunch. Drinks flow freely—Cretan wine or beer if you want—and there’s always a shaded spot or sunbed waiting for you. It’s easygoing but full of those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sea around Dia Island to be that clear. It’s almost too blue—like someone turned the color up just for us. We left Heraklion behind on this big catamaran (way fancier than I’m used to), and I remember the salty wind tangling my hair while our guide, Maria, handed out coffee. She told us stories about pirates hiding out here, which made me laugh because honestly it feels so peaceful now. There was this moment when the engine cut and all you could hear was water slapping gently at the hull and a few seagulls shouting at each other.

When we anchored in the bay, everyone scattered—some people grabbed snorkels (the masks actually fit my giant head), others went straight for the paddleboards. I tried fishing for a bit but mostly just sat with my feet dangling off the edge, watching tiny silver fish dart around below. The crew set up lunch under the awning—fresh salads, grilled chicken, some kind of Cretan cheese I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Greek). The wine tasted crisp and cold; honestly, I had two glasses before realizing how strong the sun was getting.

There was this inflatable flamingo floating around that kept photobombing everyone’s pictures. At one point a little girl shrieked with laughter as her dad toppled off a SUP board—nobody cared about being graceful. After lunch most of us just lay back on sunbeds or found shade near the bow; I listened to soft music drifting from someone’s speaker and let myself doze off for a minute or two. The trip back felt slower somehow—I watched Dia Island shrink behind us and thought about how quiet everything felt out there compared to Heraklion’s busy streets. Still thinking about that silence now, actually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dia Island Catamaran Cruise and Activities

• Board luxury catamaran at 09:30
• Arrive at Dia Island Bay at 10:40
• Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or fish
• Take photos with inflatable flamingo
• Relax with music and free Wi-Fi
• Enjoy Mediterranean lunch onboard at 13:00
• Leisure time to sunbathe or swim at 14:00
• Depart to port at 14:50
• Arrive back at port at 16:00

Top questions

How long is the Dia Island catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6.5 hours including sailing time and stops at Dia Island bay.

Is lunch included on the Dia Island catamaran tour?

Yes, a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch is served onboard by the crew.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, white Cretan wine, coffee and tea are included throughout.

What activities can you do at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel (gear provided), try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fish or just relax on deck.

Is there shade available on the catamaran?

Yes, there are shaded lounge areas as well as sunbeds for relaxing in or out of the sun.

Are kids welcome on this cruise?

Yes, kids are welcome and there’s even a box of toys available by request for them onboard.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure port in Heraklion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, high-quality masks and fins are provided for snorkeling at Dia Island bay.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Heraklion aboard a modern luxury catamaran with plenty of sunbeds and shaded lounges; all drinks like water, soft drinks, local beer and Cretan wine are included along with coffee or tea; you’ll have access to snorkeling gear (with good masks and fins), stand-up paddleboards (SUP), fishing equipment if you want it; fresh Mediterranean lunch is prepared by your English-speaking crew right onboard; plus inflatables like noodles or even an inflatable flamingo for fun photos—there’s even Wi-Fi if you need it before heading back to port in late afternoon.