Crete: Dia Island Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar & Lunch

Summary

Heraklion sailing to Dia Island with seafood lunch and open bar

You’ll board a luxury catamaran in Heraklion for a day trip to Dia Island, swimming and snorkeling in turquoise bays only reachable by boat. Enjoy a Mediterranean seafood lunch freshly prepared onboard (with vegetarian options), plus an open bar with local wine and beer. Paddleboard or just relax on deck as Cretan sun warms your skin—this is one of those days you’ll remember for its simple pleasures.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the catamaran just after leaving Heraklion’s old port — I could still smell the morning coffee clinging to my hands. The crew greeted us with these little Cretan pastries (I forgot the name, but they were flaky and sweet) and it felt like everyone relaxed at once. As we pulled away, the city faded behind us and all you could hear was water slapping against the hull, plus someone’s laughter drifting from up front. I didn’t expect the sea to be that blue — almost fake-looking — but there it was, stretching out toward Dia Island.

Our guide, Maria, pointed out tiny fishing boats along the way and told stories about pirates hiding on Dia centuries ago. She handed me a snorkel mask that actually fit (rare for my nose) and told us where to spot starfish once we anchored in the bay. The wind picked up for a minute — salty and sharp — but then calmed as we dropped anchor. Jumping into the water was colder than I thought; you know that shock when you first hit? But after a few seconds it felt perfect. There was this quiet under the surface except for my own bubbles.

I tried stand-up paddleboarding for maybe five minutes before falling off twice (Maria cheered anyway). Lunch came out smelling like herbs and lemon — I picked the seafood risotto with those crispy shrimp things wrapped in something almost like angel hair pasta. We ate at this long table on deck while white wine kept appearing in our glasses. Someone asked about moussaka so Maria explained how her grandmother makes it differently every time; she laughed when I tried to say “kali orexi.” After lunch, fruit appeared — cold slices of melon and something sticky-sweet that tasted like honey.

I lay back on one of those big cushions watching clouds drift over Dia’s rocky hills, feeling sun-warm and sort of weightless. There were kids fishing off the side, people napping or talking quietly — no rush at all. I still think about that view back toward Crete as we sailed home, salt drying on my skin and hair tangled from wind. It’s funny how quickly a place can feel familiar when you’re sharing food and stories with strangers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury catamaran cruise and island activities

• Depart from Heraklion on catamaran
• Arrive at Dia Island bay
• Swim, snorkel, SUP board, and fish
• Enjoy Mediterranean seafood lunch
• Drink from open bar
• Eat fresh seasonal fruits
• Sunbathe, relax, or swim again
• Return to Heraklion

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Dia Island catamaran cruise?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you board at Heraklion port.

What kind of food is served during the cruise?

The menu includes seafood risotto with tempura shrimps, vegetarian spinach lasagna, or chicken lasagna—all made fresh onboard with salads.

Are drinks included on this luxury catamaran tour?

Yes, unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included (age 18+).

Can children join this Dia Island cruise?

Yes, families are welcome; infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap.

What activities are offered at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel (gear provided), try SUP boarding or fishing, or just relax on deck.

How long does it take to reach Dia Island from Heraklion?

The boat ride from Heraklion port to Dia Island typically takes around 1 hour each way.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there are separate W.C.s for men and women plus showers available onboard.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian lasagna inspired by moussaka is one of the main course choices.

What’s included

Your day includes welcome coffee with Cretan delicacies as you set sail from Heraklion port toward Dia Island; all premium snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable sea toys and fishing equipment; a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch with your choice of seafood risotto or vegetarian/meat options served alongside salads; gourmet cheese platters; an open bar offering unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine and beer (for guests 18+); seasonal fruits and local desserts after lunch; free WiFi onboard; plus access to restrooms and showers throughout your journey before returning to port in the afternoon.