Heraklion: Dia Island Catamaran Cruise & Water Toys

Half a morning on the water, from Heraklion to Dia Island and back

You board a modern catamaran at Heraklion port, sail to Dia Island in an hour, and spend three hours swimming, sliding, paddleboarding and snorkeling in calm bay water. Lunch is a fresh Mediterranean meal with unlimited wine and beer, designed by a nutritionist and made from local ingredients. The crew handles safety and gear. You handle deciding whether to kayak or float on the flamingo. You're back in port by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning catamaran cruise and water fun

• Depart from Heraklion Port at 09:30
• Arrive at Dia Island Bay at 10:30
• Swim and enjoy water activities
• Use inflatable slide, sea scooter, and paddleboards
• Have healthy Mediterranean lunch onboard at 12:00
• Relax, sunbathe, and swim after lunch
• Depart Dia Island at 13:30
• Return to Heraklion Port at 14:30

The experience

"Is the water warm enough to jump in right now?" That's the first thing you'll hear someone ask on deck, and the answer is yes. The catamaran leaves Heraklion port at 9:30am and by 10:30 you're anchored in the bay at Dia Island, where the water is already calling. The boat itself is modern and clean, with sunbeds scattered across the deck and a shaded lounge if you need a break from the sun. A crew member hands you a welcome drink (espresso or detox water), and points out where the snorkeling gear is stacked, where the life jackets hang, and where you can leave your things while you're in the water.

The water toys are the real draw here. There's an inflatable slide that drops straight into the sea, a sea scooter you can ride out past the anchored boats, kayaks if you want to paddle around on your own, and stand-up paddleboards for anyone who's tried them before or wants to try now. A pink inflatable flamingo floats nearby if you just want to cling to something and drift. The crew keeps an eye on everyone, and kids get a box of toys on request. You can snorkel with the gear provided (masks and fins are decent quality), or just float and look down at the water. Most people do a mix: twenty minutes on the slide, a swim, ten minutes on the paddleboard, another swim. There's no schedule to it. You move between the water and the deck as you feel like it.

Around noon, you head back on board for lunch. A nutritionist designed the menu, so it's not heavy: fresh seafood, vegetarian plates, simple salads, all made from local Cretan ingredients. Greek wine or beer comes with it, and the drinks keep flowing: water, soft drinks, more wine if you want it. After you eat, some people nap on the sunbeds, some swim again, some just sit on the rail and watch the water. The catamaran leaves Dia at 1:30pm and pulls back into Heraklion port by 2:30pm. You get a branded gift on the way out, something small to remember the morning, and that's it. You're back on land with salt in your hair and the kind of tired that feels good.

The whole thing is semi-private, which means the boat won't be packed. The crew speaks English, the Wi-Fi works if you need it, and there's a shower and toilet on board. Weather can shift things around (the itinerary changes if the sea gets rough or the wind picks up), but that's the trade. You're on the water, not in a pool, so comfort and safety come first. Bring sunscreen and a towel. Everything else is there.

What’s included

Welcome drinks (espresso, detox water, teas), light healthy brunch, nutritionist-designed Mediterranean lunch with vegetarian options, unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine), inflatable water slide, sea scooter, kayak, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear with masks and fins, fishing gear, inflatable flamingo and noodles, life jackets and swimming jackets, onboard shower and toilet, professional English-speaking crew, liability insurance, music and Wi-Fi, and a branded gift. Children's meal boxes and feminine hygiene products are available on request.

Options for this experience

8 options

Afternoon Cruise HeraklionGuide in English or Greek · 15:00 and 15:30Without transfer

Morning Cruise HeraklionGuide in English or Greek · 09:30Without transfer

With transfer Heraklion-AmmoudaraGuide in English or Greek · 09:30

See 5 more options

With transfer Agia Pelagia-MaliaGuide in English or Greek · 09:30Gouves, Analipsi and Kokkini Xani

With transfer Sissi-MilatosGuide in English or Greek · 09:30

With transfer Agios NikolaosGuide in English or Greek · 09:30Ammoudara Ag., Plaka and Elounda

Private Afternoon CruiseGuide in English or Greek · 15:00 and 15:30

Private Morning CruiseGuide in English or Greek · 09:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 15:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (under 10)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by DanEri Yachts - Luxury Catamaran Cruises on Crete & Milos, Greece

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want a morning on the water with swimming, water toys and a proper meal all handled. The semi-private boat keeps groups small, and the fixed departure time means you're back in Heraklion by early afternoon. Plan for about five hours total, with three of those spent at Dia Island in the bay.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the catamaran leave Heraklion?

Departure is at 9:30am from Heraklion Port. You arrive back at 2:30pm.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. High-quality snorkeling masks and fins are provided, along with fishing gear if you want to try a gentle catch.

What water activities are available at Dia Island?

An inflatable slide, sea scooter, kayak, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and snorkeling. A pink inflatable flamingo is also available to float on.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. A nutritionist-designed Mediterranean lunch with fresh local ingredients is served on board. Vegetarian options are available on request, and drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) are unlimited.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. Life jackets and swimming jackets are provided for all guests.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may change due to weather. Your comfort and safety always come first, so the crew will adjust plans if needed.

Is Wi-Fi available on the catamaran?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.