Heraklion Sunset Catamaran Cruise: Swim, Snorkel & Cretan Dinner

Swim in clear water, catch your dinner, eat what the chef made

A sunset sailing cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island aboard a large catamaran, where you swim, snorkel, paddleboard or fish in the Aegean, then eat a fresh Mediterranean meal prepared by award-winning chef Giorgos Chronakis with unlimited wine and beer. The catamaran carries a private floating pool, full bar, and a live English-speaking guide for the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise and dining experience

• Depart from Heraklion with Prosecco
• Enjoy appetizers on board
• Sail to Dia Island
• Swim in clear waters
• Try paddleboarding or fishing
• Relax on deck with music
• Indulge in cheese and cold cuts
• Dine on Mediterranean meal
• Enjoy unlimited drinks
• Watch sunset over Aegean Sea

The Experience

The boat leaves Heraklion in the late afternoon with a glass of Prosecco and appetizers already waiting. Once you're aboard the largest catamaran in the area, the water activities start: jump in to swim, grab a paddleboard or fishing rod, or float on inflatable toys while the boat heads toward Dia Island. The crew hands out snorkeling gear and life jackets, and the private floating pool stays open the whole time if you want to drift between the boat and the sea. A live English-speaking guide keeps things moving and answers questions as you go.

Dinner arrives in stages. First a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts, then the main course — seafood, salads, and local Cretan dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients and designed by the chef. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and water flow throughout. The sun sets over the Aegean while you eat, and the soothing music on deck means you can sit quiet or talk as long as you want. WiFi is live if you need to send a photo home.

The whole evening runs about five and a half hours. Restrooms and a shower are on board, and the air-conditioned cabin is there if the deck gets too warm. Kids get a box of toys, and fishing enthusiasts get real equipment — not just a line over the rail. The boat is insured and the skippers are trained; life jackets and liability coverage come with the ticket.

What’s included

• Prosecco and appetizers at departure.
• premium cheese and cold cuts platter.
• fresh Mediterranean meal prepared by award-winning chef Giorgos Chronakis.
• fresh fruit and dessert.
• unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and water.
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• paddleboard (SUP) and fishing gear.
• inflatable water toys.
• private floating sea pool.
• box of toys for children.
• WiFi on board.
• air-conditioned cabin with restrooms and shower.
• highly skilled skippers and liability insurance.
• live English-speaking guide throughout the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Cyma Sails

Is this one for you?This cruise suits groups and couples who want to mix activity with relaxation in one evening — you're in the water part of the time, eating and watching the sunset the rest, with no planning beyond showing up at the boat. The fixed itinerary and included meal mean the day holds together without anyone building it.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel at Dia Island on this cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you'll have time in the clear water around Dia Island to use it. The crew hands out gear and life jackets before you enter the water.

What's included to eat and drink?

A platter of cheeses and cold cuts, a fresh Mediterranean meal made by the chef using Cretan ingredients, fresh fruit, dessert, and unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and water. Signature cocktails are available on board for an extra cost.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available at an additional cost. You can arrange it at checkout if you need it, or make your own way to the departure point in Heraklion.

What water activities can I try?

You can swim in the open sea, snorkel with provided equipment, paddleboard (SUP), fish with provided gear, or play with inflatable water toys. A private floating pool on the boat is also available to use throughout the cruise.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise runs about five and a half hours from departure in Heraklion until return. It departs in the late afternoon so you're on the water during sunset.

Are there restrooms and shower facilities on board?

Yes. The catamaran has restrooms for men and women, plus a shower on board. The cabin is air-conditioned if you need a break from the sun.