Private Catamaran Cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion

Swim and snorkel in Dia's bay, then eat fresh pasta and grilled chicken aboard

A private catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island combines swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding in the bay with a full Mediterranean meal and unlimited beer and wine. The boat departs in the morning or afternoon, carries your group alone, and returns to Heraklion after five hours. An English or Greek-speaking crew handles the catering and water equipment.

The experience

You board the catamaran at Heraklion and sail to Dia Island's uninhabited bay, where the water is clear enough to see the seabed. The crew anchors and sets out snorkeling gear, SUP boards and a fishing rod if you want to try it. Some people jump straight in. Others sunbathe on the spacious deck or take photos with the inflatable flamingo the boat carries. There's free WiFi to share what you're doing, and a modern stereo plays whatever music you choose.

While you're in the water, the crew prepares lunch below deck: a cheese platter and Greek salad to start, then your choice of shrimp pasta, rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce, or chicken breast with oranges. Homemade dessert with seasonal fruit follows. The welcome drinks arrive early (traditional cheese pies and biscuits with your first beer or local dry white wine), and the bar stays open for the rest of the day. Fanta, cola, water and zero-sugar options are also on hand.

The boat is yours alone, so the timing and the playlist and the pace of the day bend to what your group wants. Morning departures catch the sun climbing over the water. Afternoon sails end with the Aegean turning gold. Either way, you're back in Heraklion after five hours.

What’s included

• WiFi on board.
• a cheese platter, Greek and green salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, chicken breast with oranges, and homemade dessert with seasonal fruits.
• welcome drinks with traditional cheese pies and biscuits.
• snorkeling equipment and SUP boards.
• fishing equipment.
• unlimited beer and local dry white wine, plus cola, Fanta, Sprite, cola zero and water.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 May 2027

Book up to10h before

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

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

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Heraklion or arriving by car. The private catamaran departs from the city, and you control the timing and music for your group across five hours on the water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

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.

Can I snorkel at Dia Island if I've never done it before?

Yes. The crew provides snorkeling equipment and the bay is shallow and calm. You can also swim without the gear, paddleboard, or stay on deck and watch.

What's the food like on the catamaran?

The crew prepares a Mediterranean lunch with a cheese platter, Greek and green salads, and a choice of shrimp pasta, rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce, or chicken breast with oranges, followed by homemade dessert with seasonal fruit. Welcome drinks include traditional cheese pies and biscuits.

Is this cruise suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the itinerary lists activities for guests of all ages. Children can swim, paddleboard, snorkel with supervision, or play with the inflatable flamingo. Only passengers aged 18 and above can drink alcohol.

How do I get to the boat from my hotel?

The catamaran departs from Heraklion. Hotel pickup is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own transport to the port or use local taxis and buses, which operate nearby.