Snorkeling Dia Island from Heraklion: Catamaran with lunch

Swim and snorkel in Dia's clear waters, then eat lunch prepared by an award-winning chef on deck.

Snorkel Dia Island on a shared catamaran departing Heraklion, with breakfast, a Mediterranean lunch curated by chef Giorgos Chronakis, unlimited wine and beer, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, fishing equipment, and a floating pool included. The 5.5-hour day combines swimming and water activities with a full meal and drinks, all served on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise to Dia Island

• Enjoy breakfast with coffee and tea
• Receive safety information from crew
• Set sail from Heraklion
• Admire Aegean Sea views
• Arrive at Dia Island
• Sample cheeses and cold cuts
• Swim in crystal-clear waters
• Try paddleboarding or fishing
• Relax with music and sunshine
• Enjoy gourmet Mediterranean lunch
• Drink unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks

The experience

What makes this different from a standard beach day is the catamaran itself (one of the largest in the area), and the fact that lunch and all the gear are already on the boat when you arrive. You board in Heraklion, eat breakfast while the crew briefs you on safety, then sail toward Dia Island across the Aegean. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, fishing rods, and inflatable water toys, so you can try any or all of them once you reach the island's clear water. There's a floating pool on deck if you want to swim without leaving the boat, and a restroom and shower on board.

The meal is the centerpiece: chef Giorgos Chronakis prepares it fresh each day using organic Cretan ingredients, and it arrives with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. The menu includes seafood, salads, and local dishes, with gluten-free, vegan, meat, and kids' options available if you request them in advance. Before the main course, the crew serves a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts. Dessert and fresh fruit follow. The whole day runs about 5.5 hours from departure to return.

Wi-Fi is available on board, so you can upload photos or stay connected if you need to. Life jackets and liability insurance are included. The boat is air-conditioned, and the crew are trained skippers who speak English. Sea scooters can be arranged in advance if you want to add them, and cocktails are available for an extra cost.

What’s included

• Breakfast with coffee and traditional Cretan delicacies.
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• paddleboards and fishing gear.
• inflatable water toys and a floating pool at sea.
• a Mediterranean lunch curated by chef Giorgos Chronakis with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• fresh fruit and dessert.
• restroom and shower on board.
• Wi-Fi.
• and a safety briefing from the crew.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Cyma Sails

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you'll follow the safety briefing and any commentary about the island and marine life without a language barrier. This works for anyone comfortable in water and interested in snorkeling or paddleboarding, whether you're experienced or trying it for the first time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4).

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 if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the crew gives a safety briefing before departure. The water at Dia Island is calm and clear, and you can stay in the shallow areas near the boat or use the floating pool if you prefer not to go in the open water. Life jackets are included.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch includes seafood, salads, and local Cretan dishes prepared by chef Giorgos Chronakis with fresh, organic ingredients. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and water are included. Breakfast (coffee, cake, and traditional Cretan delicacies) is served before departure. Gluten-free, vegan, meat, and kids' menus are available upon request.

Is this a private boat or shared with other people?

This is a shared catamaran, so you'll be on the boat with other travelers. It's one of the largest catamarans in the area, so there's plenty of space to find a quiet spot on deck if you want one.

How long does the whole day take?

The trip runs 5.5 hours from departure in Heraklion to return. That includes sailing time, time in the water at Dia Island, and the meal on board.

What water activities are available besides snorkeling?

Paddleboards (SUP), fishing equipment, and inflatable water toys are all included. There's also a floating pool on the boat where you can swim without entering the open water.

Do I need to bring anything?

Snorkeling gear, life jackets, and towels are provided. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The boat has a restroom and shower on board. Wi-Fi is available if you want to stay connected.