Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

Dia Island is the real draw here, but the chef-cooked lunch and polished catamaran make this more than a standard boat outing. You sail from Heraklion, anchor in a calm bay, and spend several hours swimming, snorkeling, paddling, eating, and relaxing.

I like the generous time at Dia and the fact that the boat carries proper equipment, from SUP boards to fishing gear. I also like the service style: Captain Thanasis and his crew are attentive without turning the day into a loud party. The main consideration is price. At $141 per person, this costs more than a basic boat trip, and rough sea conditions can limit water activities.

Key details before you book

• A 5.5-hour catamaran outing: You get about an hour each way between Heraklion and Dia, with roughly three hours at the island.
• A real onboard kitchen experience: Chef Charis has prepared seafood risotto, shrimp dishes, meat options, and vegetarian meals during the season.
• Semi-private scale: The boat carries a maximum of 22 people, so it feels more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Water equipment included: Snorkeling gear, swimming vests, SUP boards, canoe boards, fishing gear, inflatables, and swimming noodles are provided.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails cost extra.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Arrive at Marina Café at least 15 minutes early.

Why this Dia Island cruise feels different

Many boat trips from Heraklion sell the same basic idea: sail out, stop for a swim, serve a simple meal, and return. EOS Yachts aims higher. The new catamaran, small group size, proper onboard facilities, and chef-prepared food create a more polished half-day on the water.

That difference matters most if you want comfort. You are not simply sitting on a crowded deck with a paper plate. The boat has shaded areas, open spaces, a men’s and women’s WC, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. The catamaran is also spacious enough that you can take a quiet seat away from the main group.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. You can dress casually, move between the shaded and sunny areas, and choose how active you want to be. Some people spend the day in the water. Others mainly eat, take photographs, and watch the coast pass by.

The group limit of 22 is worth noting. This is not a private charter, but it is much smaller than a standard party boat. If you want the whole boat to yourself, private charters are available separately. For most couples, families, and small groups, the semi-private setup offers a useful middle ground between cost and privacy.

Starting at Heraklion’s old harbor

Your meeting point is Marina Café at Heraklion Port. An EOS crew member meets you at the entrance and guides you to the catamaran, so you do not need to search the marina alone.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The boat leaves at the scheduled time, and this is not the kind of outing where a late arrival can easily be accommodated.

The first welcome is nicely local. You receive coffee and Cretan treats, including cake and small delicacies, before a short safety briefing. This opening gives you time to settle in, learn where the equipment is kept, and understand how to move around the boat.

The catamaran passes the Rocca a Mare Fortress, better known as Koules Fortress, at the mouth of the harbor. It is a brief photo stop, not a full visit, but the view gives you a strong sense of place. The massive Venetian fortress rises directly from the waterfront, and the angle from the sea is different from what you see while walking around Heraklion.

After that, the boat heads toward Dia Island. The crossing takes about an hour. Keep your camera ready for views back toward Crete, changing shades of sea, and possible sightings of seabirds or dolphins. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the open crossing gives you the best chance of spotting something.

Sailing to the mythic island of Dia

Dia is a dry, uninhabited island a short distance north of Heraklion. Local mythology connects its shape and origin with Zeus, and the island also has links to the ancient Minoan world. You will not be visiting archaeological ruins on this trip, but the myths add a useful layer to the setting.

The main reward is the coastline. The catamaran anchors in one of the island’s sheltered bays, where the water can look remarkably clear and turquoise. Since Dia is reached by boat, the experience feels more remote than a beach stop near a built-up resort.

The island is not a resort destination with shops, cafés, or a promenade. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should think of this as a sea-and-sun outing rather than a land tour. Most of your time is spent on the boat or in the water.

The three-plus hours at Dia are generous. You are not rushed through a ten-minute swim before being called back aboard. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, float, eat, and return to the water later. This flexible rhythm is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper, shorter excursion.

Swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and fishing

Once anchored, the crew provides high-quality snorkeling equipment and swimming vests. You can enter the water from the catamaran and explore around the bay. The seabed has marine life, though conditions and visibility vary with wind, light, and the season.

I would bring your own expectations into focus here. This is not a specialist snorkeling expedition, and no one promises a major reef or a particular animal sighting. It is a pleasant chance to see the underwater side of Dia while enjoying clear water and a quiet cove.

The included equipment gives you plenty of choice:

• Snorkeling masks and related gear
• Swimming vests
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Canoe boards
• Fishing gear
• Inflatable toys and swimming noodles

You can paddle along the shore, try fishing, or simply float beside the boat. Children have plenty to do, but parents should still keep an eye on them around the water. The crew places importance on safety, yet the outing remains informal and fun.

Sea scooters are not included in the standard price. They can be requested in advance, and availability is handled in priority order. If that feature matters to you, arrange it before departure rather than assuming one will be waiting onboard.

Weather can change the balance of the day. On calm days, you may use nearly all the water equipment. In rougher conditions, some activities may not be suitable. One booking in October noted that the sea conditions reduced the number of available activities, although the crew continued to look after everyone well. That is a fair reminder that a boat trip always depends partly on the Aegean.

The strongest part: lunch prepared onboard

The food is a major reason this cruise commands a higher price. The main meal is prepared onboard with local ingredients, rather than being a basic packed lunch brought from shore.

The seafood menu is the standard choice. Past meals have included seafood risotto and shrimp prepared with Greek kantaifi, along with other Mediterranean dishes. The cooking has been singled out repeatedly for freshness, flavor, and presentation. That is unusual for a half-day sailing excursion, where food is often treated as an afterthought.

You can request chicken, vegetarian, or children’s meals. Tell EOS at least one day before departure if you need a change. Do not wait until you are sitting down to eat, especially if someone in your group has a firm dietary need.

The meal is accompanied by gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts, then seasonal fruit and a local Cretan dessert. Raki is also served as part of the Cretan finish. Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included throughout the cruise.

Cocktails are not part of the standard package, though they can be requested separately. That distinction is easy to miss when comparing luxury cruises, so check the drink arrangements if cocktails are important to you.

The food also helps the day feel less rushed. You can eat after the first swim, relax over a drink, then return to the water. Some menus have included separate meat dishes such as lasagna or risotto, so this is not a seafood-only experience if you arrange an alternative in time.

The return sail and the sunset light

After lunch and more time at Dia, the catamaran turns back toward Heraklion. The return crossing takes about an hour and gives you another chance to settle into the wide views.

Depending on the departure time and season, the ride back may catch the sun lowering over the Aegean. Several outings have featured a memorable sunset approach to the harbor, with Cretan desserts and drinks served near the end. The exact light depends on the schedule and weather, so treat sunset as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

This final stretch is usually the quietest part of the day. You have already swum and eaten, and the return ride lets you enjoy the catamaran without needing to plan anything. If you want photographs, the approach to Heraklion and the view of Koules Fortress are good final opportunities.

The boat returns to Marina Café, where the crew first met you. Hotel pickup and private transportation are not included, but transfer service can be arranged on request.

How good is the value at $141?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Dia Island. You are paying for more than transportation: a newer luxury catamaran, a small group, certified English-speaking crew, a chef-prepared meal, an open bar, and a full set of water equipment.

The value is strongest if you will use those inclusions. A couple who wants a comfortable day with good food, drinks, and several hours at anchor may find the price justified. Families can also get good value because swimming equipment, canoeing, SUP use, snacks, lunch, and soft drinks are bundled into one fare.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quick swim and do not care about the meal or boat quality. A less expensive trip may suit you better if your priority is simply seeing Dia from the water.

I also think the group size improves the calculation. A maximum of 22 people is not private, but it reduces the crowded feeling that can spoil a boat day. The spacious design, shaded areas, and onboard WC also matter more after several hours at sea than they do when you are comparing prices at a desk.

The 4.9 rating from 312 ratings reflects unusually consistent praise for the crew, food, catamaran, and organization. The most repeated strengths are the attentive service, modern boat, freshly prepared meals, and comfortable amount of time at Dia. That consistency does not remove the weather risk, but it gives you a clear idea of where the money goes.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this cruise for couples wanting a polished half-day, families who value easy access to water gear, and anyone celebrating a birthday or special occasion. EOS has arranged surprise cakes and birthday moments even when the occasion was simply noted during booking, though you should not rely on this without communicating your plans.

It also suits cruise passengers stopping in Heraklion. The meeting point is at the port, and the five-and-a-half-hour schedule can fit a port day if your ship’s timing allows a safe margin. You remain responsible for checking your own return time.

First-time sailors should find the format approachable. The crew provides a safety briefing, the crossing is part of the experience, and you can relax rather than manage the sailing yourself. Captain Thanasis has been praised for being personable, skilled, and attentive to the whole group.

I would think twice if you dislike open water, get seasick easily, or want a land-based visit to Dia. The island itself is not explored on foot in any major way. You are there for the bay, the sea, the food, and the views.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up if you prefer shade after swimming. Sunglasses and a hat are sensible additions, though only the first three items are specifically required.

Give EOS your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender for every person in your booking. These details are required under Greek naval regulations and should be supplied during booking or at least one day before departure.

Tell the company about meal preferences at least a day ahead. Seafood is the main menu, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives available.

The boat has Wi-Fi, but I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the point of the day. The best parts are the water, the food, and the view back toward Crete.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact start time before booking, since departure times vary by availability and season.

Should you book the EOS Dia Island cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused day at sea rather than a basic transfer to a swimming stop. The modern catamaran, 22-person limit, skilled crew, open bar, and chef-cooked lunch make it a strong choice for a special occasion or a final memorable day in Crete.

Skip it if your budget is tight, you want to spend most of the day on land, or you are likely to be disappointed if rough water limits snorkeling and paddling. For everyone else, $141 buys a well-organized outing with enough time at Dia to relax instead of watching the clock.

FAQ

How long is the EOS Yachts cruise to Dia Island?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. The route includes about one hour sailing from Heraklion to Dia, approximately 3.25 hours at the island, and about one hour sailing back.

Where does the tour meet in Heraklion?

Meet the EOS Yachts crew at the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The main menu is a freshly prepared Mediterranean seafood meal served onboard, with gourmet cheese and cold-cut platters, seasonal fruit, local dessert, and raki. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s options are available with advance notice.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included and available from the all-inclusive bar. Cocktails are available only by request and are not included in the standard fare.

What water activities are available?

You can swim, snorkel, fish, use stand-up paddleboards, paddle canoe boards, and use inflatable toys and swimming noodles. Snorkeling equipment and swimming vests are provided. Sea scooters require advance booking and are not included.

Is this a private boat trip?

No. This is a semi-private outing with a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are also available by contacting EOS Yachts.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also provide the required passenger details and any meal preferences before departure.