Hersonissos: Dia Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Dia Island is the star of this cruise, but the real pleasure is having time to enjoy it without being packed onto a party boat. You sail from Hersonissos on a stylish catamaran, spend about three hours anchored near the island, and have room for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, sunbathing, and a proper lunch. The small group limit of 20 makes a real difference.

I especially like the combination of freshly cooked food and an open bar, plus the easy access to water gear. Families get thoughtful touches, including children’s meals on request, fishing equipment, and room for kids to try sailing. The main consideration is the price, about $170 per person, and the fact that the trip depends on weather and may not suit anyone with serious health concerns or strong seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours at Dia Island: You get a generous stop for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, fishing, and relaxing.
• Small-scale sailing: The boat carries no more than 20 people, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and an onboard WC.
• Food is part of the experience: Expect a light breakfast, local Cretan snacks, protein treats, and a nutritionist-designed lunch.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are available throughout the cruise.
• Good family setup: Children’s meals, toys by request, life jackets, fishing gear, and plenty of open deck space help keep different ages happy.
• Practical planning matters: Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, sun hat, and a copy of your passport or ID.

Sailing from Hersonissos on a 20-person catamaran

The morning begins at Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. Port rules are strict, so the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

The first welcome is more thoughtful than a quick cup of coffee. You can expect espresso, tea, water, soft drinks, detox water, and a light breakfast bowl. The food is designed with help from a certified nutritionist, and protein smoothies and small protein snacks are also available.

This early part of the trip takes about 105 minutes. You can sit in the shaded lounge, stretch out on a sunbed, listen to music, or watch Crete recede across the water. The catamaran has a comfortable, yacht-like feel without being presented as a private charter. Several families have particularly appreciated the open deck and the feeling that the boat never becomes overcrowded.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Crew members named in recent trips include Janis, Julia, Alex, and Thomas, although the exact crew may vary. The staff also hold Red Cross certification, and a safety briefing takes place before the boat heads out.

Dia Island and the long swimming stop

Dia is an uninhabited island off Crete and part of a protected Natura 2000 area. There are no cafés, shops, or beach facilities waiting for you, so the catamaran itself is your base for the visit.

The boat usually spends about three hours in the Dia area. That is the strongest part of the schedule. A shorter anchorage can feel rushed when you need to swim, find snorkeling gear, dry off, eat, and enjoy the views. Here, you have time to use the water equipment at an unhurried pace.

The water activities include snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable pink flamingo. Fishing equipment is also available, with a gentle, family-friendly approach rather than a serious fishing trip. Life jackets and swimming jackets are provided.

If you like active water time, this is where the cruise earns its keep. You can paddle away from the boat, look beneath the surface with a mask, or simply float near the catamaran. If you prefer not to swim, the deck provides a good alternative. Sunbeds and shaded areas let you enjoy the island without treating the water stop as an obligation.

One practical point: the package does not include towels or sunscreen. Pack both. You will also want a hat and clothing that can handle a full day in the sun.

Fresh Cretan food instead of buffet fare

Food is one of the better reasons to choose this cruise over a basic boat outing. The day begins with a healthy breakfast bowl and local snacks, then moves to a Mediterranean-style lunch prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The exact seasonal menu can change, but lunch includes a main course and dessert. Seafood and vegetables may feature, while chicken is available for anyone who does not want seafood. Vegetarian meals and children’s meals can be arranged if requested in advance.

That advance notice matters, especially for allergies. One family with shellfish allergies and food intolerances had its needs accommodated, but you should still provide clear information when booking rather than waiting until lunch is served.

The meal is paired with unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside that selection cost extra and are not part of the included package. Red wine is not allowed onboard.

I like that the meal is treated as a proper part of the outing rather than an afterthought. Recent trips have included homemade cake, fruit, and local Greek dishes. Some departures may also include a small cultural touch, such as Greek dancing, though you should not book expecting that to happen on every sailing.

The return journey and what the timing means

After lunch, you can return to the water for another swim or stay on deck. The schedule allows a little breathing room here, which is useful after eating and after several hours in the sun.

The return sail to Hersonissos takes about 105 minutes. The total outing lasts 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the chosen departure time and operating conditions. The long ride can be relaxing, but it is still a boat ride, so anyone prone to seasickness should check the weather and speak with the operator before booking.

Optional pickup and drop-off are available from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka when the correct option is selected. Hotel transfers are not automatically included for everyone, although they can be arranged on request. The available drop-off area also includes places such as Heraklion, Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Sisi, Agia Pelagia, and several other towns around eastern Crete.

Check your exact pickup choice carefully. The port meeting point is Hersonissos, and a transfer option is a separate part of the booking.

Why the small group matters

A maximum of 20 people is one of the clearest advantages here. On a large excursion boat, the best sunbeds can disappear quickly, water gear may be in constant demand, and lunch can feel like a cafeteria queue. A smaller group gives you more room to move and makes it easier to ask the crew for help.

The boat has enough equipment for the water program, including snorkeling gear and two paddleboards. That does not mean every person can use every item at the same instant, but the setup is designed for a small group rather than a crowd.

The crew also has time to interact with children. On one family outing, the children were encouraged to learn about sailing and spend time near the sailing process. That kind of attention is valuable if you want your children to understand more than simply jumping off a boat.

Music and free Wi-Fi are available onboard. The atmosphere appears aimed at relaxed fun rather than loud partying. You can enjoy chilled music on the return ride, though the exact mood will depend on the group and crew that day.

Is $170 a fair price?

At about $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Dia Island. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, breakfast, lunch, open-bar drinks, safety equipment, water sports, insurance, and a small group rather than only for transportation.

For someone who wants a simple boat transfer and a swim, the price may feel high. A budget-minded visitor could reasonably prefer a less inclusive sailing trip or a larger group excursion.

The value improves if you will actually use the package. Eat the included meals, try the SUP or kayak, use the snorkeling equipment, and enjoy the shaded deck and sunbeds. Families can also save the trouble of arranging separate food for children, though children’s meals must be requested.

The boat’s comfort is another part of the calculation. You are not spending the day on a basic open deck with limited shade. You get lounges, sunbeds, an outdoor shower, an onboard WC, Wi-Fi, and a professional crew. If those details matter to you, the cost is easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who wants a full sea day without renting a private yacht. The mix of swimming, food, drinks, and deck time gives everyone something to do.

It is particularly good for families with children old enough to swim with supervision and enjoy light water activities. Toys can be supplied by request, and the fishing gear offers another option for children who do not want to snorkel. A family group ranging from children to grandparents has been able to enjoy the day together, which says something about the flexible pace.

It also suits adults who want a polished, calm day rather than an organized party. The wine and beer are included, but the cruise is built around scenery, swimming, and food.

I would think twice if you dislike boat travel, cannot tolerate sun exposure, or need a fully accessible setup. The information provided specifically advises pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and anyone over 95 not to book. Families with children under two should check conditions with the crew first.

Practical details before you book

You need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number for port permission. A copy of the document is accepted for the trip, and a QR-code voucher is sent by email one day before departure.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• A passport or ID card, or an accepted copy
• Any personal care items you need

Shoes are not allowed indoors, smoking is forbidden inside, and glass objects, weapons, sharp objects, drugs, and outside alcohol are not permitted. Do not touch marine life.

The cruise can be rescheduled or canceled because of poor weather. That is not a minor footnote in Crete. Wind and sea conditions can change the comfort and safety of a full-day sailing, so check the forecast and keep some flexibility in your plans.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, tell the company in advance. A complimentary branded gift may be arranged for special occasions.

Should you book the Dia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished, small-group day with generous time at Dia Island, included food and drinks, and easy access to swimming equipment. The long island stop, clean catamaran, attentive crew, and fresh lunch are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible price, a private cabin, or a very short boat ride. Private cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed, and the cruise can be affected by weather.

For most people staying around Hersonissos, Heraklion, or eastern Crete, this is a strong choice for a special sea day. The best value comes when you use the full package: arrive ready to swim, eat the local food, make time for the SUP and snorkeling gear, and leave a little room in your schedule in case the weather changes.

FAQ

How long does the Dia Island catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 6.5 to 7.5 hours. The schedule includes approximately 105 minutes sailing to Dia, about 3.25 hours near the island, and another 105 minutes returning to Hersonissos.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included by default. Optional transfer service can be selected for Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka. Transfers may also be arranged on request.

What food is included?

The cruise includes a light healthy brunch, local snacks, protein snacks, and a nutritionist-designed Mediterranean lunch with dessert. Vegetarian and children’s meals are available on request.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed open-bar selection are not included.

Can I snorkel or use a paddleboard?

Yes. The catamaran provides snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is also available.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Children can join, and children’s meals and a box of toys are available by request. Life jackets and fishing equipment are provided. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a passport or ID card. Towels and sunscreen are not included.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The itinerary may change, or the cruise may be rescheduled or canceled, if weather conditions are unsuitable. Your comfort and safety take priority.