REVIEW · HERAKLION
Heraklion: Dia Catamaran Tour – Lunch, Open Bar & Snorkeling
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by DanEri Yachts · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Dia Island turns a boat day into a highlight. This semi-private catamaran cruise takes you from Heraklion to quiet bays around Dia Island for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and more time in the water than you’d expect from a short outing.
I love the comfort of a clean, modern catamaran and the way the crew keeps things moving without rushing you. I also like the food: a Mediterranean lunch cooked on board, plus special options for kids and dietary needs.
One thing to plan for: the cruise depends on weather, so it can be rescheduled or canceled in rough conditions.
In This Review
- Key things that make this Dia Island catamaran tour worth it
- Setting sail from Heraklion: this tour is simple, not stressful
- Catamaran comfort: more room than you expect for a day trip
- Dia Island bays: where the time is actually spent
- The on-board lunch: hot, Mediterranean, and actually filling
- Drinks on board: unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
- For families and groups: activity without the full chaos
- Price and value at about $141 per person
- Practical tips so your Dia day runs smooth
- Should you book the Dia catamaran tour from Heraklion?
- FAQ
- Where do I meet the crew in Heraklion?
- How long is the Dia Island catamaran tour?
- What snorkeling and water activities are included?
- What’s included in the lunch, and can you handle dietary needs?
- Are drinks included?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is the cruise wheelchair accessible, and is it suitable during pregnancy?
Key things that make this Dia Island catamaran tour worth it
- A luxury catamaran feel with space to spread out, including shaded and sunny areas
- A welcome start with coffee/tea and pies, then cheese and snacks before you even hit the water
- Dia Island time built for active sea fun with snorkeling, swimming, and multiple water toys
- Water activity kit on board: masks, fins, snorkeling gear, SUP, floaties, inflatables, and life jackets
- Hot Mediterranean lunch on board with seafood and meat options, plus vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free on request
- Unlimited drinks on the water (soft drinks, beer, and white wine) to keep the whole day easy
Setting sail from Heraklion: this tour is simple, not stressful
The whole day starts at the Marina Café area in Heraklion. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can get checked in and settled before the welcome. A crew member in a DanEri Yachts t-shirt meets you at the tables by the marina, on the sea-facing side.
Once you’re aboard, you don’t have to think much. You’ll get a quick safety briefing, plus coffee/tea and fresh pies to take the edge off early in the morning. Then there’s local snacking time, and you’re off toward Dia Island with a laid-back pace.
If you’re coming by car, there’s municipal parking near the marina, usually around 5 EUR per day (fee can vary by day). If you’re traveling around Crete, pickup is optional by transfer service from many nearby areas along the north coast—handy if you don’t want to fight traffic on your day off.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Heraklion
Catamaran comfort: more room than you expect for a day trip
This isn’t one of those cramped “sit and hope” boats. The catamaran setup is designed for lounging, with lots of seating options both in and out of the sun. From the feedback I saw, the boat feels very clean and well maintained, which matters when you’re spending hours on deck and in the water.
You also get real crew support. The team includes an experienced crew with Red Cross certification, and they’re there for practical help—especially if you’re trying snorkeling or getting kids suited up for water toys. Names like Captain Joana, Captain Giannis, and Gianna come up in praise, and the chef Konstantinos gets specific credit for the meal.
There are also practical basics that make the day smoother:
- Life jackets available
- Masks and snorkeling gear provided
- Floaties and inflatables for extra confidence in the water
- Free Wi-Fi and curated music during the cruise
And yes, there are cozy areas onboard that work well if kids need a quiet moment after lunch.
Dia Island bays: where the time is actually spent
The heart of the trip is the Dia Island stop, where you typically get about 2.75 hours in the water. You sail out in the morning, then arrive at one of Dia’s bays—known for clear water that’s made for swimming and gear-based activities.
Once you’re anchored, you can choose your own pace. Want action? The setup includes snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). Prefer casual? You can just swim, jump in and out, and hang around with the arm floaties and inflatables. There’s also fishing equipment for anyone who wants a slower, hands-on activity instead of nonstop splashing.
One fun detail that makes this trip feel like a “day camp for the sea” is the inflatable flamingo. It’s silly in the best way, and it’s an easy prop for photos with kids—or for adults who secretly love themed chaos.
And if you’re worried about finding the “right” water activity for your group, this is built for mixed styles:
- Some people grab snorkeling masks
- Some people do SUP
- Some people just chill and swim
- Kids can rotate through the onboard toys and entertainment
- Everyone can take a break and then jump in again
This is also a good stop for scenery. You’ll get scenic views along the route there and back, but Dia is where the water quality becomes the main event.
The on-board lunch: hot, Mediterranean, and actually filling
Lunch is served onboard after the main swimming time starts to wind down. The meal is Mediterranean with a mix of salads plus hot dishes, including options with seafood and meat. There’s also a homemade dessert to finish it off.
What I like here is that this is not just “snack food.” It’s a real meal cooked for a group, and it’s timed so you’re not waiting forever with empty energy. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll appreciate that there’s a special meal option for children.
Dietary needs are also handled when requested, including:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
If you’re planning your day around food, this is a strong point of value. Many day trips include either a mediocre meal or something you have to hunt down after you’re tired. Here, you’re already on the water and you eat as part of the schedule.
Drinks on board: unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
This is a cruise where the open bar isn’t a tiny token. You get unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer during the entire trip. That changes the vibe. Instead of spending the day watching your watch and rationing sips, you can actually relax between swim breaks.
You’ll also notice little comfort touches that make it feel like a hosted day rather than a ferry ride:
- Coffee/tea at the start
- Detox water during the welcome
- A cheese platter early on
And yes, Wi-Fi and music are there too. If you’re sharing photos of Dia Island water with friends back home, it’s nice not to burn your phone battery while you’re waiting for signal.
For families and groups: activity without the full chaos
This is one of those trips that balances energy and down time. It’s built for families and friends, and it gives everyone a way to participate without forcing the whole group into one exact routine.
Kids get extra attention through a box of toys and the constant “something to do” on deck and in the water. Adults can enjoy the sailing portion and still find plenty to keep them busy at the bay—SUP, snorkeling, swimming gear, and even the inflatable flamingo photo moment.
There’s also a calmer option after lunch. If little ones need a nap, there are cozy cabins for a quiet rest. That matters. On some boats, the only way to slow down is to leave the group. Here, you can keep everyone on board without turning the day into a constant negotiation.
Price and value at about $141 per person
$141 can feel like “that’s a lot,” until you map it to what you’re getting. You’re paying for:
- A luxury catamaran ride with space and deck time
- A staffed crew (with safety training)
- Unlimited drinks (soft drinks, beer, white wine)
- A hot Mediterranean lunch on board
- Full water activity gear (snorkeling and fishing equipment, plus SUP)
- Life jackets, floaties, inflatables, and kids’ toys
If you were trying to recreate this day independently, you’d likely spend a chunk on boat transport, then add lunch, then add paid water activities, then add gear rentals. Here, it’s bundled into one schedule that keeps you from bouncing between vendors.
It’s also a semi-private format, which tends to feel more personal than large-tour chaos. One review noted the boat can handle up to about 20 passengers, which helps with that more exclusive feel.
Practical tips so your Dia day runs smooth
A few details make a big difference on a sea day.
Bring the basics for water time
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
Plan for ID/passport details
When you book, the operator requires full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for each passenger for port authority permission. Keep your documents handy so you don’t get stuck later.
Weather matters
The cruise can be rescheduled or canceled for bad weather. If you’re traveling around a fixed schedule, try to keep at least some buffer time in your day plan.
Meeting point flow
Show up about 15 minutes early and look for the DanEri Yachts crew member in the t-shirt at the Marina Café tables facing the sea and boats.
Transfers are optional
Hotel pickup isn’t included automatically, but transfer service can be arranged from many areas around Heraklion and nearby towns if you select the option in advance.
Who should know this first
The tour is noted as not suitable for pregnant women. Also, there’s wheelchair accessibility listed, but you’ll still want to consider how comfortable you’ll be moving on and off a boat in water conditions.
Should you book the Dia catamaran tour from Heraklion?
If you want one memorable Crete day that mixes sailing + real swimming time + a proper lunch + drinks, this is a strong choice. The Dia Island stop is the main draw, and the fact that the boat comes equipped with snorkeling gear and SUP makes it feel like you’re getting more than just views.
Book it if your group includes kids or mixed ages, because there are activities for different energy levels and enough structure to keep everyone entertained. I’d also book it if you dislike meal-hunting and want food taken care of in the middle of your day on the water.
Skip or think twice if you’re sensitive to weather changes or if pregnancy applies for anyone in your party.
FAQ
Where do I meet the crew in Heraklion?
You meet at the tables of the Marina Café at the port, on the side facing the sea and boats. Arrive about 15 minutes before departure.
How long is the Dia Island catamaran tour?
The total duration is about 5 hours. The Dia Island stop is around 2.75 hours, with about 1 hour of sailing each way.
What snorkeling and water activities are included?
Snorkeling gear and fishing equipment are included. You also get stand-up paddleboards (SUP), plus arm floaties and inflatables and life jackets.
What’s included in the lunch, and can you handle dietary needs?
Lunch is a Mediterranean meal prepared onboard, with salads, hot dishes (including options with seafood and meat), and homemade dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request, and there’s a special children’s meal option.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Drinks are unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer during the trip.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included by default. Transfer service can be arranged from many areas on the island if you select the pickup option in advance.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible, and is it suitable during pregnancy?
The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. It is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women.
