Dia: Day & Sunset Cruise with Menu by Greece’s Top 100 Chef

The best part of this cruise is the combination of a roomy catamaran and a serious meal. You sail from Heraklion to Dia Island, swim and snorkel in clear water, then sit down to seafood, salads, local dishes, fruit, and a Cretan dessert designed by chef Giorgos Chronakis. I like the generous time at anchor and the care shown by crew members such as George, Mathius, Raquela, Angie, and Costas. The main consideration is weather: rough seas can force a change or cancellation, and this is not a wheelchair-friendly outing.

I also like the choice of pace. You can use the SUP, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, and inflatable toys, or simply find shade and let the sea do the work. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and water add real value, though the cruise may feel long if you want a fast-moving sightseeing trip rather than a relaxed day on the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours at Dia Island: Most of the 5.5-hour outing is not spent rushing between stops. You have time to swim, snorkel, use the SUP, eat, and relax.
• A large catamaran with room to spread out: The boat has sunny deck areas, shaded seating, cushions, music, WiFi, and space for both active and quiet time.
• A chef-designed Cretan menu: Expect a welcome platter, Mediterranean seafood, salads, local specialties, fruit, and dessert, with vegan, meat, allergy-friendly, and children’s meals available by request.
• Day or sunset sailing: The day cruise runs from 9:00 to 14:30. The sunset version runs from 15:00 to 20:30.
• Helpful crew and careful service: Crew members have arranged hotel transfers, prepared alternative meals, offered blankets on cooler returns, and helped less confident swimmers feel comfortable.
• Weather matters: The sailing can be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions, with a full refund if the operator cancels.

From the Venetian fortress to the open sea

Your meeting point is Marineli 2 in Heraklion, beside the entrance to Rocca a Mare, the Venetian fortress better known as Koules. Look for the ATM to the left of the entrance and a crew member wearing a CYMA SAILS shirt. This is a simple place to meet, but give yourself enough time to arrive without a last-minute scramble.

The boat first passes Koules, giving you a short view of the fortress from the water. This is not a guided Heraklion sightseeing tour, so do not expect a long stop or a detailed history lesson. Still, it is a pleasant opening scene, especially if this is your first morning or evening on the Cretan coast.

Once the catamaran clears the harbor, the mood changes. The city slips behind you, and the main attraction becomes the sea, the breeze, and the broad view toward Dia. I like that the sailing time is treated as part of the outing rather than as dead time. The crossing to the island takes about an hour, enough time to settle into a seat, order a drink, and watch the shoreline recede.

The crew gives safety instructions before departure, and life jackets, insurance, and first aid support are included. You can also stay connected with free WiFi, though I would use it sparingly. The point of this trip is to look up from your phone.

A catamaran built for comfort, not just transport

The boat is described as the largest and most luxurious catamaran in the area, and that size matters more than the marketing language. A large catamaran gives you several ways to spend the crossing. You can sit in the sun, find a shaded place, stretch out on cushions, or move around when you want a change of view.

That flexibility is useful on a five-and-a-half-hour trip. A small boat can make a sea outing feel crowded, especially when everyone gathers for lunch or heads to the shaded side. Here, the layout allows a quieter corner for reading or resting while other people use the deck.

The boat also carries music, WiFi, inflatable water toys, and a box of toys for children. Those extras will not matter to every adult, but they make the outing easier for families and mixed groups. The crew has also provided blankets on cooler returns, a thoughtful touch for the sunset sailing when the wind picks up after dark.

The catamaran is not a private yacht. You are sharing the boat with other people, and the size of the group can vary. That is worth keeping in mind if you want complete privacy. The advantage is that the large deck helps prevent the boat from feeling cramped.

The welcome platter sets the tone

When you reach Dia Island, the crew serves a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts. It is a good bridge between the morning crossing and the main meal, especially if you have arrived hungry after an early start.

This small course also gives you time to settle into the island stop. You can take in the rocky coastline, choose a place to sit, or get ready for the water. Tea, coffee, iced tea, juices, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, so you are not left waiting for lunch with an empty glass.

The unlimited drinks are part of the value, but remember that alcohol and swimming do not mix well. If you plan to snorkel or use the SUP, enjoy the water first and keep the wine and beer for the meal or the return sail.

Dia Island gives you a proper break from the city

Dia is the main reason to book this outing. The island sits off the Cretan coast, and the boat anchors for about three hours. That is enough time to make the stop feel like a real visit rather than a quick photo pause.

The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and equipment is provided. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding or fishing, or use the inflatable toys for a calmer way to enjoy the bay. Life jackets are available, and the crew can help you get started.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. One crew member helped a hesitant swimmer into the water with shorts and a comfortable life vest, which shows the practical level of attention you can expect. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, though you should be comfortable around open water and able to follow safety instructions.

The island stop is also good for people who would rather not swim. You can stay on deck, take photographs, listen to music, and enjoy the view. The trip does not force every person into the water, which makes it a better choice for families and mixed-age groups.

A small caution: the exact anchorage can change. One sailing used a quieter bay when the usual spot was busy. That can be a benefit, since a less crowded cove may give you more space, but it also means the scenery and swimming conditions are not guaranteed to look exactly the same on every departure.

Chef Giorgos Chronakis brings the serious food

The meal is more ambitious than the usual boat excursion lunch. Chef Giorgos Chronakis, recognized among Greece’s top 100 chefs, designed a Mediterranean menu around fresh and organic Cretan ingredients.

The precise dishes can change, but the meal includes fresh seafood, crisp salads, traditional Cretan specialties, seasonal fruit, and a Cretan dessert. The food is served on board, with wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and water available throughout the meal.

This is where the cruise earns much of its appeal. You are not simply buying transport to a swimming stop. You are getting a long, hosted meal in a memorable setting, with the boat moving gently or resting at anchor beside Dia.

The menu also works well for people who do not eat seafood. A chicken fillet with sweet potato purée, crispy buckwheat, and honey-soy sauce has been prepared as an alternative. Vegan meals have included fregola with vegetables, and children can receive a special meal if requested in advance.

You should provide dietary details when booking, not after boarding. The operator also accepts requests for meat-based, vegan, allergy-friendly, and children’s meals. That does not mean every last-minute request can be handled, so early notice is the sensible choice.

The meal is substantial. One sailing included a large fruit platter and cake after lunch, and some people found they had no room left for the final course. Plan on a leisurely meal rather than a quick snack between swims.

Day sailing or sunset sailing?

The day cruise leaves at 9:00 and returns to Heraklion at 14:30. This version gives you bright water, strong visibility for snorkeling, and the rest of the afternoon free. It suits you if you want to combine the cruise with another activity later or prefer to swim while the sun is high.

The sunset cruise leaves at 15:00 and returns at 20:30. You still get the Dia Island stop, the water activities, and the full meal, then watch the light soften over the sea on the way back. The sunset option feels more romantic and works well for a special evening, birthday, or relaxed final night in Heraklion.

The tradeoff is temperature and light. The later return may feel cooler, so bring a jacket. Snorkeling also takes place with less afternoon daylight than on the morning departure. On the other hand, the sunset sail gives you a beautiful finish without using your whole morning.

Both options last 5.5 hours. Check the current departure time when booking, since availability determines which option is running on your date.

Service is a major part of the value

The crew does more than drive the boat and pass out plates. The service includes a safety briefing, drinks, food service, help with water equipment, and attention to comfort on the return crossing.

Crew members named during this sailing service include George, Mathius, Raquela, Angie, and Costas. Their work has included arranging paid transfers from Chersonissos, communicating through WhatsApp, preparing meals for people who avoid fish, and checking on anyone affected by the sun.

That kind of care is useful at sea. A crew member noticed when one person felt dizzy, brought water, found shade, and continued checking in. You should still bring sunscreen, a hat, and water-friendly clothing, but it is reassuring to know the crew is paying attention.

The atmosphere is warm and social rather than formal. Special touches have included birthday cakes and celebrations prepared on board. These are not guaranteed, so contact the operator ahead of time if you are marking an occasion.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. The jacket matters most for the return from the sunset cruise, but it is useful on any windy day.

Wear something comfortable for sitting and moving around the deck. Keep valuables secure, even though the boat has a well-kept feel. Bring a camera, but use a waterproof case if you plan to take it near the swimming area.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Transfers from your hotel can be arranged on request for an extra charge, and one transfer from Chersonissos has been arranged successfully. Confirm this before your travel date rather than assuming it is included.

You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality at booking. The port authorities require this information for approval.

Is the cruise good value?

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact fare. I can tell you what the fare needs to cover for the value to make sense: a 5.5-hour sailing, a large catamaran, the Dia Island stop, water equipment, a welcome platter, a full chef-designed meal, unlimited drinks, safety cover, and crew service.

That package is stronger than a basic boat trip that charges extra for lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, or paddleboards. It is especially good value if you plan to eat and drink on board and will use the swimming equipment.

The price may feel high if you only want a short boat ride or a quick swim. You are paying for comfort, food, time at anchor, and hosting, not just for a seat on a boat. Compare the total cost with cheaper trips, including what they charge for meals, drinks, and equipment.

The 4.9 rating from 73 reviews also gives you a useful signal, though weather and group size can affect the day. No sailing can promise dolphins, perfect water, or a quiet bay. Dolphins have appeared alongside the catamaran, but treat that as a lucky sighting rather than part of the schedule.

Who should book this Dia Island cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a relaxed sea day with good food and enough time to swim. It suits couples, families, solo visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting, and anyone who prefers comfort over a bare-bones sailing trip.

It is also a strong choice for people with mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can use the SUP, and someone else can stay in the shade with a drink. The menu makes it easier for groups with different diets.

I would look elsewhere if you want a high-adrenaline water tour, a private boat, a detailed historical tour of Dia, or a short excursion with little time at sea. The journey is part of the experience, and the pace is intentionally unhurried.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If bad weather or low participation causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if the idea of a well-run sea day with a real meal appeals to you. The spacious catamaran, long stop at Dia, thoughtful dietary options, and attentive crew make it more than a simple transfer to a swimming bay.

Choose the day sailing for brighter water and an open afternoon. Choose sunset for softer light and a more memorable return, and bring a jacket. If you can accept a weather-dependent schedule and shared boat setting, CYMA SAILS offers one of the more complete ways to experience the water off Heraklion.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet in Heraklion?

The meeting point is Marineli 2, Heraklion 712 02, at the entrance to Rocca a Mare, also called the Venetian Fortress or Koules. An ATM is to the left, and a crew member wearing a CYMA SAILS shirt will meet you there.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. The day sailing runs from 9:00 to 14:30, while the sunset sailing runs from 15:00 to 20:30.

How long do you stay at Dia Island?

The Dia Island stop lasts about 3.25 hours. It includes time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, fishing, food, drinks, and relaxation.

What food is included?

You receive a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts, followed by a Mediterranean seafood meal with salads, traditional Cretan specialties, seasonal fruit, and a Cretan dessert.

Are vegan and meat meals available?

Yes. Vegan and meat-based meals are available by request. Allergy-friendly dishes and customized meals for children can also be arranged if requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, tea, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and stand-up paddleboards are included. Inflatable water toys are also available.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. A jacket is especially useful on the return trip from the sunset cruise.

Can hotel transfers be arranged?

Transfers are available on request, subject to prior arrangement and an extra charge. Confirm the service before your cruise.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise depends on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unfavorable. If the operator cancels, you receive a full refund of the ticket price.