Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

The best part of this 5.5-hour Dia Island cruise is that it treats a boat trip as both an outing and a proper meal. You sail from Heraklion on a modern catamaran, anchor in a calm bay, and spend about three hours swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and eating food prepared onboard by a chef. It feels more polished than a basic group excursion, without becoming a stiff yacht charter.

I like the generous time at Dia Island and the fact that the equipment is included, not rented one piece at a time. I also like the shaded space, onboard WC and shower, open bar, and attentive crew led by Captain Thanasis, with Chef Haris praised for dishes such as seafood risotto with Greek kantaifi shrimp. The main consideration is price: at $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Dia, and rough conditions can limit water activities.

Key points to know before booking

• Chef-prepared lunch: Fresh seafood is the main menu, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s alternatives available if requested at least one day ahead.
• Three hours at Dia: Most of the day is spent in a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, SUP, and sunbathing.
• Modern catamaran: You get spacious seating, shade, Wi-Fi, separate men’s and women’s WC facilities, and a shower.
• Semi-private scale: The boat carries a maximum of 22 participants, so it feels more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Included drinks and gear: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, beer, snorkeling gear, swimming vests, fishing gear, inflatables, and swimming noodles are included.
• Exact departure: Meet at Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port 15 minutes early. The boat leaves on schedule.

Why this Dia Island sailing trip is different

A day on the Cretan coast can mean many things: a packed excursion boat, a quick swim stop, or a private yacht at a much higher price. EOS Yachts aims for the middle ground. You share the catamaran, but the 22-person limit gives the trip a semi-private feel. You get a polished boat, a full meal, drinks, and water gear without paying for an entirely private charter.

The setting helps. Heraklion Port gives you an easy start, with the Rocca a Mare Fortress, often called Koules, as the first landmark on the way out. Then the city recedes and the Aegean opens up. Dia Island is uninhabited and reached by boat, so the main appeal is not a long list of monuments. It is the clear water, rocky coast, quiet bay, and sense of getting away from the port.

This is also a food-focused excursion. Many boat trips provide a buffet or a basic sandwich. Here, lunch is prepared onboard using local ingredients, and the menu centers on fresh seafood. Past menus and special dishes have included seafood risotto with Greek kantaifi shrimp, while meat, vegetarian, and children’s choices can be arranged in advance.

Starting at Cafe Marina and Koules Fortress

Your meeting point is Cafe Marina at Heraklion Port. An EOS crew member meets you at the entrance and guides you to the catamaran for check-in. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. This is important because the cruise leaves exactly at the scheduled time, and there is no suggestion that late arrivals can be accommodated.

The opening is relaxed. You receive coffee and Cretan treats, along with a welcome drink and assorted cheeses and cold cuts. The crew gives a short safety briefing before the boat gets underway. It is enough to explain the basics without turning the first part of your holiday outing into a lecture.

The brief view of Rocca a Mare Fortress adds a pleasant bit of Heraklion context. You have about five minutes for photos and sightseeing as the catamaran passes the landmark. Do not expect a guided fortress visit. This is a scenic departure point, not a history tour, but it gives you a good first picture of the old harbor and the city behind you.

From there, the boat spends about an hour sailing toward Dia. The catamaran gives you room to settle in, choose a shaded seat, and watch the coast change. You can use the Wi-Fi if you need it, but this is a good time to put your phone away and enjoy the open sea.

The modern catamaran and the feel onboard

The boat is one of the main reasons to choose this experience. It is described as new, spacious, spotless, and well maintained, with comfortable areas for sitting and relaxing. Several people have singled out the shaded sections, which matter in the strong Cretan sun. You can enjoy the view without spending the entire crossing under direct sunlight.

The maximum capacity is 22 people. That does not make the trip private, but it keeps the group small enough for the crew to provide personal service. The atmosphere is intended to be friendly and shared, with the captain presenting everyone as part of the same day’s crew. That approach can work well if you enjoy meeting people, though it is not the right choice if you want a boat entirely to yourself.

Captain Thanasis is repeatedly noted for his calm, personable manner and sailing skill. The English-speaking crew also speaks Greek, and communication before and during the outing is handled in English or Greek. The service is attentive, with drinks offered regularly and help available around the water activities.

Practical comforts are better than on many smaller boats. There is an onboard shower, separate WC facilities for men and women, free Wi-Fi, swimming vests, and space to move around. The shower is especially useful after snorkeling or swimming, though you should still bring your own towel.

Three hours in Dia’s sheltered bay

The catamaran anchors in one of Dia’s bays, accessible only by boat. This is the heart of the experience. You have about three hours here, which gives you enough time to be active and still enjoy a long, lazy stretch on deck.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, or simply float with a swimming noodle. Snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. The seabed is described as lively, although this is a natural site, not a managed marine park. Visibility and sea life can change with weather and water conditions.

You can also take out a stand-up paddleboard or canoe board. Fishing gear and inflatable sea toys are available, too. These choices make the stop work for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another paddles, and someone else can stay on deck with a drink and a book.

Sea scooters are available only on request and require advance booking, with priority given in booking order. They are not part of the standard package, so do not assume one will be waiting onboard. If that activity matters to you, arrange it before departure.

The bay is also your chance to slow down. The schedule is active enough for families and couples who want something to do, but there is no pressure to use every piece of equipment. You can sit under the shade, take photos, watch seabirds, and keep an eye out for dolphins during the crossing and around the island. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

One honest point: the sea controls the day. If wind or waves make conditions poor, some water activities may be reduced or unavailable. The crew can still provide food, scenery, and a comfortable boat, but you should not book this solely for snorkeling or paddleboarding.

A proper lunch instead of boat-trip food

The food is a major part of the value. Lunch is prepared fresh onboard by a chef, rather than being treated as an afterthought. The primary offering is a premium seafood Mediterranean menu using local ingredients. Seafood risotto, including a version with Greek kantaifi shrimp, has been a memorable dish for some people, but exact recipes can change with the season and available produce.

The food service is not limited to one plate. The day begins with coffee, cake, Cretan delicacies, cheese, and cold cuts. Lunch is followed by seasonal fruit, a local dessert, and raki. The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer.

Cocktails are not included, although they can be requested separately. That is a small but useful distinction because the tour description mentions cocktails as an optional extra, while the standard bar is wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Seafood is the main menu, so state your needs clearly. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menus are available, but you must request a change at least one day before the cruise. Do not wait until you board. This is especially important for families or anyone with a strong food preference.

I like the way the meal fits the setting. You eat after your first time in the water, with the boat anchored in the bay, then have another chance to swim afterward. It breaks up the day naturally and keeps the trip from feeling like a long restaurant meal with a short swim attached.

The return sail and sunset views

After lunch and more free time in the water, the catamaran begins the hour-long sail back to Heraklion. The return is often the most scenic part of the outing, especially later in the day when the light softens across the Aegean.

Seasonal fruit, local dessert, and raki are served around the end of the cruise. Depending on the departure time, you may catch the sun dropping toward the horizon. The return is not simply transport back to the marina. It gives you a final hour to talk, take photos, and enjoy the view from the deck.

The sunset is a highlight for many people, but it depends on the sailing time and weather. Check the available departure times before booking if an evening glow is important to you. The description refers to both morning and afternoon possibilities, so the exact light conditions will not be the same on every departure.

Back at Cafe Marina, the crew helps bring the day to a close. There is no land excursion on Dia and no walking route, so the experience is best understood as a water day with food, scenery, and recreation rather than a conventional island tour.

Is $141 per person good value?

At $141, this costs more than a basic shared boat ride. The comparison is not quite fair, though. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a small group of no more than 22, professional crew, a chef-prepared lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, SUPs, canoe boards, fishing gear, inflatables, Wi-Fi, and onboard bathroom facilities.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, water equipment, and transport to a swimming beach. It also improves for people who care about comfort. A cramped boat with limited shade can make a beautiful sea day tiring, while this catamaran gives you several places to sit and a shower after the swim.

The value is weaker if you want only a short trip to Dia, plan to bring your own food, or dislike group outings. You also need to remember that the cruise is semi-private, not private. For a special birthday, anniversary, or corporate gathering, ask about a private charter instead.

Special occasions receive thoughtful attention when noted in the booking details. Birthday cakes and small surprises have been arranged, but you should mention the occasion rather than assume it will be noticed.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a comfortable full-day-feeling outing without spending on a private yacht. It works particularly well if your group has mixed interests. Strong swimmers can snorkel and paddle, while others can stay dry and enjoy the food and view.

Families should appreciate the children’s menu, swimming vests, inflatables, and the choice of active or quiet time. Still, children need supervision around the water, and parents should confirm menu requests before departure.

It is also a good choice for a celebration. The spacious boat, chef-prepared meal, drinks, and sunset return give a birthday or anniversary more shape than a simple harbor cruise. The crew’s personal attention is a real part of the experience.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness, since the itinerary includes about two hours of sailing. Weather can affect the water conditions, and the boat’s stable catamaran design does not remove all motion at sea. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel, and consider any personal seasickness needs before booking.

There is no stated accessibility information in the details provided, so contact EOS Yachts directly if you have mobility or access requirements. Pets are not allowed, and smoking indoors is prohibited.

Booking details that matter

EOS Yachts offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Private transportation and hotel transfers are not included, though transfer service can be requested separately.

Greek naval rules require full participant details: name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. Provide these during booking or at least one day before departure.

The meeting point is Cafe Marina at Heraklion Port. The live guide language is English or Greek, and the boat leaves at the scheduled time. Pack swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Bring a light layer if you are sensitive to wind during the return sail.

Should you book the EOS Dia Island catamaran?

Book it if you want Dia Island combined with good food, a comfortable boat, and plenty of time in the water. The strongest reasons are the modern catamaran, the 22-person limit, the included equipment, and a real chef preparing lunch onboard. Those details make the $141 price easier to justify.

Skip it if your priority is the lowest possible fare, a private boat, or guaranteed snorkeling conditions. The sea can change the plan, and this is still a shared cruise. For most people who want a polished day from Heraklion, though, EOS Yachts offers a well-balanced mix of recreation, scenery, and Cretan hospitality.

FAQ

How long is the EOS Yachts Dia Island cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. About one hour is spent sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island, about 3.25 hours at Dia, and about one hour sailing back.

Where does the cruise meet in Heraklion?

Meet the EOS Yachts crew at the entrance of Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port. The crew will guide you to the catamaran for check-in.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The cruise leaves exactly on time.

How many people can join the catamaran?

This is a semi-private trip with a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are also available by request.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chef-prepared Mediterranean lunch is included, with fresh seafood as the main menu. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s options are available if requested at least one day before departure.

What drinks are included?

The all-inclusive bar provides water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are available only by request and are not part of the standard price.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, swimming vests, stand-up paddleboards, canoe boards, fishing gear, inflatables, and swimming noodles are included.

Are sea scooters included?

No. Sea scooters require advance booking, and priority is given according to the order of requests.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed, and smoking indoors is prohibited.