Luxury Catamaran Cruise, Dia Island –Open Bar & Lunch -Top Rated!

The best part of this Dia Island cruise is how little you need to arrange once you step aboard. Eos Yachts combines a polished catamaran, a professional English-speaking crew, a freshly prepared seafood lunch, and a full set of water gear into one relaxed day on the Cretan Sea. The three-hour stop in Dia’s sheltered bay gives you time to swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, or simply stretch out on deck.

I like the generous food service, especially the welcome coffee, Cretan treats, brunch platters, seasonal fruit, dessert, and cooked lunch. I also like the maximum group size of 25, which should feel calmer than a large party boat. The main thing to consider is the price: at $145.18 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride, and the value depends on how much you use the lunch, open bar, and water equipment.

Key details before you book

• Three hours at Dia Island: Most of your time away from the port is spent in a quiet bay with turquoise water and room for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• A real meal, not just a sandwich: The onboard menu includes seafood risotto with tempura shrimp, spinach lasagna, or chicken lasagna, plus salads and smaller meals before and after.
• Open bar included: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are available without an extra charge. Cocktails cost extra.
• Water equipment supplied: You can use snorkeling gear, swimming vests, SUP boards, fishing gear, a canoe board, noodles, and inflatable sea toys.
• Comfortable catamaran setup: There are separate men’s and women’s toilets, a shower, WiFi, and a certified English-speaking crew.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and the cruise may also be canceled if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.

Leaving Heraklion for a quieter Cretan coast

You meet at Cafe Marina on Leof. Nearchou in Heraklion, close to public transportation. The cruise returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the harbor.

The trip lasts about five and a half hours. That is long enough to make the boat ride feel like the main event, rather than a quick transfer to an island and back. At the same time, it is short enough to fit into a day of sightseeing in Heraklion if you plan carefully.

The catamaran is limited to 25 people. That number is not the same as a private charter, but it should allow the crew to keep an eye on the group and avoid the packed feeling of a large excursion boat. The setup is especially useful for couples, families, and small groups who want a more refined outing without paying for an entire yacht.

The first moments aboard are designed to ease you into the day. Welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies are included, giving you something local to try before the main meal. I appreciate this small touch because the start of a sailing trip can otherwise feel like a wait for lunch. Here, the food begins early.

Three hours in Dia’s peaceful bay

Dia is the main destination, and the stop lasts about three hours. The boat anchors in a peaceful bay where the water is described as turquoise and calm enough for several kinds of activities. You are not simply stepping ashore for a quick look around. The point is to enjoy the sea from the catamaran and from the water.

You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, or put on a swimming vest if you prefer extra support. The equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack fins, masks, or flotation gear. That saves space and makes it easier to decide what you want to do once you see the conditions.

The SUP boards offer a slower way to explore the bay. You can paddle away from the boat, take in the coastline, and return when you are ready. Fishing gear, a canoe board, inflatable toys, and swimming noodles add options for people who do not want to spend the entire stop snorkeling.

The reviews describe the captain choosing a good anchoring spot close to shore. That matters because a well-placed boat gives you a better balance: you can enjoy the view toward land while still having direct access to the water. The exact anchorage depends on sea and weather conditions, so you should not expect the same position every time.

A three-hour stop is generous, but you will still want to plan your time. If you swim, eat, paddle, and take photographs, the afternoon can go quickly. I would start with the activity you most want to do, then leave time to relax on deck. You do not need to treat the bay like a checklist.

A seafood lunch prepared on the boat

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The main meal is prepared onboard with local ingredients and served with fresh salads. The proposed choices cover seafood, vegetarian, and meat-based preferences.

The seafood option pairs sea garden risotto with kantaifi-wrapped tempura shrimp. The risotto provides the substantial part of the meal, while the crisp shrimp add a different texture. It is a more thoughtful menu than the usual basic pasta or grilled meat found on many day boats.

The vegetarian choice is a moussaka-inspired spinach lasagna with layers of pasta, spinach, and béchamel sauce. The meat option is a chicken lasagna with mushrooms and colorful bell peppers. These choices make the cruise easier for a mixed group, though you should select your preference when reserving.

Food service does not stop at the main course. Gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts are served as brunch, and seasonal fruit and a local Cretan dessert provide lighter options. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, beer, and local white wine are also included.

The word all-inclusive needs a little clarification. It covers the listed drinks, not cocktails. Cocktails are available upon request for an additional charge. If you do not drink alcohol, the included water and soft drinks still make the arrangement useful. If you do drink, the local wine and beer can add real value to the price, especially during a long afternoon at sea.

I would not book this trip expecting a formal restaurant meal. You are eating aboard a catamaran, with the sea moving around you and service shaped by the timing of the anchorage. That is part of the appeal, but it also means the experience is casual rather than polished in a fine-dining sense.

Water activities without extra rental fees

The supplied equipment is a major practical advantage. Snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included, as are SUP boards, fishing gear, canoe board equipment, noodles, and inflatable sea toys. You can try several activities without paying separate rental fees at the island.

That makes the cruise easier for families and mixed-age groups. One person can swim while another paddles, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink and a plate of fruit. You are not forced into one group activity or a single pace.

The equipment also affects the value calculation. If you would otherwise rent snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, or a flotation device, those included items help justify the $145.18 cost. On the other hand, if you plan to stay seated and use only the lunch and transport, the price may feel high compared with a basic boat excursion.

A sea scooter is not included. It requires advance booking, and priority is given in booking order. If that is important to you, arrange it before departure rather than assuming one will be available at the harbor.

A crew that keeps the day easy

The crew is described as qualified, certified, English speaking, and attentive to guests. The captain, chef, and assistant are all part of the experience, not just background staff. The strongest praise centers on their professionalism, friendliness, and ability to create a laid-back atmosphere.

That combination matters on a boat. You want clear instructions when using the equipment, sensible handling of the vessel, and staff who notice when people need help. At the same time, you do not want constant announcements or a forced party mood. The cruise appears designed around a calm rhythm, with the crew managing the practical details while you choose how active to be.

The onboard facilities make a difference during a five-and-a-half-hour outing. There are separate toilets for men and women, a shower, and free WiFi. The shower is useful after swimming, though you should still bring the basics you need for sun and sea time.

The catamaran itself is repeatedly praised for its high-end feel. You should expect more space and comfort than on a simple motorboat, but this is still a working vessel exposed to sun, spray, and wind. Bring sun protection and clothing suited to changing conditions. The supplied data does not specify loungers, shade arrangements, or cabin access, so do not assume hotel-style amenities.

Choosing the right departure time

The exact departure schedule is not provided here, but one afternoon outing began at 3:30 pm and ended with a sunset at sea. That option may suit you if you prefer cooler late-day light and want the return journey to include sunset views.

An earlier sailing would give you stronger daylight for swimming, snorkeling, and photography. A later departure may give you a more atmospheric ride and a chance to watch the sky change over the water. Since the available time affects both the sea conditions and the mood, check the specific departure time before booking.

The stop at Dia remains the central feature, regardless of the hour. You should think about your priorities. Choose the option that gives you enough daylight for the water activities you care about, unless sunset is the main reason you are booking.

Is $145.18 a fair price?

At $145.18 per person, this cruise sits in the premium day-trip category. You are paying for a luxury catamaran rather than only transportation, but the price also includes food, drinks, staff, facilities, and water equipment.

The value looks strongest if you use several parts of the package. A seafood lunch, cheese and cold-cut platters, dessert, wine or beer, snorkeling gear, SUP access, and a five-and-a-half-hour boat trip can add up quickly when purchased separately. The group limit of 25 also gives the outing a more personal feel than a large public cruise.

The price is less compelling for someone who does not drink, does not swim, and mainly wants a short view of Dia. You would be paying for facilities and inclusions you may not use. A basic island boat may be better for that type of day.

For me, the strongest value comes from the combination of time and choice. You get about three hours in the bay, but you are not locked into one paid activity. You can move between swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, eating, and resting. That flexibility is useful when weather, energy, or water conditions change.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and friends who want a relaxed day on the water with the details handled for them. It suits people who value good food and a comfortable boat as much as the island itself.

It is also a good choice for a group with different interests. An enthusiastic swimmer can spend time in the bay, while a less active person can remain on deck with snacks and wine. Families may appreciate the swimming vests, noodles, and inflatable toys.

The cruise is less suitable if you want a long stay on Dia Island itself. The plan focuses on the bay and the boat, not a full island walk or land-based sightseeing program. It may also disappoint anyone looking for a private yacht experience, since the maximum group is 25 rather than one party.

The trip requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator offers a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of bookings is not reached. You should also remember that most people book about 13 days ahead, so popular dates may not remain open at the last minute.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in Crete.

My take: book it for the full package

I would book this cruise if you want more than a boat ride to Dia. The combination of a small group, polished catamaran, prepared lunch, open bar, and included water equipment gives you a full half-day with very little extra planning.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the generous three-hour bay stop, the range of activities, and the crew’s reported attention to comfort and organization. The main caution is simple: $145.18 is worth it only if you use the package. Swim, paddle, try the snorkeling gear, enjoy the meal, and make time for the food and drinks.

If you want a quiet, well-equipped day at sea with a seafood meal and the option to be active or lazy, this is a strong choice from Heraklion. If you want a low-cost transfer or a long walk on Dia, choose something more basic and land-focused.

FAQ

Where does the Dia Island catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Cafe Marina on Leof. Nearchou in Heraklion, Crete. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The full experience lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes. About three hours are spent in the bay at Dia Island.

What food is included?

You receive welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies, gourmet cheese and cold-cut platters, seasonal fruit, a local Cretan dessert, and a freshly prepared lunch with salad. Main-course choices include seafood risotto with kantaifi-wrapped tempura shrimp, spinach lasagna, or chicken lasagna.

What drinks are included?

The all-inclusive bar provides water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Cocktails are not included, but they can be requested separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included. SUP equipment, fishing gear, canoe board equipment, swimming noodles, and inflatable sea toys are also available.

Is the cruise suitable for most people?

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. The cruise has a maximum of 25 people. It requires good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather or low bookings cancel the cruise, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.