Heraklion Luxury Catamaran Dia Isla -Gourmet Lunch Top Rated

A day on this luxury catamaran to Dia Island is interesting because it mixes the fun stuff (swimming, snorkeling, paddleboards) with restaurant-quality food, served while you cruise past Heraklion’s waterfront landmarks. It is a myth-meets-modern comfort kind of outing, anchored in calm bays where the water turns into a photo factory.

I love the chef-led gourmet lunch and how the open bar keeps the day relaxed. I also like that you get plenty of ways to spend your time on the water, without feeling like you need to be an athlete or a marine biologist.

One thing to consider: this trip runs on a tight departure rhythm, and you’ll want to show up a little early at the Marina Café check-in so you do not feel rushed.

Key things I’d plan around

• Chef Charis cooks onboard with a full seafood menu plus meat, vegetarian, and kids options
• Dia Island time is boat-only access, with calm-bay swimming and excellent snorkeling gear
• Open bar is included (local white wine, beer, soft drinks, water)
• You can do more than swim with SUP, canoe board, fishing gear, and inflatable sea toys
• Modern comfort matters with WC for men and women, shower, and free Wi-Fi
• Wildlife sightings are possible with dolphins and seabirds on the route (keep your eyes up)

Why Dia Island on a Heraklion catamaran feels like a treat

Crete is famous for beaches, but a big part of the charm is also what happens when you see the island from the sea. This Heraklion luxury catamaran day trip is built around that idea. You start in the port area, cruise past fortresses for quick photo moments, then spend the main chunk of time anchored near Dia Island, a place tied to Greek myth and known for clear, sheltered water.

What makes this one feel special is the balance. You get real leisure time, but the crew also has equipment ready for active fun. And the food is not an afterthought. You are not just eating onboard, you are eating like someone planned your day like a proper meal service.

If you like your vacations with a little structure and a lot of freedom, this hits the sweet spot.

Start smart at Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port

Your day starts at Marina Café in Heraklion Port, with check-in at the entrance and a crew member guiding you to the boat. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early because the catamaran departs exactly on time.

This is the kind of tour where being on time makes your whole day feel smoother. You will also want your basics ready because you will go straight into the sea portion once you are anchored. Think: sunscreen applied, swimwear on under your clothes, and a towel you can grab fast.

Two practical notes that matter:

• You’ll need your details submitted for Greek naval regulations, including full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender.
• Smoking indoors is not allowed, and pets are not permitted.

Koules and Rocca a Mare: quick fortresses, big vantage points

The early part of the trip is about getting your bearings without turning it into a full sightseeing day. One moment you’ll be taking photos near Koules Fortress, another you’ll get a brief Rocca a Mare Fortress photo stop with scenic cruising views on the way.

These stops are short, but they do something useful. They connect the cruise to the city you just arrived in, so the day feels rooted in Heraklion instead of starting out on a blank, open-water blank page. You will get your skyline shots fast, then the sea does the rest.

The downside? If you’re craving deep, slow history walking tours, this is not that. It is a cruise built for the water, not a museum day.

The EOS Yachts catamaran experience: comfort you notice fast

Once onboard, the tone is set quickly. The boat is described as modern and spacious, with enough room to spread out rather than squeeze in. Guests specifically highlight the feel of luxury, including plenty of shaded areas, plus onboard facilities that make a difference once you spend hours in and out of the water.

Here is what you should care about as a rider:

• WC for men and women plus a shower onboard
• Free Wi-Fi if you want it, but you can also treat it like a complete digital vacation
• Plenty of room to relax before lunch, after swimming, and during the return sail

There’s also a real “crew makes it easy” vibe. You get a welcome with coffee and Cretan treats, then a short safety briefing that helps you feel comfortable moving around the boat. A few guests also mention a chef on board, and that matters because it turns lunch into the main event instead of a simple snack.

Dia Island anchorage: swim, snorkel, SUP, and sea toys

The big payoff of the day happens when you reach Dia Island and drop anchor in a bay that is hard to reach any other way. This is the kind of place you want to visit with a forgiving attitude. Some days the water is calm, some days it has attitude. Either way, you are in sheltered conditions where swimming and snorkeling feel easy.

Once anchored, you get a long stretch of time to enjoy the water. Depending on your mood, you can do any mix of these:

• Swimming with included safety support (swimming vests are provided)
• Snorkeling with high-quality gear
• SUP on stand-up paddleboards
• Canoeing using the canoe board equipment
• Fishing with provided gear
• Floating around on inflatables and sea toys

A nice detail here is that the bay is described as accessible only by boat. That means you’re not just swimming in a public beach crowd. The vibe tends to feel more like a private stop.

Also, keep an eye on the horizon. The experience includes a wildlife element, with a chance to spot dolphins and seabirds during the journey. It is not guaranteed, but the crew is clearly tuned into what to watch for.

If you care about photos, this is also the part of the day that delivers. Between the turquoise water, the sun angles, and the way the coastline frames the bay, you get plenty of chances for Golden Aegean shots.

What the lunch is really like on board

If you’ve been on “boat days” where lunch is just something edible, this is different. The onboard lunch is described as restaurant-quality, freshly prepared, and focused on Mediterranean flavors with locally sourced high-quality ingredients.

The main meal is a premium seafood Mediterranean menu, and the day also includes meat (like chicken), vegetarian, and kids menu options. You do need to communicate menu needs at least one day before your trip if you want changes, especially since the crew plans ahead.

The chef is specifically named in guest feedback, with Chef Charis receiving standout praise for cooking onboard. That is a big deal. It means your lunch is made for you on the day, not shipped in and reheated.

Alongside lunch, there’s an included flow:

• Drinks from the open bar: local white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Seasonal fruits after the meal
• Local dessert, and raki is included as well

Value-wise, this is where the price starts to make sense. At $122 per person for a 5.5-hour experience, you are not just paying for “time on a boat.” You are paying for a full half-day of:

• onboard facilities (WC and shower)
• snorkeling and swimming gear
• water toys and equipment
• and a properly served meal with drinks

That is the math. If you would otherwise pay for a guided boat plus food plus drinks, this becomes a simpler choice.

One consideration: seafood is the base menu, so if you only want non-sea options, make sure you request the alternative menu in advance so you are not deciding under pressure.

Drinks, dessert, and the easy pace that makes it work

This day has an easy rhythm, and the included bar is part of why it stays comfortable. You can pace yourself with water, wine, beer, and soft drinks without pulling out a wallet every time you want a drink. There is also seasonal fruit and local dessert that makes the afternoon feel complete.

After lunch, you get additional time to enjoy the water again. This is smart. People often snorkel once and call it a day. Here you can do it twice, once before lunch and once after, if that is your style. Or you can just float, take photos, and let the sea time do its job.

And if you’re the kind of person who likes a planned highlight, this is also where you can slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. Several guests mention a sunset on the water feeling like a proper moment, not just a photo stop.

Return sail: the calm before your “one more swim” decision

As the day winds down, you sail back toward Heraklion, with views across the Aegean Sea. If you’ve done enough tours to recognize a pattern, you know some operators speed the return and call it done. This one is framed as a relaxing arc, with the golden hour vibe clearly part of the experience.

You also get a final chance to enjoy the boat itself. If you used your first swim slot to snorkel hard, you might want to use the return to simply relax. If you preferred floating earlier, the return is a good time for one last look at the water patterns and the island shapes behind you.

Extra touches that reviewers keep calling out

A lot of the praise is consistent, which usually means these details are real operational wins. Here are the themes worth your attention:

• Chef attention: Guests single out the chef’s cooking quality and the feel of individualized meal service.
• Professional crew: People describe the crew as organized, friendly, and quick to help, including handling special requests when possible.
• Boat condition and comfort: The catamaran is often described as spotless and luxurious, with modern amenities and plenty of room to relax.
• Activity variety: Snorkeling and swimming are the base, but SUP, canoe board, fishing gear, and sea toys make it feel like you actually have choices.

Some guests also mention taking photos and enjoying captain stories while anchored near Dia Island. That matters because it turns the “waiting for the boat” parts into something you can enjoy instead of endure.

Sea scooter note (because you might want the add-on)

A sea scooter is available but it requires advance booking, and priority order is respected. If you think you want it, plan ahead so you do not end up disappointed on the day.

Who this trip is best for (and who should think twice)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a comfort-first catamaran day with real amenities (WC, shower, shaded relaxation areas)
• an all-in meal plan that is not bland
• plenty of water time, with options beyond just snorkeling
• a half-day plan that works well as a Crete highlight without swallowing your whole vacation day

It may not be ideal if:

• you want a long, structured land-based sightseeing day
• you struggle with schedules and punctual departures (you’ll need to be ready to board on time)
• you dislike seafood and did not arrange the alternative menu in advance

For most people, it is the kind of activity that turns a port stop or a day in Heraklion into a memory you talk about later.

So, should you book EOS Yachts to Dia Island?

My take: if your priority is a luxury-feeling day at sea with a genuinely good lunch and lots of swim-and-snorkel time, this is an easy yes. The value is strongest because the price covers the meal, drinks, and equipment, not just transportation.

Book it especially if:

• you want to combine swimming, snorkeling, and paddle-style fun in one outing
• you appreciate onboard comfort like a shower and proper restrooms
• you like the idea of anchoring at a boat-only spot with that quiet-bay feeling

Before you reserve, do two things:

1) confirm your meal needs for seafood versus meat or vegetarian, and

2) get your guest details ready for the Greek naval regulations requirement.

If you do those, this day trip is set up to be smooth, enjoyable, and delicious, which is exactly what you want from a half-day escape on Crete.

FAQ

How long is the Dia Island catamaran cruise from Heraklion?

The duration is listed as 5.5 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $122 per person.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at the entrance of Marina Café in Heraklion Port, guided by an EOS Yachts crew member for check-in.

What is included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a premium Mediterranean seafood menu, with meat, vegetarian, and kids menu options available. An all-inclusive bar includes water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Seasonal fruits, local dessert, and raki are also included.

Are snorkeling items provided?

Yes. High quality snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included.

Can I use SUP or canoe boards during the trip?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and canoe board equipment are included.

Is fishing gear included?

Yes. Fishing gear is included.

Is a sea scooter included?

No. A sea scooter is available on request with advance booking, and priority order is respected.

What facilities are on board?

The catamaran has WC for men and women and a shower. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

What do I need to bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Pets are not allowed, and smoking indoors is not allowed.