SUP Safari – Catamaran Cruise Dia Island & Gourmet Delights!

The clever part of this Dia Island catamaran trip is its mix of active water time and easy comfort. You paddle from a luxury catamaran, snorkel in clear water, then return aboard for Cretan food, wine, beer, and a slow sail back toward Heraklion.

I like the certified SUP instruction and the thoughtful extras: quality snorkeling gear, a 360-degree camera, an outdoor shower, and even fishing equipment. I also like that the food is more than a token sandwich, with cheeses, premium cold cuts, fruit, dessert, and local treats.

The main consideration is the activity level. You need at least an intermediate SUP ability, must be comfortable in the water, and should be ready for a full five hours at sea. The trip is not suitable for children under 14, non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or people with mobility or visual impairments.

Key points to know before you book

• Paddle with certified guidance: Thanasis, identified in the trip details as the SUP guide, leads the outing with certification from the Canoe Kayak Federation.
• Reach Dia Island by catamaran: The island is accessible only by boat, making the journey part of the experience rather than a simple transfer.
• Expect a real meal at sea: Cheeses, premium cold cuts, Cretan delicacies, seasonal fruit, dessert, and unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine are included.
• Bring intermediate SUP skills: This is guided instruction and exploration, not a first-ever paddleboarding lesson.
• Get extra activity choices: Snorkeling, canoe equipment, fishing equipment, and inflatable sea toys are available alongside the main SUP program.
• Plan for a port meeting: Meet the EOS Yachts crew at the entrance of Marina Café in Heraklion Port at least 15 minutes before departure.

Why the SUP and catamaran combination works

Many boat trips ask you to choose between action and rest. This one gives you both, but the order matters. You begin with the boat ride and water activities while you still have energy, then spend the latter part of the outing enjoying lunch, drinks, and the catamaran’s deck.

I like that arrangement because Dia Island is not treated as a backdrop for a quick swim. You have a reason to get into the water, a guide to help manage the SUP portion, and time afterward to enjoy the setting without chasing the clock from one attraction to the next.

The catamaran also changes the feel of the day. You are not simply being ferried to a beach, then collected again. The boat is your base for the five-hour trip, with room to sunbathe, watch the coast, use the shower, and take in the sea breeze between activities.

The trip is priced at $169 per person. That is not a budget boat ride, but the value depends on what you would otherwise pay for separately. SUP equipment, snorkeling gear, instructor support, crew, fuel, taxes, food, drinks, and camera footage are all included. If you want an active sea day with lunch and an open bar, the package covers a lot.

Leaving Heraklion Port for Dia Island

Your day begins at the entrance of Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and guides you to the catamaran for check-in, so you do not need to search the harbor for the correct boat.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. That small cushion matters in a port setting, especially if you are walking from another part of Heraklion or arranging your own taxi. Pickup and transfers are not included, though they can be requested.

The trip lasts five hours, with departure times based on availability. Since the exact start time can vary, check the schedule before planning other activities in Heraklion. The excursion returns to the same meeting point, which makes it easier to arrange the rest of your day.

Once aboard, you can expect a welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies. This is a pleasant opening rather than a rushed safety briefing followed by an immediate race to the water. The certified skipper and crew handle the boat, while the SUP guide prepares participants for the active portion.

Paddling the coast with Thanasis

The SUP segment is the heart of the trip. Thanasis is named as the guide in the experience details and is repeatedly praised for being friendly, experienced, and helpful. That matters because paddleboarding from a catamaran is more involved than renting a board from a beach kiosk.

You will use an inflatable stand-up paddleboard with a paddle, leash, and life vest. The guide leads you along Dia Island’s coastal waters, where the main reward is the combination of open views, clear water, and the unusual starting point from a sailing boat.

Be realistic about the skill requirement. This trip is aimed at people with at least an intermediate level of SUP experience. You should already feel comfortable standing, balancing, steering, and recovering if the board moves beneath you. It is not presented as a beginner class.

That requirement is one of the most important booking details. If you have only tried SUP once, or if you are not a confident swimmer, the activity may feel demanding rather than relaxing. The life vest and guide add safety, but they do not replace basic water confidence.

The SUP route also has a personal touch. A 360-degree camera is provided, and footage is shared with participants. That gives you a way to remember the outing without keeping your phone in a waterproof pouch while trying to paddle.

Clear water, snorkeling, and time around Dia

Dia Island sits off Crete and can only be reached by boat. Its separation from the main island gives the outing a quieter, more remote feel than a standard beach day near Heraklion.

The water is the star here. The supplied details describe turquoise water and marine life, and the snorkeling equipment lets you look beneath the surface rather than simply swim beside the boat. Bring realistic expectations: this is a recreational snorkeling stop, not a specialized wildlife expedition.

I would treat snorkeling as a chance to slow down after the SUP session. Paddleboarding asks for balance and concentration. Snorkeling lets you float, look around, and enjoy the protected island setting at a gentler pace.

The trip also includes canoe equipment, fishing equipment, and inflatable sea toys. The details do not specify exactly how each item is scheduled, so think of them as available extras rather than guaranteed timed stops. The main structure remains SUP, snorkeling, sailing, and food.

You need to be a swimmer for this outing. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the water-based format means you should be comfortable entering the sea from the boat or taking part around the island. If you prefer to stay dry, this is the wrong excursion.

Food that feels like part of the trip

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to consider this over a basic sailing excursion. You receive a gourmet platter with assorted cheeses and premium cold cuts, followed by fresh seasonal fruit and dessert. Welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies add a local touch before the main spread.

I appreciate the balance between familiar food and regional flavor. You do not need to commit to a formal restaurant meal, and you are not limited to packaged snacks. The platter suits a relaxed day on deck, where you can eat gradually rather than stop everything for a fixed restaurant sitting.

The all-inclusive bar provides water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer. Cocktails are not included, but they can be requested at an additional cost. If you do not drink alcohol, the water and soft drinks still make the package useful, especially after paddling and snorkeling in the sun.

The open bar can add real value to the $169 price, but only if you plan to use the food and drinks. Someone who wants a short boat ride and one swim may find the cost high. Someone looking for a full half-day outing with activities, lunch, and refreshments gets a broader package.

Relaxing aboard the catamaran

After the water activities, the catamaran becomes the main attraction. You can sunbathe on deck, sit back with a drink, and watch the coast from the water. That transition from effort to rest is what gives the excursion its easy rhythm.

The vessel is described as spacious and luxurious, with an outdoor shower and separate men’s and women’s toilets. Those facilities are not glamorous extras. They make a real difference after saltwater activities, particularly if you have plans in Heraklion afterward.

Free WiFi is also available onboard. I would not book a sea trip for the internet connection, but it is useful for sending a message or sharing a quick update without relying on mobile service offshore.

The skipper and crew are included, along with fuel and taxes. You do not need to calculate a surprise fuel surcharge at the end. The crew’s role is especially important on a catamaran carrying people who are moving between paddling, swimming, eating, and relaxing.

Who will get the most from this day

This outing suits active adults, couples, friends, and families with older teenagers who already feel at ease on a paddleboard. It is a good choice if you want more than a sightseeing cruise but do not want a demanding full-day sports program.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like variety. The itinerary keeps changing without becoming frantic: boat travel, SUP, snorkeling, food, drinks, and deck time. The guide-led format also helps if you want structure without having every minute filled.

The trip is less suitable for a first-time paddler, a non-swimmer, or anyone with limited mobility. It is also not suitable for children under 14. People with visual impairments are specifically excluded, so check the restrictions carefully before booking.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a change of clothes. Pack identification, since a passport or ID card is listed among the required items. A change of clothes is especially useful after snorkeling, even with the onboard shower.

What the $169 price really buys you

At $169, this is a premium half-day experience rather than a simple island transfer. You are paying for the catamaran setting, crew, instructor, water equipment, food, drinks, and the chance to combine several activities at one location.

The best value comes from using the full package. Paddle, snorkel, enjoy the platter, take a swim, use the deck, and make the most of the included drinks. If you skip the active parts or do not care about the meal and open bar, a cheaper boat trip may suit you better.

There are also small savings in convenience. You do not need to rent a board, find snorkeling equipment, buy lunch, or arrange a second activity. Fuel and taxes are covered, and the trip returns to the starting point.

The $169 price does not include pickup or transfers, and cocktails cost extra. Add those costs if you want door-to-door service or a more elaborate drinks menu. The reserve-now, pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure make planning easier, but you still need to check the exact booking conditions when reserving.

Final call: should you book this Dia Island trip?

I would book this if you have intermediate SUP skills, enjoy swimming, and want one well-organized sea day instead of several separate bookings. The strongest features are the guide support from Thanasis, the clear waters around Dia, the unusually generous food and drink package, and the comfort of returning to a proper catamaran after the active parts.

I would skip it if you are not a confident swimmer, want a quiet cruise with no exertion, or need accessible boat arrangements. For the right person, $169 buys a full five hours of movement, food, scenery, and rest, not just a ride to an island.

FAQ

How long does the SUP Safari and catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts five hours. Check availability for the departure times offered on your chosen date.

Where does the tour meet?

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

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Is the SUP activity suitable for beginners?

The guided SUP outing is suitable for participants with at least an intermediate level of experience. It is not designed as a first-ever paddleboarding lesson.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies, a platter of cheeses and premium cold cuts, fresh seasonal fruit, dessert, water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with SUP equipment, life vests, canoe equipment, fishing equipment, and inflatable sea toys.

Are transfers from my hotel included?

No. Pickup and transfers are not included, but they can be requested separately.

Who cannot join this activity?

The trip is not suitable for children under 14, non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with visual impairments.