Catamaran Sailing to Dia with Lunch in Heraklion, Crete(EST 2024)

Dia Island is the real prize here: a quiet cove, clear water, and several hours to swim, snorkel, paddle, or simply stretch out on a catamaran deck. I especially like the new Lagoon 46 boat and the fact that SUP boards and snorkeling gear are included, not added at the dock.

The freshly prepared Cretan pasta lunch is another strong point, particularly with fruit, drinks, white wine, and beer included. One thing to watch is the schedule: a late start caused frustration for one family, so arrive early and expect the day to run on sea time rather than city time.

Key points before you book

• A quiet Dia Island cove: The catamaran anchors in a peaceful spot away from the bustle of Heraklion.
• Several ways to enjoy the water: Swim, snorkel, use a SUP board, try fishing, or stay dry and sunbathe.
• A five-and-a-half-hour outing: About an hour is spent sailing each way, leaving several hours at Dia.
• Lunch is part of the experience: You receive freshly made traditional Cretan pasta, fruit, and drinks.
• A small group setting: The boat carries a maximum of 17 people, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.
• Bring your own beach gear: Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are not included.

Leaving Heraklion aboard the Lagoon 46

Your day begins at Cafe Marina on Leof. Nearchou in Heraklion. From there, Green Cruises takes you out on a brand new Lagoon 46 catamaran, a roomy sailing boat built for open-air time on the water.

The first hour is mainly about getting there. That sounds simple, but it is part of the pleasure. You can sit on deck, watch Heraklion fade behind you, and settle into the pace of the sea. This is not a speedboat transfer designed to rush you from one stop to another. The boat gives you time to relax before the active part of the day begins.

The maximum group size is 17 people. That is large enough for a lively outing, but still much smaller than the packed boats that run popular coastal routes. You should have room to find a comfortable place on deck, although seating and shade can vary depending on how full the boat is and how much time you spend moving around.

The trip takes place in the morning, though the supplied details do not give a fixed departure hour. Arrive at the meeting point early. One delayed start was caused by late arrivals, and even a small delay can reduce your free time at Dia. On a five-and-a-half-hour outing, every extra minute matters.

Finding a quiet corner of Dia Island

After roughly an hour of sailing, the catamaran reaches Dia Island. The boat anchors in a quiet cove, which is the main reason to choose this trip over a basic harbor cruise.

Dia is visible from Heraklion, but arriving by boat gives you a different view of Crete’s north coast. Instead of walking through streets or joining a crowded beach, you spend the day in a small, calm setting surrounded by open water. The appeal is simple: swim from the boat, take photographs, listen to the water, and enjoy a few hours without a packed shorefront.

The exact anchorage can depend on conditions. The crew chooses a suitable place for the boat, and that may affect how easy it is to get into the water or where you can paddle. Still, the plan is clear: you spend most of the middle part of the trip at a calm Dia cove rather than racing between several stops.

I like this slower format. You are not constantly checking the clock for the next departure. Once the boat is positioned, you have time to choose your own pace.

Swimming, snorkeling, and SUP time

The water activities are the heart of the outing. You can swim from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or take a stand-up paddleboard out for a look around the cove.

The snorkeling is intended for exploring the underwater life along Crete’s north coast. Do not expect a formal guided snorkeling lesson or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. The equipment is provided, but the experience is self-directed. You can spend ten minutes in the water or stay out longer, depending on your comfort and the conditions.

The SUP boards are included at no extra cost. That is useful for anyone who wants more than a quick swim. You can paddle around the anchored boat, test your balance, and see the cove from a different angle. If you have never used a SUP board, allow yourself a few wobbly attempts. The calm setting is better suited to casual fun than serious paddle training.

Fishing is also listed as an activity. The available information does not specify the equipment, catch, or length of time devoted to it, so treat fishing as an optional extra rather than the main purpose of the trip.

You can also do nothing. The boat provides a good base for sunbathing and taking photos, and some people will prefer a quiet hour on deck to another water activity. That flexibility makes the trip work for mixed groups, including families or couples with different ideas about a perfect beach day.

A Cretan lunch served on the water

After the swimming and water activities, the crew prepares lunch. The main dish is traditional Cretan pasta, freshly made for the outing. Fresh fruit is also included, along with water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer.

That menu adds real value to the price because you do not need to arrange a separate meal during the middle of a boat day. You can finish your time in the water, come back aboard, and eat without giving up the peaceful setting.

The meal is straightforward rather than elaborate. If you need a special diet, the supplied information does not say what alternatives are available, so ask Green Cruises before booking. The same applies to allergies.

Responsible consumption is expected with the alcoholic drinks. That matters on a sunny boat, especially if you plan to swim, snorkel, or use a SUP board after lunch. Water and soft drinks are included, so you can keep the day comfortable without relying on alcohol.

The lunch has been a highlight for many people, and I can see why. A warm pasta dish after swimming is more satisfying than a basic packed snack, and the meal turns the boat into both transport and a casual floating restaurant.

What the $142.19 price covers

At $142.19 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the sea around Heraklion. The price makes more sense when you add up what is included: a five-and-a-half-hour sailing trip, the catamaran, crew, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, SUP use, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, water, white wine, and beer.

You are paying for a full half-day on the water, not simply a boat ride to an island. If you would otherwise rent equipment, buy lunch, and arrange a separate cruise, the package becomes easier to justify.

The value is strongest for people who plan to use the boat and water activities. If you only want to sit in the sun and take photographs, you may find the price harder to defend. On the other hand, if you swim, snorkel, paddle, and enjoy the meal, the included extras help balance the cost.

Transportation is available on request, but it is not included in the stated price. You need to reach Cafe Marina at Leof. Nearchou in Heraklion unless you arrange a transfer separately. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in or near the city.

The small drawbacks you should know

The main concern is timing. The trip can lose valuable time if people arrive late, so do your part by reaching the meeting point early. The schedule is also weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, Green Cruises may offer another date or a full refund.

You need to bring several important items yourself. Swimwear, beach towels, and sunscreen are not included. Pack all three, especially sunscreen, since you may spend long periods on deck with little protection from the sun.

The information does not confirm how much shade is available on the Lagoon 46. If you burn easily, bring a hat and cover-up in addition to sunscreen. These are sensible items for any long boat outing, even though they are not listed among the inclusions.

The trip is designed for most people, but it is still a sea activity. You should be comfortable getting into the water from a boat if you plan to swim or snorkel. The available details do not provide specific accessibility information, so contact the provider if you need assistance with boarding, movement around the boat, or water access.

Finally, there is no promise of complete solitude. A maximum of 17 people is fairly restrained, but Dia Island is still a popular destination and conditions can change. The quiet cove is a strong feature, not a guarantee that you will have the entire island to yourself.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a relaxed sea day with choices built in. It works especially well for couples, families, and small groups who want both activity and downtime.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming straight from a boat
• Casual snorkeling rather than a formal lesson
• Trying a SUP board without paying an extra rental fee
• Eating a simple local meal in a peaceful setting
• Spending time on deck instead of following a packed sightseeing schedule
• A smaller boat group capped at 17 people

It may be less suitable if you want a long island walk, a detailed tour of Dia, or a fast-paced itinerary with several coastal stops. The focus is the sea, the cove, and time aboard the catamaran.

It is also not the right choice if you want a beach with facilities directly under your feet. You will be using the boat as your base, and the main swimming area is reached from the catamaran.

Practical preparation for the five-and-a-half-hour outing

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water easily. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for photographs, though it is not listed as an included item.

Arrive early at Cafe Marina. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to plan your return to Heraklion afterward. Since transportation is only available upon request, do not assume a hotel pickup is included.

Keep your schedule flexible around the return. The advertised duration is approximately five hours and 30 minutes, and weather or late departures can affect the day. If you have a fixed afternoon appointment, allow extra time.

The trip requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not met, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund. Poor weather can lead to the same choices.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local time.

Should you book this Dia Island catamaran trip?

I would book it if you want a polished half-day on the water with a quiet anchorage, included equipment, and lunch already arranged. The combination of a new Lagoon 46, a maximum of 17 people, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and a Cretan pasta meal gives you more than a basic sightseeing cruise.

The strongest reason to choose it is the freedom to shape your own day. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the ride. Just arrive early, bring your own towel and sunscreen, and remember that the price does not include transport to the marina.

For an active sea day from Heraklion, this is a solid choice. For a beach walk, cultural tour, or guaranteed fast schedule, choose something else.

FAQ

How long is the Dia Island catamaran trip?

The activity lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Cafe Marina on Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Heraklion.

How long does it take to sail to Dia Island?

The journey to Dia Island takes about one hour.

What activities can I do at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, try fishing, sunbathe, and take photographs.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

Is stand-up paddleboarding included?

Yes. You can use the SUP boards at no extra charge.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes traditional Cretan pasta and fruit. Water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer are also provided.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Transportation is available upon request, but it is not included in the stated tour price.