Dia Island Catamaran Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group

Experience the Best of Crete with the Dia Island Catamaran Tour

Imagine spending a day on a sleek, modern catamaran sailing across the turquoise waters of the Aegean, stopping at a secluded bay near Dia Island. This tour offers a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and Mediterranean charm. Designed for small groups, it provides an intimate setting where you can relax, indulge in a delicious lunch, and enjoy a variety of water activities.

What we love most about this experience is the unlimited drinks and freshly cooked Mediterranean meal—a true treat after a morning of cruising and swimming. The crew, known for their friendliness and professionalism, makes everyone feel welcome and well cared for. However, a potential consideration is the absence of hotel transfer included in the base price, meaning you’ll need to coordinate your own transportation unless you opt for an included pickup.

This cruise appeals to a wide range of travelers: families wanting a fun day out, friends seeking a social adventure, or couples looking for a romantic escape. If you’re after a scenic, relaxed day with plenty of activities and good value, this trip is definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Luxurious Catamaran: Modern vessel with ample space and comfort
• All-Inclusive: Unlimited drinks, Mediterranean lunch, and snacks
• Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, and inflatables for fun
• Scenic Stops: Secluded bay near Dia Island with stunning views and photo opportunities
• Family Friendly: Kid-friendly options, including special meals and inflatables
• Small Group Experience: More personalized service and fewer crowds

Exploring the Crete Dia Island Catamaran Tour

The Setting and Departure

The journey begins at the marina, where a crew member from DanEri Yachts greets guests with a warm welcome, fresh coffee, tea, and local pies. The departure point is conveniently located with nearby municipal parking, making it straightforward for those arriving on their own. If you choose to book the transfer option, pick-up and drop-off are available from key locations like Heraklion, Malia, and Hersonissos, offering added convenience for travelers staying outside the immediate marina area.

The Cruise Itself: Comfort and Entertainment

Once onboard, you’ll notice how spacious and modern the catamaran is—reviewers frequently mention it looks “new and classy.” The vessel is equipped with music, Wi-Fi, and plenty of space to lounge while enjoying the Aegean breeze. The crew, certified with Red Cross qualifications, are lauded for their friendliness and attentiveness, making sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.

Throughout the cruise, you get to enjoy stunning coastal views, with the boat passing notable sights like Rocca a Mare Fortress. The short 5-minute stop there is mainly for photos and sightseeing, providing a quick glimpse into Crete’s historical sites.

Arriving at Dia Island: Water, Food, and Fun

The highlight is the anchoring in a pristine bay near Dia Island, where you’ll dive into crystal-clear waters. The reviews highlight the quality of water activities: snorkel gear, paddleboards, and inflatable flamingos are all available, ensuring there’s fun for kids and adults alike. Many guests mention how “the water was so clear” and how the inflatable flamingo made for memorable photos.

The crew’s attention to detail is evident—they pay special care to dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus a kids’ menu. The onboard chef prepares a delicious Mediterranean lunch, featuring seafood, meats, fresh vegetables, and a homemade fruit dessert. Guests like Herve appreciated how “the food was incredible and fresh,” noting that every meal exceeded expectations.

Water Activities and Relaxation

Beyond swimming and snorkeling, you can try stand-up paddleboarding or fishing, with gear provided. Kids love the inflatables, and reviewers frequently mention the fun inflatables and pool noodles as highlights. The boat’s setup encourages socializing and relaxing, whether you’re sunbathing or enjoying the lively atmosphere created by music.

The Return Journey and Overall Atmosphere

As the day winds down, you’ll start heading back, enjoying the last scenic views and taking in the calm Aegean breeze. The atmosphere is described as “wonderful” and “relaxing,” with many guests noting the attentive crew and the high quality of the experience. The cruise lasts around 6.5 hours, striking a good balance between activity and leisure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value for Money: For around 6.5 hours, the price includes a premium sailing experience, gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks, water activities, and Wi-Fi. As several reviews emphasize, guests felt they received excellent value considering the quality of the vessel, food, and service.

Authentic Local Flavors: The Mediterranean lunch, prepared fresh on board, brings local flavors directly to your plate. Many reviewers lauded the quality and variety of the food, with some noting it was better than expected—”every meal exceeded expectations.”

Small Group Setting: The tour caps at a manageable group size, promoting a more personalized experience and opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Kids are welcomed with special menus, inflatables, and safety gear, making this a relaxed, enjoyable outing for families.

Flexible Options: With the availability of private groups and transfer options, this tour can be tailored to your preferences.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Start and Safety Briefing: The cruise kicks off with a welcome that includes coffee, tea, and local pies while the crew provides safety instructions. This informal start helps guests settle in and get comfortable.

Rocca a Mare Fortress: A quick photo stop offers a glimpse into Crete’s historical landmarks. The scenery on the way there is also worth noting for its scenic coastal views, setting the tone for the day.

Sailing to Dia Island: The one-hour sail is smooth and comfortable, with music and Wi-Fi keeping everyone entertained and connected. Many reviews mention how the boat looks new and clean, adding to the sense of luxury.

Time on Dia Island: Four hours of free time are packed with water fun—swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, and relaxing. Guests appreciate the calm, secluded bay that feels like a private paradise. The onboard chef’s Mediterranean lunch is served here, with plenty of locally sourced ingredients.

Return Journey: After soaking up the sun and enjoying the last moments at sea, the boat heads back to the starting point with scenic views and a laid-back vibe. The crew keeps the atmosphere lively yet relaxed.

Practicalities and Tips for Your Cruise

• Arrive 15 minutes early to meet the crew at Marina Café, wearing comfortable clothing and swimwear underneath.
• Bring essentials like sunscreen, a towel, and your passport or ID, as required for port access.
• Consider transportation if you don’t choose the transfer option. Parking nearby is available for approximately 5 EUR per day.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season, and take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy—cancellable up to 24 hours prior.
• Pack a waterproof camera or phone to capture the water activities and scenic views.
• Tip: If celebrating a special occasion, the crew is known for adding extra touches to make it memorable, including a complimentary gift.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise suits those who want a luxurious yet laid-back day on the water. It’s ideal for families with children, thanks to the kid-friendly activities and meals, but also perfect for couples or friends wanting to enjoy a scenic day with plenty of water fun and good food.

Travelers seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience—complete with local flavors, scenic views, and personalized service—will find this tour offers excellent value. Those who appreciate a small, intimate group and want to avoid large, crowded excursions will also enjoy the personalized touch.

If you’re after a relaxing, well-organized day that combines sightseeing, water activities, and a gourmet meal, then this tour hits all the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is not included in the base price, but there are options for transfers from several key locations like Heraklion, Malia, and Hersonissos, which can be booked separately.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your ID or passport are recommended. Waterproof or water-resistant gear for your phone or camera is also helpful.

Can I participate in water activities if I don’t swim well?
Yes, the tour provides life jackets, arm floaties, and inflatables to ensure everyone can enjoy swimming and water fun safely.

How long does the cruise last?
The total duration is approximately 6.5 hours, from boarding to return, including stops and water time.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meal options available?
Yes, special meal options can be requested, and the onboard chef prepares a variety of dishes suitable for different dietary needs.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided, so you can share photos and stay connected during the cruise.

What is the group size?
The experience is designed for small groups, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Can I celebrate a special occasion on this cruise?
Absolutely. The crew is happy to help make celebrations memorable, often presenting guests with a small gift.

What’s the best time to go?
Check the availability for specific departure times, but generally, the tour runs during the day, with options suited for sunny, warm weather.

Are there any restrictions for pregnant women?
Pregnant travelers are advised to consider their comfort and safety, as water activities and sun exposure may not be suitable.

To sum it up, this Dia Island catamaran tour provides a fantastic mix of scenic sailing, water-based fun, and authentic Greek hospitality. It’s especially well-suited for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging day on the water, with excellent food, drinks, and personalized service. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this experience offers great value and memorable moments in Crete’s stunning landscape.