Hersonissos: Catamaran Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch

Planning a day on the water in Crete? This catamaran sailing trip to Dia Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or seeking a peaceful escape, this tour provides a memorable experience with stunning scenery and thoughtful touches.

We love this trip because of its comfortable boat setup, the variety of activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding, and the delicious onboard lunch. The crew’s friendly service, the uninhabited island scenery, and the convenience of all-inclusive drinks make it a standout. A potential consideration is that the hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point. This experience fits best for those who enjoy water-based activities, want a relaxing day at sea, or are traveling with kids who will appreciate the safe, lively environment.

Key Points:

• Ideal for all ages — family-friendly with engaging activities
• Includes a generous Mediterranean lunch with drinks, perfect for a full-day experience
• Small group size (max 20) ensures personalized service
• Multiple activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing provided
• Unmatched views and pristine waters of Dia Island
• No hotel transfer needed, just meet at the designated point

An In-Depth Look at the Catamaran Sailing Experience

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This six-and-a-half-hour sailing trip from Hersonissos is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty from the water. The boat, operated by DanEri Yachts, accommodates up to 20 guests, striking a balance between a social atmosphere and ample space for relaxation. The morning departure at 9:00 am means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy the island’s tranquility.

The lively yet laid-back environment onboard is complemented by music, free Wi-Fi, and friendly crew members like Captain Alex and crew mate Aleksandr, who are praised for their kindness and attentiveness. Reviewers like Natasha_M mention how they became particularly caring toward younger guests, making it ideal for families.

The Itinerary and Why It Matters

Start at DanEri Yachts’ meeting point in Limenas Chersonisou, where you’ll hop aboard the well-maintained vessel. Once underway, the crew sets a comfortable pace, giving you opportunities to soak in the views and settle into your day. The sailing offers a chance to enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the serenity that only being on the water can provide.

The main highlight is Dia Island’s uninhabited bay, a picture-perfect spot with crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on the boat. Reviewers like Megan_D loved the organized and refreshing service, noting that the crew kept the drinks flowing and created a relaxed atmosphere.

Water Activities and Equipment

The tour offers snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, and floaties, all included. This means no extra charges for trying out different water activities, making it excellent value. Reviewers have especially enjoyed the paddleboarding and snorkeling, with Megan D describing the crew as “very organized while providing refreshments,” ensuring everyone feels comfortable and entertained.

For those who love underwater exploration, the snorkeling equipment allows you to peek into the colorful marine life beneath the waves. The SUP boards enable a fun, low-impact workout or a peaceful float above the water’s surface.

The Lunch Experience

One of the trip’s standout features is the Mediterranean onboard lunch, which is served amidst the stunning scenery. The menu includes cheese platters, green and Greek salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce with ouzo, and chicken dishes, with options for kids like chicken nuggets or pasta. A homemade dessert with seasonal fruits caps off the meal.

Reviewers like Natasha_M highlight the delicious food and the attention to presentation, noting that the lunch felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The unlimited drinks—including beer and local white wine—are a real perk, allowing you to sip and relax as you take in the views.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The music, friendly crew, and beautiful scenery combine to create a laid-back, joyful vibe. As Megan D notes, the crew was “fabulous, kind, and welcoming,” making guests feel like part of the family rather than just passengers. Many reviewers mention how this tour became a highlight of their trip, partly thanks to the special touches like inflatable flamingos for photos.

Who Will Love This?

This catamaran trip is perfect for anyone wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation. Families with kids enjoy the safe, lively environment, while couples or groups seeking a scenic day will appreciate the stunning coastline and peaceful bay. Even solo travelers will find the small group size and friendly atmosphere inviting.

Practical Details and Booking

The $146.15 per person price is quite reasonable considering the all-inclusive nature—lunch, drinks, equipment, and Wi-Fi are all covered. The tour is booked on average 48 days in advance, signaling high popularity. Keep in mind, hotel transfers are not included, so plan your transport to the meeting point in Hersonissos.

Reception of the tour is quite positive, with 21 reviews rating it a perfect 5.0/5 and a 95% recommendation rate. This indicates consistent quality and satisfaction among travelers.

Summary: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This sailing trip to Dia Island offers a balanced experience of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of water activities, excellent onboard service, and a scenic setting. It suits families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a full day of sun, sea, and good food.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the inclusive lunch and drinks add to its value. If you’re eager to explore Crete’s coastline from an elegant boat and enjoy some snorkeling or paddleboarding, this tour hits all the marks.

However, travelers who prefer hotel pickups or who want a more structured sightseeing tour might find this lacks those features. Also, if you’re not comfortable arranging your own transport to the departure point, it’s worth considering logistics beforehand.

FAQs

• What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 9:00 am from DanEri Yachts in Limenas Chersonisou.
• How long does the trip last? Expect around 6 hours and 30 minutes of sailing, swimming, and relaxing.
• Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, it is family-friendly, with options like pasta and chicken nuggets for kids.
• Are drinks included? Yes, unlimited beer, local dry white wine, soda, water, coffee, and tea are provided.
• Do I need to bring my own snorkeling or paddleboarding gear? No, equipment is provided onboard.
• Is Wi-Fi available during the trip? Yes, you can stay connected while sailing.
• Are vegetarian options available? The menu features Greek salads and cheese platters, which cater to vegetarians.
• Is there a dress code? Light, casual clothing suitable for water activities is recommended, along with swimwear.
• What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Do I need to arrange my transport to the meeting point? Yes, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; plan accordingly to arrive at the specified location.

Final Thoughts

This catamaran trip to Dia Island combines the best of Crete’s natural beauty and leisurely luxury. The crew’s friendly charm, the well-organized water activities, and the delicious onboard meal make it a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable day at sea. It’s especially suited for travelers who value authentic experiences, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you want to snorkel in turquoise waters, paddleboard at your own pace, or simply lounge on the deck with a glass of local wine, this tour promises a truly enjoyable slice of Crete’s coastal life. Just remember to book early, prepare for the day, and get ready to soak in some of Greece’s finest scenery.