Heraklion Luxury Catamaran to Dia: Gourmet Lunch & Open Bar

This review explores a highly-rated luxury catamaran trip from Heraklion to Dia Island offered by DanEri Yachts. Promising a blend of relaxation, gourmet cuisine, and lively water activities, it attracts travelers seeking a special day at sea in Crete’s beautiful waters. According to over 200 glowing reviews, this experience is regarded as a 5-star outing that combines comfort, fun, and scenic beauty.

What we love most about this cruise is its spacious, well-maintained vessel, the delicious onboard meal, and the limitless drinks—a real treat after a morning of sailing. Plus, the friendly, professional crew makes the whole journey smooth and engaging. The only potential downside? It’s weather-dependent, so poor conditions could mean rescheduling or cancellations.

This trip is ideally suited for families, couples, or groups of friends who cherish relaxed days on the water, enjoy good food, and love a touch of adventure. If you’re after an upscale, fun-filled day exploring Crete’s coast while savoring excellent local cuisine, this cruise could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: Spacious, well-equipped catamaran with shaded and sunny areas.
• Gourmet Food & Open Bar: Freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, unlimited drinks, including wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Variety of Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing gear, inflatables, and plenty of water toys.
• Scenic & Relaxing: Beautiful bays of Dia Island with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and exploring.
• Expert Crew: Friendly, knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with insights and excellent service.
• Value for Money: An all-inclusive day that combines comfort, activities, and great food at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Look into the Experience

The Departure & Journey to Dia Island

Your day begins at the Marina Café in Heraklion, where you’ll arrive about 15 minutes early to check in. The crew, clad in DanEri t-shirts, will greet you with coffee, tea, detox water, and fresh pies—an inviting start that sets a friendly tone. There’s convenient parking nearby for around 5 EUR per day, making logistics straightforward.

Once aboard the luxurious catamaran, expect a spacious layout with shaded and open sunbathing areas. The vessel is described as immaculate, clean, and well-equipped, reflecting the high standards of DanEri Yachts. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy the gentle sway of the boat, with relaxing music and Wi-Fi onboard—perfect for sharing those stunning views or catching up on messages while at sea.

The journey to Dia Island takes roughly an hour or so, with the crew providing interesting facts about the area, making the ride both informative and enjoyable. Reviewers have mentioned how helpful and friendly the crew members—like Jana and Wesley—are in making guests feel well cared for throughout the trip.

The Scenic Voyage & In-Boat Comforts

Traveling on a semi-private cruise means you’ll be part of a group that feels intimate without sacrificing social atmosphere. The boat can carry up to 20 guests, making the experience feel exclusive yet lively.

You’ll love the ample space for lounging, as well as the shaded areas if you prefer to stay out of direct sun. The boat’s interior features comfortable seating, a small kitchen, and clean toilets, adding to the convenience. Multiple reviews praise the professionalism and warmth of the crew, who go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels comfortable and entertained.

Arriving at Dia Island: Water Activities & Relaxation

Upon reaching one of the island’s bays, the water beckons—crystal-clear and inviting. Guests report stunning, pristine waters where snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards are included. Several reviews emphasize how easy it is to explore marine life or float lazily on inflatables, with the added bonus of arm floaties for little sailors.

The famous flamingo inflatables and fishing gear are perfect for families or fun-loving groups who want to add a playful touch to their day. Reviewers like Claire and Pascale enjoyed the variety of activities, especially snorkeling and paddleboarding, which allow for personal adventure amid the tranquil setting.

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Lunch: Fresh, Flavorful & Generous

One of the standout features is the gourmet lunch prepared by an onboard chef, Yarris, with many reviews mentioning the delicious seafood, fresh salads, and homemade desserts. The meal includes a Mediterranean spread with hot dishes, and special options are available for children, vegetarians, vegans, or those with gluten allergies.

Guests rave about the quality and abundance of food, with descriptions of tender chicken, fresh fish, and flavorful salads. The unlimited open bar adds a celebratory feel, with soft drinks, white wine, and beer flowing freely throughout the day. Kelly mentioned how the “unlimited drinks throughout the entire day was amazing,” highlighting the value of the inclusive approach.

Post-Lunch Relaxation & Return Journey

After filling up, it’s time to unwind. Guests often soak up the sun, chat, or enjoy the scenic views as the boat sails back toward Heraklion. Those with little ones can let them rest in cozy cabins, while others lounge on deck soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.

The return trip offers more stunning scenery and, in many reviews, a beautiful sunset as the boat nears Heraklion, creating a perfect end to a memorable day. Some guests, like Marc, did experience minor delays due to harbor procedures—something to keep in mind when planning your schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is a fantastic choice for families because of its balance of activities, comfort, and kid-friendly options like inflatables and special meals. Couples seeking a romantic yet lively day at sea also find it ideal, especially with the scenic views and gourmet lunch.

Groups of friends will appreciate the social atmosphere, water toys, and unlimited drinks, making it a flexible adventure that can be as active or relaxed as you prefer. It’s less suitable for pregnant women due to the nature of water activities and the sea travel, but otherwise, it caters well to most travelers looking for a premium, all-inclusive day on the water.

How It Compares in Value

At $123 per person, the experience offers excellent value considering the luxury vessel, the gourmet meal, unlimited drinks, and a variety of water activities. Reviews consistently mention how the service and food exceed expectations, making it a worthwhile investment for a special day out.

Practical Details & Tips

• Booking and Payment: You can reserve your spot now and pay later, adding flexibility to your plans.
• Timing & Meeting Point: Arrive 15 minutes early at the Marina Café, where crew members will greet you. The activity ends at the same meeting point.
• What to Bring: Towels, sunscreen, swimwear, and a passport or ID (along with a photocopy) are essential. All water gear, floats, and life jackets are provided.
• Weather & Cancellations: The cruise depends on weather conditions; bad weather might lead to rescheduling or cancellation.
• Special Occasions: The team offers extra attention for birthdays and anniversaries, including a complimentary gift.
• Languages: English and Greek are spoken onboard.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women; inquire about transfer options if needed.

FAQ

Is hotel pick-up included? No, but transfers from any hotel on the island are available upon request.
How long is the cruise? Expect a full day of sailing, swimming, and eating, with the trip starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
What water activities are included? Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, floaties, fishing equipment, and inflatables are provided for fun at the bays.
Can I customize the meal? Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request, but the standard menu is Mediterranean with seafood and meat dishes.
Is there Wi-Fi on board? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, perfect for sharing your stunning trip photos.
What if the weather is bad? The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled; check the weather forecast and communicate with the operator beforehand.
Is the boat suitable for children? Absolutely, especially with the child-friendly meals and water toys, but always supervise water activities.
How many people are on each trip? The boat accommodates up to 20 guests for a semi-private, comfortable experience.
Do I need to bring cash? Drinks and water gear are included, but tipping crew members is appreciated if you’re happy with the service.
What is the cancellation policy? Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.

Final Thoughts

This luxury catamaran trip to Dia Island offers much more than just a boat ride. It provides a well-crafted combination of scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, and water-based fun, wrapped in a relaxed, high-quality environment. From the attentive crew and spacious vessel to the variety of activities and scenic bays, every element is designed to make your day memorable.

If you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious yet active day exploring Crete’s stunning waters, this cruise is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who value quality food, great service, and beautiful surroundings without feeling rushed or crowded. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a day of pure leisure, this adventure promises to deliver.

Enjoy Crete from a new perspective aboard this elegant, fun-filled cruise—an experience you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: