Catamaran Sailing Trip – All Inclusive

Dia Island is the star of this five- to six-hour catamaran trip from Heraklion. You sail out to a quiet island in the Aegean, anchor for about three hours, then have time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and eat lunch on board. Captain Nick and his crew add a friendly, personal touch.

I like the spacious boat, which helps keep the group of up to 20 people comfortable, and I like the fact that lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a stand-up paddleboard are included. The main thing to consider is that towels and swimsuits are not provided, and the tour depends on good weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours at Dia Island: The longest part of the trip is spent anchored near Dia, giving you real time for swimming and quiet shore views rather than a quick photo stop.
• Captain Nick and a welcoming crew: Nick and his team handle the sailing, food, and on-board service in English.
• A proper lunch is included: Expect seafood pasta, pasta with pesto, Greek salad, fruit salad, bottled water, soft drinks, local beer, and local white wine.
• Activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are available without extra charges.
• Small enough to feel comfortable: The maximum group size is 20, and the catamaran has enough room to avoid a cramped boat day.
• Useful for cruise visitors: One cruise passenger found the timing easy to manage, but you should still confirm pickup and return details before sailing.

Sailing from Heraklion toward Dia Island

The day begins at Cafe Marina on Leof. Nearchou in Heraklion, postal code 712 02. Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup point and time are provided after booking, so you should not assume that the cafe is your final pickup location if you request transport.

The boat then heads out toward Dia Island, a dry, unspoiled island off Crete. The appeal here is simple: open water, a quieter setting, and a full stretch of time away from the city. This is not a quick harbor cruise with a short swim tacked on. The stop at Dia lasts about three hours, which gives the day a relaxed pace.

You should expect the sea to be the main event. The trip is built around being on the water rather than visiting monuments or walking through a town. If you want an active day with swimming and snorkeling, this works well. If you want a detailed cultural tour of Crete, this is the wrong choice.

The English-speaking guide helps keep instructions and the day’s activities clear. Captain Nick is specifically associated with the trip, along with a young crew praised for warm hospitality and good service. The available information does not give a detailed sailing route or a fixed departure time, so pickup arrangements matter.

Three hours anchored near Dia

Dia Island is the one scheduled stop, and it receives most of the attention. Once the catamaran anchors near the island’s beaches, you can get into the clear water, use the snorkeling equipment, or take a stand-up paddleboard out from the boat.

That three-hour window is a real strength. You are not forced to choose between swimming and lunch in a rushed half-hour. You can take a swim, dry off, eat, and return to the water without constantly watching the clock. The island itself is described as untouched, with quiet shores and little built development. Its appeal comes from space and scenery rather than shops, restaurants, or formal attractions.

Snorkeling is included, though you should keep your expectations sensible. The equipment lets you look beneath the surface and see marine life in the area, but this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition. Conditions will depend on the sea and weather that day.

The stand-up paddleboard gives you another way to enjoy the anchorage. You can stay close to the boat and shoreline while getting a little exercise, or simply remain on deck and take in the view. You do not need to use every activity. The schedule is loose enough for a swim-focused day, a quiet lunch, or a mix of both.

One practical point: bring your own swimsuit and towel. Neither is included. That sounds obvious, but it is easy to overlook when the package includes so much else.

Lunch on board, with local drinks included

The included meal is more substantial than the usual basic boat snack. Lunch consists of seafood pasta, pasta with pesto, Greek salad, and fruit salad. Bottled water and local soft drinks are also included, along with local beer and local white wine.

I like this arrangement because it keeps the day self-contained. You do not need to return to Heraklion hungry or pay for a restaurant during the stop. The food also suits different preferences better than a single fixed dish. Seafood pasta fits the setting, while pesto pasta gives you an alternative if seafood is not for you.

The meal received particularly warm praise, with specific approval for the fresh lunch and tasty pasta. That matters on a half-day boat trip. A meal served on deck, with Dia Island nearby, becomes part of the outing rather than an interruption.

Still, you should read all inclusive accurately. The package covers the listed meal, drinks, fees, water, and activities. It does not include towels or swimsuits. There is no indication of special dietary menus, so contact the operator before booking if you need a meal tailored to a specific allergy or diet.

Alcohol is included, but you decide how much makes sense. Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and boat movement are easier to enjoy when you stay alert and hydrated. Water is available, so use it.

A catamaran that avoids the crowded feeling

The boat holds no more than 20 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough to feel more manageable than a large excursion vessel.

A spacious layout is one of the strongest features of this trip. A cruise passenger specifically found plenty of room on board and did not feel crowded. That can make a major difference on a sunny day, especially when some people want to swim while others prefer to sit in the shade or eat lunch.

You should not expect complete solitude. There may be up to 20 people sharing the boat, the equipment, the meal service, and the anchorage. The benefit is a social but limited-size outing, with less pressure than a very large group tour.

The crew also seems to shape the mood. Captain Nick and his team are described as friendly, accommodating, and welcoming. They are also familiar with Dia Island, which helps with the practical rhythm of anchoring, swimming, serving lunch, and getting people settled.

The information does not specify the catamaran’s exact facilities, seating arrangement, number of restrooms, or shaded areas. If those details are important to you, ask before departure. The boat is described as spacious, but spacious does not answer every comfort question.

What the price of $156.21 covers

At $156.21 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning near Heraklion. The value comes from how many separate costs are bundled into one outing.

You are paying for the boat trip, an English-speaking guide, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, local beer, and local white wine. Pickup is offered, though the exact arrangement is confirmed after booking.

If you tried to arrange a boat outing, equipment rental, lunch, and drinks separately, the total could become less predictable. This package gives you a fixed price and a clear plan. For someone who wants a simple day on the water without organizing each piece, that is a fair advantage.

The price makes less sense if you do not swim, do not drink, or mainly want a short scenic boat ride. You would still receive lunch and the sailing portion, but much of the package is built around water activities and time at anchor.

It is also worth comparing the duration with your plans. The trip lasts about five to six hours, so it fills a large part of the day without taking over the entire day. One person joining from a cruise ship found the return timing comfortable, but you should leave a wide margin if you have a fixed ship departure or another nonrefundable activity.

Who will enjoy this day on the water

I would choose this trip for people who want a relaxed, active outing from Heraklion. It suits couples, friends, families with swimmers, and anyone who prefers sea views to a packed sightseeing schedule.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy having choices. You can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, eat, drink, or simply sit on the catamaran. The day does not require you to take part in every activity.

The trip may be less suitable for anyone who dislikes boats, gets seasick, or wants a land-based visit with museums and archaeological sites. Dia Island is the destination, but the experience centers on the water near the island rather than a guided walk across it.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Blind and partially blind people are welcome, according to the activity information. The available details do not explain specific assistance procedures, so contact Set Sails Crete ahead of time if you need particular support.

Booking timing, pickup, and weather

The trip is commonly booked about 20 days in advance. That is useful planning information, especially during busy periods in Crete. You can book closer to the date if space remains, but early booking gives you a better chance of getting the day you want.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Afterward, the operator contacts you with the pickup point and pickup time. Keep an eye on your messages, and make sure the operator has a working way to reach you.

The activity runs only in suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reasonable for a sailing trip, since wind and sea conditions affect safety and comfort.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If your schedule is uncertain, this cutoff is worth noting before you pay.

What to bring for Dia Island

Pack a swimsuit and towel first. Those are the two items specifically excluded from the package.

I would also bring sun protection and a way to keep personal items dry, though the activity information does not specify what storage is available on board. You have bottled water and soft drinks included, but you may still want any personal medication or other essentials you need during a five- to six-hour outing.

Wear something comfortable for a boat day. You will likely move between the catamaran, the water, and lunch, so a simple, practical outfit makes more sense than anything formal.

Since the day includes alcohol, swimming, and paddleboarding, plan to use good judgment. The included drinks are a pleasant extra, not the reason to overdo it.

My take: should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a well-organized day at sea with lunch and water activities already covered. The three-hour stop at Dia Island is generous, the group is capped at 20, and the spacious boat helps keep the mood comfortable. Captain Nick and the crew also add a personal touch that can make a standard boat outing feel more welcoming.

The $156.21 price is easiest to justify if you plan to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard and appreciate having food and drinks included. Think twice if you want a cultural tour, dislike boats, or would not use the water equipment.

For a cruise passenger, confirm the return timing before sailing. For everyone else, bring a swimsuit and towel, wait for the pickup details, and keep the weather policy in mind. If those basics fit your plans, this is a strong choice for a relaxed half-day around Dia Island.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five to six hours.

Where does the activity start?

The listed meeting point is Cafe Marina, Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece. Pickup is offered, and the operator provides further pickup details and timing after booking.

How much time is spent at Dia Island?

The scheduled stop at Dia Island lasts about three hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes seafood pasta, pasta with pesto, Greek salad, and fruit salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, local soft drinks, local beer, and local white wine are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.