Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

EOS Yachts turns a half-day boat trip into a floating lunch party with real cooking onboard. You sail from Heraklion to Dia Island, spend more than three hours in a quiet bay, and return with drinks, Cretan desserts, and the Aegean glowing around you. I especially like the new, spacious catamaran and the chef-prepared meal, two details that make this feel different from a basic group cruise.

The main consideration is the sea. Conditions can limit swimming or water equipment, as they did on one recent outing, and the boat leaves exactly on schedule. At $141 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride, but the price includes food, drinks, equipment, and a small group capped at 22 people.

Key points at a glance

• Chef-prepared seafood lunch: Fresh Mediterranean food is cooked onboard, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s options available if requested in advance.
• Three hours at Dia Island: You have enough time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, canoeing, fishing, or simply stretching out in the sun.
• A modern catamaran: The boat has shaded areas, comfortable seating, toilets for men and women, a shower, and free Wi-Fi.
• Captain Thanasis and a polished crew: The English and Greek speaking team handles safety, drinks, meals, and water activities with care.
• An open bar is included: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are available throughout the trip. Cocktails cost extra.
• A relaxed but fixed schedule: Arrive at least 15 minutes early at Marina Café in Heraklion Port because departure is punctual.

Why this Dia Island cruise feels different

Many boat trips sell the same basic recipe: transport you to a swimming stop, hand you a sandwich, and bring you back. This EOS cruise aims higher. The catamaran is new and kept in excellent condition, with plenty of space to sit in the sun or find shade.

That matters on a five-and-a-half-hour outing. You are not just tolerating the ride between stops. You spend about two hours sailing, with the rest of the time anchored near Dia Island. The boat becomes your base for lunch, swimming, drinks, and quiet time.

I also like the social scale. With no more than 22 people, the boat should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel without the cost of a private charter. The crew can keep an eye on the group, refill drinks, explain the safety rules, and help with the equipment.

The strongest feature is the food. Chef Charis, also referred to as Haris in guest communications, prepares a fresh Mediterranean meal onboard. Seafood is the main choice, and past menus have included seafood risotto, including a version made with Greek kantaifi shrimp. You can request chicken, vegetarian, or children’s meals, but do so at least one day ahead.

Meeting Captain Thanasis at Heraklion Port

Your meeting point is Marina Café at Heraklion Port. An EOS crew member waits near the entrance and guides you to the boat for check-in. Get there 15 minutes before departure, since the cruise leaves at the stated time rather than waiting for late arrivals.

The outing begins with coffee, cake, and Cretan delicacies. This is a pleasant start, especially if you have come directly from a hotel or a cruise ship and have not had breakfast. You also receive a short safety briefing before the boat heads out.

Captain Thanasis has received special praise for his calm, friendly manner and professional handling of the catamaran. The crew speaks English and Greek, so basic instructions about swimming, safety vests, and equipment should be easy to follow.

If you are visiting Heraklion on a cruise ship, this departure point is convenient. Still, leave enough time to reach the port and find Marina Café. Private hotel transfers are not included, though pickup and transfer can be arranged on request.

Sailing past Koules Fortress

The first sightseeing moment comes almost immediately. The catamaran passes Rocca a Mare, better known as Koules Fortress, at the entrance to Heraklion’s old harbor. This sturdy Venetian-era fort is one of the city’s most recognizable sights, and the boat gives you a fresh angle on its stone walls.

Do not expect a long guided visit. This is a short photo stop and a scenic beginning to the cruise. The real reward is watching Heraklion recede while the sea opens around you.

The crossing to Dia takes about an hour. Depending on conditions, the ride may feel smooth and restful or a little lively. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear, and keep a light layer handy if you are sensitive to wind. You can sit under the shade or find a place in the open air for the best views.

The crew keeps an eye out for seabirds and dolphins. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the crossing gives you a fair chance to watch the water rather than stare at the harbor.

Finding a quiet bay on Dia Island

Dia is a small, uninhabited island north of Heraklion, wrapped in stories connected with Zeus and ancient Crete. The cruise does not attempt a full island walk. Instead, the catamaran anchors in one of the island’s sheltered bays, where the main attraction is the clear water and quiet coastline.

The stop lasts about three hours and 15 minutes. That is generous by boat-trip standards. You are not forced to choose between lunch and swimming, since there is time for both, with another chance to enter the water afterward.

The water around the anchorage is the heart of the outing. Snorkeling gear and swimming vests are included, so you do not need to pack your own mask unless you prefer familiar equipment. You may see fish around the seabed, though visibility and marine life vary with the day and weather.

The catamaran also carries stand-up paddleboards, canoe boards, fishing equipment, swimming noodles, and inflatable toys. Sea scooters are available only by advance request and are assigned in priority order, so do not count on one unless you arrange it before departure.

There is no promise that every activity will operate in all conditions. Wind and waves can affect swimming, paddling, and snorkeling. The crew may need to limit some equipment for safety, but that is a sensible tradeoff on an open-water trip.

Lunch with a real chef onboard

The meal is where this cruise earns much of its premium price. Instead of relying on packaged food, the crew serves freshly prepared Mediterranean dishes using local ingredients.

The seafood menu is the main event. You may receive a carefully prepared seafood dish such as risotto, along with gourmet platters of cheeses and cold cuts. The food is served as part of a full sequence, not simply placed on a buffet table and forgotten.

There are alternatives for people who do not eat seafood. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s meals are available, but you must give notice at least one day before the cruise. This is important. Do not assume the crew can change the meal at the last minute just because you mention it after boarding.

Lunch is paired with unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Seasonal fruit and a local Cretan dessert follow the main meal, with raki served as a traditional finishing touch. Cocktails are not included, although they can be requested for an extra charge.

I would not book this experience only for the promise of luxury service. I would book it because the food is treated as part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Several people have singled out the seafood risotto and the individual preparation as the best food of their time in Greece. That is a high bar, but it explains why this trip costs more than a standard boat excursion.

A catamaran built for comfort

The boat has room to spread out, which helps keep the atmosphere calm even with a full group. Shaded areas are useful in Crete’s strong sun, while the open sections give you uninterrupted views during the crossing.

The onboard facilities are practical rather than decorative. There are separate toilets for men and women, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. The shower is useful after swimming, though you should still bring your own towel.

The clean, modern condition of the catamaran comes up again and again in the available feedback. That is worth noting because older boats can make a long day at sea feel cramped or worn out. Here, the vessel itself is part of the reason the cruise feels upmarket.

The boat is not private. This is a semi-private outing with up to 22 participants. If you want the entire catamaran for your own group, EOS also offers private charter options, but you will need to ask about availability and pricing.

The sunset ride back to Heraklion

After lunch and one last swim, the catamaran heads back to Heraklion. The return crossing takes about an hour and can be the prettiest part of the day, especially when the light turns warm over the water.

The crew brings out fruit, Cretan dessert, and drinks near the end of the cruise. That small second serving helps the return feel like part of the experience rather than a simple trip back to port.

The timing also works well for people who want a full but manageable day. You leave with enough time for the island stop, then return after roughly five and a half hours. The cruise does not try to squeeze in several different beaches, which is a strength. You spend less time racing between locations and more time in one good anchorage.

What the $141 price really covers

At $141 per person, this is a premium excursion for Crete. You can find cheaper boat trips, especially those offering a shorter ride, basic refreshments, or a larger vessel.

The comparison changes once you count what is included:

• A modern catamaran with a maximum of 22 people
• A qualified English-speaking crew
• Coffee, cake, and Cretan snacks
• Cheese and cold-cut platters
• A fresh seafood lunch prepared onboard
• Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s meal options with advance notice
• Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer
• Fruit, dessert, and raki
• Snorkeling equipment and swimming vests
• SUP boards, canoe boards, fishing gear, and inflatables
• Toilets, shower, and Wi-Fi

That is a substantial package. I consider the price reasonable if you value comfort, food, and attentive service as much as the swimming stop. It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to reach Dia Island as cheaply as possible.

The strongest value comes for couples, families, and small groups celebrating something special. Birthday surprises have included cakes and songs, even when the occasion was not heavily announced in advance. If you are marking a birthday or anniversary, mention it during booking so the crew has the best chance to prepare.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want a polished day on the water without committing to a private yacht. It suits people who enjoy good food, easy swimming, scenic sailing, and a crew that handles the details.

Families can make good use of the swimming noodles, inflatables, canoe boards, and children’s menu. Couples get comfortable seating, sunset views, and a more special setting than a standard beach day. Small groups can enjoy the social atmosphere without being lost in a crowd.

It is also a good choice for first-time sailors. You do not need sailing experience, and the crew provides a safety briefing and equipment. The boat offers enough comfort for someone who wants to enjoy the sea without spending the entire day in a small, exposed vessel.

I would think twice if you dislike open water, get seasick easily, or want a completely private experience. Weather can affect the activities, and the price may feel high if you do not plan to eat the onboard meal or use the water equipment.

Practical tips before you reserve

Arrive early, not exactly at departure time. The meeting point is Marina Café at Heraklion Port, and the cruise leaves on schedule.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and any personal medication you need for time at sea. The boat has a shower, but you should not rely on it for all your changing needs.

Give the company your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender for every participant. Greek naval regulations require these details, and they should be provided during booking or at least one day before departure.

Tell the company about dietary needs at least one day ahead. Seafood is the main menu, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s choices available by request.

The booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available departure time carefully, especially if you are coordinating the cruise with a flight, ferry, or cruise-ship schedule.

Should you book the EOS Dia Island cruise?

Yes, if you want a high-comfort half-day at sea with a proper meal and plenty of time at the swimming stop. The new catamaran, small group size, open bar, and chef-prepared food make this more than a sightseeing transfer.

I would not call it the cheapest way to see Dia Island, and the weather can reduce the number of activities available. But for $141, you receive a full package with a skilled crew, quality equipment, food, drinks, and a comfortable place to spend the day.

Book it for the combination, not just the island. The best parts are the easy pace, the meal prepared onboard, and the golden ride back toward Heraklion. If those details matter to you, EOS Yachts is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the EOS Dia Island catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. The schedule includes about one hour sailing to Dia Island, around 3.25 hours at the island, and about one hour returning to Heraklion.

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet the EOS crew at the entrance of Marina Café in Heraklion Port. A crew member will guide you to the catamaran for check-in.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The cruise departs exactly on time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chef prepares a fresh Mediterranean lunch onboard. The main menu features seafood, and chicken, vegetarian, and children’s meals can be requested at least one day before departure.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included in the open bar. Cocktails are available on request for an additional charge.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment, swimming vests, fishing gear, stand-up paddleboards, canoe boards, swimming noodles, and inflatable sea toys are included. Sea scooters require advance booking and are not included in the standard package.

Is the cruise private?

No. This is a semi-private cruise with a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are also available by request.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The catamaran has toilets, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is not permitted indoors.