8 Catamaran Sailing Trips in Crete to Get on the Water

1.Dia Island Catamaran – Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $181Our pick

Set sail from Heraklion with an English-speaking crew, often including captains and hosts such as Spiro, George, Alexandra, or Thomas. You’ll spend about four hours anchored at Dia Island for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. The catamaran carries up to 14 people and returns around mid-afternoon.

“Absolutely the highlight of our trip to Crete! The staff were so welcoming and thoughtful. Always checking in with us to make sure we were ok and had everything we could need. Food was abundant and so fresh and delicious. There were only 7 of us on the boat so it felt like a private experience. Would definitely recommend!”

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2.Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise from Kissamos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $235

Spend about 7.5 hours aboard DanEri Yachts’ catamaran from Kissamos, visiting Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa. The crew, often including Dimitri, Yannis, and Jessica, serves Greek snacks, a Mediterranean lunch, beer, wine, and soft drinks. You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and Gramvousa’s castle.

“If you’re looking for a way to explore Balos and Gramvousa, but want to avoid having to trek there or taking the ferry, do this!! It was such a stress free day and the boat was lovely. Balos and Gramvousa were absolutely stunning. It was so nice to basically explore it all alone. This trip is timed to avoid the ferry onslaught of people at both locations. Also, the food is stellar! I would definitely do this trip again and totally recommend it! Also, I love swimming and this trip gave me plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the Aegean!”

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3.Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Rethymno Port aboard a modern catamaran with a professional English-speaking crew. Enjoy a nutritionist-designed brunch and Cretan lunch, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, plus SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and shaded deck space. The cruise runs about 6.5 hours and carries up to 25 people.

“Great food, friendly staff, beautiful boat and a nice secluded spot to swim. The music was great, a fun group of people and not too many which was great. A really nice way to spend a relaxing day!”

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4.Catamaran Sailing to Dia with Lunch in Heraklion, Crete(EST 2024)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $142Best value

Join Green Cruises from Cafe Marina in Heraklion for a five-and-a-half-hour sailing trip to Dia Island aboard a new Lagoon 46 catamaran. You get time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, sunbathe, and enjoy traditional Cretan pasta with fruit, soft drinks, wine, and beer included.

“It was a great trip with a great captain and crew. I highly recommend it! One of the highlights of our trip.”

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5.All-inclusice Catamaran Day Cruise from Hersonissos to Dia Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Leave Hersonissos at 9 a.m. aboard a luxury catamaran limited to 20 people, bound for uninhabited Dia Island. You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and gentle fishing, with a healthy brunch, Mediterranean lunch, and open bar served onboard. The crew may include captains Tomas or Alex and cook Annais.

“Fantastic experience. Gorgeous boat and spotlessly clean. The location was great to use the paddle board and snorkel equipment. Lunch was delicious but most importantly Captain Alex and his crew mate Aleksandr were wonderful. They were so kind to our 14 year old making it the highlight of his holiday.”

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6.Heraklion Private Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Dia with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $2,103 whole boat, up to 15

Meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Cafe Marina in Heraklion at 9:30 a.m. for a private 6.5-hour catamaran trip to Dia Island. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, fish, paddleboard, and enjoy salads, seafood, chicken, dessert, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The trip ends where it begins.

“The Catamaran was very clean and large! We had paddle boats kayakes and snorkel equipment. We highly enjoyed this tour the Captain and his first mate made our excursion exceptional! Food and service was awesome! We highly recommend this tour!”

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7.Catamaran Sailing Trip – All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $156

Spend 5 to 6 hours sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island with Captain Nick and an English-speaking crew. Swim, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy seafood pasta, Greek salad, fruit, local beer, wine, and soft drinks. The boat holds no more than 20 people.

“We were on a cruise, but this day trip did not disappoint. We had plenty of time to get back. Our captain Nick and his crew were friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious and island was beautiful. Great relaxing day on the water. The boat was spacious so we never felt crowded.”

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8.Balos Catamaran Private Sailing Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $3,099 whole boat, up to 10

Spend about seven hours on a private catamaran for up to 10 people, sailing from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa. Swim with provided snorkel gear, visit the old fortress, and enjoy Cretan snacks, drinks, wine, and a homemade Mediterranean lunch. The crew may include Panos, Giorgios, George, John, Nena, or Konstantinos.

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