Hersonissos: Dia Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Dia Island is the star here, but the real selling point is how much room and time you get to enjoy it. This is a small-group catamaran cruise, limited to 20 guests, with about three hours at the island for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply lying on a deck cushion. I especially like the fresh Cretan lunch and the open bar, since both turn a basic boat outing into a full day at sea.

I also like the care taken with families and food needs. The crew can arrange children’s meals, and one family’s shellfish allergy and intolerance were handled successfully. The main drawback is the price, about $170 per person, plus the fact that the cruise depends on weather and may not suit pregnant passengers, people with certain health conditions, or anyone who gets badly seasick.

What makes this Dia Island cruise worth considering

• About three hours at Dia Island: You get enough time for several swims and water activities without feeling rushed.
• A maximum of 20 guests: The boat should feel calmer and less crowded than a large excursion vessel.
• Fresh Cretan lunch and open-bar drinks: Seafood, vegetables, chicken, vegetarian choices, dessert, beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are part of the day.
• Plenty of water equipment: SUP boards, a kayak, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, noodles, life jackets, and a pink flamingo float are available.
• Comfortable return transport: The boat has sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, a toilet, music, and free Wi-Fi.
• Family-friendly service: Children’s meals and a box of toys can be arranged, and the crew may let children learn a little about sailing.

Setting out from Hersonissos Port

Your day begins at Hersonissos Port, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. Port rules are strict, so the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

After check-in, the crew gives a short safety briefing and serves welcome drinks. These include espresso, tea, water, soft drinks, detox water, and protein cocktails. A light breakfast bowl provides something useful before the longer ride to Dia Island.

That opening meal is a practical touch. You are likely to be on the water for most of the day, and starting with food helps if you plan to swim later. The menu is described as fresh and healthy, with a nutritionist involved in planning the food. This is not the sort of cruise built around snacks alone.

The boat carries a maximum of 20 guests, though some departures may have fewer people. One family described a group of about 15 passengers, which gave everyone room to spread out. That matters on a boat. A smaller head count means easier access to the water equipment, more open deck space, and less competition for shaded seating.

The 105-minute ride to Dia Island

The outward sailing takes about 105 minutes. This is a substantial part of the day, but the catamaran is set up for relaxing rather than simply getting from one port to another. You can use the sunbeds, settle into a shaded lounge, watch the sea, or listen to the onboard music.

The spacious deck is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Several people specifically valued the cushions and room to lie back during the crossing. If you like being on the water but do not want to spend seven hours packed into a narrow boat, this format makes good sense.

The crew serves drinks during the day, including water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Cocktails and alcohol outside that selection cost extra and are not included. Red wine is not allowed, so keep your drink expectations simple: this is an open bar with a focused list, not a full cocktail service.

You may want to take a seasickness tablet if you are prone to motion sickness, even though the catamaran is generally a stable style of boat. The operator specifically asks people with seasickness concerns to check the weather and speak with the team before booking. The trip can be postponed or canceled in poor conditions.

Arriving at protected Dia Island

Dia Island is uninhabited and part of a protected Natura 2000 area. Its appeal is not a village, a museum, or a beach café. You come for the quiet setting, clear water, open views, and time away from Crete’s busy resort towns.

The boat anchors for roughly 3.25 hours. That long stop is a major reason to choose this cruise. Many boat trips offer only a quick swim before moving on. Here, you have time to swim, use the boards, try snorkeling, eat lunch, and still return to the water afterward.

The crew prepares the equipment before activities begin. High-quality masks and fins are supplied, along with stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and a pink flamingo float. Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing session, and children can request a box of toys.

I would think of the water program as flexible rather than highly organized. You are not being pushed from one timed activity to the next. You can paddle for a while, float on the flamingo, snorkel, or simply sit on the boat. That works well for a mixed group where some people want action and others prefer a quiet afternoon.

Please do not touch marine life. The protected setting is part of what makes Dia special, and the rules help keep it that way.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The water stop is the heart of the day. You can jump in from the catamaran for a swim, put on the supplied mask and fins, or take a SUP board out from the boat. The equipment is included, so you do not need to rent separate gear at the harbor.

The SUP boards are likely to be popular, especially when the sea is calm. If you have never used one, ask the crew for help before heading away from the boat. Swimming jackets are available, and noodles offer an easier way to stay comfortable in the water.

The kayak adds another choice for people who want a steadier ride. Fishing equipment gives children and adults something slower to try between swims. The pink flamingo is more about fun than serious recreation, but it adds a cheerful family touch.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. These are not included. A sun hat, swimwear, and personal care items are also useful. Shoes must be removed indoors, and glass objects, smoking indoors, weapons, drugs, and outside alcohol are prohibited.

A fresh Cretan lunch on board

Food is a major part of the value. The cruise includes a light breakfast, snacks, and a full lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients. The meal is nutritionist-designed, Mediterranean in style, and followed by dessert.

Menus change with the season, but the available choices include seafood, vegetables, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. Children’s meals can be requested in advance. If you have an allergy or intolerance, tell the operator before the trip rather than waiting until lunch.

The meal is served back on the catamaran, pairing well with the setting. You can eat with a Greek beer or white wine from the open bar, then return to the water or stretch out on deck. The combination of food, drinks, and a long swim stop is what makes the $170 price easier to understand.

Still, value depends on how you spend your day. If you will not drink alcohol, do not care about organized water equipment, and prefer a short boat ride, this may feel expensive. If you want transport, meals, equipment, service, and several hours on the sea in one package, the price is more reasonable.

Some departures may include a small cultural touch, such as Greek dancing. That is not presented as a guaranteed part of every cruise, so treat it as a possible extra rather than a reason to book.

The 105-minute sail back to Hersonissos

After lunch, you can take one last swim or settle into the shaded seating for the trip back. The return crossing takes about 105 minutes, giving you time to dry off, enjoy another drink, and watch the coast recede.

The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, though you should still bring a towel. There is also an onboard WC, which makes the long sailing periods easier. Free Wi-Fi is available, but I would treat it as a convenience rather than the point of the trip. The sea views are the better entertainment.

The boat returns to Hersonissos, with optional arrangements available for pickup and drop-off in places such as Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka. Hotel transfers are not automatically included, so check the option you select before assuming transport is covered.

How the crew shapes the day

The experience depends heavily on the crew, and the names connected with the service include Janis, Julia, Alex, and Thomas. The strongest praise centers on friendly attention, clean equipment, fresh food, and the crew’s willingness to help children learn about sailing.

That family focus is worth noting. A large reunion ranging from children to grandparents was able to enjoy the outing, and a nine-year-old particularly enjoyed the water activities. The boat is not only for couples looking for a quiet cruise. It can work for families, provided everyone is comfortable with a full day on the water.

The crew members hold Red Cross certification and speak English and Greek. Liability insurance is included. These details do not remove every risk, but they provide useful reassurance when swimming from a boat with children or less confident swimmers.

Private groups are available. If you are marking a birthday or anniversary, tell the operator ahead of time. A complimentary branded gift may be arranged for special occasions.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to people who want a polished, all-day sea outing without the crowds of a large boat. It suits couples, families, small groups of friends, and multigenerational groups who value comfort as much as sightseeing.

You should be happy with:

• Around 6.5 to 7.5 hours on or near the water
• A long crossing in each direction
• Swimming from the catamaran rather than spending the day on a developed beach
• A set open-bar selection rather than cocktails
• A relaxed schedule built around one main stop
• Possible changes if weather conditions turn poor

This is less suitable if you want a busy sightseeing itinerary, a guaranteed private cabin, or a short transfer to Dia Island. Private cabins can be requested but are not guaranteed. Pregnant passengers, children under two, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and anyone over 95 should not book without checking directly with the operator. The published guidance lists the cruise as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with medical conditions, and people over 95.

Booking details and practical advice

The advertised cost is $170 per person. The fee covers the catamaran, crew, welcome drinks, breakfast, lunch, snacks, unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, equipment, insurance, and onboard facilities. That is a substantial bundle, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, meal, drinks, and water rentals.

You need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number. Port authorities require these details for permission to sail. Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy if accepted for your booking.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. You receive a QR code by email, normally one day before the cruise, and that QR code serves as your ticket.

Weather is the one factor you cannot control. The route or schedule may change, and the cruise can be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsafe. Keep your plans flexible rather than booking this on the final day of your holiday.

Should you book the Dia Island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, small-group day at sea with plenty of swim time, a proper lunch, and friendly service. The long stop at Dia Island, spacious catamaran, and wide range of included equipment give the experience more substance than a simple coastal sail.

I would skip it if the price stretches your budget, you dislike long boat crossings, or you want a sandy beach and independent time ashore. For the right person, though, this is a strong Hersonissos day trip: relaxed, well-fed, and active without feeling rushed.

FAQ

How long does the Hersonissos Dia Island cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the selected departure and conditions. The sailing time is about 105 minutes each way, with roughly 3.25 hours at Dia Island.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome drinks, a light healthy breakfast, protein snacks, and a nutritionist-designed Mediterranean lunch. Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and alcohol outside the listed open-bar selection cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, a kayak, fishing equipment, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and a pink flamingo float are provided.

Can children join the cruise?

Children can join, and children’s meals and a box of toys are available by request. The operator says unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Families should also check directly with the team if traveling with a child under two.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, personal care items, and a passport or ID card. Towels and sunscreen are not included.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The itinerary depends on weather conditions and may be changed, rescheduled, or canceled for safety. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.