Heraklion Luxury Catamaran Dia Isla -Gourmet Lunch Top Rated

Travelers looking for a day of elegance, adventure, and authentic Greek flavors often find themselves choosing a luxury boat trip around Crete. This particular tour, run by EOS Yachts, offers a top-rated experience that combines the beauty of the Aegean Sea with a gourmet onboard meal and a variety of water activities. While we haven’t been on this exact cruise ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a genuinely special day out—perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure with a touch of luxury.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the luxurious catamaran is described as spacious, modern, and impeccably maintained. Second, the gourmet Mediterranean lunch, prepared by a chef onboard, promises flavors you’ll remember long after the trip ends. And third, the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, and spot wildlife like dolphins while enjoying breathtaking views from the water is truly enticing. One possible downside could be the price—$122 per person—which is a fair investment for the level of comfort and quality of experience, but might be a consideration for budget travelers. This cruise appeals most to those who value comfort, great food, and memorable scenery, especially if they enjoy a touch of sophistication on their sea adventures.

Good To Know

• Luxury and Comfort: Spacious, modern catamaran with onboard amenities like WC, shower, and Wi-Fi.
• Gourmet Dining: Freshly prepared Mediterranean seafood lunch with local ingredients, served onboard.
• Active and Relaxing: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, canoeing, and optional fishing in calm, turquoise waters.
• Stunning Scenery: Breathtaking views of Dia Island, the Aegean, and Crete’s coastline.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see dolphins and seabirds during the cruise.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Drinks, fruits, desserts, and water included, making it a worry-free day afloat.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: A Luxurious Day on the Crete Sea

Imagine floating on a sleek, modern catamaran as the sun rises over Heraklion. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly cooked seafood and the promise of an unforgettable day. That’s how this EOS Yachts cruise begins—welcoming, elegant, and designed to make you feel special.

What we love about this experience? First, the luxury vessel itself, which is described as spacious, spotless, and equipped with comforts like Wi-Fi, a shower, and a WC. Second, the authentic Cretan hospitality shines through in the onboard service, from the welcome drinks to the chef’s skillful preparation of traditional dishes. Third, the variety of activities—snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing—means there’s something for all, whether you’re seeking thrill or chill.

A small consideration to keep in mind: the cruise runs for about 5.5 hours, which might seem long if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Nonetheless, most reviews highlight how well-paced and enjoyable the experience is, especially with the option to relax, swim, and indulge at leisure. This tour is ideal for travelers who crave a blend of luxury, scenic beauty, and fun water activities, all wrapped into one unforgettable Crete adventure.

Why This Catamaran Experience Excels

This cruise is consistently praised for its combination of high-end comfort and authentic local touches. Travelers regularly mention the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, notably the skipper Thanasis, who is described as highly experienced. The chef Charis also receives special mention for crafting delightful, freshly cooked meals that elevate the onboard dining experience from simple to spectacular.

The boat itself is a highlight, with reviews describing it as sleek, spacious, and spotless. Many guests appreciate having plenty of shaded areas and comfortable seating options, making it perfect for relaxing while enjoying the stunning sea vistas. The onboard amenities, like free Wi-Fi, shower, and WC, add to the feeling of being on a floating five-star hotel.

The gourmet Mediterranean lunch is another standout feature. Made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, the meal includes seafood, vegetarian, and meat options—catering to various preferences. Guests have described the dishes as “absolutely delicious,” with one reviewer calling the seafood “the best in Crete.” The open bar, with white wine, beer, and soft drinks, complements the meal perfectly, making it a true culinary treat.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: Koules Fortress & Marina Café

Your adventure kicks off at the historic Koules Fortress, an iconic Heraklion landmark. This is a great spot for some quick photos of the fortress with the sea in the background before boarding the boat. The meeting point is at Marina Café, where a crew member from EOS Yachts will welcome you and guide you to the vessel. Arriving 15 minutes early is advised because the cruise departs promptly.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Stop 1: Heraklion & Rocca a Mare Fortress

The cruise begins with a short scenic sail along the coast, giving you your first glimpses of Crete from the water. You’ll cruise past Rocca a Mare Fortress, a perfect photo opportunity. This quick stop offers a blend of sightseeing and a chance to get your sea legs before heading further out.

Stop 2: The Catamaran

Once on the catamaran, you’re greeted with a welcome drink and local Cretan treats—think traditional sweets and coffee. The crew provides a safety briefing, ensuring everyone feels secure and ready for the day ahead. The vessel itself is described as new and luxurious, with plenty of space for lounging, socializing, or simply absorbing the stunning views.

Stop 3: Dia Island

The highlight of the trip is anchoring in one of Dia’s secluded bays—accessible only by boat—and it’s where the real magic happens. Surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched coastline, this is your playground for roughly three hours.

Here, you can swim, snorkel, and explore the underwater world. Reviews describe Dia as a place woven into legends, and many mention the vibrant marine life, with some lucky travelers even spotting dolphins. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the seabed is known to be lively and clear, offering great photo opportunities.

If you want to stay active, SUPs, canoes, and fishing gear are available. Reviewers say the calm bay is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun, with some describing it as “the most beautiful spot they’ve seen in Crete.”

Lunch and Leisure Time

Back on the boat, a gourmet seafood lunch is served—an authentic Mediterranean feast crafted onboard. Guests rave about the freshness and flavor, especially the seafood dishes. The meal is paired with drinks from the open bar, which includes white wine, beer, and soft drinks, ensuring everyone can loosen up and enjoy the moment.

After lunch, there’s free time to relax, take more photos, or perhaps dip in for another swim. The boat’s shaded and open areas give options for sunbathers and shade seekers alike.

Return Journey

The cruise concludes with a scenic sail back to Heraklion, where stunning sunset views over the Aegean add a perfect ending. Many reviews mention how peaceful and beautiful the return trip is, making it a wonderful way to reflect on the day’s experiences.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Professional, English-speaking crew skilled in hospitality and safety
• Welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies at the start
• Gourmet on-board lunch with seafood, vegetarian, and meat options
• All drinks from the open bar: water, soft drinks, wine, and beer
• Seasonal fruits and a local dessert
• High-quality snorkeling gear, swimming vests, and water toys
• Canoe and SUP equipment, fishing gear
• Onboard facilities such as WC, shower, and Wi-Fi

Not Included

• Private transportation (although they offer transfer services if requested)
• Cocktails (available upon request, not included in the package)
• Sea scooter (must be booked in advance)

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive 15 minutes early to check-in; the boat departs promptly.
• Bring essentials like hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and camera.
• The main menu is seafood-based, but vegetarian and meat options are available if requested at least a day in advance.
• If you want to try the sea scooter, book ahead as this requires pre-arrangement.
• The cruise’s duration of about 5.5 hours means you’ll want to pace yourself—comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended.

The Authentic Experience: What Guests Say

From professional guides to chef Charis’s culinary skills, reviews are full of praise. Guests highlight the crew’s passion and expertise—particularly mentioning Thanasis, the skipper, for his knowledge, and the chef, who often surprises with freshly prepared dishes like risotto or seafood platters.

Many reviewers like Sophia and Caleb emphasize how the crew’s attention to detail, like celebrating birthdays or providing personalized service, elevates the experience beyond just a boat trip. Others mention that the boat’s spaciousness and amenities—such as Wi-Fi and shaded lounging areas—make it feel more like a luxury cruise than a typical tour.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This cruise is suited for travelers who want more than just a boat ride. If you value luxury, great food, and scenic beauty, you’ll love the comfort of the modern catamaran and the quality of the onboard meal. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy water activities but prefer a relaxed, guided environment.

Families, couples, or groups of friends will find plenty to do and enjoy, with options for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The inclusive bar and gourmet menu make it a great choice for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a memorable day out.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting Crete and craving a blend of luxury, adventure, and Greek hospitality, this EOS Yachts cruise delivers. The modern vessel, paired with a top-notch crew and chef, means you’ll experience Crete in style while enjoying some of the best scenery the island has to offer. The combination of scenic stops, water activities, and a gourmet onboard meal makes this trip a fantastic value for those seeking a full-day, all-encompassing experience.

While the price might seem higher than a standard boat tour, the quality, comfort, and personalized service more than justify the cost. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want to indulge in a luxurious, well-rounded sea adventure that leaves lasting memories.

FAQ

Is transportation included? No, private transfer services are not included but can be requested for an additional cost.

What should I bring? Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and a camera for capturing moments.

Are there vegetarian options? Yes, vegetarian meals are available, and special dietary needs can be requested at least one day before the trip.

How long is the cruise? The total duration is approximately 5.5 hours, including stops and activities.

Can I snorkel and paddleboard? Absolutely, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and canoes are provided and included in the price.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, so you can stay connected or share your photos instantly.

What’s the best time to book? Check availability in advance as the cruise can fill up, especially during peak season.

Is this experience suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the water activities and relaxed pace make it suitable for families, provided children are supervised and fit for swimming.

This Crete catamaran tour offers a harmonious mix of comfort, adventure, and Greek charm. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable day on the Aegean, it’s an experience that many travelers highly recommend.

You can check if your dates are available here: