Hersonissos: Luxury Catamaran Cruise to Dia – Lunch & Drinks

Hersonissos: Luxury Catamaran Cruise to Dia – Lunch & Drinks is a popular choice for travelers seeking a relaxing yet fun-filled day on Crete’s waters. Rated at an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from 55 reviews, this cruise offers a mix of stunning scenery, tasty food, and plenty of water-based entertainment. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or just want a break from land-based sightseeing, this tour promises a memorable escape.

What we love about this experience is the spacious, luxurious catamaran, the variety of water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding, and the delicious Mediterranean lunch served onboard. It’s also a major plus that drinks are unlimited — something many reviewers mention as a highlight. That said, some travelers have noted that the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the port. Perfect for those who appreciate comfort, good food, and lively atmospheres, this cruise suits both adults looking for relaxation and families wanting fun in the sun.

Good To Know

• Luxury and Comfort: The spacious catamaran offers a yacht-like vibe with ample room to relax.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and inflatable flamingo fun cater to all ages.
• Gourmet Food: Fresh Mediterranean lunch with seafood, meat, and kid-friendly options.
• Unlimited Drinks: Soft drinks, beer, and wine keep the mood lively without extra charges.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the inflatables and dedicated meal options.
• Stunning Views: Expect clear waters and picturesque scenery en route to Dia Island.

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A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point and Check-in

Begin your journey at Hersonissos Port, arriving 15 minutes early for check-in. The check-in process is straightforward, with the crew waving the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. It’s worth noting that if you opt for the transfer service, pickup can be arranged from multiple nearby locations such as Stalida, Malia, Heraklion, and others, making it convenient if you’re staying outside the immediate port area.

The Boarding and First Impressions

Once onboard, the crew — experienced, friendly, and certified by the Red Cross — welcomes you with coffee, tea, and pies. The initial 15-minute segment is a relaxed introduction, giving you time to settle into your spot on the spacious decks. This is the perfect moment to soak in the first views of the sea, snap photos, and get comfortable with your surroundings.

The Sailing to Dia

The cruise itself lasts about 105 minutes as you sail from Hersonissos towards Dia Island. Reviewers consistently mention how the boat’s upmarket vibe, combined with the smooth sailing and stellar sea views, makes the journey special. The crew plays music that perfectly complements the vibe, enhancing the overall experience.

Travelers like Jennifer and Debbie emphasize the intimate, non-crowded atmosphere on the boat, which often features a small group size, making it feel more personal. Thanks to the Wi-Fi onboard, sharing the stunning scenery with friends or planning your next move in Crete is easy.

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Arrival at Dia Island and Water Fun

Upon reaching Dia, travelers are greeted with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The tour provides snorkeling gear and fishing equipment, allowing you to explore underwater life or try your hand at fishing. Samantha highlights how the paddleboards (SUPs) and inflatable flamingos add a playful touch, making it easy for kids and adults alike to have fun.

One of the tour’s most praised features is the quality of the water, with reviewers like Hayley noting that the crystal clear bay offers what she calls the best boat trip experience she’s had. The shallow, transparent waters make it easy to spot marine life, while the gentle waves are ideal for relaxing or trying out the paddleboards.

The Mediterranean Lunch

A standout feature of this tour is the freshly cooked Mediterranean meal served onboard. The menu typically includes a variety of salads, seafood, and meat, with special options for kids and those with dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals. Multiple reviews, including Matthew’s, praise the delicious food and generous portions.

Debbie mentions the upmarket quality of the food and drinks, with some reviewers noting that the wine selection is particularly enjoyable, adding to the relaxed, upscale atmosphere. The dessert usually features fresh fruit, with some tours offering summer treats like ice cream — a hit with children and adults alike.

Return Voyage and Relaxation

After several hours of swimming, relaxing, and chowing down on the tasty lunch, it’s time to head back. The 105-minute return journey is a perfect opportunity to unwind, chat with your companions, or just bask in the sun. Many reviewers appreciate the calm, peaceful environment and the friendly crew’s attentiveness, which makes the whole day feel effortless.

Drop-off and Flexibility

The tour ends back at Hersonissos Port, with optional drop-off arrangements at various locations including Heraklion, Stalida, and others. The tour’s flexibility and the option for private groups make it a good choice whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger party.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Stunning Scenery and Water Clarity: Multiple reviews emphasize how beautiful the sea is around Dia, with Jennifer describing it as “beautiful water” perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The combination of calm seas, clear waters, and scenic surroundings makes this an ideal day out if you love natural beauty.

Knowledgeable and Attentive Crew: Reviewers consistently mention the crew’s professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail. Debbie notes how Thomas and his team deliver a first-class experience, and Hayley describes the crew as super attentive, especially checked on her hungover boyfriend.

High-Quality Food and Drinks: The gourmet lunch and unlimited drinks are all included in a price that many consider a good value, especially when you factor in the quality. The wine and beer selection is appreciated, and the meal options are diverse enough for all dietary preferences.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Kids are not overlooked, with inflatables, paddleboards, and special meals making the day suitable for families. Samantha’s comment about her and her 9-year-old daughter both enjoying the trip highlights this.

Considering the Drawbacks

While the experience earns high praise, one notable aspect is that hotel transfers are not included. If you’re staying outside the port area, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation. Also, weather conditions might affect the schedule, so it’s wise to check the forecast if you’re planning a trip during uncertain weather periods.

Who This Tour is Perfect For

This cruise is ideal for adults seeking relaxation, families wanting a fun day in the water, and anyone looking to combine scenic sailing with good food and drinks. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a small, intimate group environment and enjoy water activities in a picturesque setting. If you love the idea of a yacht-like experience with plenty of opportunities to swim and paddleboard, this is likely to be a highlight of your Crete holiday.

FAQs

• How long is the cruise?

The total duration is approximately 6.5 hours, including check-in, sailing, water activities, and lunch.

• What is included in the price?

The tour includes a luxurious catamaran, experienced crew, Mediterranean lunch, unlimited drinks (soft drinks, beer, wine), snorkeling, fishing gear, paddleboards, music, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment.

• Are food options suitable for dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. Kids have their own meal options as well.

• Is hotel pickup available?

Not automatically; transfer services can be arranged if the appropriate option is selected, covering various nearby locations.

• Do I need to bring anything?

Pack swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and passport or ID for check-in. Remember to arrive 15 minutes early.

• Can I cancel?

Yes, cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What weather conditions might affect the cruise?

The cruise is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled if the weather turns bad.

• Are there age restrictions?

The tour is suitable for children, but pregnant women are advised to avoid due to the water activities.

• How many people typically go on this tour?

Reviewers mention that it’s often a small, intimate group, creating a more personalized experience.

• Is there any entertainment onboard?

The crew plays music during the cruise, enhancing the relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This luxury catamaran cruise to Dia offers a well-rounded day of sailing, water fun, and gourmet food, making it a fantastic way to experience Crete’s beautiful coastline in style. The combination of stunning scenery, friendly crew, and unlimited drinks makes it a worthwhile choice for travelers looking to relax and indulge.

For families, the variety of kid-friendly activities and meals is a definite plus, while couples or groups of friends will enjoy the upmarket vibe and peaceful environment. Just keep in mind the need for your own transportation to the port and check the weather forecast to ensure smooth sailing.

All in all, this tour delivers on comfort, fun, and quality — perfect for a memorable day at sea. Whether you want to soak in the sun, explore underwater, or simply savor good food and drinks, this cruise ticks many boxes.

You can check if your dates are available here: