Hersonissos: Dia Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the long stop at Dia Island. You get roughly three hours around the uninhabited island, enough time to swim, use the SUP boards and snorkeling gear, eat lunch, and still find a quiet spot on the catamaran. This is not a quick photo stop with a scramble back aboard.

I like the limited group size, capped at 20 people, and the generous open bar with local beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water. I also like the care put into the food, including a nutritionist-designed lunch and help with special dietary needs. A family with shellfish allergies received a suitable meal, which is the kind of practical attention that matters.

The main consideration is the price: $170 per person is a serious day-trip expense. You are paying for a small boat, a long outing, food, drinks, water equipment, and attentive service rather than simply a ride to an island. Also, this is a full day at sea, so it may not suit anyone prone to seasickness, pregnant people, or those with certain health or mobility concerns.

Key points before you book

• Three hours at Dia Island: The long swim stop gives you time for snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, fishing, lunch, and sunbathing without a rushed schedule.
• Small-group sailing: The maximum group size is 20, and some departures have had about 15 people aboard, leaving plenty of deck space.
• Fresh Greek food: Expect a light breakfast bowl, local snacks, a Mediterranean lunch, dessert, and children’s or vegetarian choices on request.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are available throughout the cruise. Cocktails cost extra.
• Family-friendly water time: Children can use the fishing gear, inflatable flamingo, noodles, and toy box by request, though unaccompanied minors are not accepted.
• Weather controls the plan: The route can be changed, postponed, or canceled when sea conditions are poor.

Leaving Hersonissos with a small group

Your day begins at Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and 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, you receive a safety briefing, local snacks, and welcome drinks. The morning spread includes espresso, tea, water, soft drinks, and a light breakfast bowl. A protein smoothie or detox water may also be available, giving you something useful before the longer sailing leg.

The catamaran then spends about 105 minutes heading toward Dia Island. That is a substantial ride, but the boat gives you room to make it comfortable. You can settle on a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, listen to music, or use the free Wi-Fi. An onboard toilet and outdoor shower are useful once swimming begins.

The vessel is modern and arranged for relaxation rather than a packed sightseeing transfer. Cushioned areas let you lie back during the crossing, while shaded sections give you a break from the Cretan sun. The group limit matters here. A small deck feels far more pleasant when you are trying to sunbathe, eat, or change after swimming.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Crew members named in past departures include Janis, Julia, and Alex, and children have been invited to learn a little about sailing and spend time near the captain. The crew also holds Red Cross certification, and life jackets are provided.

Dia Island and the three-hour swim stop

Dia is uninhabited and protected as part of a Natura 2000 zone. You will see a quiet island with clear water rather than a developed beach resort. There are no shops, cafés, or rows of umbrellas waiting at the anchorage, so the catamaran is your base for the stop.

This is where the cruise earns much of its value. The schedule allows about 3.25 hours at Dia, including the scenic approach, lunch, and water time. You do not have to choose between a short swim and a proper meal. You can swim first, eat, then return to the water or rest on deck.

The water equipment includes masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, fishing gear, swimming jackets, noodles, and an inflatable pink flamingo. You can use the equipment at your own pace, subject to crew instructions and sea conditions. The snorkeling is best suited to enjoying the clear water and looking around the swimming area, rather than expecting a guided reef expedition.

The SUP boards are a strong choice for people who want an active break without committing to a difficult sport. The kayak offers another way to move across the cove, while the flamingo and noodles make the stop easygoing for children and less confident swimmers. Fishing gear is available for a gentle fishing session, which can give younger children something to do while adults relax.

You should bring your own towel. Sunscreen is also your responsibility, and a hat is useful during the crossing and lunch. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and glass objects, sharp items, smoking indoors, drugs, and outside red wine are prohibited.

Lunch with Cretan flavors and an open bar

Food is treated as part of the experience, not an afterthought. You start with breakfast and light snacks, then receive a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch at Dia. The menu changes with the season and uses local ingredients, with seafood, vegetables, chicken, vegetarian choices, and simple fresh dishes available depending on the day.

A typical meal includes a main course and dessert. Past meals have included seafood and vegetables, chicken for those who do not want seafood, fruit, and homemade cake. Children’s meals can be requested ahead of time. If you have an allergy or intolerance, tell the operator before the cruise. The crew has accommodated shellfish allergies, but you should not wait until lunch to raise the issue.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and protein drinks are part of the welcome service. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the stated selection are not included, so do not assume a full cocktail menu is available.

The drink package is particularly useful on a warm day. Buying lunch and drinks separately at a hotel or beach club can add up quickly, while the catamaran lets you order as you need. Still, the value depends on how much you eat and drink. If you do not drink alcohol and prefer a short boat outing, $170 may feel high. If you want a full day with meals, equipment, and a small group, the price is easier to justify.

Sailing back to Hersonissos

After lunch, you have time for another swim or a quiet spell on the sunbeds. That flexibility is one of the better features of the schedule. You are not forced to leave the water immediately after eating, and you are not expected to spend the entire afternoon in one activity.

The return crossing lasts about 105 minutes. The sea views become the main event, with the boat providing a comfortable place to rest after swimming. Music plays onboard, and the open deck gives you one final chance to enjoy the breeze before returning to Hersonissos.

The full outing lasts about 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the selected departure and conditions. Pickup is not automatically included, although optional transfers can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka. The listed drop-off areas cover a broad part of eastern and central Crete, including Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Agios Nikolaos. Check the specific option you book, since transport arrangements vary.

What makes the small boat format worthwhile

The group limit changes the mood of the day. With no more than 20 people and some departures carrying around 15, you are less likely to wait in line for equipment or hunt for a place to sit. You also have more room to spread out during the crossing.

The catamaran has sunbeds and shaded lounges, so you can choose between sun and shelter. That matters in Crete, where a full day outdoors can become tiring. The outdoor shower helps remove salt after swimming, and the onboard toilet saves you from having to return to shore for basic facilities.

The crew’s attention also adds value. The captain has been described as approachable, and children have been encouraged to learn about sailing. A Greek dance performance has also been part of one departure, though you should treat that as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed feature.

For a special occasion, tell the company in advance. Birthdays and anniversaries can receive a complimentary branded gift. It is a small touch, but useful if you are planning the cruise as part of a celebration.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This is a good match for families, couples, and friends who want a relaxed boat day with plenty of swimming. Children have access to fishing equipment, a toy box by request, noodles, and the flamingo float. One family ranging from age eight to 74 found the mix of food, swimming, and space suitable for several generations.

It also suits people who want a polished outing without booking a fully private yacht. You receive a luxury catamaran setting and a small group, but you share the boat with other people. A private group option is available if you want more control over the atmosphere.

Food-conscious travelers can request vegetarian and children’s meals, and the lunch is designed to be lighter than a heavy resort buffet. The crew can also work with stated allergies or intolerances when informed ahead of time.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet sightseeing cruise with no physical activity. The boat spends a long time at sea, and the main appeal is getting into the water. Pregnant people, those with pre-existing medical conditions, people over 95, and anyone concerned about seasickness should check conditions and speak with the team before booking. Children under two also require prior consultation.

Practical details that affect your day

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

The QR-code voucher is sent by email one day before the cruise. Keep it ready for check-in. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

Weather can change the route or cancel the outing. This is not a weakness unique to this cruise. A catamaran day depends on safe sea conditions, and the company puts comfort and safety first. If your holiday schedule is tight, avoid placing this trip on your final day in Crete.

Hotel transfers are optional, not standard. If you are staying in Hersonissos, confirm exactly where you need to go and allow time to reach the port. If you are staying farther away, check the pickup choice carefully before paying.

Is the $170 price fair?

At $170, this is not the budget way to see Dia Island. The price includes a modern catamaran, professional crew, breakfast, local snacks, lunch, dessert, unlimited selected drinks, water equipment, insurance, and nearly seven hours on the water. You would pay extra for several of those pieces on a standard boat trip.

The strongest value comes from the small group and long stop. A crowded excursion with a short swim break may cost less, but it gives you less room and less time. Here, you can use the equipment, return for lunch, and still have time to rest.

The weakest value appears if you do not care about swimming, do not drink the included beverages, or prefer spending only a few hours on a boat. In that case, the premium catamaran setting may not matter enough to justify the fare.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full, comfortable sea day rather than a basic transfer to Dia Island. The combination of a small group, three-hour stop, fresh food, unlimited selected drinks, and several water activities makes it especially appealing for families and couples who value comfort.

Skip it if you are trying to keep costs low, dislike long periods on the water, or need a fully accessible experience that has not been specifically confirmed. Check the weather, report dietary needs early, bring a towel and sunscreen, and arrive at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes ahead of time. For the right kind of visitor, this is one of the better ways to turn a day near Hersonissos into a proper Cretan sea escape.

FAQ

How long does the Hersonissos catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the selected option and departure time.

How long do you stay at Dia Island?

The stop at Dia lasts about 3.25 hours. This includes swimming, water activities, lunch, drinks, and time to relax on the catamaran.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and protein drinks are also provided. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection cost extra.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a nutritionist-designed Mediterranean lunch with a main course and dessert. Vegetarian and children’s options are available on request.

What water activities are available?

You can use snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, a kayak, fishing equipment, swimming jackets, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Children can join, and the cruise offers children’s meals, fishing equipment, and a toy box by request. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Consult the team before booking for a child under two.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included as standard. Optional transfers can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka when the appropriate option is selected.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of the ID may be accepted.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The route can be changed, postponed, or canceled when weather or sea conditions are unsuitable. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.