Dia: Day & Sunset Cruise with Menu by Greece’s Top 100 Chef

Sea, food, and a quiet island make a fine Cretan day. CYMA SAILS combines a roomy catamaran, a polished meal by chef Giorgos Chronakis, and time in Dia Island’s clear water, so this feels like more than a basic boat transfer. I especially like the spacious deck, which gives you room to sit in sun or shade, and the thoughtful food service, including special dishes for vegan guests, children, and people with allergies when requested.

The main consideration is the fixed five-and-a-half-hour schedule. You get a good stretch at Dia, but the cruise is still shaped by weather, port rules, and the planned return time. If you want a quiet, organized day at sea with plenty included, this is a strong choice. If you prefer a small sailing boat, a private itinerary, or a long independent visit ashore, it may feel too structured.

Key points to know before booking

• Heraklion departure at the Venetian Fortress: Meet at Marineli 2, beside Rocca a Mare, also called Koules. A crew member in a CYMA SAILS shirt will meet you near the ATM.
• Two useful departure times: The day cruise runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The sunset version runs from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• A very large catamaran: There is plenty of space for lounging, with shaded areas, cushions, music, WiFi, and room to move around.
• Water time at Dia Island: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and inflatable water toys are included.
• A serious meal at sea: Expect a cheese and cold-cut platter, Cretan dishes, seafood, salad, fruit, dessert, and unlimited water, tea, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
• Good attention to individual needs: Vegan, meat, allergy-friendly, and children’s meals can be arranged in advance.

Meeting the crew at Heraklion’s Koules Fortress

Your day starts at Marineli 2, at the entrance to Heraklion’s Venetian fortress, Rocca a Mare. This is a useful meeting point because the fortress is an easy landmark on the harbor front. Look for the ATM on your left and a CYMA SAILS crew member wearing a company shirt.

The boat first passes the fortress before heading out. That short five-minute stretch gives you a quick look back at one of Heraklion’s most recognizable waterfront buildings. It is not a sightseeing tour of the fortress, so you should visit it separately if you want to explore inside.

Before departure, the crew provides safety instructions and life jackets. Several people have praised the professional briefing and the crew’s calm attention throughout the trip. That matters on a boat day, especially if you are not used to catamarans or are traveling with children.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Specific crew members praised in the feedback include George, Mathius, Rauqela, Angie, and Kostas. Names can vary by sailing, but the repeated pattern is clear: the service is personal, attentive, and hands-on without being described as stiff or formal.

The first hour at sea on a spacious catamaran

The boat ride to Dia takes about an hour. The vessel is described as the largest and most luxurious catamaran in the area, and the size is one of its practical advantages. You can sit in the sun, find shade, stretch out on cushions, or move around to enjoy different views.

This is not the kind of boat trip where everyone is packed shoulder to shoulder. The catamaran has broad areas for relaxing, shaded seating, and places to enjoy the breeze. The exact number of people on each departure is not given, so you should not assume a private or lightly booked trip. Still, the size of the boat gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable spot.

The crew serves drinks during the day. Included options are water, tea, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Some sailings have also included coffee, iced tea, juices, and pastries before setting out, though the precise refreshments can vary. Music plays on board, and free WiFi lets you stay connected if the signal allows.

Keep your sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket close by. The open deck can be bright and breezy, and the return sailing may feel cooler, especially on the sunset departure. One especially nice touch described in the feedback was the use of blankets on a chilly return trip.

Arriving at Dia Island with cheese and cold cuts

The main stop is Dia Island, reached after roughly an hour. Dia sits off the coast of Heraklion and is known here for its clear water and quiet setting. The planned stop lasts about three hours and fifteen minutes, giving you enough time to eat, swim, use the equipment, and relax without having to rush from one activity to the next.

The welcome begins with a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts. This is a good way to start the island stop because you can have something small before swimming or simply settle into the pace of the afternoon. It also gives the meal a local touch rather than making the cruise feel like a generic buffet outing.

A guide may share information about Dia and its story while the boat is anchored. The amount of narration is described as measured, which suits this kind of outing. You get context without giving up most of your free time.

The key limitation is that the experience centers on the water, not a long walk around the island. The information provided does not promise a major shore excursion or an extended land tour. Think of Dia as your swimming and relaxation stop, with the island scenery providing the setting.

Swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing

The water activities are a major reason to choose this cruise. Equipment for snorkeling, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding is included, along with life jackets and inflatable water toys. You can get in the water for a swim, look around with a mask, try to balance on a SUP board, or simply float and relax.

The water is described as crystal clear, and several accounts point to snorkeling as a highlight. This is likely to suit you if you want active time but do not want to book a separate sports excursion. You can try more than one activity, then return to the deck for a drink.

You do not need to be an expert paddler or swimmer to enjoy the setup, but you should pay attention to the crew’s instructions and use the provided safety gear. One thoughtful example involved a crew member helping a hesitant passenger get into the water with shorts and a comfortable life vest. That kind of encouragement can make the activities feel more welcoming to beginners.

If you would rather stay dry, the boat still works well. The inflatable toys offer an easygoing option, while the deck provides room for sunbathing, reading, talking, or watching the coast. A crew member may also notice if you are uncomfortable in the sun and help you find shade or bring water. That attentive service is one of the strongest parts of the experience.

Dolphins are sometimes seen from the boat, but this is a lucky extra, not a promised part of the trip. Keep an eye on the water, particularly during the open-sea sections, but do not book solely for wildlife sightings.

A Mediterranean meal by Giorgos Chronakis

The meal is the feature that sets this cruise apart from a simple half-day swim trip. Chef Giorgos Chronakis is recognized as one of Greece’s top 100 chefs, and the menu uses fresh, organic Cretan ingredients with traditional flavors and modern touches.

The meal includes a Mediterranean seafood selection, crisp salads, local Cretan specialties, seasonal fruit, and a Cretan dessert. The exact dishes can change, so you should not expect a fixed restaurant menu. The food is served with unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and water.

The strongest praise is reserved for the quality and presentation of the food. Descriptions include beautifully prepared seafood, a generous fruit platter, cake, and a meal that felt closer to a restaurant than standard boat catering. That is a meaningful value point: food and drinks are not an afterthought added to a sightseeing cruise.

You should contact the operator before the trip if you need a special meal. Vegan dishes have included fregola with vegetables, while a guest who did not eat fish received chicken fillet with sweet potato puree, crispy buckwheat, and honey-soy sauce. Meat-based dishes, allergy-friendly meals, and children’s meals are available upon request.

Do not leave dietary needs until boarding. The operator can accommodate several preferences, but advance notice is required for the kitchen to prepare properly.

Birthday surprises have also been arranged, including a cake. This is not advertised as a standard inclusion, so ask in advance rather than assuming a celebration will be provided. The crew’s willingness to make small personal touches is a welcome bonus.

Day cruise or sunset cruise?

The day sailing leaves at 9:00 a.m. and returns to Heraklion at 2:30 p.m. This version gives you strong daylight for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and seeing the water clearly. It is the practical pick if you want to keep your evening free for dinner in Heraklion or another activity.

The sunset sailing leaves at 3:00 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m. You still get time at Dia for swimming and the included meal, then the return journey brings the changing light and sunset views. For couples, birthday outings, and anyone who values atmosphere over an early start, this is likely the more memorable option.

The sunset trip is not necessarily quieter or more private. It follows the same basic structure, and the return time is fixed. Bring a jacket, since the deck can cool after sunset. The crew has provided blankets on cooler evenings, but warm clothing remains the sensible choice.

How the value adds up

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge whether this is the cheapest boat trip from Heraklion. I can judge what you receive for the fare. The package includes the catamaran journey, skilled skippers, safety equipment, insurance, first aid assistance by certified personnel, water gear, WiFi, music, a substantial meal, and unlimited drinks.

That list matters because separate boat excursions often charge extra for equipment, beverages, or a better meal. Here, those costs are built into the experience. The large vessel also gives you more room than a small motorboat, which may be worth paying for if comfort is important to you.

Value depends on how you use the day. If you swim, try SUP, enjoy the meal, and spend time relaxing on deck, the package offers a full half-day. If you do not drink alcohol, do not eat seafood, or plan to stay out of the water, some inclusions matter less, although the alternative meals and comfortable deck still keep the trip worthwhile.

Transfers from your hotel are available by prior arrangement for an extra charge. This can be useful if you are staying outside Heraklion, including the Chersonissos area, but compare the transfer cost with arranging your own transport.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this for couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a polished day at sea without having to organize each detail. Children have access to a box of toys, life jackets, water activities, and custom meals on request.

Food-focused visitors should give this trip serious thought. The chef-led menu and attention to dietary requests make it stronger than the usual bread, fruit, and basic grilled meal found on some boat tours.

It also suits people who want both activity and rest. You can snorkel or paddle for a while, then return to a shaded lounge area. The crew’s habit of checking on passengers helps if you are unsure about getting in the water or need a break from the sun.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also disappoint you if you want a long island walk, a small private boat, or total control over the route. The cruise depends on weather, and poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled trip or cancellation.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. Keep your personal items secure and bring any medication you normally need for a day on the water.

When booking, provide every passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID card number, and nationality. The port authorities require this information before approving the sailing.

The boat may change its stop or schedule because of weather. The operator can also cancel if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, an alternative date or a full refund is offered.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cretan plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Dia Island cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-led boat day with time to swim and plenty of help from the crew. The combination of a very large catamaran, open bar, proper Cretan meal, and included water equipment gives this outing more substance than a basic harbor cruise.

Choose the sunset sailing for the most atmospheric version, and the day sailing if you want brighter water and an earlier finish. Tell CYMA SAILS about dietary needs, birthdays, hotel transfers, or children before you go.

Skip it if you need step-free access, dislike fixed schedules, or want a private sailing route. For everyone else, this looks like one of the more polished ways to reach Dia Island from Heraklion, with service and food that make the five-and-a-half hours feel well used.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is Marineli 2, Heraklion 712 02, at the entrance to the Rocca a Mare Venetian Fortress, also called Koules. Look for an ATM on your left and a CYMA SAILS crew member in a company shirt.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts five and a half hours.

What time does the day cruise leave?

The day cruise leaves for Dia Island at 9:00 a.m. and returns to Heraklion at 2:30 p.m.

What time does the sunset cruise leave?

The sunset cruise leaves at 3:00 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m.

What activities are available at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, try stand-up paddleboarding, fish, and use inflatable water toys. Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, SUP equipment, and life jackets are provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes a cheese and cold-cut platter, Cretan delicacies, a Mediterranean seafood meal, fresh fruit, a Cretan dessert, water, tea, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Can the menu accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. Vegan, meat-based, allergy-friendly, and children’s meals can be prepared upon request. Contact the operator before the cruise with your requirements.

Are transfers from hotels available?

Transfers can be arranged upon request. They require advance planning and cost an additional charge.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.