Hersonissos: Dia Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Sea days do not get much easier. This Hersonissos catamaran cruise pairs a small group, a long stop at Dia Island, freshly cooked food, and plenty of time in the water. I especially like the limited group size of up to 20 people and the unusually generous selection of included drinks and water equipment. The main thing to consider is the price, about $170 per person, which makes this a treat rather than a budget boat trip.

You leave from Hersonissos Port for a 6.5 to 7.5-hour outing, with about three and a quarter hours near Dia Island. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, try the kayak, eat lunch, and still lie in the sun without watching the clock. The crew, including guides such as Janis, Julia, Alex, and Thomas on different departures, also gets strong praise for friendly service and attention to children.

What makes this Dia Island cruise special

• A 3.25-hour Dia Island stop: You get real time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, fishing, lunch, and relaxing instead of a quick photo stop.
• A small boat feel: The maximum group size is 20, and some departures have carried only about 15 passengers, leaving plenty of open deck space.
• A proper food program: The day includes a light breakfast or brunch, local snacks, protein drinks, a nutritionist-designed lunch, and dessert.
• Water equipment included: Snorkeling gear, two SUP boards, a kayak, fishing equipment, noodles, life jackets, and an inflatable flamingo are available.
• An open bar during the cruise: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.
• Good family potential: Children can request a special meal and use the fishing gear and onboard toy box, while adults get comfortable sunbeds and shaded seating.

Leaving Hersonissos Port in comfort

Your morning 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, the crew provides a safety briefing and welcome refreshments. Espresso, tea, water, soft drinks, detox water, and protein cocktails are available, along with a light, healthy brunch. That is a nice touch, especially if your hotel breakfast was early or rushed.

The catamaran takes about 105 minutes to reach Dia Island. This is not simply dead time between two ports. You have a broad deck, sunbeds, shaded lounges, music, Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. The open deck is the place to watch the coast recede, while the shaded areas make sense once the Cretan sun starts working hard.

I would bring a hat and apply sunscreen before boarding. Sunscreen is not provided, and there is no reason to spend the first hour chasing a shady corner while you could be enjoying the ride.

The small-group setup matters

The boat carries no more than 20 people, and that limit changes the feel of the day. You are not fighting a large crowd for a mask, a paddleboard, or a place on the deck. One departure had only 15 passengers, which allowed families and couples to spread out comfortably.

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider the cruise at $170. You are paying not only for transport to Dia, but also for space, crew service, food, equipment, and a long stop. A cheaper excursion may get you across the water, but the value here is the relaxed pace and the fact that so many extras are already covered.

The boat has been praised for its clean condition, comfortable cushions, and polished yacht-like feel. That does not mean you receive a private yacht for the price. You share the catamaran with other passengers, and private groups are available only as a separate option. Still, the passenger limit keeps the experience personal.

Dia Island and its clear water

Dia is an uninhabited island off Crete and part of a protected Natura 2000 zone. Its appeal is simple: open sea, quiet surroundings, and clear water with no town competing for your attention.

The catamaran spends about three and a quarter hours here. That long pause is the heart of the excursion. You can swim from the boat, use the SUP boards, go snorkeling, try the kayak, fish gently with the provided equipment, or stretch out on the pink flamingo float.

The exact water conditions depend on the day. Weather can change the route or schedule, and the cruise can be postponed or canceled when conditions are poor. That is worth remembering if your holiday schedule is tight.

The water activities are best for people who want choices rather than a formal lesson. The crew prepares the equipment, but the description does not promise dedicated instruction for every activity. Children may enjoy the fishing gear and float, while confident swimmers will get more from the snorkeling and paddleboards.

You are asked not to touch marine life. That is both a sensible safety rule and a good way to treat this protected setting with care.

Swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and the flamingo

The activity list is generous for a boat day. High-quality masks and fins are supplied, along with swimming jackets, noodles, SUP boards, a kayak, and fishing equipment. You do not need to pack your own water toys.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with wind and visibility, so I would treat it as a pleasant option rather than the sole reason to book. The same goes for paddleboarding. At busy moments, several people may want the limited boards, but the long stop gives you more than one chance to get on the water.

The inflatable flamingo adds a playful touch, particularly for children and groups taking photos. It is not the reason to choose this cruise, but it helps turn a standard swim stop into a more relaxed, social afternoon.

A towel is not included. Bring your own, along with swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a copy of your passport or ID. Shoes must be removed indoors, and glass objects are not allowed onboard.

Food that goes beyond standard boat snacks

Food is one of the more carefully planned parts of the outing. The day starts with a light brunch, then includes local snacks, protein drinks, and a full Mediterranean-style lunch at Dia.

Lunch is designed by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu can include seafood, vegetables, chicken, seasonal produce, and a dessert. Vegetarian and children’s options are available by request.

The food has received unusually warm praise for a boat excursion. On one family departure, the crew accommodated a shellfish allergy and an intolerance. That does not mean every dietary need is automatically covered, so tell the operator in advance and wait for confirmation if you have a serious allergy.

A homemade cake and Greek dancing were part of one particularly festive outing. Those touches may not appear on every departure, but they show the kind of personal service the crew can add for special occasions.

The drinks package includes water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, teas, detox water, and protein cocktails are also included. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the stated selection cost extra, and red wine is not allowed onboard.

The return trip to Hersonissos

After lunch, you can return to the water for another swim or stay on deck. That flexibility matters. Some people will be ready for a quiet hour in the shade, while children may still have energy for one last paddle.

The ride back takes about 105 minutes. The return is a good time to use the shaded lounge, listen to music, or take a final look at the coast. An outdoor shower helps rinse off salt water, though you should not expect hotel-style changing facilities.

You return to Hersonissos after roughly a full day at sea. Optional pickup and drop-off can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka when the correct booking option is selected. Hotel transfers are not included by default, so check this carefully before paying.

Families, couples, and special occasions

This cruise works especially well for families who want several activity levels in one day. Children can swim, use the float, try fishing, request a children’s meal, and take part in simple sailing experiences when the crew has time. One family group ranging in age from 8 to 74 enjoyed the day together, which gives you a useful sense of its broad appeal.

Couples and adult groups may prefer the comfortable sunbeds, lunch, wine, and quieter stretches on deck. The small passenger count prevents the boat from feeling like a floating party vessel, although music and group conversation are part of the atmosphere.

For birthdays and anniversaries, notify the company ahead of time. A complimentary branded gift is available for special occasions. The crew has also been praised for making children feel involved and for being approachable, especially captains who are happy to talk about sailing.

This is not the right choice for everyone. The operator advises against booking if you are pregnant, have pre-existing medical conditions, are over 95, or have serious mobility or health concerns. Children under 2 and people prone to seasickness should check the forecast and speak with the team first.

Is $170 a fair price?

At $170, this cruise sits firmly in the premium day-trip category. The price makes better sense when you add up what is included: the catamaran, crew, brunch, lunch, dessert, unlimited basic drinks, snorkeling equipment, SUPs, kayak, fishing gear, Wi-Fi, insurance, and a long stay at Dia.

You also avoid the cramped feeling common on large group boat tours. The boat is modern, clean, and spacious, and the meal is more ambitious than the usual sandwich and fruit plate.

Still, you should be honest about your priorities. If you only want a short boat ride and a quick swim, this costs more than you need to spend. If you plan to use the food, drinks, deck space, and water equipment throughout the day, the price is easier to justify.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Passenger names, birth dates, passport or ID numbers, and nationalities are required for port permission, so have those details ready.

Practical advice before you book

Bring your own towel, hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a passport or ID copy. Wear something easy to remove because shoes are not worn indoors.

Tell the company about allergies, dietary needs, children’s meals, or a special occasion before the cruise. If you need hotel transport, confirm that you selected the pickup option rather than assuming it is part of the base price.

Check the weather forecast. The route may change for safety, and seasickness can spoil even a very good boat day. If you are uncertain, ask the team before booking rather than relying on the calm appearance of the harbor.

The QR code voucher arrives one day before the cruise and serves as your ticket. Keep it accessible, and arrive at the port early enough to find the white catamaran and DanEri Yachts flag without rushing.

Who should book this Dia Island cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want a polished sea day with real time in the water. It is especially appealing if you value good food, a clean modern boat, attentive crew, and a passenger count that stays below 20.

I would skip it if you are looking for the cheapest way to reach Dia, dislike boats, need guaranteed calm water, or plan to spend the whole day on land. For everyone else, the mix of swimming, local food, open-bar basics, and unhurried time near the island makes this one of the stronger full-day sea outings from Hersonissos.

FAQ

How long does the Hersonissos catamaran cruise last?

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

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes early and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and protein cocktails are also available. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the open-bar selection cost extra.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a nutritionist-designed Mediterranean lunch, dessert, and light snacks. Vegetarian and children’s meals are available by request.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins, SUP boards, a kayak, swimming jackets, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing equipment are included.

Can children join the cruise?

Children can join, and children’s meals and an onboard toy box are available by request. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. If you are traveling with a child under 2, check the conditions with the operator before booking.