Day Cruise to Dia island from Heraklion in Greece
Sail from Heraklion to Dia island on a luxurious catamaran, enjoying crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing. Relish an authentic Cretan lunch on board with local flavors, then relax under the sun before returning, making this day cruise in Crete unforgettable.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the unforgettable cruise
- Visit Dia Island Bay
- Have fun and swim in crystal waters
- Taste the Cretan lunch on board
Includes:
- Cruise
- Lunch on board
Not included:
- Pick up and Drop off
- Transportation to the port
- Personal Expenses
Please note: bring the towel, clothes to change into, sunblock, and sunglasses. Pick-up can be arranged with an extra charge
Itinerary:
Cruise Schedule 9:00-16:00:
- 09:00 - welcome on board (coffee, tea, soft drinks, cheese pies, biscuits), safety instructions, departure
- 10:45 - stop in Dia Island bay, swimming and other activities (snorkeling, sup surfing, fishing)
- 13:00 - lunch on board (green salad BIO, Greek salad, pasta with traditional shrimp saganaki with feta, traditional mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, chicken breast, chicken nuggets or pasta for children, fruits & homemade sweets, water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, white Cretan wine, beer, raki (Greek vodka) / during the season, menu might change without prior notice)
- 13:30 14:15 - leisure time, sun bathing, swimming, and other activities
- 16:00 - arrival at the port
Dia Island Greece Catamaran Day Cruise from Heraklion
This Dia island Greece catamaran cruise delivers Crete's most luxurious sea adventure across one beautifully arranged day. After 9 AM welcome aboard with coffee, tea, and homemade cheese pies, you depart Heraklion port toward the protected island of Dia, located just six nautical miles north of the Cretan coast across the Aegean. By 10:45 AM you reach Agios Georgios bay for swimming in turquoise waters, snorkeling across vibrant marine reefs, paddleboarding, or fishing. At 1 PM, an authentic Cretan lunch features Greek salad, traditional shrimp saganaki, mussels in ouzo sauce, white wine, and homemade sweets. Sunbathing and swimming continue afterward, with the catamaran returning to Heraklion port by 4 PM completing this unforgettable day on Dia island beautifully.
Tips for Your Dia Island Cruise
A bit of preparation makes this Crete catamaran cruise absolutely effortless:
- Wear a swimsuit underneath light clothing, plus bring a change for the return trip to Heraklion afterward
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, the Aegean sun reflects intensely off catamaran decks midday
- Bring a beach towel, the cruise doesn't provide them and Agios Georgios swimming spots demand quick-dry essentials
- Carry small euros for any extra drinks, optional pickup transfers, or souvenir purchases at the port
- Take motion sickness medication if needed, the open waters around Dia island can get genuinely choppy occasionally
- Visit between May and October when sea temperatures stay warm and Aegean weather cooperates beautifully across Crete
Plan smartly and this experience flows beautifully.
More Facts About This Experience
Dia island carries serious mythological and cinematic weight worth knowing about. According to Greek legend, Zeus himself transformed into a wild boar and killed a sea monster terrorizing Crete, with the creature's remains becoming Dia island, while another myth says the island represents Zeus's lover guarded by Poseidon. Famed oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed his legendary 1976 documentary "Calypso's Search for Atlantis" exploring sunken Minoan times harbors around Dia, discovering ancient ruins beneath the waves. The island is now a protected Natura 2000 reserve, home to rare Cretan wild goats and migratory birds. Dia appears regularly in BBC and National Geographic Aegean documentaries about Knossos and Ariadne mythology.
Complementary Activities Around Heraklion
After this Dia island cruise, plenty more Crete awaits beautifully. A historical Heraklion city tour combined with the legendary Knossos Palace reveals Minoan civilization origins, the labyrinth of King Minos, and the bustling Old Market for authentic local culture genuinely worth exploring. A full-day journey to Chrissi Island delivers golden sands, cedar forests, and millions of colorful shells across pristine southern coast beaches. Alternatively, a Spinalonga adventure with pirate caves and hidden beaches uncovers Venetian fortress history paired with secret swimming coves across diverse Crete experiences worth booking profoundly.
Who Will Enjoy This Experience
Couples chasing romantic Aegean adventures, families with kids who love swimming, and friend groups craving relaxed Greek island days genuinely love this Dia cruise. Solo travelers appreciate the social catamaran atmosphere. Photographers find endless inspiration across turquoise bays and Cretan coastlines. Anyone craving authentic Greek hospitality blended with island escape will treasure this experience.
Free cancellation
Meeting point
