Dia Island feels bigger on a luxury catamaran. You get the largest, most comfortable catamaran in the area, plus a serious meal designed by Chef Giorgos Chronakis. Add unlimited drinks, multiple water activities, and the kind of crew attention that makes the whole day feel smooth.

One catch: the trip is weather-dependent, so rough conditions can mean rescheduling or cancellation.

Key takeaways

• Big-cat comfort: lots of room to lounge, shade where you need it, and easy movement through the day
• Chef-led menu: fresh, organic Cretan ingredients with vegan, meat, and allergy-friendly options upon request
• Do-more water time: snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fishing gear, and inflatable water toys
• Drinks kept flowing: unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, plus tea and water
• Quiet nature moments: keep an eye out for dolphins during the sail if conditions line up
• Easy meeting point: Marineli 2 by the Rocca a Mare/Koules fortress entrance, with a crew member in a Cyma Sails T-shirt

The Dia Island cruise that turns an island stop into a full day

Dia Island (near Heraklion) is popular because it’s close enough to feel effortless, but it still delivers that classic Mediterranean mix: clear water, easy swimming, and small-scale “vacation mode” without a long travel slog. The real win here is how the day is built around comfort and variety.

This cruise runs on a big catamaran, which matters more than you might think. Smaller boats can feel crowded fast, especially when people are switching between relaxing and getting in the water. On a larger vessel, you can actually spread out. I like that you’re not forced into one mood for hours. You can sunbathe, take a shaded break, hop into snorkeling/SUP time, then go back to relaxing while the boat moves you around.

And the food is not an afterthought. Chef Giorgos Chronakis’ menu leans on Cretan ingredients and traditional flavors with a modern touch. In plain terms: you’re not eating “something to fill you up.” You’re eating a real meal, served as part of the experience.

Meeting at Marineli 2 and finding the right boat fast

Plan on arriving a little early so you can get your bearings. The meeting point is Marineli 2, Heraklion 712 02, right by the entrance of Rocca a Mare, the Venetian Fortress (Koules).

Here’s what will help you avoid stress:

• Look for a crew member wearing a Cyma Sails t-shirt.
• To your left, there’s an ATM, which makes the spot easier to confirm.
• Expect check-in by port-area staff and then board when your group is called.

This kind of meeting point is good if you’re already staying in Heraklion or nearby. If you’re coming from farther out, the cruise can provide transfers upon request (extra charge). If you’re thinking about that, do it early and align it with your departure time, because the cruise schedule is fixed.

Day cruise vs sunset cruise: the 5.5-hour timing that changes the vibe

You’ll get a total 5.5 hours on the water experience, but the feel shifts depending on the departure.

Day cruise (09:00 to 14:30)

This is best if you want maximum daylight for water activities. The island time gives you plenty of chance to snorkel, try SUP, and still have time to lounge afterward. If you burn easily, mornings can be easier to manage than late afternoon.

Sunset cruise (15:00 to 20:30)

This one is about the slow payoff. You’ll still have your main island activities, but the return sail is timed for evening light and that calmer mood when people settle in for the views. If sunsets are why you booked Crete, this is the one.

Either way, your day is built around Dia Island as the main event. The “sailing time” is there to set the tone, not to keep you waiting.

The first sailing hour: drinks, music, and getting settled

After departure, you’ll spend around an hour on the catamaran while you head toward Dia. This is the part where the cruise shows what it’s optimizing for: comfort and easy flow.

You can expect:

• Unlimited soft drinks, tea, water, beers, and wine
• Music on board
• Free Wi‑Fi, which is handy for quick photos or messaging back home

This is also when you’ll figure out where you like to sit. On a large catamaran, there are usually different zones—sun pads, shaded spots, and places to rest between activities. The best move is to pick one “home base” and then move when you’re ready to swim or snorkel.

Rocca a Mare pass-by: the quick fortress view before Dia Island time

Before you’re out on the open water, the route includes a short scenic segment near Rocca a Mare Fortress. You’ll pass by the fortress, then enjoy a brief drive with scenic views along the way.

This stop isn’t about a long visit. Think of it as a visual warm-up for Heraklion’s coastline and the port area vibe before you switch gears into sea time. If you like photography, the timing can work well for a quick shot before the water schedule takes over.

The Dia Island block: photos, swimming, snorkeling, SUP, fishing, and chill time

Dia Island is where the cruise earns its keep. You get around 3.25 hours there, and that’s long enough to do the active stuff without feeling rushed.

Your time on Dia Island

Once you arrive, you’ll typically start with:

• A photo stop
• A setup that keeps drinks coming (beer, tea, wine)
• Then the main activity window: swimming, snorkeling, and more

Snorkeling and swimming

The waters here are clear enough that snorkeling is genuinely enjoyable, not just “something to do.” Equipment is provided, so you don’t have to pack gear or worry about whether it will be the right size.

Practical note: bring what you need for comfort. Sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are key because you’ll want to get in and out easily and not spend time drying off in awkward places.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP is included, and it’s a great option if you want to move slowly across the water without fully committing to longer swimming. It also breaks up the day if you’ve done snorkeling and want a different perspective.

Fishing

Fishing equipment is provided too. Even if you’re not an angler, it’s one more way to fill the island time and keep the day feeling varied.

Inflatable water toys and downtime

Not everyone wants to snorkel back-to-back. You’ll also have inflatable water toys, which are a simple, low-effort way to relax in the water. And if you’d rather do nothing, you can just lounge on deck, drink something cold, and watch the coastline.

One thing I really like about the way this is structured: you’re not forced into a rigid schedule. You can go active, then take a break and come back. That balance is what makes “island time” feel like vacation instead of a checklist.

Look for dolphins

Dia’s sailing route can include real wildlife moments. Some departures have had dolphins show up alongside the boat for a few minutes, which is the kind of surprise you don’t get from a scripted activity.

Chef Giorgos Chronakis menu at sea: what you can expect to eat

On many boat trips, the meal is basically a perk. Here, it’s positioned as a highlight. Chef Giorgos Chronakis’ menu uses fresh and organic Cretan ingredients, blending traditional flavors with modern touches.

The menu style

You can expect a mix of:

• Fresh seafood options
• Crisp salads
• Local delicacies
• Seasonal fruits
• A Cretan dessert to close things out

It’s also served alongside unlimited drinks, including white wine and beer (plus soft drinks, tea, and water).

Dietary needs are handled without drama

This is one of the strongest practical advantages. The cruise says it can accommodate:

• Vegan options
• Meat-based dishes
• Allergy-friendly meals (upon request)
• Kids’ meal customization (upon request)

In the real world, that means you should email or message your needs ahead of time so the kitchen can plan. When the menu can adapt, it changes the whole experience for families and picky eaters, because you’re not sitting there waiting for something you can actually eat.

A note on service rhythm

On board, the meal isn’t just thrown at you. You’ll typically be served as part of the day flow, with table service and drink refills. That helps if you want to stay relaxed rather than tracking down staff.

Unlimited drinks, Wi‑Fi, and the kind of crew care that matters

A big catamaran can still feel impersonal if the crew treats you like cargo. This cruise focuses on the opposite: hands-on care with a relaxed atmosphere.

From the crew teams I’ve seen associated with this operation, you might meet hosts such as George and Kostas, with support from people like Mathius and Rauqela. Other crew names that show up include Angie and Costas again across different sailings. I can’t guarantee any one name on your exact departure, but the consistent theme is friendly, attentive hosting.

What that looks like in practical terms:

• They keep checking whether you need something, especially around water activities.
• They’re quick with comfort fixes. For example, if someone feels sun or heat effects, crew members can help by finding shade and bringing water.
• They can adjust what’s served for personal preferences, including alternatives for those who don’t eat fish.
• There are also small thoughtful touches that make the day memorable, like celebrations for birthdays and keeping passengers comfortable on the return when it cools down.

And yes, Wi‑Fi on board is free, and there’s music. I wouldn’t plan on working for hours, but it’s handy for photos, messaging, and sharing the day while it’s happening.

Equipment, safety, and what you should pack

This cruise includes safety support and gear, so you’re not on your own when it’s time to get in the water.

Included:

• Life jackets
• Insurance and safety instructions
• First aid assistance by certified personnel
• Fishing and snorkeling equipment
• SUP equipment
• Music and Wi‑Fi
• Box of toys for kids

What you should bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket (especially for the sunset sailing and the return)

Also note: the activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility access matters for you, plan a different format.

Dolphins, private-bay moments, and how the schedule can flex

The cruise centers on Dia Island, but the exact water spots can vary. On at least some departures, the crew has chosen a quieter/private bay for swimming and snorkeling when the usual area was busy. That’s a smart move because it can make the water time feel more personal and less chaotic.

As for wildlife, keep your eyes up during sailing. A few minutes of dolphins alongside a boat can be the moment everyone remembers later, even if you came for the food or snorkeling.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should consider another option

This is a strong match if you want:

• A luxury-feeling catamaran without a complicated plan
• Clear-water time with snorkeling and SUP
• A real meal tied to the chef concept
• Unlimited drinks in a relaxed, hosted setting
• Options for vegan, meat, allergies, and kids’ meals (with request)

You might skip it if:

• You’re looking for a totally minimal, do-it-yourself style day. This is a guided, hosted cruise with structured activities.
• Weather is a major concern for your trip window. Since the sailing depends on conditions, you’ll want flexibility.

And if you need wheelchair access, this one is not designed for that.

Price and value: judging this cruise without guessing

No price was provided here, so I can’t tell you whether it’s cheap or premium. But I can help you judge value based on what’s included.

You’re paying for a bundle:

• A large catamaran that gives real space to relax
• Unlimited drinks (including white wine and beer)
• A chef-led Mediterranean menu with fruits, dessert, and table service style
• Snorkeling + SUP + fishing equipment
• Onboard Wi‑Fi and music
• Safety gear and certified first aid support

For me, that’s where value shows up. You’re not paying extra for every segment, and you’re getting both active time and comfort time. If you were going to do snorkeling gear rental, SUP rental, and then separately book a meal, the “all-in” setup can be hard to beat.

Also, the inclusion of dietary accommodations matters. If you have dietary restrictions, that can save you time, stress, and disappointment.

Should you book the Dia Day and Sunset Cruise with Menu by Greece’s Top 100 Chef?

I’d book it if Dia Island is on your Crete shortlist and you want the day to feel easy: big-boat comfort, clear-water activities, unlimited drinks, and a chef-designed menu that actually sounds worth your appetite.

If you’re on the fence, use these quick checks:

• You can handle weather changes. The cruise may reschedule or cancel based on conditions.
• You’ll use at least one water activity (snorkeling or SUP are usually the main draws).
• You care about food and want more than a basic snack.
• You’re okay with a structured day that still leaves downtime.

If those boxes fit you, this is a high-pleasure, low-stress way to experience Dia Island from Heraklion.

FAQ

What time does the Day cruise leave and return?

The Day cruise sets sail at 09:00 and returns to Heraklion at 14:30.

What time does the Sunset cruise leave and return?

The Sunset cruise departs for Dia Island at 15:00 and returns at 20:30.

What activities are included at Dia Island?

You’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling, plus stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Fishing equipment is also provided.

Is the onboard menu able to handle dietary restrictions?

Yes. Vegan options, meat-based dishes, and allergy-friendly meals are available upon request. Children’s meals can also be provided upon request.

What drinks are included on board?

Unlimited soft drinks, tea, water, beers, and wine are included.

Where do I meet the crew in Heraklion?

Meet at Marineli 2, Heraklion 712 02, at the entrance of Rocca a Mare (Koules). Look for a crew member wearing a Cyma Sails t-shirt.

Does weather affect the cruise?

Yes. The cruise is dependent on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in unfavorable weather, with a full refund provided in those cases.