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

Dia feels calmer by catamaran. On CYMA SAILS biggest catamaran in the area, you get serious relaxation plus unlimited drinks, and the food is designed by chef Giorgos Chronakis.

I also like the hands-on water time at Dia, with snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing equipment ready for you. One thing to keep in mind: this cruise is weather dependent, and it is not set up for wheelchair users.

Key highlights you should care about

• Biggest catamaran comfort in the area, with lots of deck space to lounge
• Dia Island for about 3.25 hours, long enough for swimming and photos
• Chef Giorgos Chronakis menu with seafood, salads, local ingredients, plus a Cretan dessert
• Water activities included: snorkeling, SUP, fishing equipment, and inflatable toys
• Unlimited drinks all day, including white wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and water
• Dolphin chances on the sail (not guaranteed, but people have seen them)

The biggest catamaran day out from Heraklion to Dia Island

If you’re chasing that classic Cretan sea day, this is a smart way to do it: you get the time on the water without feeling rushed. The cruise runs from Heraklion toward Dia Island on a large, premium catamaran with room to spread out.

What makes it especially appealing is how much is included. You’re not just buying a boat ride, you’re buying a full floating setup: drinks, food, and equipment for multiple water activities.

The overall feel is relaxed. You can be active for a while, then switch to shade and slow sipping without the day falling apart.

Marineli 2 meetup: find it fast, start smiling sooner

Your start point is Marineli 2, at the entrance of Rocca a Mare, also known as the Venetian fortress of Koules. The directions are simple, there is an ATM to the left, and a crew member wearing a Cyma Sails t-shirt will meet you there.

This matters because port days can be stressful. Having a clear meeting point by a major landmark helps you get aboard without wasting vacation time.

Once you’re on board, you’ll have that early cruise rhythm: welcome from the crew, then getting settled before you leave Heraklion behind.

Rocca a Mare pass and the smooth sailing phase

Right after departure, there is a short scenic moment passing Rocca a Mare Fortress. It’s brief, but it gives you an instant taste of Heraklion’s coastal setting before you head out.

Then you spend about an hour sailing toward Dia. This is where the catamaran size really helps. You can move around, grab a drink, and settle into the trip before the main activities start.

If you’re the type who gets seasick easily, catamarans often feel steadier than smaller boats. Still, sun and heat matter too, so take it slow at first.

Dia Island time: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, fishing, and water toys

Dia Island is the main event, and you get a long block of time there, about 3.25 hours. The day’s structure is friendly: you can do the activities, but you’re also free to chill.

When you arrive, expect a warm welcome with a platter of cheese and cold cuts. That first bite is a nice bridge between travel and sea time, and it helps you settle in before you get wet.

Snorkeling and clear-water exploring

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew provides what you need. The water around Dia is clear enough that snorkeling feels like a real activity, not just a quick look.

This is also one of the best ways to see the underwater world without committing to anything complicated. You can stay shallow, float, and enjoy the view at your own pace.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for a fun workout

SUP is also included. Even if you’re new, you’ll usually get enough guidance to try it confidently.

This is a great option if you want something active that still feels social. You’ll spot others on boards while you stay anchored in one spot for photos and small breaks.

Fishing gear and inflatable toys for downtime

Fishing equipment is provided too. If you like trying something different, it gives you another angle on the day besides swimming and snorkeling.

For pure relaxation, you’ll also have inflatable water toys. This is the part that turns the day from activity-heavy into genuinely restful, especially if you’re traveling with friends who prefer lounging over constant motion.

Photo stop and easy free time

There is time for photos and guided elements, plus free time to do what you want. In practice, this means you’re not trapped in a strict schedule every minute.

If your group includes mixed energy levels, Dia is a good match. People who want action can go, people who want a slow swim and shade can do that too.

Chef Giorgos Chronakis menu: the food is a real reason to go

This cruise earns its premium feel through food. The menu is curated for the sea by chef Giorgos Chronakis, recognized among Greece’s top 100 chefs.

The big win is that the meal leans into Cretan ingredients and flavors, while still feeling modern and well planned. You’ll see classic elements like salads, fresh seafood, seasonal fruit, and a Cretan dessert to close things out.

What you actually eat and drink

You’ll start with a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts. During the main meal, you’ll get traditional Cretan delicacies and a Mediterranean menu with fresh and organic-style Cretan ingredients.

Drinks are unlimited: white wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus tea and water. If you like to have a glass with your meal, this is built for that.

The service is paced like a proper meal, not a cafeteria rush. Many people highlight table service and attentive crew members keeping drinks topped up.

Dietary needs are handled, not hand-waved

This is a standout practical detail. Vegan options are available, plus meat-based dishes. Allergy-friendly meals can also be prepared upon request, and children can get customized meals upon request.

A few examples from what people reported: if you don’t eat fish, the team can offer an alternative instead of forcing you to skip the meal. Vegan guests also report being served a special dish rather than a token side plate.

If food is a big part of your trip, this cruise is better than most. You don’t just snack on the water, you sit down to a real menu.

Onboard comfort: shade, music, Wi-Fi, and space to breathe

A big catamaran changes how a sea day feels. There is room to move and lounge, so you are not stuck shoulder to shoulder with strangers.

People keep mentioning the practical comfort details: cushions and shaded areas let you enjoy the sea without frying in the sun. That shade matters on Cretan summer days.

There is also music on board and free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can be useful for messaging family, checking maps, or posting one photo. Just remember you’re on the water, so think of it as helpful, not guaranteed perfection.

Safety gear is part of the experience too. Life jackets are provided, and you’ll get safety instructions from the crew.

Day cruise at 09:00 vs sunset cruise at 15:00

The timing changes the vibe, even though the core experience stays the same.

Day cruise (09:00 to 14:30)

The morning departure gives you a bright, full-energy sea day. You’ll have time on Dia for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing, then get back to Heraklion before the evening chaos.

This is often the best fit if you want water activities without worrying about getting back late. It also works well if you have a dinner plan in town afterward.

Sunset cruise (15:00 to 20:30)

The sunset cruise shifts the mood toward slow sailing, golden light, and a more romantic feel. You’ll still do Dia Island time, but the emotional payoff is the return in softer light.

If you’re the type who loves the last hour of daylight, this one usually hits harder. It also tends to feel perfect for couples or small groups who want a calm pace.

Dolphins, surprises, and how the crew makes it feel personal

Some of the best moments aren’t scheduled. A few people reported seeing dolphins alongside the boat during the cruise.

That’s never something you should plan around, but it’s a nice reminder that the Mediterranean does what it wants. When it happens, the whole boat tends to get quiet in the best way.

The crew also seems to set the tone with attentive, friendly service. People mention hosts like George and Kostas, and the overall feeling is that they check in without hovering.

You’ll also notice thoughtful touches during the day. Examples people described include bringing water if someone feels too much sun, offering shorts and a comfortable life vest to help someone join in, and even blankets on the ride back if it got chilly.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

No single number matters as much as what’s included. Here’s how I’d judge value for this kind of cruise.

You’re getting:

• A large catamaran, not a small boat squeeze
• Unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and water)
• A full meal plan, including fruit and dessert
• Snorkeling, SUP, and fishing equipment
• Extra water toys for downtime
• Wi-Fi and music onboard
• Safety gear and first aid support

When you compare that to pay-as-you-go boat tours, the value starts to make sense. You also spend less time coordinating activities and more time using them.

If you’re the type who always ends up buying separate snorkeling gear rentals or paying for a lunch separately, this package approach can feel like a relief.

The only cost side risk is you need to bring your own basics. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear, because the cruise is built around water time.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A luxurious large-boat feel without complicated planning
• Dia Island for real swimming time, not just a quick stop
• A chef-driven meal that works for different diets
• A sea day that mixes activity with serious lounging

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Need wheelchair accessibility, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• Hate being outside in the sun for a few hours, since you’ll be exposed during swimming and deck time
• Prefer a silent, adult-only party vibe. This is more about a friendly, scenic day than a quiet retreat.

If you’re unsure, choose based on your water tolerance and your diet needs. Those are the two things that most affect whether the day feels great.

Practical tips so your Dia day goes smoothly

Bring the basics the day asks for: sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Even in summer, it can cool off on the return, especially on the sunset cruise.

Plan your clothing like this is a beach day plus a meal. Comfortable shoes for boarding are helpful, then you can switch to sandals or go barefoot once you’re settled.

If you want the best water time, choose your activity order. I like doing snorkeling or SUP earlier at Dia while energy is high, then save the lounging with toys and shade for later.

Also, if you have dietary needs, request them ahead. The cruise can handle vegan options, allergy-friendly meals, and kids meals upon request, but you need to tell them in advance.

One more logistics detail to note: when making a reservation, you may need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for port approval. Have that info ready so check-in stays smooth.

Should you book the Dia Day and Sunset Cruise with Chef Menu?

Yes, if you want Dia Island with a premium setup: a big catamaran, serious food, unlimited drinks, and included water activities that actually use the clear water around Crete. The combination of chef-led meals and practical inclusions makes this feel more like a planned experience than a basic boat outing.

Think twice only if accessibility is a must, or if you dislike sun and open water enough that you might struggle with the deck and swim portions. If you’re flexible and you like a day that swings between action and lounging, this one is an easy pick.

FAQ

How long is the Dia Island cruise?

The cruise duration is 5.5 hours.

What are the departure and return times for the day cruise?

For the Day Cruise, you set sail at 09:00 and return to Heraklion at 14:30.

What are the departure and return times for the sunset cruise?

For the Sunset Cruise, you depart at 15:00 and return at 20:30.

Where do we meet for the cruise?

The meeting point is at Marineli 2, Heraklion 712 02, at the entrance of Rocca a Mare, the Venetian fortress (Koules). A crew member wearing a Cyma Sails t-shirt will welcome you there.

What water activities are included at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and there is also fishing. Fishing and snorkeling equipment is provided, plus inflatable water toys.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

The experience includes unlimited soft drinks, tea, water, beers, and wine. There is a meal with a Mediterranean seafood menu and Cretan delicacies, plus traditional Cretan delicacies, fresh fruits, and a Cretan dessert.

Can the menu accommodate vegan, meat, or allergies?

Yes. Vegan options are available, and meat-based dishes are also included. Allergy-friendly meals can be provided upon request, and children’s customized meals can be prepared upon request.

Is there Wi-Fi and music on the boat?

Yes. Music and free Wi-Fi are available onboard.

What happens if weather conditions are unfavorable?

The cruise depends on weather conditions. It may be rescheduled or canceled, and a full refund is provided in cases of unfavorable weather.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What information is needed when reserving for port approval?

When making a reservation, you may need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID card number, and nationality for port authorities.