You sail on a luxury catamaran to Dia. This Day & Sunset Cruise is built around a big, comfortable catamaran and a serious food plan by Chef Giorgos Chronakis, so the trip feels like more than just swimming in the sun. You’ll spend hours at Dia Island with snorkeling, SUP, fishing options, and plenty of deck time, while the crew keeps things relaxed and smooth.

I also like that the meal isn’t an afterthought. You get a structured Mediterranean menu with fresh, organic Cretan ingredients, plus unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks, and the team can handle vegan or allergy-friendly requests (if you ask). One possible drawback: it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and the itinerary depends on weather, so plan for the sea to set the schedule.

Key Things That Make This Cruise Worth Your Time

• Largest-and-most-luxurious catamaran vibe in the area, with lots of space to lounge in sun or shade
• Chef Giorgos Chronakis menu using fresh, organic Cretan ingredients, served alongside unlimited drinks
• Dia Island time (3.25 hours) built for active water fun: snorkeling, SUP, and fishing gear
• Free Wi‑Fi and music on board, so you can relax without fully disconnecting
• Thoughtful crew service, with fast drink refills and lots of attention to comfort
• Wildlife moments, including at least one dolphin sighting recorded on board

Meeting Marineli 2 and Getting Oriented by Koules

Your cruise starts at Marineli 2, Heraklion (712 02), right by the entrance to the Venetian fortress Rocca a Mare (Koules). It’s easy to spot the check-in moment: an ATM is to your left, and a CYMA Sails crew member in a t-shirt will meet you there.

Plan to arrive a little early. Ports move fast, and you’ll want time to settle in, get your sunscreen on, and be ready before the catamaran heads out.

Day Cruise at 09:00 vs Sunset Cruise at 15:00

This experience runs as a 5.5-hour outing, with two departure options. The Day Cruise sails to Dia Island from 09:00 to 14:30, while the Sunset Cruise runs 15:00 to 20:30.

The big practical difference is the tone. If you want daytime swimming and a full-on meal rhythm, pick the morning/afternoon option. If you’re chasing a golden-hour return, the sunset departure gives you the gradual scenic payoff on the way back.

The Catamaran Experience: Big Boat Comfort Plus Real Practical Extras

This is marketed as the largest catamaran in the area, and that matters. On a bigger vessel, you’re less likely to feel squeezed, and you’ll find plenty of spots to relax whether you’re sunbathing, chatting, or hiding from the midday glare.

On board, you’ll have music and Wi‑Fi, plus safety gear like life jackets, and you’ll receive safety instructions before heading out. One small comfort detail that shows up in reviews: some passengers were even brought blankets on the return when it got cooler.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to stay connected while still traveling, the Wi‑Fi is a nice bonus. It’s also useful if you want to share photos in real time instead of waiting until later.

The Dia Island Window: 3.25 Hours Where the Day Really Happens

Dia Island is the main event, and you get 3.25 hours there. The timing gives you space for photos, a guided element, and real freedom to do what you feel like doing—without the rushed feeling you sometimes get on shorter stops.

You’ll arrive and be welcomed with a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts. Then the water part begins. You can choose active options like snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or keep it easier with relaxing on inflatable water toys and just floating.

What to do at Dia: Snorkeling, SUP, and Fishing

The cruise includes snorkeling and fishing equipment, plus SUP. That’s valuable because it turns Dia into a “try it all” stop instead of a one-activity visit.

Snorkeling: you’ll have the gear. You’re going out into clear waters, so it’s the kind of stop where visibility matters and the whole area feels made for seeing fish and sea life.

SUP: if you’ve never tried it, this is a good place to learn with provided equipment and time to figure out your balance. Reviews highlight how easy it is to jump into these activities because the crew is present and supportive.

Fishing: you’ll have equipment available. It’s not described as a guided fishing lesson, but the gear being on hand is a plus if you want a slower activity between swims.

Relax Time Isn’t Random Here

You’re not forced into a strict activity loop. Between the water sessions, you have free time and the option to lounge, swim at your pace, and enjoy the island views.

In practice, this is what turns the day from “busy tour” into “I can breathe on vacation.” The deck experience is part of the value: you’re surrounded by open sea, with the crew keeping drinks moving.

The Food Plan: Chef Giorgos Chronakis and a Menu That Fits Real People

This cruise is unusually serious about food for a catamaran day trip. The menu is by Chef Giorgos Chronakis, recognized as one of Greece’s top 100 chefs, and it focuses on fresh, organic Cretan ingredients with a blend of traditional and modern flavors.

Meals are served during the Dia stop, and you’ll also get a Cretan dessert. The day includes a dinner-style Mediterranean menu plus snacks timing that helps you avoid that “only eat at one hard moment” problem.

What’s included in the meal and drinks

You get unlimited white wine, beer, and soft drinks with the onboard meal. There’s also emphasis on Cretan flavors: fresh seafood options, salads, local delicacies, seasonal fruits, and dessert.

What I like most is the flexibility for special diets. The cruise explicitly states vegan options, meat-based dishes, and allergy-friendly meals are available upon request. That’s not just a checkbox; multiple reviews describe real adjustments. One passenger who avoided fish reported an alternative dish like chicken instead of seafood. Another vegan passenger described a vegan pasta-style option (fregola with vegetables).

If you care about service, the crew behavior is part of the deal

Food on a boat is only as good as the timing and attention. Several reviews mention quick drink refills and staff members checking in without being overbearing.

Names that come up in reviews include George, Kostas, Mathius, Rauqela, Angie, and Costas—so you can expect a team that’s used to hosting and keeping things calm.

The Itinerary Flow Without the Confusion

Here’s how the day tends to move in plain terms.

1) Check in at Marineli 2 near Koules. You meet the crew and get ready to board.

2) A short scenic portion around Rocca a Mare / Koules is included before you’re fully underway.

3) Time on the catamaran as you sail toward Dia Island.

4) Dia Island (3.25 hours) for photo time, guided elements, free time, swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing gear use. Dinner and dessert happen during this block, plus unlimited drinks.

5) Back on the catamaran for the return sailing window.

6) Return ends back at the same Marineli 2 meeting point.

The practical win: you’re not stuck waiting around for long stretches. The schedule is built around “sail, arrive, play, eat, return.”

Dolphins, Small Surprises, and Why People Keep Rebooking

A cruise feels good when the highlights aren’t only planned. One review specifically notes dolphins swimming alongside the boat for several minutes—completely unexpected, and the kind of moment you can’t buy anywhere else.

There are also small human touches recorded: one passenger’s birthday was celebrated with a cake surprise. Even if you’re not celebrating, that kind of attention tends to mean the crew is paying attention to the vibe, not just the schedule.

What to Bring (and Why This Packing List Matters)

The cruise provides major equipment, but you still want to show up ready. Bring:

• Sunglasses and a hat for sun time on deck
• Swimwear and a towel for easy transitions into water activities
• Sunscreen (you’ll be outside for hours)
• A jacket—especially if you’re on the sunset timing when it can cool down
• Any personal essentials you like for snorkeling comfort

These items aren’t “nice to have.” They help you actually enjoy Dia Island instead of constantly fussing with shade, sunburn, or wet clothing.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Consider Alternatives)

This is a great match if you want a mix of comfort and activities. You’ll like it if you enjoy sun-and-sea days but also want a proper meal, a crew that seems genuinely invested, and time for snorkeling or SUP.

It’s also a smart pick for groups that include different energy levels. One person can swim and snorkel while another lounges on deck and snacks between swims.

The big mismatch is mobility needs. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so you’ll want to plan something else if accessibility is essential.

Should You Book the Day or Sunset Cruise to Dia Island?

If your ideal Crete day includes open water, organized free time, and food that feels like a real meal, I’d book this. The value comes from the combo: luxury-level catamaran comfort, unlimited drinks, chef-driven Cretan menu, and actual water activities with equipment included.

Choose the Day Cruise if you want maximum daylight for swimming and a fuller energy window. Choose the Sunset Cruise if you want the return sailing to feel like a visual finale, with fewer hours in peak sun.

One final tip: since weather can affect the cruise, keep an eye on conditions and be flexible with your plan. When the sea cooperates, Dia Island plus this onboard setup is exactly the kind of day you’ll remember.

FAQ

What time does the Day Cruise leave?

The Day Cruise sails to Dia Island at 09:00 and returns to Heraklion at 14:30.

What time does the Sunset Cruise leave?

The Sunset Cruise departs for Dia Island at 15:00 and returns to Heraklion at 20:30.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 5.5 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at Marineli 2, Heraklion (712 02), at the entrance of Rocca a Mare (Koules).

Is food included, and are drinks included?

Yes. You get a Mediterranean menu with traditional Cretan delicacies plus unlimited white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Can they accommodate dietary needs?

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

What activities are available at Dia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and fish. Snorkeling and fishing equipment are included.

Is Wi‑Fi available on board?

Yes, music and Wi‑Fi are available on board.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.