SUP Safari – Catamaran Cruise Dia Island & Gourmet Delights!

SUP and sailing on Dia Island beats ordinary. This 5-hour cruise mixes guided SUP with snorkeling and a relaxing catamaran ride, set up so you get action without feeling rushed. I like the expert instruction (led by a certified guide from the Canoe Kayak Federation) and the payoff of turquoise water around Dia Island. One thing to consider: you need at least an intermediate SUP level and you must be a confident swimmer, since it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or anyone with mobility or visual impairments.

You start in Heraklion and check in with the EOS Yachts crew near Marina Café, then head out with the right gear already sorted. You’ll be provided inflatable SUP equipment, life vests, and snorkeling gear, plus you’ll get a 360° camera setup so you can capture the day (with footage shared afterward). For food, the included platter is the kind of simple but satisfying Cretan spread that makes the whole trip feel like more than just a water activity.

The day also has a few practical limits baked in: it’s for adults and teens 14+, and it’s paced around getting you safely in the water for SUP and snorkeling. If you’re looking for a totally flat, non-water day, this won’t fit. If you can handle being active for a few hours and you’re comfortable swimming, it’s a great match.

Key moments that make this SUP Safari special

• Certified SUP instruction you can count on from a Canoe Kayak Federation professional
• Dia Island access by boat with turquoise water and marine life in protected waters
• Snorkeling gear included so you can focus on seeing, not shopping
• Gourmet platter plus dessert with welcome coffee and Cretan treats
• Unlimited drinks on board (water, soft drinks, beer, white wine)
• 360° camera footage shared so you can relive the bays and splash moments

Dia Island by catamaran: what you’re really going for

The big reason to pick this tour is the combo: a proper sailing day plus time in the water. Dia Island sits out there in the Aegean in a way that makes it feel separate from the busy shoreline. Since it’s only accessible by boat, you don’t just arrive, take a photo, and leave. You spend time in the surrounding waters, which is where the day really pays off.

Dia is also described as protected, which matters because snorkeling quality depends on calmer conditions and healthy marine life. The water is presented as crystal-clear and turquoise, so you’ll want to plan for the fact that visibility is a major part of the experience. That’s why the snorkeling gear being included is not just a checkbox—it helps you actually see what you came for.

There’s a second “value” angle here too: the catamaran time gives you a break from the water-based activity. After SUP and snorkeling, you can stretch out, catch sea breeze on deck, and enjoy the views without constantly being in motion. For a lot of people, that balance is the whole point.

SUP on crete: your guided session and what intermediate means

This isn’t a let’s-learn-a-board-in-10-minutes situation. The SUP portion is guided by a certified instructor from the Canoe Kayak Federation, and the tour is suitable for people with at least an intermediate level of experience. In plain terms: you should feel comfortable staying upright, paddling with some control, and managing small waves or chop.

What I like about this setup is that the day doesn’t pretend SUP is effortless. Instead, it’s structured around instruction plus equipment that makes it easier to succeed. You’ll get inflatable stand-up paddle equipment (including paddle and leash) and a life vest. That leash detail matters more than people expect—it helps keep your board connected when you’re adjusting your stance or after a wipeout.

In reviews, the guides are described as experienced and the vibe as safe and relaxed, which is exactly what you want when you’re moving from catamaran deck to open-water riding. The guide name that comes up is Thanasis, and the repeated theme is clear: you’re not left to figure things out alone, and that confidence shows up in how the whole session feels.

Also, you’ll have a 360° camera included. That’s useful because SUP has a funny way of making you forget what you look like while you’re concentrating on balance. Having content captured and shared afterward turns the day into something you can actually remember beyond blurry phone shots.

Snorkeling near Dia Island: protected waters and practical gear

The snorkeling portion is built into the Dia Island focus, with high-quality snorkeling equipment provided. Since the island waters are described as crystal clear and full of marine life, snorkeling gear isn’t an afterthought. It’s the difference between a quick look and actually spotting what’s under the surface.

Here’s the practical part: this tour is not for non-swimmers, so you should enter the water feeling confident. The life vests are part of the SUP setup, and snorkeling is still a swim-based activity. If you get anxious in open water, you might find this section challenging even if the equipment is good.

The day also includes inflatable sea toys and fishing equipment. That’s nice because it adds options for fun when you’re between moments—especially on a catamaran where downtime is part of the flow. Even if you don’t plan to fish, having the toys available makes the day feel more like a full outing than a tight, single-purpose excursion.

Catamaran cruising time: food, drinks, and real deck comfort

After SUP and snorkeling, you shift into a more relaxed rhythm on a spacious catamaran. This is when the tour becomes less about performance and more about scenery and comfort. If you’ve spent time on boats that feel crowded, this kind of “space to spread out” is a big quality-of-life upgrade. You’ll be able to sunbathe, grab shade as needed, and just enjoy the sea breeze.

Now the part that makes this feel like a treat: the included food and drinks. You start with welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies. Then you get a gourmet platter featuring assorted cheeses, premium cold cuts, fresh seasonal fruits, and dessert. For me, the value isn’t only that it’s tasty—it’s that it’s scheduled so you’re fueled at the right times. After paddling and snorkeling, a real meal beats grazing later.

The bar is also all-inclusive. You’ll have unlimited drinks including water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer. That’s a meaningful inclusion for a day on the water because you’re otherwise choosing between buying drinks or skipping them. Here, the day stays easy.

One small note: cocktails are listed as on request, not included by default. If cocktails are your thing, plan for them to be extra or ask ahead so you’re not surprised.

And yes, there are practical comfort extras onboard: an outdoor shower (men and women toilets) and free WiFi. WiFi won’t replace the views, but it helps if you want to message home or sort photos once you’re dry.

What’s included, and what you might add yourself

This tour does a lot for you on the equipment side. You’re covered for SUP items (board, paddle, leash, life vest), snorkeling equipment, and you’ll also have access to inflatable sea toys and fishing equipment. On the comfort side, you get toilets, an outdoor shower, and free WiFi onboard. On the camera side, there’s 360° camera footage that’s shared with participants.

Included food and drink are a major part of the package:

• Welcome coffee and treats
• Gourmet platter with cheeses, cold cuts, fruit
• Dessert
• Unlimited drinks: water, soft drinks, white wine, beer

What you might add is mostly personal prep. Bring sun protection and water-ready clothes so you’re not scrambling. The tour asks you to bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen

If you’re sensitive to sun, you’ll appreciate packing extra sunscreen and a hat that stays put. And if you wear contacts, consider bringing glasses or planning for a quick wipe and rinse before you’re back on deck.

Meeting point in Heraklion Port: how to make check-in easy

Your day starts at Heraklion Port, and it’s straightforward if you show up early. A member of the EOS Yachts crew welcomes you at the entrance of Marina Café in Heraklion Port and guides you to the boat for check-in. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. That margin matters when you’re getting your gear sorted and figuring out where your group is supposed to be.

The activity ends back at the meeting point, so there’s no confusing mid-day transfer. If you’re building a full day in Crete, this is helpful because you can plan your evening without needing to rush to another location.

In terms of language, you’ll have a live tour guide in English and Greek, which helps for safety and for understanding what to do during SUP and snorkeling.

Price and value: is $169 a good deal for 5 hours?

At $169 per person for a 5-hour experience, you’re paying for a lot of built-in value: guided water time, equipment, food, and drinks—plus the catamaran outing itself. For many people, that’s the appeal versus piecing together separate rentals and separate trips.

Here’s how it adds up in a real-life way:

• You don’t buy or rent SUP boards and snorkeling gear separately
• You get instruction from a certified professional, which reduces the risk of wasting your limited vacation time
• You’re included for on-board meals and drinks, which removes the surprise cost issue on water days
• The 360° camera footage is a small bonus, but it’s also a concrete “memory maker” rather than just a marketing line
• Fuel and taxes are covered, so the price is presented as an all-in-feel outing rather than constant upsells

If you’re the type who prefers “one ticket, everything handled,” this price is easier to justify. If you already own snorkeling gear and you’re comfortable organizing your own boat day, the value equation changes. Still, guided SUP plus Dia Island access by catamaran is hard to replicate cheaply.

Who should book this SUP Safari (and who shouldn’t)

This tour fits best if you want a balanced day: active but not extreme, with time to relax afterward. It’s especially appealing if you:

• Can swim confidently and are comfortable in the water
• Have at least intermediate SUP experience
• Want a catamaran day with included food and unlimited drinks
• Prefer a guided experience over figuring out water activities alone
• Like the idea of Dia Island’s protected, boat-access-only setting

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 14
• People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users
• Non-swimmers
• Visually impaired people

Also, if you’re looking for a purely lounging cruise with no SUP focus, you may find the day’s structure too active.

Should you book SUP Safari & Catamaran Cruise to Dia Island?

I’d book it if you want one of the best “active plus comfort” combinations in Crete: SUP with real instruction, snorkeling in Dia’s clear waters, then time to unwind on deck with Cretan food and unlimited drinks. The strongest signal from the guide experience is that you feel safe and cared for, especially during the SUP portion, and that makes the whole day less stressful.

Skip it if you’re a beginner on SUP and not comfortable with the intermediate expectation, or if swimming is not your strength. Also, if you hate the idea of getting wet and moving between water moments, pick a different kind of cruise.

If your goal is a memorable half-day that actually uses your vacation time well—rather than just sightseeing from a distance—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the SUP Safari & Catamaran Cruise to Dia Island?

The total duration is 5 hours.

Where do I meet the crew in Heraklion?

Meet at the entrance of Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member will welcome you and guide you to the boat for check-in.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a guided SUP session with a certified instructor, SUP and snorkeling equipment, an all-inclusive bar (water, soft drinks, white wine, beer), welcome coffee and Cretan delicacies, a gourmet platter with cheeses, cold cuts, fresh fruit and dessert, plus 360° camera footage shared with participants.

Are drinks included or do I pay on board?

Drinks are included. The open bar includes water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer. Cocktails are available on request.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, and sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or children?

No. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers. Children under 14 are also not suitable for this activity.