Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The sea day earns its keep. This Rethymno catamaran cruise pairs carefully planned meals with a polished boat, a friendly crew, and plenty of time on the water. I especially like the nutritionist-designed breakfast and lunch, plus the generous mix of swimming gear, SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, and floating toys. The main catch is simple: the cruise takes time to reach its anchorage, so the active water time may feel brief if swimming is your top priority.

At $174.98 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride, but it includes 6.5 hours aboard, two meals, snacks, an open bar, and equipment that would cost extra elsewhere. The maximum group size of 25 helps keep the catamaran comfortable. I would choose it for a relaxed full-day outing, not for a fast transfer or a hard-charging watersports session.

Key points to know before you book

• Breakfast starts the cruise well: Espresso, tea, detox water, a protein shake, and a light breakfast bowl are served soon after boarding.
• Georgioupoli Bay is the main pause: Expect calm water, time for swimming, SUP, snorkeling, fishing, and lounging.
• The food is a real part of the experience: Local Cretan flavors, fresh ingredients, gourmet bites, and a full lunch give this more substance than a basic boat trip.
• The open bar is useful, not unlimited luxury: Water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Cocktails are extra.
• The boat is set up for comfort: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, onboard WC, music, and Wi-Fi make the long sailing time easier.
• Plan your arrival carefully: Boarding is at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno, at 9:30 am. Hotel pickup is not included.

Starting at Rethymno Port with a proper breakfast

The day begins at Rethymno Port, at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37. The scheduled start is 9:30 am, so give yourself enough time to reach the marina without rushing. The meeting point is near public transportation, but hotel transfers are not part of the price. You can ask about arranging one separately.

The welcome is more thoughtful than a quick cup of coffee. You can begin with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, followed by a light breakfast bowl prepared with input from a certified nutritionist. That small touch matters. You are setting out for a long morning at sea, and the food gives you something steady before the swimming and sunshine begin.

I also like that the opening meal fits the tone of the trip. This is not built around heavy fried food and constant drinking. The plan is lighter, fresher, and more Mediterranean, although you should not assume the menu will meet a particular allergy or diet unless you confirm that before booking.

Sailing north along Crete’s coast

Once underway, you can settle into the catamaran’s layout. Sunbeds are available for stretching out, while shaded lounges offer a cooler place to sit. The boat is described as modern and luxurious, but the useful point is practical: you have choices. A full day in direct sun can become tiring, so shade is just as valuable as the front-row sea view.

The route follows the northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay. This sailing period is part of the outing, not dead time, but it is worth setting your expectations. One account of the trip found the journey to the anchorage a little long, especially compared with the time available for water activities. If you enjoy watching the coast, feeling the boat move, listening to music, and talking with your group, the pace should suit you. If you want constant action, bring a book and accept that the cruise is designed as a slow day.

The crew has received especially strong praise for being attentive, friendly, and reassuring. One group described a captain, assistant, and deckhand who kept checking whether anyone needed something and helped everyone feel safe. That style of service is important on a boat. You are not left to work out the equipment alone, and the crew handles the setup for the water activities.

Arriving at Georgioupoli Bay

The main stop is Georgioupoli Bay, where the catamaran anchors for swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and lunch. The bay is valued for calm, clear water, making it a more comfortable place to play than an exposed stretch of open sea. You can swim from the boat, use a SUP board, put on the provided mask and fins, or simply float.

The activity choices are broad but casual. SUP boards are available for paddling across the bay. Snorkeling gear includes masks and fins, and swimming jackets are supplied for extra support. Inflatable noodles and a large flamingo add a playful side, especially for children or anyone who would rather float than swim laps.

Fishing equipment is also available on request. It is presented as a gentle fishing experience, not a serious fishing trip, so think of it as something to try between swims. Families can request a box of toys for children, though you should make that request ahead of time rather than assume it will appear on board.

The most important timing issue comes here. The stop is long enough for lunch and water activities, but not everyone feels it is generous for both. If you want to snorkel, paddle, fish, and swim, decide what matters most before the boat anchors. You will have a better time choosing two or three activities instead of trying to do everything.

A Cretan lunch with the drinks included

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The meal is designed by a nutritionist and made with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm. It is described as a freshly prepared Mediterranean spread with authentic Cretan flavors, followed by gourmet bites and dessert-style touches during the day.

The food has earned particularly warm praise for quality, quantity, and variety. That makes the $174.98 price easier to understand. You are not merely paying for a seat on a boat and a sandwich. You are paying for a hosted food experience, served in a setting where the sea is part of the meal.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. You can keep things alcohol-free just as easily as you can enjoy a beer or glass of wine with lunch. Cocktails and other alcohol outside this selection cost extra, so do not book this expecting a full cocktail menu.

The drink service is part of the relaxed mood, though it may not be instant at every moment. One account noted that it took some time to get settled before the unlimited drinks were offered. That is a minor issue, but it is useful to know. The cruise has a hosted, paced feel rather than a self-service resort bar at your elbow from the first second.

Sunbeds, music, and space to breathe

A major strength is the amount of space. The maximum capacity is 25 people, and the catamaran’s design gives you room to move between sunbeds, shaded seating, and the water. Some sailings have been especially small, with only eight people, but you should book on the stated maximum rather than count on that quieter number.

Music plays on board, and free Wi-Fi is included. One comment found the music a little too quiet once the boat was anchored, while other accounts liked the soundtrack and easygoing mood. In practice, this is best viewed as background entertainment rather than a party cruise.

The boat also has an onboard WC and an outdoor shower. Those are modest details, but they make a six-and-a-half-hour trip much more comfortable. After swimming, you can rinse off saltwater instead of sitting wet for the rest of the afternoon.

Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not part of the standard package. Unless you receive confirmation, plan to use the shared deck areas.

Safety and ease on the water

Safety equipment is included, with life jackets and swimming jackets available. Liability insurance is also part of the package. The crew handles the setup of the SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, and fishing gear, which means you are not expected to know the boat’s systems before using them.

The presence of swimming jackets and noodles is helpful if you are comfortable in the water but do not want to work hard. The crew’s attentive approach has also been a repeated strength, with people noting that they felt looked after without being crowded or hurried.

The activity is described as suitable for most people, but the information does not promise full accessibility for every mobility need. You should ask DanEri Yachts directly if you have specific boarding, deck, or water-access requirements.

How the price compares with the experience

At $174.98 per person, the cost is high enough to deserve a close look. The value improves if you plan to use the food, drinks, and equipment. You receive breakfast, gourmet bites, lunch, unlimited listed drinks, snorkeling gear, SUP use, fishing equipment on request, and a six-and-a-half-hour boat outing.

You also avoid the nickel-and-dime pattern common on lower-cost cruises. Water, beer, and wine are not separate charges. Neither are the basic swimming accessories, life jackets, shower, or onboard WC.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short swim and a view of the coast. You are paying for the whole day’s atmosphere, service, food, and comfort. If your ideal boat trip is a quick ride to a beach, spend less on a simpler excursion. If you want a calm, well-fed day with many small comforts already arranged, this package makes more sense.

The 4.7 rating from 79 reviews and 91 percent recommendation rate support the idea that the experience delivers what it promises. The small number of reservations available at a time also helps explain why it is often booked about 28 days ahead. If your Crete plans are fixed, booking early is sensible.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want a comfortable day at sea without organizing each detail themselves. The food and shaded seating are good for people who like a slower pace, while the SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and floats give active people something to do.

It also suits anyone who cares about service. The crew is frequently praised for being warm, available, and professional. That can make a big difference if you are nervous around boats or simply prefer someone else to handle the practical work.

Families should request the children’s toy box in advance. The flamingo, noodles, swimming jackets, and calm bay can all help younger children enjoy the day, but the trip is still six and a half hours long. Children who need constant movement may find the sailing stretches slow.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a loud party boat, a serious snorkeling site, or a packed watersports schedule. The mood is relaxed and social, with the journey itself forming a large part of the day.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and neither are sunscreen or personal care items. Pack those before leaving Rethymno, since the boat’s included supplies do not cover them.

Wear something comfortable for sun and swimming, and keep a dry layer handy if you prefer shade after getting out of the water. You may also want a phone pouch or small waterproof bag, although no such item is listed as supplied.

The boat includes personal feminine hygiene products, which is a considerate addition for a long day away from shore. A branded gift may also be provided for special occasions, but you should not treat that as a standard part of every booking.

The return is to the same Rethymno meeting point. The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Standard cancellation is free when made at least 24 hours before the 9:30 am start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished, food-focused day on the Cretan coast, with a helpful crew, comfortable deck space, and drinks and water equipment included. The meal quality, attentive service, and choice of shaded or sunny seating are the best reasons to pay the premium.

Think twice if your priority is maximum time in the water. The sail to Georgioupoli Bay can feel long, and the anchorage activities may seem short once you divide the time among swimming, SUP, snorkeling, fishing, and lunch.

For most people, I would call this a strong choice for a special day in Rethymno. Arrive with realistic expectations, bring a towel and sunscreen, and choose your favorite water activity early. That way, the slow sailing becomes part of the pleasure rather than a surprise.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. The activity begins at 9:30 am and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive espresso, tea, detox water, a protein shake, a light breakfast bowl, gourmet bites, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. Unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included.

Is snorkeling and SUP equipment included?

Yes. SUP boards, high-quality masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included. Fishing equipment is available on request.

Are hotel transfers and towels included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged on request. Towels, sunscreen, and personal care items are also not included.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.