Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno catamaran cruise is the leisurely stop near Georgioupoli Bay, where you have calm water, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and about two hours to eat and play. This is not a quick look at the coast from a crowded boat. It is a full half-day built around good food, open space, and time in the sea.

I like the nutritionist-designed meals and the thoughtful welcome with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein shake. I also like the small maximum group of 25, though the actual number can vary. One thing to consider is the sailing time: if you want constant swimming and water sports, the trip across the coast may feel long before the anchor goes down.

Key points to know before booking

• Georgioupoli Bay is the main event: Expect a calm-water stop with swimming, SUP boards, snorkeling, fishing, and inflatable toys.
• Food is a major part of the day: You get a light breakfast bowl, gourmet snacks, and a fresh Cretan lunch using organic local-farm ingredients.
• The open bar is generous: Water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included throughout the cruise.
• The boat is set up for comfort: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, a toilet, music, and Wi-Fi make this more than a simple boat transfer.
• The group stays fairly small: The maximum is 25 people, which gives you more room than a large party boat.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: These are not included, and private cabin use is only available on request and is not guaranteed.

A relaxed start at Rethymno Port

Your morning begins at DanEri Yachts, at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The stated departure time is 9:30 am, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point after roughly six and a half hours.

The welcome sets the tone. You can start with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein cocktail, then have a light breakfast bowl prepared with nutrition in mind. That is useful on a morning boat trip, since you are not forced to wait until lunchtime before getting something substantial.

The crew speaks English and handles the practical work throughout the day. Life jackets are available, and the catamaran has an onboard WC and outdoor shower. You can settle into a shaded lounge or choose a sunbed, then watch Rethymno recede as the boat follows the northern coast of Crete.

The boat carries up to 25 people. That is not the same as a private sailing, but it is a manageable size for moving around, finding a comfortable seat, and getting help from the crew without competing with a huge crowd. Some departures may be much smaller, so the atmosphere can range from sociable to quiet.

Sailing north along the Cretan coast

The first part of the cruise is about the ride itself. You have time to stretch out, listen to music, chat, or simply watch the water. The catamaran has both open sun areas and shaded spaces, so you can move around as the temperature changes.

I would not book this trip if you want a packed schedule from the first minute. The cruise takes time to reach its swimming area, and one piece of practical feedback points to the journey before anchoring as the main drawback. That slower pace is part of the appeal for people who want a day at sea, but it may test the patience of anyone focused mainly on snorkeling.

Drinks are available as part of the experience, including water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Cocktails and other alcohol are extra. The included selection is enough for a relaxed lunch cruise, but do not expect a full cocktail menu.

Music plays on board, and free Wi-Fi is provided. I would treat Wi-Fi as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The point of the trip is the sea, the deck, and the bay ahead.

The stop at Georgioupoli Bay

The cruise heads toward Georgioupoli Bay, where the catamaran anchors for swimming and lunch. The bay is described as having clear, calm water, making it the right setting for an easy swim rather than a rough-water adventure.

This is where the trip becomes active. The crew sets out SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and a large pink flamingo. Fishing gear is also available on request, giving you a quieter option if you would rather sit at the edge of the boat and wait for a catch.

The snorkeling equipment includes masks and fins. You should still bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied. Sunscreen and personal care products are also your responsibility, though personal feminine hygiene products are available on board.

The available water time is a strong point, with the main stop lasting about two hours according to the stated experience details. That is enough time to swim, paddle, try the floating toys, and still sit down for lunch without feeling pushed from one activity to the next.

There is one important balance to keep in mind. The bay stop is long enough for a relaxed visit, but the overall cruise is not a full-day water-sports session. If you spend a lot of time eating and relaxing, your active time will naturally be shorter. One piece of feedback also noted that the music could be louder once the boat was anchored, so the mood may be more calm than party-like.

Food that goes beyond standard boat snacks

Food is one of the clearest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sailing trip. The day begins with a light brunch, followed by gourmet bites with local flavors, and then a prepared Cretan lunch.

The lunch is designed by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm. That does not mean the meal is austere. The food is presented as a generous Mediterranean spread, with snacks, lunch, and dessert included in the overall service.

You can expect the menu to focus on Cretan and Mediterranean flavors rather than generic sandwiches. The exact dishes are not specified, so do not book based on a particular recipe or assume that every dietary need is covered. If you have food restrictions, confirm them before booking.

The meal also gives the day a useful rhythm. You can have breakfast before the boat gets moving, nibble on local-style appetizers near the bay, then sit down to lunch while the crew keeps the drinks flowing. Several people praised the quality and quantity of the food, and that emphasis makes sense at this price.

What the crew adds to the experience

A catamaran cruise succeeds or fails on crew service. Here, the team handles the equipment, drinks, food, and safety details while keeping the mood friendly and informal.

The captain explains the plan and helps create a relaxed atmosphere. The assistant and deckhand check in with passengers, bring drinks, and help with the water equipment. The crew is also responsible for setting up the SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and fishing equipment, so you do not have to work out the arrangement yourself.

The boat is described as clean and well organized, with plenty of room to move. The crew’s attention is most useful at the bay, where several activities happen at once. You can ask for a swimming jacket, use a noodle, request the fishing set, or get help with the paddleboard.

Families can request a box of toys for children. That is a nice touch, but it is not automatically guaranteed unless requested. The inflatable flamingo adds a bit of fun for children and adults, while the shaded lounge and sunbeds suit people who would rather stay dry.

Is the $174.98 price good value?

At $174.98 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. It makes better financial sense when you use the parts that are included: the food, open-bar drinks, equipment, crew service, and six and a half hours on the water.

A basic coastal cruise may cost less, but it may not include a nutritionist-designed brunch, a full Cretan lunch, local beer and wine, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and a smaller group. Paying more here buys a complete day package rather than just a seat on a boat.

The value also depends on your style. If you plan to drink little, skip the water activities, and spend most of the time sitting quietly, the price may feel high. If you want lunch, drinks, swimming gear, deck space, and a well-organized stop in one booking, the cost is easier to justify.

The catamaran itself matters. Sunbeds and shaded lounges make the long sailing sections more comfortable than sitting on a hard bench. An onboard WC and outdoor shower are small but important conveniences, especially after swimming.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want a polished day at sea without hiring a private boat. It also suits people who care as much about lunch and comfort as they do about swimming.

You will probably like it if you want:

• A calm, social day rather than an intense excursion
• A chance to swim and paddle in clear water
• Included Greek beer and Cretan white wine
• Fresh Mediterranean food instead of ordinary packed lunches
• A boat with both sun and shade
• A smaller group than a large sightseeing vessel

Families should request the children’s toy box in advance. Children can use swimming jackets, noodles, the flamingo, SUP boards, and snorkeling equipment, but the tour still involves a long period on the boat. Parents should decide if their children are comfortable with that pace.

The cruise is also a good fit for a special occasion. A branded gift can be provided for special occasions, although the details need to be arranged before the trip. Private cabins may be requested, but use is not guaranteed and is not part of the standard package.

Practical details that matter

The meeting point is at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00. The activity ends back there, and hotel transfers are not included. Transfers can be arranged on request, so ask about that before assuming transport is covered.

The experience is offered in English. It is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The maximum group size is 25, which should help keep the deck from feeling overly crowded.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and any personal care items you need. Swimwear, a light cover-up, and a dry change of clothes are sensible choices, though only the need for towels and sunscreen is specifically stated.

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. Standard cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:30 am start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable food-and-sea day with a real swimming stop, not just a short sail past the coast. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, generous food service, included drinks, useful water equipment, and a boat designed for both sun and shade.

Think twice if your priority is nonstop snorkeling, a private cabin, or a loud party atmosphere. You spend part of the six and a half hours sailing, and the main anchor stop gives you a relaxed block of activity rather than an all-day water-sports program.

For most people looking for an easygoing day from Rethymno, the package is well balanced. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, request any family or special-occasion extras early, and let the crew handle the rest.

FAQ

Where does the Rethymno catamaran cruise start?

It starts at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise begin?

The stated start time is 9:30 am.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise returns to the original meeting point at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also provided. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes a light healthy brunch, gourmet bites, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are towels and sunscreen included?

No. You need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.