Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

This Rethymno catamaran cruise turns a day at sea into a well-fed, well-organized outing. You sail the northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay, settle onto a sunbed or shaded lounge, then spend time swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply watching the Cretan coast slide by. The boat carries up to 25 people, though some departures can feel much smaller.

I like the nutritionist-designed meals and the unusually broad drink service. You get a light breakfast bowl, gourmet snacks, a fresh Mediterranean lunch, coffee, tea, protein drinks, soft drinks, water, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. I also like the unhurried two-hour stop for food and water activities.

The main consideration is the sailing time before anchoring. One person found the ride to the swimming area a little long and the active water period shorter than expected. If you want nonstop swimming from the moment you leave port, this may not be your ideal boat trip.

Key points at a glance

• A 9:30 am departure from Rethymno Port gives you a full half-day on the water and a return to the same meeting point.
• Georgioupoli Bay is the main swimming stop, with clear water, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, a flamingo float, and fishing equipment.
• The food is a major part of the experience, from the morning bowl to the organic Cretan lunch and local-flavor appetizers.
• The open bar includes Greek beer and Cretan white wine, along with water, soft drinks, espresso, tea, detox water, and protein smoothies.
• The catamaran has room to spread out, with sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and music.
• The trip suits people who want a polished, easy day at sea, not a hard-charging sailing adventure or a simple transport boat.

Setting sail from Rethymno at 9:30 am

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The cruise lasts about six and a half hours and ends back at the same spot, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from another harbor.

The morning begins with a friendly welcome aboard. You can choose espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, then have a light breakfast bowl prepared with nutrition in mind. That is a useful touch because the trip starts early, and you are not forced to wait until lunch for something substantial.

The professional English-speaking crew handles the practical details. Life jackets are provided, and the boat carries liability insurance. You can settle into a sunbed, use the shaded lounge, or find a spot where you can watch the coast and sea.

The catamaran is described as modern and spacious, with room for a maximum of 25 people. That number matters. A catamaran with 25 people can still feel relaxed if the seating is spread well, and the layout here includes both open and covered areas. Several people have enjoyed departures with only eight people, but you should not count on such a small group every time.

The northern coast and the run toward Georgioupoli Bay

The first part of the outing is a scenic sail along Crete’s northern coast. This is the time to slow down, enjoy the motion of the boat, and make use of the deck rather than expect immediate access to the water.

One practical point is worth knowing: the journey toward the anchorage can feel long if your main goal is swimming. The sailing is part of the experience, but the boat is not designed as a quick shuttle to a beach. Bring a calm attitude, choose a comfortable place on deck, and treat the outward run as your morning pause.

You can sip a protein smoothie or detox water while the crew prepares the later meal service. Music and free Wi-Fi are available, though the atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed rather than party-focused. If you want quiet, the shaded seating gives you a place to step away from the sun. If you prefer to socialize, the shared deck makes that easy.

Sunbeds are included, but towels are not. Pack your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. Sunscreen is especially important on a boat, where the breeze can disguise how strong the sun feels.

Georgioupoli Bay, with time to swim and play

The main stop is Georgioupoli Bay, where the crew sets up the water equipment. You can use the stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the large pink flamingo float.

Fishing gear is also available on request. This is described as a gentle fishing experience, so think of it as a calm extra activity rather than a serious fishing trip. Families can request a box of toys for children, which gives younger passengers another option while adults relax.

The bay is the best part of the day if you want time in the water. The clear, calm conditions make it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, while a SUP gives you a more active way to look around the anchorage. The crew handles the equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask, fins, or paddleboard.

Swimming jackets are included, which is useful for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. Noodles and the flamingo float also make the water stop less demanding. You can swim, paddle, snorkel, fish, or simply float.

The available time is generally generous enough to avoid a rushed feeling, with about two hours at the anchorage according to the supplied schedule and feedback. Still, one person felt the active period passed quickly. That difference comes down to expectations. Two hours is plenty for one or two activities, but it may feel short if you want to try every piece of equipment, enjoy a long swim, eat lunch, and take photographs.

A Cretan lunch with a practical focus

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The lunch is prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm and follows a nutritionist-designed approach. It is described as a Mediterranean meal with authentic Cretan flavors, rather than a basic sandwich service.

Before lunch, the crew brings out gourmet bites. The day then moves into a fuller meal, followed by dessert. The quality and amount of food have earned especially warm praise, and the meal is treated as a central part of the outing rather than an afterthought.

I like this setup because a boat day can easily become a cycle of salty snacks and drinks. Here, the morning bowl and proper lunch give you something more balanced. The menu can vary, and no exact dishes are specified, so do not book expecting a particular recipe.

The timing also works well. Food is served during the anchorage, allowing you to eat without giving up the scenery. You can return to the water afterward or stay on deck and let the meal settle.

What the open bar really includes

The open bar is generous, but it is not an unlimited cocktail service. Included drinks are water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. You also receive espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail as part of the morning service.

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside that selection cost extra. If you want mixed drinks, clarify the options and price with the operator before departure. For most people, the included selection should cover the basics for a day on the water.

The crew is attentive about drinks and food, but service is not necessarily instantaneous the moment you step aboard. One piece of feedback noted that drinks became available after people had settled in. That is a small point, but it helps set expectations: board, get comfortable, and allow the crew a little time to organize the morning.

The combination of lunch and drinks adds real value to the $174.98 price. You are not only paying for a boat ride. You are also covering a substantial meal, multiple snacks, water equipment, insurance, the crew, and several hours aboard a modern catamaran.

Space, comfort, and onboard facilities

This is a comfort-first boat trip. The catamaran offers sunbeds and shaded lounges, so you can change positions during the day. An onboard WC and outdoor shower make the return trip easier after swimming.

The boat also has music and free Wi-Fi. Music volume may vary depending on the group and the crew. One person wanted louder music during the anchorage, while others enjoyed the atmosphere as it was. This is not a dedicated music cruise, so expect background entertainment rather than a full party.

Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed. Do not plan on having a private cabin unless the operator confirms it in advance. The standard experience takes place in the shared deck and lounge areas.

Small comforts are included that you may not notice until you need them: life jackets, feminine hygiene products, an outdoor rinse, and inflatable equipment. A branded gift may also be provided for special occasions. These extras make the trip feel more carefully planned, especially for birthdays or other celebrations.

Who will enjoy this six-and-a-half-hour cruise

I would choose this outing if you want a full day at sea without having to plan food, drinks, or equipment yourself. It works particularly well for couples, families, and small groups who want a mix of relaxation and light activity.

Families benefit from the swimming jackets, noodles, flamingo float, and optional toy box. The SUP boards and snorkeling gear give older children and adults something to do beyond sitting in the sun.

It also suits people who care about food. The healthy breakfast bowl, local-farm ingredients, Mediterranean lunch, appetizers, and dessert make this more than a standard boat excursion. The open bar is another advantage for anyone who wants to avoid buying drinks throughout the day.

You may want a different outing if you are seeking intense sailing, a remote beach landing, or a packed schedule of stops. There is one main bay stop, and the boat returns to Rethymno rather than taking you ashore for an extended visit. You should also be comfortable spending several hours on a shared boat.

The maximum group size is 25, and most people can participate. The experience is offered in English. It is near public transportation, but hotel transfers are not included. Transfers can be arranged on request, which may be useful if your accommodation is outside central Rethymno.

Is $174.98 a fair price?

At $174.98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Crete. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a modern catamaran, professional crew, breakfast, snacks, lunch, dessert, drinks, snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, safety equipment, Wi-Fi, and six and a half hours aboard.

You are also paying for convenience. There is no need to pack food for the day, rent water equipment separately, or search for a place to swim. The crew sets up the gear and keeps the schedule moving.

The value is strongest if you will use several parts of the package. If you eat the lunch, have a few included drinks, spend time with the SUP or snorkeling gear, and enjoy the boat for the full duration, the price is easier to justify.

If you do not drink alcohol, do not care about the food, and plan only to sit on deck, the cost may feel high. In that case, compare it with a simpler sailing trip before booking.

Booking details and useful preparation

The experience is commonly booked about 28 days ahead, so reserve early if your dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the local time controls the cutoff.

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to enter the water quickly, though the exact changing arrangements are not specified. Bring a cover-up for the return sail and a small bag for anything you want close at hand.

If you are celebrating something special, ask about the branded gift and any cabin request before you go. Neither is guaranteed, but early notice gives the operator a chance to help.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished, food-focused day with plenty of time to relax and some easy water activities. The best features are the attentive three-person crew, roomy catamaran, strong meal service, open bar, and useful equipment at Georgioupoli Bay.

Think twice if your priority is immediate swimming or constant action. The trip includes a fairly long sail to the anchorage, and the water stop may feel brief if you try to fit in every activity.

For most people looking for a comfortable Cretan boat day, the package offers solid value. You get scenery, food, drinks, swimming, and a well-equipped boat in one booking. Bring your towel, accept that the cruise itself is part of the day, and you are likely to enjoy the pace.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Rethymno.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, Greek beer, Cretan white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Are cocktails included?

No. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the included beer and wine selection are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The experience includes a light healthy brunch, gourmet bites, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch made with fresh organic ingredients.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins are provided, along with SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel. Sunscreen and personal care items are also not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 25 people.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.