Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this private catamaran cruise is the easy mix of clear-water swimming and a freshly cooked lunch served onboard. You can snorkel, fish, paddle a SUP board, or simply stretch out on deck while the crew handles the food and drinks.

I like the small private-group setup, which lets your party of up to 15 enjoy the boat without strangers along for the ride. I also like the thoughtful extras: an inflatable flamingo, free WiFi, traditional cheese pies at welcome, and crew member Rena taking family photos in the water. The main drawback is that the cruise centers on one swimming bay, so you may prefer another trip if visiting several coastal spots matters most.

Key points to know before booking

• One main swimming stop: The cruise heads to a bay near Georgioupoli for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing.
• Fresh lunch cooked onboard: Expect salads, pasta or rice with feta, mussels, chicken, dessert, and a separate children’s option.
• Private for up to 15 people: The price is for the group, not per person, so it offers much better value when shared by a full party.
• Unlimited drinks included: Beer and local dry white wine are available for adults, along with coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks.
• Rena helps capture the day: A crew member has taken family photos in the water, a useful touch for groups who want more than phone selfies.
• Rethymno meeting point only: You meet at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou Street at 9:30 am, with no hotel pickup included.

Setting sail from Rethymno at 9:30 am

Your day begins at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The cruise starts at 9:30 am and lasts about six and a half hours, returning to the same meeting point in the afternoon.

Because hotel pickup is not included, plan your route to the marina before booking. The meeting point is near public transportation, but you still need to arrange your own way there and back. That small bit of planning matters, especially if you are staying outside central Rethymno.

This is a private activity, so only your group takes part. That makes the cruise a natural fit for a family reunion, birthday, couples traveling together, or a group of friends who want a relaxed day without a fixed public-tour schedule.

The listed price is $2,643.35 for up to 15 people. Filled to capacity, that works out to about $176 per person. For a smaller group, the cost per person rises quickly, so compare the total with your group size before you reserve. The price includes lunch, drinks, equipment, and WiFi, which makes it easier to judge than a low base fare with many extras added later.

The bay near Georgioupoli is the heart of the trip

The main stop is a beautiful bay near Georgioupoli, known here for its clear water and calm setting. This is where the cruise shifts from sailing time to water time.

You can swim straight from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or try the fishing gear. If you have never used a SUP board, the boards are available for beginners, so this is not an activity reserved for experienced paddlers.

The stop offers several ways to spend the same hour or more. Active members of your group can paddle, snorkel, or fish. Others can stay on deck, float on the inflatable flamingo, or take photos against the open sea. That range is important on a private cruise because not everyone in a group wants the same pace.

The main limitation is also clear: the advertised experience focuses on this single swimming area rather than a string of different coves. One family specifically wished for another location and a different view. If you value variety above all else, ask about the planned route before booking. If you prefer settling into one good swimming spot without constant boat movement, the single-stop plan may be a plus.

Swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing without a packed schedule

The equipment list gives this cruise more substance than a simple boat ride. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The boat also supplies SUP boards and fishing equipment.

The water activities are flexible rather than presented as formal lessons. You can try a little of everything, then return to the deck when you have had enough. That works well for mixed-age groups and for anyone who wants activity without turning the day into a demanding sports session.

The inflatable flamingo adds a light, playful touch. It is useful for floating and makes an easy photo prop, especially for families and groups celebrating something. The wide deck gives you room to sit, sunbathe, and take photos even when you are not in the water.

Keep in mind that the experience depends on the weather. If conditions are poor, the operator will offer another date or a full refund. Since the water stop is central to the day, this weather policy is worth noting before you build your schedule around the cruise.

A Mediterranean lunch prepared onboard

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic half-day sailing trip. The crew prepares lunch on the catamaran, so you are not eating a prepacked meal between activities.

The spread includes a cheese platter, green salad, Greek salad, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce with ouzo, chicken breast with oranges, and dessert with seasonal fruit. Children can have chicken nuggets or pasta, which gives families a simpler choice if seafood or stronger flavors are not popular with younger eaters.

The menu has a good mix of familiar and distinctly Greek touches. The feta, Greek salad, seafood, ouzo, and local wine connect the meal to Crete, while the chicken and children’s dishes keep the table practical for mixed tastes.

Welcome drinks come with traditional cheese pies and biscuits. Coffee and tea are also included, making the meal feel like part of a full day on the water rather than a quick break between swims.

Past praise has focused on the freshness of the food and the way the captain, first mate, and chef work together. That crew arrangement matters here. A private cruise can feel awkward if the staff disappears while lunch is being prepared, but the service is designed around keeping the day moving comfortably.

Unlimited drinks, music, and room to relax

Unlimited beer and local dry white wine are included for people aged 18 and over. Water, Fanta, Cola, Sprite, Cola Zero, coffee, and tea are also available.

The drink selection makes the price easier to assess, especially for a group that would otherwise spend extra on beverages during a long outing. Alcohol is limited to adults, so families should expect children to use the soft drinks, water, coffee, or tea instead.

Soft music plays while you relax. Free WiFi is another useful extra, allowing you to send photos or share the day while still onboard. I would treat WiFi as a convenience rather than the main attraction, but it is handy when your group wants to post photos without waiting until you return to shore.

The boat’s deck is set up for both activity and downtime. That balance is the real selling point. You are not forced to swim, and you are not stuck sitting still while everyone else has fun.

Crew service and the small details that matter

The captain, first mate, and chef are all part of the experience. Their teamwork has been praised for keeping the day organized and making the meal feel special.

Crew member Rena has also taken photos of families in the water. That is a small but valuable touch. One person in a group often ends up taking every picture, so help from the crew means more of the group can appear in the memories.

You should still bring whatever personal items you need for a day near the water. The supplied information confirms snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, fishing equipment, WiFi, food, and drinks, but it does not list other personal gear. Keep your own plans simple and practical, and check any remaining questions with DanEri Yachts before departure.

The service is offered in English. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Since this is a private cruise, you can enjoy the day with your own group rather than adapting to strangers.

Who will get the most from this private cruise

This outing suits groups that want a complete day at sea without arranging food, drinks, or water equipment separately. Families benefit from the children’s meal choices and the range of easy activities. Adults can enjoy wine and seafood while younger members paddle, swim, or use the flamingo.

It also works well for a group that values privacy. With up to 15 people included, you have space to talk, take photos, and choose your own rhythm. The value is strongest when the boat is shared by a larger party.

You may want a different experience if your main goal is to visit several bays, see many coastal landmarks, or spend the whole day sailing rather than stopping for water activities. This is built around one scenic swimming location and a long, relaxed onboard meal.

The cruise is also less suitable if you need hotel transportation included. You must reach Sofokli Venizelou 37 yourself, and the activity returns there at the end.

Booking timing and cancellation details

This cruise is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 43 days. That suggests you should reserve early if you are visiting during a busy period or need a particular date for a celebration.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Free cancellation is available 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.

The weather rule is straightforward. If poor conditions force the operator to cancel, you receive the option of another date or a full refund. This is particularly relevant because the swimming stop is the main event, not a minor part of the itinerary.

Should you book this Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a private, food-centered day on the water with swimming, SUP, snorkeling, fishing, and drinks already handled. The strongest value comes when 10 to 15 people split the group price, and the broad menu makes it a good choice for families with different tastes.

Think twice if your ideal cruise includes several stops or hotel pickup. The route focuses on one bay near Georgioupoli, and you must make your own way to the Rethymno meeting point.

For a private group that wants an easy day with attentive crew, fresh food, and plenty of time to relax, this is a well-rounded choice. The food, crew teamwork, and personal touches such as Rena’s water photos give it more warmth than a standard boat transfer.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 9:30 am.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the original meeting point in Rethymno.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What water equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and fishing equipment are included.

Can children join the cruise?

Most people can participate, and a children’s meal of chicken nuggets or pasta is available. Alcohol is restricted to people aged 18 and over.