Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno catamaran cruise is the mix of proper onboard dining and easygoing time at sea. You are not simply handed a sandwich and pointed toward the water. The day begins with espresso, detox water, tea, and a protein cocktail, then moves through snacks, brunch, lunch, dessert, and an open bar.

I like the spacious layout, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and a proper WC. I also like the thoughtful food plan, especially for anyone who wants a lighter meal than the usual boat-trip fare. The main thing to consider is the long sailing time: you spend about 105 minutes each way on the catamaran, and the swimming stop may feel too short if water activities are your priority.

Key points to know before booking

• A 390-minute sailing day: The schedule includes 15 minutes at Rethymno Port, roughly 105 minutes sailing out, 2 hours and 45 minutes at the bay, and 105 minutes back.
• Food is a major part of the experience: Expect a light brunch, local snacks, a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, and dessert.
• The open bar is useful, not just decorative: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are available throughout the cruise.
• Swimming equipment is included: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing gear are provided.
• The route depends on conditions: The captain may choose Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, so the exact swimming location is not fixed.
• Small-group comfort matters: The boat carries up to 25 people, though some departures have had closer to 10 to 20 people onboard.

A polished catamaran with room to spread out

At €170, or about $170 as listed, this is not the bargain boat trip from the harbor. You are paying for a more comfortable vessel, a smaller maximum group, a full meal service, an open bar, and a crew that keeps an eye on the details.

The Karina is designed for lounging. You can choose a sunbed, sit in a shaded area, or move around as the day changes. That flexibility matters on a long cruise. A cramped boat can make six and a half hours feel endless. Here, the extra space gives you somewhere to retreat when the sun gets strong or the sea gets lively.

The boat also has free Wi-Fi, music, life jackets, an outdoor shower, and an onboard WC. Shoes are not allowed indoors, so wear something easy to remove. Smoking indoors, glass objects, red wine, pets, and alcohol or drugs are not permitted.

The music creates a holiday mood without making conversation impossible. On some departures, the atmosphere has been lively enough for people to enjoy the soundtrack but relaxed enough to talk with those around them.

Boarding at Rethymno Port

Plan to arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. This is a real deadline, not a casual suggestion. Port rules mean the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

Look for the Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which is helpful if you are driving. Hotel transport is not included, although it can be arranged for an additional cost. Pickup options are available from Bali Village when you select the appropriate booking choice.

At boarding, you receive a safety briefing and welcome refreshments. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein shake set the tone for the health-conscious theme. You also get local snacks and a light breakfast bowl prepared with nutrition in mind.

You need to provide each passenger’s full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number when booking. A copy of an ID is accepted, and the QR-code voucher is sent by email one day before departure.

The outward sail takes patience

The first leg lasts about 105 minutes. That is a substantial part of the day, so think of this cruise as a sailing outing rather than a quick transfer to a beach.

The coast around Rethymno gives you a changing view of rocky shoreline and open water. On calm days, the catamaran ride is smooth and restful. On choppier days, the same crossing can be difficult for people prone to seasickness. The crew has helped people who felt unwell, and some departures have included practical anti-nausea support, but you should still bring any medication you normally use.

I would choose a shaded seat early, then move around as the boat settles into its rhythm. You can stretch out, listen to music, enjoy another drink, or simply watch the water. Flying fish and dolphins have occasionally been seen from the boat, but wildlife sightings are a lucky extra, not part of the promise.

The sailing time is also why this cruise suits people who enjoy being on the water. If you mainly want several hours of swimming, a shorter transfer to a beach may be a better match.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on the weather

The planned destination is generally Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. The captain chooses according to sea and weather conditions, so the route can change.

Georgioupoli Bay is used as the main itinerary point and provides time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, photographs, and lunch. Skaleta may be chosen when conditions make it the better option. Both areas are presented as clear-water coastal stops, but you should not expect a fixed beach visit or a guaranteed view of one particular cove.

The swimming stop lasts around 2 hours and 45 minutes. That sounds generous, and it is enough time to get in the water, try an activity, eat lunch, and relax. Still, the period is shared between all those things. Some people will want more time in the water, especially after spending over three hours sailing in both directions.

The quality of the snorkeling can vary with the exact anchorage, current, and visibility. Some departures have found plenty of fish in clear turquoise water. Others have found a beautiful swimming spot but limited marine life, particularly where the water was deep. You should bring your expectations closer to pleasant coastal snorkeling than to a dedicated reef excursion.

Currents can also make swimming harder. The crew monitors conditions, but the sea decides how easy it is to paddle, float, or swim on the day.

Water activities for beginners and families

The included equipment makes the stop more active than a simple swim from the stern. SUP boards let you paddle across the bay, while masks and fins allow you to look below the surface. Swim vests and inflatable noodles are available for extra support, and the pink flamingo float is made for relaxed floating and holiday photos.

Fishing equipment is available on request. A box of toys can also be arranged for children. These extras are useful for mixed groups, since not everyone wants to snorkel or paddle at the same time.

The crew sets up the water equipment while you enjoy the first food service. Instructions and safety support are available, but this is not a formal watersports lesson. If you are not a confident swimmer, use a vest or noodle and follow the crew’s directions.

Children are welcome only when accompanied by an adult, and special children’s meals can be requested onboard. The cruise is not suitable for unaccompanied minors, children under two, or pregnant women. Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition should check with the operator before booking.

Lunch is the strongest value point

The lunch gives this cruise much of its value. It is prepared with fresh local, biological, and organic ingredients sourced from a Cretan farm, with recipes planned by a certified nutritionist.

Menus change with the season, but the style is Mediterranean. Past meals have included salads, orzo, mussels, prawns, grilled chicken, pita, pasta, and several desserts. The food is prepared onboard and served after the first water activities, so you can eat while looking out over the bay rather than rushing back to shore.

The healthy label does not mean a skimpy plate. Portions have been generous, and seconds may be available. The menu can suit seafood lovers, vegetarians, and people looking for something lighter. A separate children’s meal can be requested, and you should tell the crew about allergies or dietary needs in advance. One passenger with a shellfish allergy received a separate pasta dish, but advance notice is still the sensible approach.

The onboard brunch and local snacks are useful because breakfast may feel a long way behind you by the time lunch is served. Expect a sequence of small food moments rather than one large meal at the end.

Open bar and deck time

The included drinks are water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso and tea are also available. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside this selection cost extra, and red wine is not allowed onboard.

The crew keeps drinks moving, which makes the open bar more practical than a self-service setup where you have to hunt for everything. You can settle into the shaded lounge with a coffee, take a white wine to a sunbed, or keep water nearby after swimming.

Remember that the sun is strong on the water. Towels, sunscreen, and personal-care items are not supplied, so pack all three. Shade exists, but there is not unlimited covered space, particularly during the hottest months. A sun hat is essential.

The boat provides an outdoor shower for rinsing off salt water. Bring a towel because this is not included.

How the price compares

At $170 per person, this is expensive beside a basic shared boat excursion. It becomes easier to justify if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, watersports, and a more comfortable vessel.

You are getting roughly six and a half hours onboard, a professional English-speaking crew, a full meal service, unlimited selected drinks, several water activities, and a maximum group of 25. Some departures have had only 10 to 15 people, while others have been closer to the upper limit. Ask about the expected group size if personal space is important to you.

The best value comes when you use the whole package. Swim, try the SUP, take advantage of the snorkeling gear, eat lunch, and enjoy the sailing time. If you plan to sit quietly and skip the water activities, the price will feel harder to defend.

The cruise is also a good choice for a special occasion. For birthdays and anniversaries, tell the crew in advance. A complimentary branded gift may be arranged.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want comfort without booking a fully private yacht. It also works well for anyone who values food and service as much as swimming.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• A relaxed day with a polished but friendly feel
• Fresh food instead of a basic packed lunch
• Swimming and paddleboarding in clear coastal water
• A drink included in the price
• Time to chat, sunbathe, and enjoy the boat
• A smaller group than many large excursion vessels

I would think twice if you get seasick easily, dislike long stretches at sea, or want several different snorkeling locations. The boat is comfortable, but comfort does not remove the motion of the sea. People with medical conditions, pregnant women, and anyone over 95 should not book this activity.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is offered. Weather can force a reschedule or cancellation, so keep your plans flexible.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a full day at sea built around comfort, food, and easy water activities. The strongest reasons are the generous lunch, attentive crew, spacious catamaran, and included drinks. The boat feels like the destination, not just the transport.

Skip it if your main goal is serious snorkeling or a long list of swimming coves. The cruise usually gives you one main bay, and a large portion of the schedule is spent sailing.

For most people, I see this as a special-occasion boat day rather than a cheap beach transfer. Pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a calm attitude toward changing weather. If you enjoy the journey as much as the stop, the price makes sense.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours.

Where does the cruise leave from?

Boarding takes place at Rethymno Marina, at the Port of Rethymno.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before departure so the crew can complete boarding before port regulations require the boat to leave.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged upon request. Optional pickup is available from Bali Village when the correct option is selected.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The cruise generally sails toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. The exact destination depends on weather and sea conditions.

What food is included?

You receive local snacks, a light healthy brunch, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch with dessert. Menus change with the seasons.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso and tea are also available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. You should also bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Can children join the cruise?

Children can join when accompanied by an adult. Children under two and unaccompanied minors are not suitable for this activity. Special children’s meals and a toy box can be requested.