Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Trip – Sushi & Open Bar

The sunset is the star here, but the best part is the long, easy rhythm of the afternoon: sail out, anchor for swimming and water games, eat sushi, then watch the Cretan sky turn gold on the way back to Rethymno. It feels more like a floating evening lounge than a hard-charging boat trip.

I like the generous open bar, which includes water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine, and I like the mix of activities. You can use a SUP, snorkel, fish, or simply stretch out on the catamaran’s netting with a glass of wine. The crew has also been praised for helping families and passengers with limited mobility.

The main concern is the sea. Rough weather has caused miserable sailings, early returns, missed swimming stops, and seasickness. If the forecast looks poor, take the cancellation policy seriously and ask about conditions before you go.

Key points to know before you book

• The sunset return is the main event: The cruise is timed to bring you back as the sun drops toward the horizon.
• Swimming gear is included: You get SUP boards, masks, fins, swimming jackets, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo.
• Food is more than a token snack: The boat serves sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, Mediterranean finger foods, and drinks throughout the trip.
• The group can reach 25 people: That is small enough for a friendly boat atmosphere, though the catamaran may feel crowded on a busy departure.
• Weather matters more than almost anything else: Calm seas make this a relaxing outing. High waves can cancel the activities or ruin the ride.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: Neither is included, and hotel transfers are not part of the standard price.

Setting sail from Rethymno for a golden-hour cruise

You meet the boat at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, in Rethymno. The cruise lasts about three and a half hours and ends back at the same point. Hotel pickup is not included, although it can be arranged on request.

The welcome sets a relaxed tone. You receive a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food before a short safety briefing. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available, so you are not limited to alcoholic drinks from the start.

The catamaran has open sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. That matters on a short trip, since you can move between sun and shade without giving up your place. The front netting is especially appealing for lying back as the boat moves, though it is exposed to spray and sun.

Music plays in the background, and free Wi-Fi is available. The Wi-Fi is a pleasant extra if you want to send a photo, but I would not make it the reason to book. The real pleasure is putting your phone away for a while and watching the water.

The crew speaks English. Names associated with the service include Vito, Slavik, George, and Captain Sergei, though the exact crew can vary. George has been noted for sharing stories about Greek mythology, the island of Dias, and Crete. Vito and Slavik have also helped make family sailings lively, including letting children take part in the trip home under supervision.

The outward sail and the Cretan sea

After the safety briefing, the boat heads toward a bay and an anchoring area. The exact route and swimming location can change with wind and sea conditions, so do not treat every advertised stop as guaranteed.

On calm days, the trip gives you a pleasant stretch of open water before the activity period begins. You can sit on a sunbed, use the shaded lounge, or watch the coastline recede. The point is not sightseeing at speed. It is time on the water, with food and drink handled for you.

This is also the point where sea conditions become important. A light chop may be manageable, but high waves can turn the outward sail into a rough ride. One poor-weather sailing led to no snorkeling, no comfortable meal service, and serious seasickness. Another departure returned early after several people felt unwell.

That is not a small footnote. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medication and consider taking it before boarding. Crew members have reportedly offered seasickness tablets at the start, but you should not rely only on the boat for your preparation.

Swimming, SUP, snorkeling, and the pink flamingo

Once the catamaran anchors, the mood changes from sightseeing to play. The crew brings out SUP boards, quality masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the bright pink flamingo. Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing session.

You do not need to join every activity. The setup works well for mixed groups because one person can snorkel while another stays on the deck, and children can play with the inflatables. A box of toys is available for children by request.

The water has been described as clear and appealing, and the swimming stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a simple sunset sail. Still, swimming depends on safe conditions. If the wind rises, the captain may shorten or remove the water portion.

The SUP boards are a good fit for active passengers who want a little more than a quick swim. The noodles and jackets help less confident swimmers stay comfortable. Fishing is a quieter option, especially for families who want an activity that does not involve getting fully wet.

Bring a swimsuit, even though the title emphasizes sushi and the bar more than the water activities. Bring a towel, too. Towels are not included, and the outdoor shower is best used for rinsing rather than replacing a proper towel-dry.

Sushi, fruit, and an open bar at sea

After the water activities, the crew serves sushi rolls on board. The meal is not a formal restaurant service, but it gives the cruise more substance than the usual bowl of chips and a drink. Seasonal fruit follows, and Mediterranean finger foods are served at the welcome.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail add useful nonalcoholic choices. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond this selection cost extra and are not included.

At about $102.58 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you use. You are paying for a 3.5-hour catamaran outing, crew service, equipment, food, and unlimited drinks, not simply for a seat on a boat. For a couple or group planning to spend an afternoon swimming, eating, and watching the sunset, that is a fair all-in price.

It is less compelling if you only want a short sunset photograph and do not care about the swim stop, sushi, or drinks. It is also poor value if bad weather forces an early return. The price makes the most sense on a calm day when you can enjoy both the active and relaxing sides of the trip.

Why the sunset timing works

The cruise is designed around the return sail. After the swimming and food, the catamaran heads back as the light softens. The sea takes on gold and pink tones, and the open deck gives you a clear view without buildings blocking the horizon.

This timing makes the outing feel different from a daytime boat trip. You get enough daylight for the water activities, but the last part is quiet and scenic. The calmest moments may come after the meal, when people spread out on the sunbeds or netting and stop moving around.

The sunset has been the most consistently praised part of the experience. The crew also receives strong marks for friendly service, attention to comfort, and keeping children involved. The combination matters: a beautiful sky is better when you are not worrying about drinks, plates, or where to sit.

Still, sunset is never guaranteed to be dramatic. Clouds, wind, and haze can change the view. Book this for time at sea, not only for a perfect pink horizon.

Comfort, crowding, and accessibility

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is a reasonable limit for a catamaran, but it does not mean the boat will always feel spacious. One sailing felt more crowded than expected, even though the boat itself was described as comfortable.

If you want the quietest atmosphere, ask about the expected group size before booking. Families, couples, solo passengers, and groups of friends can all fit the format, but the mood changes with the mix on board.

The crew has shown care toward passengers with mobility problems, including helping a person with a walking disability feel safe and included. The provided information does not promise full wheelchair accessibility, so contact the operator before booking if you need specific assistance.

Private cabins may be requested but are not guaranteed and are not included in the standard price. Most people will spend the trip in the shared deck and lounge areas.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to couples looking for a relaxed sunset outing, families with children who want simple water activities, and solo visitors who enjoy a social setting without a forced group program.

It also works for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can fish, and someone else can stay dry with a book and a glass of wine. The crew’s friendly style helps, particularly when children need a little attention or first-time sailors want help with the equipment.

This is not the best pick for someone who dislikes boats, gets badly seasick, or wants a guaranteed itinerary of several coves. The route can change, and rough conditions have led to shortened trips. It is also not ideal for anyone expecting premium cocktails, hotel transport, or a private cabin as part of the base price.

The cruise is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. It is generally suitable for most people, but practical needs should be discussed in advance.

Weather, cancellations, and simple packing advice

The operator requires good weather for this activity. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local time.

Pack lightly, but bring the essentials:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and personal care items
• A light layer for the return sail
• Motion sickness medication if needed
• A phone case or small dry bag if you plan to use your phone near the water

Sunscreen and towels are not included. Life jackets are supplied, as are swimming jackets and snorkeling equipment.

Should you book the Rethymno sunset catamaran?

Book it if you want a social, food-and-drinks cruise with a real swimming stop and a well-timed sunset return. The strongest features are the friendly crew, comfortable catamaran, useful water equipment, sushi, and open bar. At roughly $102.58, the package can offer solid value on a calm afternoon.

Think twice if the forecast shows high wind or waves. The cancellation policy protects you when the operator calls off the trip, but it does not solve every rough-sea situation. Check conditions before setting out, and be ready to cancel within the allowed window if the weather looks doubtful.

For most people, I would choose this as an easy final-evening activity in Rethymno. Just remember that the sunset is the reward, while the sea decides how much of the rest you get.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Rethymno.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available.

Is sushi included?

Yes. A variety of sushi rolls is served on board, along with seasonal fruit and Mediterranean finger foods.

Are snorkeling gear and SUP boards included?

Yes. Masks, fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are provided.

Are towels included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard booking, but they can be arranged on request.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You may also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.