Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno catamaran cruise is its easy rhythm: breakfast at the port, a long sail up Crete’s north coast, then swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and lunch in Georgioupoli Bay. I like the nutrition-minded food and the roomy deck, with sunbeds and shaded lounges instead of a crowded boat setup.

I also like the small-group feel, with a maximum of 25 people, plus the friendly three-person crew praised for attentive service. The main drawback is the sailing time before anchoring. If you want nonstop water sports, the first stretch may feel long, and one stop gives you only a limited period for activities.

Key points to know before booking

• A 6.5-hour coastal cruise leaves Rethymno Port at 9:30 am and returns to the same point.
• Georgioupoli Bay is the main swimming stop, with SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, a flamingo float, and fishing equipment.
• Food is a major part of the day, from the opening breakfast bowl to gourmet bites and a fresh Cretan lunch.
• The open bar includes water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine, but cocktails cost extra.
• The boat carries up to 25 people, giving you more room than a large party boat.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen, since neither is included.

A relaxed start at Rethymno Port

Your morning begins at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, at 9:30 am. The location is in Rethymno and close to public transportation, so you can make your own way to the harbor. Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged on request.

The crew welcomes you with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake. That is a useful touch if you are heading straight from your hotel and do not want to organize breakfast first. A light breakfast bowl, prepared with guidance from a certified nutritionist, gives the morning a healthier feel than the usual pastry-and-coffee routine.

I would arrive ready to board rather than expecting a long check-in process. Confirmation comes when you book, and the boat returns to this same meeting point at the end of the day. Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and any personal care items you need. Towels and sunscreen are not supplied.

Sailing north along Crete’s coast

Once aboard, you can choose a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, or find a place near the edge of the catamaran. The boat has an onboard toilet, an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, music, life jackets, and plenty of space to move around. That combination matters on a six-and-a-half-hour outing. You are not stuck in one seat, and you can change your setup as the sun moves.

The first part of the cruise is about the sea and the view rather than constant activity. You sail along Crete’s northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay, with drinks available as you settle in. The boat’s modern design and open deck make this a good time to read, talk, or simply watch the water.

There is a tradeoff. The sailing stretch takes time, and the boat does not anchor immediately. If your idea of a catamaran trip means water sports from the first minute, you may find the opening ride slow. I see it differently: the cruise is built as a full day at sea, not just a transfer to a swim stop. Still, you should know the pace before paying the price.

Georgioupoli Bay and the water activities

The main stop is Georgioupoli Bay, where the crew sets up the water equipment. The bay is described as calm and clear, making it a comfortable place for a swim. You can use the SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, inflatable noodles, or the large pink flamingo float.

Fishing equipment is also available on request. This is a gentle fishing option rather than a serious fishing trip, so it works best as a casual extra for families or anyone who wants something different from swimming.

Swimming jackets and life jackets are supplied. That helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop with more support, although you should still follow the crew’s instructions and use the equipment properly. The crew handles the setup, so you do not need to figure out how to prepare the boards or snorkeling gear alone.

The amount of time at anchor is one point to weigh carefully. The schedule allows roughly two hours for swimming, lunch, and water activities, according to the detailed timing provided for the stop. That is enough for a relaxed swim and one or two activities, but it may feel short if you want to try everything. You probably will not have time for a long SUP session, extended snorkeling, fishing, and an unhurried lunch all at once.

Food that feels lighter than standard boat fare

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. After the opening breakfast bowl, the crew serves gourmet Mediterranean bites made with local flavors. Then comes a Cretan lunch prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from a nearby farm.

The menu is designed by a nutritionist, which gives the meal a clear identity. This is not simply a day of fried snacks and packaged sandwiches. The focus is fresh food, vegetables, Mediterranean flavors, and a meal that should keep you comfortable while you spend the afternoon on the water.

The exact dishes are not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular menu item. You can expect a substantial lunch, appetizing small plates, and dessert based on the experience details provided. The food has been one of the most praised parts of the day, along with the service and boat itself.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask DanEri Yachts before booking. The available information does not promise specific vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy accommodations. The nutrition-focused approach is encouraging, but it is not a guarantee of a special diet.

What the open bar really includes

The open bar covers unlimited water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Detox water, tea, espresso, and protein drinks are also part of the welcome and refreshment service. This gives the day a generous drinks package without making cocktails part of the deal.

Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection cost extra. Keep that in mind if you are comparing this cruise with a package that advertises a fully open bar. Here, the included choices are practical and well suited to a daytime sail, especially water, beer, and white wine.

The crew is attentive with drinks, but the service is not necessarily immediate the moment you sit down. One account noted a short wait before the available drinks were offered after boarding. I would simply get settled, listen to the safety and trip briefing, and ask if you want something right away.

Life aboard the catamaran

The catamaran is set up for comfort rather than a formal sailing lesson. You get sunbeds, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, a toilet, music, and Wi-Fi. The boat is described as clean and well organized, with enough room to avoid feeling packed in.

Music is part of the atmosphere, but it may be fairly restrained at anchor. If you want a party boat with loud music, dancing, and a high-energy crowd, this is probably not your best match. The tone is more relaxed, with time to stretch out, eat, swim, and talk.

The maximum group size is 25 people. Some departures may be much smaller, and one experience had only eight people aboard. You should not assume every sailing will be that intimate, but the 25-person limit is still modest for a catamaran cruise. It gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place on deck and getting help from the crew.

Families can request a box of toys for children. The inflatable flamingo and noodles add easy fun for younger swimmers, while the SUP boards and snorkeling equipment give older children and adults more to do. The tour is listed as suitable for most people, but no specific accessibility details are provided. Contact the operator if you have mobility needs or require special assistance.

The crew and level of service

The professional English-speaking crew handles the practical work: welcoming you, preparing food and drinks, setting up water equipment, and keeping the day moving. The crew is made up of a captain, assistant, and deckhand, and the service has been praised for being friendly, attentive, and reassuring.

That matters on a boat. You want clear instructions before swimming, help with the boards and masks, and someone checking that people have what they need without hovering. The crew also provides life jackets and swimming jackets, and the boat carries liability insurance.

The experience is offered in English. If you need detailed information in another language, ask before booking. The information provided confirms English service only.

Is $174.98 a fair price?

At $174.98 per person, this is not a bargain harbor cruise. The value comes from the length of the outing and the number of inclusions. You are paying for a modern catamaran, crew, breakfast, small bites, a prepared Cretan lunch, unlimited listed drinks, water equipment, insurance, and six and a half hours on the coast.

The price makes more sense if you plan to use the full package. Eat the included meals, enjoy the drinks, try the SUP or snorkeling gear, and make good use of the long time aboard. If you only want a quick swim and prefer to buy your own food, a simpler boat trip may suit you better.

I would also compare it with the cost of arranging a separate boat excursion, lunch, drinks, and water equipment. The included food and drinks remove several extra expenses. The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a comfortable day with very little planning once they reach the port.

The cruise is booked an average of 28 days ahead, so it is sensible to reserve early during the busy season. It is recommended by 91 percent of customers and carries a 4.7 rating from 79 reviews, which supports the strong overall impression, while still leaving room for the occasional complaint about timing, music volume, or service pace.

Practical details that can make the day better

Plan to be at the meeting point before the 9:30 am start. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get into the water without changing in the onboard facilities. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal care products.

The boat provides feminine hygiene products, which is a thoughtful practical detail. It also provides an onboard WC and outdoor shower, so you can rinse off salt water before the return sail.

Private cabins may be available on request, but they are not guaranteed. Do not book this expecting a private cabin as part of the standard package. The public deck areas are the main spaces included.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a polished day on the water with good food, a moderate group size, and enough structure to avoid planning every detail yourself. It works particularly well for couples, families, and friends who want swimming and SUP time without giving up shade, comfortable seating, or a proper lunch.

It is also a good fit if food quality matters to you. The nutritionist-designed breakfast and lunch, local ingredients, Cretan flavors, and included drinks give the cruise more substance than a basic sightseeing sail.

You may want a different trip if you dislike long sailing periods, want a full party atmosphere, or expect several hours of water sports. The main stop combines lunch and activities, so your time in the water is not unlimited. Guests seeking a private yacht experience should also note that private cabins are not guaranteed and the standard tour is shared.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable full-day sea outing that balances swimming, food, drinks, and quiet time on deck. The attentive crew, clean catamaran, local lunch, and included equipment make the $174.98 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want the cheapest way to reach the water or if you need nonstop action. The sailing time is part of the experience, and the bay stop asks you to choose how best to use your limited activity time. For most people who want a relaxed and well-fed day along Crete’s north coast, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise end?

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

Is hotel transportation included?

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

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 offered.

Are cocktails included?

No. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed open bar selection are not included.

What water equipment is provided?

The boat provides SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, a pink flamingo float, and fishing equipment on request.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.