Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this private catamaran cruise is its easy rhythm: leave Rethymno in the morning, reach a clear-water bay near Georgioupoli, and spend the main part of the day swimming, snorkeling, paddling, fishing, and eating aboard. It feels less like a packed sightseeing schedule and more like a floating day at the beach, with a crew handling the food and drinks.

I like the generous mix of activities, especially the SUP boards and fishing gear, since you can be active without needing prior experience. I also like the food plan: cheese, salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, chicken with oranges, dessert, and child-friendly choices.

The main consideration is that the published plan centers on one swimming bay, not a string of different coves. That keeps the day relaxed, but if you want constant movement and new views, you may find the stop too settled.

Key points to know before you book

• One private group of up to 15: You share the catamaran only with your own party.
• A full 6.5-hour outing: The cruise starts at 9:30 am and returns to the Rethymno meeting point.
• A swimming stop near Georgioupoli: Plan on clear water, snorkeling, SUP boarding, fishing, and floating time.
• A real onboard lunch: The menu includes seafood, chicken, salads, cheese, pasta or rice, fruit, and children’s food.
• Drinks are included: Beer, local dry white wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water are available.
• No hotel transfers: You must reach DanEri Yachts at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno yourself.

A relaxed departure from Rethymno at 9:30 am

Your day begins at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, in Rethymno. The starting time is 9:30 am, and the boat returns to this same meeting point after roughly six and a half hours.

The lack of hotel pickup is important. This is not a door-to-door excursion, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina area. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps, but you should still allow enough time to arrive before departure.

Because the boat is reserved for your own group, the morning should feel more personal than a standard shared cruise. A family can keep its own pace. Friends can spread out on deck. A group celebrating a special occasion can enjoy the boat without having to fit around strangers.

The cruise is offered in English. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so this is a good experience to reserve ahead. The fact that it is booked an average of 43 days in advance also suggests that popular summer dates may not remain open for long.

The bay near Georgioupoli is the heart of the day

The main stop is a bay near Georgioupoli, known here for clear water suited to swimming and water activities. This is where most of the fun takes place, so think of the cruise as a long, comfortable stay in one good swimming area rather than a coastal tour with many separate stops.

You can get into the water for a swim or use the provided snorkeling equipment to look below the surface. Fishing equipment is also available, giving you something quieter to do while others are in the water.

The SUP boards add another option. You do not need to be an experienced paddler to try them, according to the tour description, so beginners can have a go without treating the activity like a serious sporting session. The inflatable flamingo is there for a lighter sort of fun, useful for floating, relaxing, or taking holiday photos.

The spacious deck gives you a dry alternative when you have had enough water. You can stretch out, listen to soft music, use the WiFi, and watch the coastline from the boat. That balance matters. A full day of swimming can tire younger children and less active adults, while the deck lets everyone enjoy the cruise at a different pace.

One point to keep in mind: the experience information does not promise several swimming locations. If your ideal sailing day includes a new cove every hour, this may feel limited. If you prefer not to keep packing up and moving, the single-bay plan is a strength.

Lunch is more than a snack between swims

The crew prepares lunch onboard while you enjoy the bay. That makes the meal part of the experience rather than a quick box handed to you at a stop.

The spread begins with a cheese platter, green salad, and Greek salad. The main dishes include shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, and chicken breast with oranges. Dessert features seasonal fruit.

The menu has useful flexibility for families. Children can have chicken nuggets or pasta, and drinks include water, soft drinks, Fanta, Cola, Sprite, and Cola Zero. Coffee and tea are also provided, along with welcome drinks, traditional cheese pies, and biscuits.

I like that the food has a clear Mediterranean character without making every person eat seafood. Shrimp and mussels will appeal to seafood fans, while chicken and pasta give cautious eaters a safe choice. The seasonal fruit is a sensible finish after a warm morning on the water.

The food is freshly cooked onboard, so the timing may follow the crew’s work rather than a fixed restaurant schedule. That is part of the pleasure, but it also means you should treat the meal as a relaxed boat lunch, not a formal dining service. The crew’s job is to keep the whole day moving comfortably, with swimming, food, and rest sharing the spotlight.

Drinks, music, and deck time keep the afternoon easy

Unlimited beer and local dry white wine are included for adults aged 18 and over. Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, and welcome refreshments are also part of the package.

This is useful on a six-and-a-half-hour cruise because you do not need to keep track of every bottle of water or soft drink. It also makes the quoted group price easier to assess. You are paying for the boat, crew, lunch, equipment, and beverages in one package rather than adding each item separately.

Alcohol is restricted to people at least 18 years old. Families and mixed-age groups should note that children can still use the nonalcoholic drinks and have their own lunch options.

Soft music provides background sound while you relax. It is a small detail, but it helps set the tone. This is not presented as a loud party boat. The mood is closer to a private day on the water, with conversation, swimming, food, and time in the sun.

WiFi is included as well. You can share photos during the cruise, though you will probably want to keep your phone protected around the water. The deck and inflatable flamingo are particularly useful for holiday photos, and one crew member, Rena, has taken family photos in the water for the group. You should not assume a dedicated photo service, but it is worth asking the crew if you want a picture of everyone together.

What the private format is really worth

The price is $2,643.35 per group of up to 15 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $176 per person. A group of eight would pay roughly $330 per person, while a smaller party pays much more per head.

That calculation is the key to deciding if this cruise is good value. For a large family or group of friends, the private format can make sense because the cost is shared across many people. You receive a private catamaran, crew service, lunch, unlimited drinks, water equipment, WiFi, and a six-and-a-half-hour outing.

For two or three people, the price is harder to justify unless having the entire boat to yourselves is the main goal. A shared cruise would likely be the better style of outing for a small budget, though this specific experience is designed around privacy and group time.

The private setup also gives you social value that a per-seat excursion cannot offer. You can talk freely, choose how much time to spend in the water, and let children or older family members follow their own pace. You are not paying simply for transport from one point to another. You are reserving the setting for the group.

Still, the one-bay plan matters here. You are paying a premium for space, service, food, and privacy more than for a long list of coastal sights. That is good value for a celebration, family day, or group holiday when comfort matters. It is less compelling if your priority is covering as much coastline as possible.

Who will enjoy this Rethymno cruise most

I would put this near the top of the list for a group of friends, an extended family, or a family with older children. The boat combines swimming, food, music, and easy social time, so people with different interests can share the same day.

It also suits beginners. You can try a SUP board without needing to be an expert, and the snorkeling and fishing equipment is supplied. The inflatables give less active members something to enjoy, while the deck offers a place to sit when the water activities lose their appeal.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the shrimp and mussels, but the menu is broad enough for people who prefer chicken or pasta. Parents should note the child-friendly meal choices, which can make a long day on the water much easier.

The cruise is less suitable for someone who wants a tightly packed sightseeing program. There is no promise of multiple bays, historic stops, or hotel transportation. The value comes from the boat day itself, not from checking off many attractions.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. That weather policy is worth remembering when planning around a fixed holiday schedule.

Practical details that make the day smoother

Bring whatever you normally need for several hours around water, including sun protection and a change of clothes. The supplied information confirms water equipment, food, drinks, and WiFi, but it does not specify personal items such as towels, so check with the operator before departure if those matter to you.

The cruise ends back at the original Rethymno meeting point. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, plan your return from the marina as well as your arrival.

The cancellation terms are fairly friendly: you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Cut-off times use local time.

The weather rule is especially useful for a boat trip. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not wait until the last minute if your holiday dates are fixed.

Should you book this private catamaran day?

Book it if you have a large group and want a comfortable, private day built around one excellent swimming stop. The strongest reasons are the attentive three-person setup described by one family, the freshly prepared lunch, the generous drinks package, and the range of equipment included. Rena’s willingness to take photos in the water is a thoughtful touch for families who want a record of the day.

Think twice if your group is small, price-sensitive, or eager to visit several different bays. At full capacity, the price is much easier to defend than it is for only a few people, and the plan is intentionally relaxed rather than packed with stops.

For the right group, this is a very pleasant way to spend a Crete morning and afternoon: clear water, a private deck, good food, and enough activities to keep everyone occupied without turning the day into work.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It 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.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The price covers one private group of up to 15 people.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What water activities are available?

You can swim, snorkel, use the SUP boards, and try fishing with the provided equipment. An inflatable flamingo is also available.

What food is included?

Lunch includes a cheese platter, green and Greek salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, chicken breast with oranges, dessert with seasonal fruit, and child-friendly chicken nuggets or pasta.

Are drinks included?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.