Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

Rethymno’s best feature on this cruise is the long, easygoing stop at Georgioupoli Bay, where you can swim, snorkel, paddle a SUP, fish, or simply stretch out on a sunbed. I like the nutritionist-designed meals and the small-group feel, with a maximum of 25 people and plenty of room on the catamaran.

The main thing to consider is the sailing time before the anchor goes down. One account found the trip out a little long and the water activities shorter than expected, so book this for a relaxed day at sea, not a nonstop watersports session.

Key points to know before booking

• A full 6.5-hour boat day: You leave Rethymno at 9:30 am and return to the same port.
• Food is a major part of the experience: Expect a light breakfast bowl, gourmet bites, and a fresh Cretan lunch made with organic local-farm ingredients.
• The open bar is useful rather than flashy: Water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included.
• Georgioupoli Bay is the main activity stop: You can use SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, noodles, a flamingo float, and fishing gear.
• Space matters: The modern catamaran has sunbeds, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, a WC, and a maximum group size of 25.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: Neither is included, and hotel transfers cost extra if arranged.

Setting out from Rethymno Port at 9:30 am

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00. The cruise begins at 9:30 am and ends back at the same point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in or near Rethymno.

The welcome is more thoughtful than the usual quick boarding routine. You can start with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, followed by a light breakfast bowl prepared with guidance from a certified nutritionist. That is a practical touch. You are not expected to wait until midday for your first proper food, and the breakfast is light enough for a morning on the water.

The crew speaks English and handles the boat, food, drinks, and equipment. Several accounts describe the team as friendly, attentive, and reassuring, with the captain explaining the plan clearly and the crew checking in often. One sailing had a captain, assistant, and deckhand who kept the mood relaxed while also making sure everyone felt safe.

The boat itself is a modern luxury catamaran, with sunbeds and shaded lounges. You can choose sun or shade instead of being stuck in one position for the entire trip. Wi-Fi and music are available, though the balance between music and conversation can vary. One account found the music too quiet once the boat stopped, so do not book this expecting a party cruise.

A calm run along Crete’s northern coast

Once you leave port, the point is to settle into the day. The catamaran travels along Crete’s northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay, with time to enjoy the sea views and find a comfortable place on deck.

This is where the cruise earns its relaxed character. You can stretch out on a padded sunbed, sit in the shade with a drink, or watch the coast pass by. The open layout gives you more freedom than a standard excursion boat, and the maximum of 25 people helps prevent the crowded feeling that can spoil a boat trip.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. The cruise takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes, but not all of that is spent swimming or using the equipment. The journey to the bay takes time, and one account found the first sailing section longer than expected. If you want constant activity, this may feel slow. If you like reading, sunbathing, talking, and watching the water, the pace makes sense.

The catamaran is designed for comfort rather than speed. That means the boat itself is part of the experience. You get shaded seating, sunbeds, an outdoor shower, an onboard WC, life jackets, and swimming jackets. Personal feminine hygiene products are also available, a small but useful detail that shows the crew has thought about a long day away from shore.

Gourmet bites before the main meal

As the boat approaches Georgioupoli Bay, the crew prepares a selection of gourmet bites with local Mediterranean flavors. This gives the day a pleasant rhythm: light breakfast in the morning, small dishes around the anchorage, then a more substantial lunch.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sailing trip. The meals are not treated as an afterthought. The light brunch and lunch are designed by a nutritionist, and the main meal uses fresh organic ingredients from a local farm.

You should not expect a formal restaurant service at sea. This is still a casual boat day, with food served on deck and the sea nearby. But the menu aims higher than packaged snacks and a sandwich. Accounts describe the appetizers, lunch, and dessert as delicious, generous, and high quality.

The healthy approach may suit you if you want Greek food without spending the afternoon feeling heavy. It also helps families and mixed groups, since there are plenty of nonalcoholic drinks and a filling meal rather than only bar snacks. The tour information does not provide a fixed daily menu, so anyone with strict dietary needs should check directly before booking.

Georgioupoli Bay for swimming and water play

The main stop is Georgioupoli Bay, where the crew sets up the water equipment. You can use stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling masks and fins, noodles, swimming jackets, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is available on request for a gentle, low-key fishing session.

The bay is described as calm and clear, making it a good place for an uncomplicated swim. You can step into the water, float with a noodle, paddle across the bay, or use the snorkeling gear to look below the surface. The exact underwater conditions can change with weather and visibility, so think of snorkeling here as a pleasant extra rather than a dedicated reef excursion.

The water stop is also a good test of the cruise’s flexibility. You are not forced into one activity. One person can use a paddleboard while another stays on deck with a glass of wine. Children can request the onboard toy box, and the flamingo float adds a playful option for anyone who would rather not snorkel.

The main caution is time. The stop is long enough for a proper break, with one account describing roughly two hours for swimming and lunch, but another found the actual activity period shorter than hoped. Lunch occupies part of the anchorage, and equipment must be shared among the group. If SUP use or snorkeling is your top priority, you may need to act promptly when the crew announces that the gear is ready.

Fishing is also part of the offering, but it is presented as a gentle experience, not a serious fishing trip. Equipment is available as a complete set upon request. Ask early if you want to try it.

A Cretan lunch with an open bar

Back on board, lunch is the centerpiece of the day. The kitchen uses fresh organic products from a local farm and focuses on Cretan and Mediterranean flavors. The meal is meant to be substantial, and the feedback consistently highlights both quality and generous portions.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. You can also continue with detox water, tea, espresso, or a protein cocktail. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond the listed selection cost extra and are not part of the package.

This is important when judging the price. At $174.98 per person, the cruise is not a cheap way to reach the sea. You are paying for a six-and-a-half-hour boat outing, crew service, food before and during the cruise, unlimited included drinks, water equipment, and the comfort of a modern catamaran. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and equipment rental, the package begins to make more sense.

The price is less convincing if you only want a short swim or a fast sightseeing ride. Much of the value comes from using the boat for several hours and taking advantage of the meals, shaded seating, sunbeds, and open bar. You should also remember that towels, sunscreen, hotel transfers, and private cabin use are not included.

A crew that keeps the day easy

The strongest service detail is the crew’s attentiveness. The team handles the practical work, from preparing the equipment to bringing drinks and explaining the schedule. That matters on a boat because a poor crew can make a simple day feel awkward. Here, the emphasis is on keeping you comfortable without making the trip feel formal.

The crew is English-speaking, and the captain explains the route and activities. Accounts describe a professional team that was on time, friendly, and willing to help. On one sailing, the captain, assistant, and deckhand were all women, and the group particularly appreciated how safe and well looked after they felt.

No individual crew names are provided, so I would not count on meeting a particular guide. The quality of the experience depends on the crew working that day, weather, and the mix of people on board. Still, the service pattern is clear: expect an involved team rather than a hands-off boat transfer.

Is this a good choice for families and couples?

This cruise suits couples, families, and small groups who want variety without having to organize every part of the day themselves. A couple can spend most of the trip on a sunbed with wine and sea views. A family can use the swimming jackets, noodles, SUP boards, flamingo, and toy box. A group of friends can combine swimming, music, food, and drinks without booking separate activities.

The maximum of 25 people is a useful middle ground. It is not a private charter, but it is more personal than a large excursion boat. Several accounts describe a comfortable group size and enough space to move around. One particularly small sailing had only eight people, though you should not assume every departure will be that quiet.

The tour also works well for people who want a healthy-food option. The breakfast bowl, protein drink, detox water, and nutritionist-designed lunch give the day a different feel from a standard booze cruise. You can still enjoy Greek beer and white wine, but alcohol is not the whole point.

This is not the best match for you if you dislike open-water travel, need a private cabin, or want a packed schedule of activities. Private cabins can be requested but are not guaranteed. You should also bring a towel, since towels are specifically excluded.

What to pack and how to plan the morning

Arrive ready to board at the Rethymno meeting point before the 9:30 am start. Hotel pickup is not included, although it can be arranged upon request. The meeting point is near public transportation, which gives you an alternative to arranging a transfer.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Personal care items
• Swimwear
• Any medication or personal supplies you need for several hours away from shore

The boat provides life jackets, swimming jackets, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, fishing gear, inflatable noodles, and the flamingo. You do not need to rent those items separately.

The tour is listed as suitable for most people, but the information does not give detailed mobility guidance. If you have specific access needs, ask DanEri Yachts before booking. The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished full-day-at-sea experience with good food, an attentive English-speaking crew, comfortable deck space, and a calm swimming stop. The combination of Cretan lunch, unlimited basic drinks, and included water equipment gives the $174.98 price real value when you plan to use the boat for most of the day.

I would be more cautious if your priority is constant snorkeling, several swimming stops, or a fast trip to the bay. The first sailing section can feel long, and the active-water portion may seem brief if you spend time eating and relaxing. For most people, though, that slower pace is the point. You get a comfortable boat day with local food, a sheltered bay, and enough choice to make the outing as active or lazy as you like.

FAQ

Where does the Rethymno catamaran cruise start?

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

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes and finishes back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

What food is included?

You receive a light healthy brunch, gourmet Mediterranean bites, and a freshly prepared Cretan lunch made with fresh organic ingredients from a local farm.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside this selection cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, including high-quality masks and fins, is provided. SUP boards, swimming jackets, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing equipment are also available.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.