Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Rethymno’s best boat day is less about racing from one sight to the next and more about settling into the rhythm of the sea. You sail aboard the spacious catamaran Karina, stop in a clear-water bay near Georgioupoli, and have plenty of time for swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, lunch, and a cold drink.

I especially like the freshly prepared Mediterranean meal and the crew’s careful service. I also like the mix of quiet sailing and easy water activities, with SUP boards, snorkeling gear, inflatables, and a box of toys for children. The main thing to consider is shade: a catamaran has open sunny areas, but limited cover during the hottest part of summer.

Key points to know before booking

• A long swim stop: You get about 2 hours and 45 minutes around the bay, enough time to swim, paddle, eat, and relax without a rushed shore excursion.
• Food is a real part of the experience: Expect seafood, meat, salads, vegetables, fruit, bread, and dessert, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s options available by request.
• Drinks are included: Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are served throughout the cruise.
• The boat is built for comfort: There are different areas for sitting or lying down, plus music, WiFi, and safety equipment.
• Swimming conditions vary: The water can be wonderfully clear, but some swimming spots are deep and may offer little marine life for snorkelers.
• Transportation needs checking: The standard meeting point is Rethymno Marina, while hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the option you select.

From Rethymno Marina to open water

Your day begins at Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure so you can board without a last-minute scramble. Look for the crew wearing DanEri T-shirts and the sailing catamaran Karina. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which helps if you are driving yourself.

The welcome is simple and useful: tea, coffee, local snacks, and a safety briefing. The crew members are Red Cross certified, and life jackets are available. That matters on a full-day boat outing, especially when children or less confident swimmers are on board.

Once the lines are released, you have about 105 minutes of sailing before the main stop. This is when the trip shifts from marina logistics to holiday mode. Sit back with a drink, listen to the music, and watch the coast open up around you. The boat has WiFi, so you can share photos along the way, though I would treat the connection as a convenience rather than the reason to book a sea cruise.

The catamaran is spacious and well maintained, with several areas where you can sit or stretch out. That choice of space is important. You can sit near the action, find a quieter place, or claim a sunny spot for a while. During hot weather, bring sunscreen and keep reapplying it. Shade is limited, and the water’s breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it really is.

A long stop near Georgioupoli

The main stop is listed around Georgioupoli, with scenic views, swimming, snorkeling, and a generous meal break. The exact cove can change with wind and sea conditions. On some outings, the boat reaches beautiful coves with clear turquoise water, while on rougher days the crew may alter the destination for safety.

This flexibility is a strength. You are not being pushed into one fixed anchorage if conditions are poor. It also means you should think of the bay stop as a weather-dependent part of the day, not a guaranteed postcard scene at one precise location.

You get around 2 hours and 45 minutes here. That is one of the best features of the cruise. Many boat trips give you just enough time to jump in, dry off, and get back aboard. Here, you can spread the time out more naturally:

• Swim in the clear water.
• Use the snorkeling equipment.
• Try a stand-up paddleboard.
• Float on the inflatable flamingo or other water toys.
• Relax on deck with a drink.
• Eat lunch without feeling hurried.
• Take photos from the boat and the surrounding coast.

The water is often the star of this part of the outing. It can be bright and clear, with beautiful shades of blue. Still, keep your expectations sensible about snorkeling. Some passengers have found little marine life, especially in deeper water. This is better suited to casual snorkeling and swimming than to a serious reef or fish-watching trip.

The available gear adds value, but equipment can be in demand when several people want the same item. One useful detail is that there may not always be matching pairs of flippers for everyone. If snorkeling is central to your plans, bringing your own mask and fins could make the experience more comfortable.

Lunch with seafood, salads, and local flavors

Lunch is served during the bay stop, while the crew prepares and brings out the food. The meal is designed to suit a mixed group, with seafood and meat, fresh vegetables, salads, fruit, and dessert. Past menus have included dishes such as prawns, pasta, chicken, Greek salad, avocado salad, cheese, pita bread, and sweets.

The exact menu can vary, but the important point is that this is more than a packet of snacks and a sandwich. The food is a substantial part of the price, particularly if you would otherwise buy lunch, drinks, and a boat excursion separately.

You can request vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food in advance. There is also a special meal option for children. If you have a shellfish allergy or another serious dietary need, give the operator full details when booking and remind the crew when you board. A separate pasta dish has been prepared for a passenger with a shellfish allergy, but you should still communicate clearly rather than rely on an assumption.

Drinks include unlimited soft drinks, beer, and white wine. Tea and coffee are available as well. This works especially well on a hot day, when you do not want to keep counting the cost of each bottle or glass. The crew is attentive with refills, though one small criticism is that some passengers would prefer a wider range of snacks and drinks.

If you plan to drink alcohol, remember that the sea can feel more tiring than a meal on land. Eat first, drink water, and be careful in the sun. The boat has a relaxed atmosphere, but swimming and paddleboarding still require good judgment.

Sailing back to Rethymno

After the meal and water activities, the catamaran turns back toward Rethymno. The return sailing lasts about 105 minutes, giving you time to dry off, listen to music, and watch the coast from the other direction.

This is where the length of the trip becomes a matter of personal taste. If you love being on the water, the two sailing stretches make the outing feel like a proper sea day rather than a quick transfer to a swimming spot. If you get restless on boats, nearly three and a half hours of sailing time may feel long, especially if the wind is light and the boat is moving slowly.

Sea conditions matter. On calm days, the ride can be smooth and easy. On rougher days, some people may feel seasick, particularly on the outward or return journey. The crew has helped passengers who felt unwell, and anti-seasickness tablets have been available on some trips, but bring your preferred remedy if you are prone to motion sickness. The cruise can be rescheduled or canceled if the weather is unsafe.

Music plays throughout the outing. It helps create a holiday mood, but it has been too loud for some people during lunch. If you prefer a quiet meal, choose a seat farther from the speakers or ask the crew if the volume can be adjusted.

What the $164 price includes

At $164 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value depends on how much of the package you would use.

The price covers a 6.5-hour outing on a newer, spacious catamaran, a trained crew, lunch, unlimited soft drinks, beer, and white wine, swimming equipment, SUP boards, inflatables, life jackets, music, WiFi, and insurance. You are also paying for the time: around 105 minutes each way on the water and almost three hours at the swimming stop.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who wants a comfortable, all-day catamaran experience with food and drinks already arranged. It is less convincing if you mainly want a short swim or a serious snorkeling trip. In that case, a simpler and cheaper boat excursion may fit better.

The value improves for families and groups. You do not need to rent paddleboards, buy lunch, or keep ordering drinks separately. Children have water toys, arm floaties, and a box of toys, while adults have a comfortable boat and a full meal.

The price also saves you from planning around several separate bookings. You do not have to find a restaurant near the swimming stop or organize equipment. That convenience is part of what you are buying.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want an easy, social day at sea rather than a hard-edged sailing lesson. It works well for couples, families, and small groups who enjoy good food, swimming, music, and time in the sun.

It is especially suitable if you want:

• A polished boat with room to sit and move around.
• A full day away from Rethymno’s streets and beaches.
• Included lunch and drinks.
• A swimming stop with several activity choices.
• A crew that pays attention to comfort and safety.
• An outing that does not require you to organize water equipment.

Families should appreciate the children’s meal option, floaties, inflatables, and toy box. The long stop also gives children time to play without being rushed back aboard after a few minutes.

You may want a different excursion if your priority is abundant fish and underwater wildlife. The snorkeling can be pleasant, but some spots are deep and not especially lively below the surface. You should also think twice if you dislike prolonged time in direct sun or tend to get seasick.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women. It is also worth checking the weather forecast before committing, although poor weather can lead to a rescheduled or canceled trip.

Transfers, meeting points, and small practical details

The standard meeting point is Rethymno Marina, and the cruise finishes there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included unless you select an option with transfers. Available pickup areas include Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Petres, and Gerani.

When you book, you must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID card number. This is required by the port authorities, and a copy of the identification document is accepted.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID card copy. I would also pack a light cover-up, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag for small valuables. These are practical choices for a boat with plenty of open deck space.

English and Greek are spoken. Private groups are available if you prefer a more personal setup. The standard cancellation rule allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and reserve-now, pay-later booking can help if your Crete plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Karina cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-and-drink-included day with a long swim stop and friendly service. The strongest parts are the roomy catamaran, generous meal, unlimited drinks, careful crew, and time to choose between swimming, SUP, snorkeling, or simply lying in the sun.

Think carefully if you are booking mainly for snorkeling, shade, or a low price. The water may have limited sea life, flippers may not always be available in matching pairs, and the deck can be very sunny. At $164, this is best viewed as a relaxed full-day package, not a quick trip to the coast.

For many visitors staying in Rethymno, it is a good choice when you want one day where the planning is done for you. Check the weather, confirm your transfer option, provide dietary details in advance, and arrive early at the marina. With those points handled, you can settle into the boat and let the Cretan coast provide the scenery.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 6.5 hours. The schedule includes about 105 minutes of sailing each way and approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes at the swimming and lunch stop.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Rethymno Marina unless you choose an option with hotel transfers. Arrive at the marina 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard option. Transfer service is available when the appropriate pickup option is selected for listed areas around Rethymno and Georgioupoli.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a Mediterranean lunch with seafood, meat, vegetables, salads, fruit, and dessert. Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included, along with tea and coffee. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s meal options are available by request.

What activities are available at the swimming stop?

You can swim, snorkel, use stand-up paddleboards, and enjoy inflatables such as a flamingo float. Snorkeling and fishing gear, life jackets, and arm floaties are provided.

What should I bring, and what identification is required?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID card number when booking. A copy of the passport or ID card is accepted.