Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

A full day at sea, done with care. The Rethymno Catamaran Cruise pairs a polished boat, attentive English-speaking crew, and unusually good food with swimming time in Georgioupoli Bay. I especially like the nutritionist-designed meals and the generous open bar, plus the room to stretch out on sunbeds instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder. The main tradeoff is the long sail before anchoring, so this suits you best if relaxing on the water matters as much as swimming.

You meet at Rethymno Port at 9:30 am and return around six and a half hours later. I also like the small maximum group of 25, the shaded lounges, and the easy access to SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, noodles, and a floating flamingo. One French-language review found the activity time a little short and the music too quiet at anchor, useful points if you want a nonstop party rather than a calm sailing day.

Key points at a glance

• A 6:30-hour northern Crete sailing day: You cruise from Rethymno toward Georgioupoli Bay and return to the same port.
• Food is a major part of the experience: You receive an early breakfast bowl, gourmet snacks, and a fresh Mediterranean lunch made with organic local-farm ingredients.
• The open bar covers the basics well: Water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are unlimited.
• Water time comes with equipment included: SUP boards, quality masks and fins, swimming jackets, noodles, fishing gear, and an inflatable flamingo are available.
• The boat is designed for comfort: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet, an outdoor shower, music, and Wi-Fi make the long sailing period easier.
• The atmosphere is relaxed rather than crowded: The maximum group size is 25, though actual groups may be smaller.

Starting the morning at Rethymno Port

Your day begins at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the scheduled start is 9:30 am. Hotel transfers are not included, but you can request one separately.

The welcome sets the tone. You can choose espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake before settling in. A light breakfast bowl prepared with input from a certified nutritionist gives you something more substantial than a pastry and coffee, which is helpful on a morning when lunch is still several hours away.

You then choose your place on the catamaran. The boat has open sunbeds and shaded seating, so you can move between sun and cover as the morning develops. Bring a towel and sunscreen, since neither is supplied. Personal care items are also your responsibility, although feminine hygiene products are available on board.

The crew speaks English and handles the practical work throughout the day. That includes setting up the water equipment, serving food and drinks, and helping you get comfortable. The service is attentive without requiring you to organize every part of the outing yourself.

Sailing north along Crete’s coast

The first stretch is about the pleasure of being on the water. You sail along Crete’s northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay, with time to sit back, listen to music, and watch the sea from the deck.

This is also the part of the trip that requires realistic expectations. One four-star assessment described the ride to the anchorage as a little long. If you need constant activity, the opening hours may feel slow. If you enjoy a gentle morning with a drink in hand, the pace is a feature rather than a problem.

The catamaran’s size helps here. With room for up to 25 people, it is not a private yacht, but it should feel less compressed than a large boat excursion. Several strong assessments singled out the clean boat, generous room, professional service, and small groups. One particularly happy group described sailing with only eight people, though you should not assume every departure will be that quiet.

The boat includes Wi-Fi and music. That gives you a few modern comforts while you are away from shore, though the music level may vary. At anchor, one person found it quieter than expected, so bring your own sense of atmosphere. This is mainly a day for sea views, conversation, food, and swimming, not a floating nightclub.

Georgioupoli Bay and the first food service

The route takes you toward Georgioupoli Bay, where the catamaran anchors for the main part of the day. The bay is valued for its calm, clear water and the chance to swim away from the port.

Before or around the anchoring period, the crew serves gourmet bites using local flavors. This gives the meal plan a distinctly Cretan touch rather than making the day feel like a standard buffet trip. The exact dishes are not specified, so you should expect a selection rather than a fixed menu you can plan around.

The stop is scheduled for about two hours according to one detailed assessment. That is enough time to eat and use some of the equipment, though the split between swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing can feel limited if you want to try everything.

The crew prepares the water activities for you. You can ask for a SUP board, snorkeling gear, or fishing equipment. Masks and fins are described as high quality, while swimming jackets are available for extra support. Inflatable noodles offer an easier way to float, and the pink flamingo adds a playful option for photos and family fun.

The equipment list is a real value point. You do not need to rent each item at the bay, and the crew takes care of the setup. Kids can also use a box of toys by request. The data does not specify children’s ages or the size of the toys, so ask in advance if your family has particular needs.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time off the boat

The bay stop is where the outing becomes active. You can swim in calm water, paddle on a SUP, use the snorkeling kit, or try a gentle fishing session. Swimming jackets and noodles make it easier for mixed-ability groups to share the same stop.

The water is described as crystal clear, but the tour does not promise a particular marine life encounter or a guided snorkeling lesson. Think of snorkeling here as a pleasant way to look below the surface, not a formal reef tour.

Fishing equipment is included for a gentle fishing experience. It is a nice extra for someone who would rather sit quietly with a line than paddle or snorkel. The information does not say what species you might catch or whether the crew provides instruction beyond setting up the equipment, so keep your expectations simple.

You should plan your own order of activities. If you want to swim, eat lunch, and use the SUP, snorkeling gear, flamingo, and fishing set, two hours can pass quickly. One assessment praised the length of the stop, while another felt the activity period was somewhat short. Both reactions make sense. It is generous for a relaxed swim, but tight for an ambitious checklist.

A nutritionist-planned Cretan lunch

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The meal is prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm and designed by a nutritionist. The emphasis is on healthy Mediterranean food, but the meal is still described as delicious, generous, and high quality.

That combination matters. Boat lunches can be forgettable, especially after swimming. Here, lunch is treated as one of the central parts of the day, with local flavors and fresh ingredients rather than a basic sandwich. Gourmet appetizers, dessert, and the main meal are all part of the service described by the operator.

The menu is not provided in detail, so you should contact DanEri Yachts directly if you have allergies, strict dietary needs, or questions about vegetarian options. The available information supports the healthy and local focus, but it does not promise a particular dietary menu.

The open bar adds practical value. You receive unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included during the day. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the listed selection cost extra, so do not read open bar as unlimited spirits or mixed drinks.

One small service point is worth noting. A French-language assessment found that drinks were not offered as quickly as expected at the start, with service becoming more apparent after people settled in. That sounds like a minor delay rather than a serious problem, but you can simply ask the crew when you want something.

The return sail and the overall rhythm

After lunch, you can stay on deck or return to the water if conditions and timing allow. The return trip gives you another stretch of open sea before arriving back at the Rethymno meeting point.

The rhythm is intentionally unhurried: breakfast, sailing, snacks, anchoring, water activities, lunch, and a final period of rest. I see this as a good match for couples, friends, and families who want one easy day with plenty handled for them.

The crew receives the strongest praise in the available feedback. The captain and two female crew members were described as friendly, attentive, and reassuring. One group of six from southern Louisiana particularly appreciated how safe and well cared for they felt, along with the humor and frequent offers of help.

That service can make a difference on a catamaran. You are not left to find equipment, guess where to sit, or work out how the meal service operates. The team helps keep the day moving while giving you space to relax.

What the $174.98 price really covers

At $174.98 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The price makes more sense when you count the included pieces: about six and a half hours on a modern luxury catamaran, breakfast, snacks, a full lunch, unlimited listed drinks, and the water equipment.

You are also paying for a smaller-capacity boat and a crew that manages the details. If you booked a basic sailing trip and then paid separately for food, drinks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and transport to a swimming area, the gap could narrow quickly.

The value is strongest for you if you plan to use several inclusions. A person who wants only a short scenic cruise may find the price high. Someone who will enjoy the food, open bar, sunbeds, swimming, SUP, and snorkeling is getting a fuller package.

Hotel transportation is not included. You need to reach the port yourself unless you arrange a transfer on request. Towels and sunscreen are also extra in the sense that you must bring them. Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not part of the standard package.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a polished day at sea without the work of arranging a private charter. It suits you especially well if good food matters, since the meals receive repeated praise and are more carefully planned than the usual excursion fare.

It also works for mixed groups. One person can swim while another rests in the shade. Children can request toys, confident swimmers can use the SUP and snorkeling gear, and anyone wanting a quieter activity can try the fishing set.

You may want another kind of outing if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, many separate swim stops, or loud music from morning to afternoon. The cruise spends meaningful time sailing, and the main anchorage may feel brief if you want to try every water activity.

Most people can take part, and life jackets are provided. The information does not give detailed accessibility specifications for the catamaran, so ask the provider directly about boarding or mobility concerns before booking.

Practical details before you book

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity returns to its starting point at Rethymno Port.

The group limit is 25, but smaller departures are possible. That matters if you are hoping for a quieter feel, though you should book on the basis of the stated maximum rather than expecting an eight-person outing.

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:30 am start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. You may also want a light cover-up for the ride back, though no clothing requirement is specified. If you hope to use a private cabin or need a particular food arrangement, request it early.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused sailing day with a calm bay stop, a helpful crew, and plenty included in one price. The best parts are the quality of the meals, the attentive service, the clean catamaran, and the choice of included water equipment.

Think twice if you want nonstop action or a short trip to the swimming area. The sailing time is part of the experience, and the activity period may feel limited when you want to swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, and eat within the same stop.

For most people, the cruise offers a well-rounded day on Crete’s north coast. Bring your towel and sunscreen, arrive ready for a relaxed pace, and use the equipment rather than treating it as decoration. At a 4.7 rating and 91 percent recommendation rate, it has a strong record, but the real decision comes down to one question: do you want a leisurely day where the crew handles the details? If yes, this is a sound choice.

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?

It ends back at the meeting point in Rethymno Port.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also provided.

Are cocktails included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch is included, along with a light healthy brunch and gourmet bites.

What water equipment is available?

The cruise includes SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing gear. Kids can request a box of toys.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own. Sunscreen and personal care items are also not supplied.

Is the cruise available in English?

Yes. The professional crew speaks English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

What is the cancellation deadline?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted.