Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno catamaran cruise is its easy rhythm: breakfast on departure, a long stop in Georgioupoli Bay, a proper Cretan lunch, and plenty of time to swim or stretch out on deck. I like the nutritionist-designed meals and the small maximum group of 25, which help this feel more polished than a basic boat outing. The one thing to consider is the sailing time before anchoring. If you want nonstop water sports, the cruise may feel slow at first.

I also like the attentive setup. The crew handles the SUP boards, masks, fins, fishing gear, swimming jackets, noodles, and pink flamingo, so you do not need to organize much once you reach the bay. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, and remember that the open bar covers water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine, not every cocktail or alcoholic drink.

Key points to know before booking

• A 6.5-hour coastal cruise: You leave Rethymno at 9:30 am and return to the same port.
• A full meal plan: Espresso, tea, detox water, a protein shake, light brunch, gourmet snacks, and a fresh Cretan lunch are included.
• A relaxed bay stop: Georgioupoli Bay gives you time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, floating, and gentle fishing.
• A modern catamaran: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, music, and an onboard WC make the day comfortable.
• A practical open bar: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are unlimited.
• A weather-dependent outing: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and poor weather may lead to a new date or refund.

Leaving Rethymno Port with breakfast on board

Your morning begins at DanEri Yachts, at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno Port. The listed departure is 9:30 am, and the outing returns to this same meeting point. Since hotel transfers are not included, plan your route to the port yourself unless you arrange a transfer separately.

The welcome is more thoughtful than simply stepping aboard and finding a seat. You can start with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake. A light breakfast bowl, prepared with input from a certified nutritionist, gives you something substantial without making the first hour at sea feel heavy.

I like this opening because it suits the day. You are not expected to rush straight into swimming or drinking. You can settle in, find a sunbed, and watch Rethymno recede while the crew explains the plan.

The boat has both sunny and shaded areas. That matters in Crete, where a pleasant morning can turn into strong midday heat. If you want the best choice of seating, arriving ready at the stated start time is sensible. The catamaran has room for no more than 25 people, though the actual group may be smaller. One particularly enthusiastic party described a group of eight, while another noted that the capacity allowed people to avoid feeling packed in.

Sailing north toward Georgioupoli Bay

The first stretch is mainly about the ride. You sail along Crete’s northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay, taking in open-water views from the deck. This is not a quick transfer to a swimming platform. The cruise gives the journey its own place in the day.

That is good news if you want a calm sea outing rather than a tightly scheduled activity. You can lie on the sunbeds, sit in the shaded lounge, listen to music, and use the free Wi-Fi if you need to check in with someone at home. You may also prefer to leave your phone alone and watch the water.

The trade-off is clear. One piece of feedback found the ride before anchoring a little long, while the rest of the day’s relaxed pace was praised. If your ideal boat trip means constant action from the moment you leave port, this may test your patience. If you enjoy a slow passage with food and a place to stretch out, the sailing time is part of the appeal.

The crew speaks English and is described as friendly, professional, and attentive. Their job is not only to steer the boat. They bring drinks, explain the trip, set out equipment, and help you use the water gear. The crew size is listed as three, which gives the day a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.

Gourmet bites before the main meal

When the catamaran reaches Georgioupoli Bay, the mood changes from sightseeing to leisure. The crew prepares gourmet bites using local flavors before the main lunch. The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise, especially if you want more than packaged snacks on a day at sea.

The meal plan also makes the price easier to assess. You receive breakfast items before departure, small plates at the bay, then a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. The lunch uses organic ingredients from a local farm and follows a nutritionist-designed approach. The emphasis is on fresh Cretan food rather than a standard buffet of fried items.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book expecting particular dishes. You can expect Mediterranean cooking and local flavors, but the selection may vary with the available ingredients and the day’s preparation.

The portions appear to be generous. Several comments praised the quality and amount of the food, including the appetizers, lunch, and dessert. That makes this a good option for anyone who sees meals as a central part of a day trip, not an afterthought.

Swimming, snorkeling, and SUP time in the bay

The main activity stop is Georgioupoli Bay, where the boat anchors for swimming and water activities. The water is described as calm and crystal clear, making this the natural point to get wet and cool off.

The crew lays out stand-up paddleboards, high-quality masks and fins, and swimming jackets. You can paddle across the bay, look beneath the surface, or simply float with an inflatable noodle. A pink flamingo is available for the playful option, and fishing gear can be requested for a gentler activity.

This variety works well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another sits on a paddleboard. Children can use the toy box by request, and swimming jackets provide an extra option for anyone who is less confident in open water. The equipment list also includes life jackets, so basic safety gear is part of the setup.

Do not assume that every minute of the cruise is activity time. The boat remains at the bay for a substantial break, but one comment found the active portion shorter than expected. The stop is designed for a blend of swimming, eating, and relaxing, not a formal water-sports lesson or an all-day snorkeling expedition.

The conditions can also affect how much you enjoy this section. The cruise requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator offers another date or a full refund, but the final decision is weather-dependent. Even in good weather, sea conditions may influence how comfortable you feel on a SUP or while snorkeling.

A Cretan lunch and a useful open bar

After the first round of water time, lunch is served on board. The meal is built around fresh ingredients and Cretan flavors, with water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine available without extra charges.

For many people, this is where the cruise earns its price. At $174.98 per person, it is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for a half-day-plus on a modern catamaran, a crewed experience, multiple food services, equipment, and drinks. If you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, beverages, and water activities, the package has reasonable value.

The open bar has limits. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond the listed beer and wine are not included. If you are choosing the cruise mainly for a full bar, check your expectations. The better reason to book is the combination of food, scenery, comfort, and selected drinks.

Lunch also breaks up the day well. You are not forced to eat quickly between activities. The time at anchor is long enough for food and a relaxed return to the water. One account described roughly two hours for the swimming and lunch stop, while another found the activity time a little short. Your experience will depend on how the crew divides the stop and how much time you choose to spend eating or sitting on deck.

Comfort details that make a difference

This is a comfortable boat day, but the small practical details matter. The catamaran has sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard WC, and an outdoor shower. After swimming, you can rinse off before settling down for lunch or the ride back.

Music plays on board, and Wi-Fi is available. The atmosphere can be social, though it is not presented as a party cruise. One comment liked the music and the friendly mix of people, while another wanted the music louder after anchoring. That gives you a fair idea of the balance: expect background entertainment, not a loud club at sea.

You may request use of a private cabin, but it is not guaranteed and is not included as a standard feature. Towels are also not included, so pack one. Sunscreen and personal-care items are your responsibility as well.

The equipment list includes personal feminine hygiene products, which is a thoughtful touch on a long day away from shore. Life jackets and liability insurance are included. A branded gift may also be provided for special occasions, but it should not be the main reason to book.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a comfortable, food-focused day at sea rather than an intense sports trip. Couples, families, and small groups can all find something to do, and the range of water equipment means not everyone has to follow the same plan.

It also suits people who like structure without a rushed schedule. You know where to meet, when the boat leaves, where the main stop is, and when you return. The crew handles the equipment and serving, leaving you free to choose sun, shade, swimming, or lunch.

Families should note the toy box available by request. Children who enjoy calm water and short bursts of activity may do well, though the cruise is still a six-and-a-half-hour commitment. The swimming jackets and noodles are useful, but the provided details do not specify age restrictions or child pricing, so ask before booking if those points matter to you.

I would hesitate if you want a dedicated snorkeling tour, a fast route to the bay, or a wide cocktail menu. You may also prefer another outing if you dislike time on a boat before anchoring. The cruise is about the complete day, not just the swim stop.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation

The experience starts at 9:30 am and ends back at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno. It lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes. The meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the provided details do not give a full accessibility breakdown.

This outing is often booked well ahead, with bookings averaging about 28 days in advance. That is useful to know during the busy Crete season, particularly if you have only a few days in Rethymno.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Since the cruise depends on good weather, a cancellation by the operator because of poor conditions results in another date or a full refund.

Is the Rethymno catamaran cruise worth booking?

Book it if you want a polished day that joins Cretan food, open-water scenery, a long bay stop, and a comfortable catamaran. The crew service, strong meal plan, equipment selection, and smaller capacity make the $174.98 price easier to justify than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Before you commit, be honest about your ideal pace. You will spend meaningful time sailing before reaching the swimming area, and the active water portion may feel limited if you want nonstop snorkeling or SUP use. For a slow, well-fed day with room to relax, this is a strong choice from Rethymno. Bring a towel, pack sunscreen, and book early if your dates are fixed.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise depart?

The listed start time is 9:30 am. The full experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Is food included?

Yes. The experience includes a light healthy brunch, gourmet Mediterranean bites, and a freshly prepared Cretan lunch. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside this selection cost extra.

What water equipment is available?

The cruise provides SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is available on request, and life jackets are included.

Are towels and hotel transfers included?

No. You need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal-care items. Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged upon request.