Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

Rethymno’s best sunset may be the one you watch from the front of a catamaran, with a plate of sushi in one hand and a glass of Greek wine in the other. This 3.5-hour cruise combines a swim stop near Geropotamos Beach with a generous spread of food, an open bar, and plenty of room to stretch out.

I especially like the spacious catamaran, which has sunbeds, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, and a toilet. The other strong point is the crew’s personal touch. Nana, Yannis, Banos, and Sepdos have all been singled out for warm service on different sailings, including birthday help and patient support for passengers feeling seasick.

The main caution is the sea itself. Wind and swell can change the mood quickly, and one recent sailing had rough water before reaching a calmer swimming spot. If you are prone to seasickness, check the forecast and speak with the operator before booking.

Key points to know before you sail

• A 3.5-hour sunset outing: You spend about an hour sailing out, 75 minutes near Geropotamos Beach, and about an hour returning to Rethymno.
• Sushi plus Greek snacks: The food is more substantial than a few crackers, with sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, seasonal fruit, and light Cretan bites.
• A proper open bar: Water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, and detox water are included.
• Swimming equipment is ready: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim jackets, noodles, and a pink flamingo float are provided.
• Small enough to feel social: The maximum group size is 25, with private-group bookings also available.
• The sunset is the finale: The boat pauses near Geropotamos Beach for photos, drinks, snacks, and the evening view before returning to port.

Boarding at Rethymno Marina

Your afternoon begins at Rethymno Marina, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which helps if you are driving rather than using an optional pickup.

The first moments are pleasantly simple. You receive a glass of Prosecco, some Mediterranean finger food, and a short safety briefing. This is also the time to settle into the boat, find your preferred place, and ask the crew about the day’s plan.

The catamaran is limited to 25 people. That number matters. You will not have an empty deck, but the boat is designed with sunbeds and shaded lounge areas, so you can move around instead of being fixed to one seat. If you want a front-row position for the sunset or a place in the shade, boarding on time gives you more choice.

Shoes are not worn indoors, and red wine, smoking indoors, glass objects, pets, weapons, and drugs are not allowed. The red wine rule is easy to miss, especially if you are used to bringing your own bottle aboard. You do not need to bring food or drinks, since the cruise includes plenty.

Sailing along the coast toward Geropotamos

After the safety talk, Karina heads out along the coast near Skaleta. The first sailing leg lasts about an hour. This is the quiet part of the cruise, when you can settle into the rhythm of the boat, look back toward Rethymno, and enjoy the sea without needing to follow a packed sightseeing schedule.

Soft music plays in the background. It is meant to keep the mood light rather than turn the boat into a floating nightclub. That makes the cruise a good fit for couples, families, solo visitors, and friends who want an easygoing evening rather than a loud party.

The deck setup gives you several ways to spend this hour. Sunbeds suit anyone who wants to stretch out. The shaded lounge area is the wiser choice during hot afternoons, especially if you are sensitive to strong sun. You can also order coffee, tea, espresso, water, soft drinks, beer, and local Greek white wine while the boat is underway.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Their role is more than serving drinks. On different departures, crew members such as Nana, Yannis, Banos, and Sepdos have been praised for checking on people, refreshing drinks, helping with photos, and keeping an eye on swimmers. Names and crew assignments can change, but the service style is clearly a major part of the experience.

The swimming stop near Geropotamos Beach

The main activity stop lasts about 75 minutes near Geropotamos Beach. The crew prepares masks, fins, SUP boards, swim jackets, noodles, and the inflatable pink flamingo. You can choose your own pace: swim, paddle, snorkel, float, try gentle fishing, or remain on deck with a drink.

This is the part of the cruise that gives the outing more value than a simple sunset boat ride. You have time to get into the water without feeling rushed after one quick photo stop. Swim jackets and noodles are useful for anyone who is not a confident swimmer, while the SUP boards add a little activity for those who want more than floating.

The snorkeling equipment is included, but remember that the main attraction here is the coastal setting and the chance to cool off. Marine life sightings cannot be promised, and you are asked not to touch marine life. The crew also supplies fishing gear for a gentle fishing experience, although this should be treated as an optional extra activity, not a dedicated fishing trip.

Getting back aboard after swimming can be the least graceful moment of any boat outing. The crew helps people climb the ladder and keeps an eye on safety, which is particularly useful for children, older adults, and anyone dealing with a moving boat. An outdoor shower lets you rinse off salt water before settling in for food and sunset.

The pink flamingo is a playful touch, especially for family photos or a birthday group. Free Wi-Fi is available, so you can share photos while still on the water. I would still put the phone away for part of the stop. The sea, the open deck, and the changing light are more enjoyable when you are not documenting every minute.

Sushi, Cretan snacks, and the open bar

After the water stop, the crew serves a variety of sushi rolls. The offering is paired with Mediterranean finger food, local snacks, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. This is not a formal dinner, so you should think of it as a generous grazing meal rather than a restaurant service with separate courses.

The food choice makes the cruise appealing to people who want something beyond the usual chips and sandwiches found on boat excursions. Sushi also feels fitting for a relaxed evening at sea, though anyone with strict dietary needs should confirm the menu before booking because the available information does not list ingredients or special diet options.

The included drinks are a strong part of the price. You get unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, and detox water. A protein cocktail is also listed among the onboard refreshments. Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra, so do not assume that the open bar covers every drink on the menu.

The no-red-wine rule is worth remembering. Greek white wine is included, while cocktails and other alcohol beyond the stated selection are not. You also should not bring glass containers aboard.

The service seems especially attentive during this part of the outing. Crew members have checked on passengers seated at the front, topped up drinks, helped with special occasions, and made birthday moments feel personal. A complimentary branded gift is available for special occasions if you tell the operator in advance. One birthday celebration even included a cake and singing, but that kind of arrangement should be requested rather than expected automatically.

Sunset near the waterline

The cruise saves its most photogenic moment for the return portion of the route. The boat pauses near Geropotamos Beach as the sun drops, giving you time for sunset photos, a drink, and the changing colors over the Mediterranean.

The view is not a brief stop squeezed between activities. The itinerary allows about 75 minutes in the Geropotamos area, covering the swimming break, food, drinks, and sunset scenery. Depending on the season and sailing conditions, the exact light and timing will vary, so I would treat the sunset as a natural event rather than a guaranteed postcard scene.

The crew helps with photos, which is useful if you are celebrating with a partner or family and want everyone in the frame. The front of the catamaran is likely to be popular, but shaded seating remains valuable if you have had enough sun. The best place depends on your priorities: the bow for open views and photos, the shade for comfort, and the rear seating for a steadier, more relaxed ride.

Wind can affect this part of the evening. On a rough day, the crew may adjust the route and seek calmer water, as happened on one sailing that reached a quieter area for swimming. That flexibility is helpful, but it cannot remove the motion of the sea. Sit facing forward, avoid too much alcohol early in the trip, and consider taking your usual seasickness precautions before boarding.

Returning to Rethymno after dark

After the sunset stop, Karina heads back to Rethymno Marina. The final hour gives you time to relax, finish your drink, and let the evening wind down. This is not a tour built around constant commentary or a long list of monuments. Its pleasure comes from the boat, the sea, the food, and the company.

The return can feel cool after sunset, even during a warm Cretan day. Bring a light layer if you tend to chill, though the required list focuses on sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and identification. Towels are not supplied, so pack one. Sunscreen and personal care items are also your responsibility.

Hotel transfers are not included by default, though they can be arranged for an extra service if the right option is selected. Pickup options include places such as Bali Village, and available drop-off locations include Skaleta, Platanes, Stavromenos, Rethymno, Panormo, Georgioupoli, Bali, and several coastal communities. Check your exact pickup option carefully instead of assuming your hotel is covered.

The QR code used as your ticket is sent one day before the cruise. Port authorities require the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality of every passenger when you book. Bring your passport or ID and arrive on time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of port rules.

Is the $100 price fair?

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Crete. It is also not just a short boat trip with a single drink. The price includes a modern catamaran, a 3.5-hour outing, sushi, finger food, seasonal fruit, an open bar, equipment for swimming and paddling, Wi-Fi, an outdoor shower, and professional crew.

I see the value most clearly if you plan to use the inclusions. A person who swims, tries the SUP, enjoys the sushi, and has a few drinks gets much more from the ticket than someone who stays seated and only wants sunset photos. The cruise also saves you from arranging separate evening plans, dinner, and a boat rental.

For a special occasion, the price can make more sense. Birthday help, a branded gift, photo assistance, and the relaxed setting give the outing a celebratory feel without requiring you to organize every detail. Couples may appreciate the easy format, while families can make good use of the swim jackets, noodles, toys available by request, and roomy deck.

The calculation changes if you do not drink alcohol, dislike sushi, or get motion sick. The open bar is still useful for soft drinks and coffee, but much of the perceived value comes from the food and drink package. If you want a serious snorkeling trip, an intense sailing lesson, or a quiet private charter, this is not the right product.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to couples looking for a polished sunset outing, friends who want food and swimming in one package, and families who prefer a boat with safety equipment and space to move. Solo visitors can also fit in well because the shared format is friendly without forcing you into a formal group activity.

The private-group option is worth considering for birthdays, anniversaries, or family gatherings. The standard cruise is capped at 25 people, which keeps it smaller than a large excursion boat but does not make it intimate in the way a private charter would be.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but anyone with mobility or health concerns should contact the operator before booking so the practical details can be confirmed. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people over 95, children under two, or unaccompanied minors. The operator also asks anyone prone to seasickness to check conditions first.

Bad weather can lead to a rescheduled or canceled cruise. That is normal for a sea outing, but it is worth keeping some flexibility in your Crete schedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a comfortable, social evening on the water with real food, included drinks, a swim stop, and a sunset finish. The strongest reasons are the spacious boat, the attentive crew, and the amount included in the $100 fare.

Skip it if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, a private sailing experience, or a guaranteed calm sea. For most people staying in or near Rethymno, though, this is a well-balanced way to spend an afternoon and evening. Bring a towel, arrive early, watch the forecast, and save room for sushi.

FAQ

Where does the sunset catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts.

How long does the cruise last?

The full cruise lasts 3.5 hours. The route includes about one hour sailing out, around 75 minutes near Geropotamos Beach, and about one hour sailing back.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, local snacks, sushi rolls, and seasonal fruit. Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable pink flamingo. Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing experience.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged if you select the appropriate option, including service from Bali Village and other listed areas.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.