Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno cruise is the unhurried two-hour stop in Georgioupoli Bay, where you can swim, paddle, snorkel, or simply stretch out on a sunbed. I like that the day combines active water time with a genuinely thoughtful food program, including a light breakfast and a fresh Cretan lunch designed by a nutritionist.

I also like the small maximum group of 25 and the generous open bar, which includes water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. The main drawback is the cruise time before anchoring. If you want constant swimming and water sports, the trip across the coast may feel a little long.

Key Points to Know Before You Sail

• A two-hour bay stop gives you time to swim, paddle, snorkel, and relax without being rushed.
• Meals are designed by a certified nutritionist and use fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm.
• The catamaran offers sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, music, and an onboard WC.
• The open bar includes Greek beer and Cretan white wine, but cocktails and other alcohol cost extra.
• The group is capped at 25 people, making the boat feel less crowded than a large party cruise.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen, since neither is included.

Leaving Rethymno Port at 9:30 am

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Sofokli Venizelou 37, right at Rethymno Port. The cruise begins at 9:30 am and returns to the same place after about six and a half hours.

The opening is more polished than the usual boat trip breakfast. You can start with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, then have a light breakfast bowl prepared with nutrition in mind. That matters because a morning at sea can stretch well into the afternoon, and you are not being asked to wait for lunch before getting something to eat.

The English-speaking crew handles the practical side of the morning, including the safety briefing and a general explanation of the route. The captain and two crew members have been praised for keeping the mood relaxed while also making passengers feel cared for. The boat is described as clean, organized, and ready to go on time.

You can choose a place on deck early. Sunbeds are available for those who want a proper rest, while shaded lounges suit anyone who would rather avoid six hours of direct sun. I would claim a comfortable spot soon after boarding, especially if you have strong preferences about sun or shade.

Sailing Along Crete’s Northern Coast

The first part of the cruise is about the view and the pace. You sail from Rethymno along Crete’s northern coast, with open water, blue sea, and a changing view of the shoreline.

This is not a rapid transfer to a swimming platform. The cruise itself is part of the day, so you should enjoy sitting back, listening to music, and watching the coast pass by. The catamaran has enough room to move around, and the group limit helps keep the deck from feeling packed.

That slower pace is a strength for some people and a weakness for others. If your ideal boat trip means a long, quiet stretch with a drink in hand, you will appreciate it. If you want one activity after another, you may find the first sailing section less exciting.

The boat has free Wi-Fi, though the best reason to be on deck is to look up from your phone. The crew provides music, but the volume may vary during the day. One practical note from the feedback is that the music was considered too quiet once the boat anchored. This will matter only if you are hoping for a lively party atmosphere.

Arriving at Georgioupoli Bay

The main stop is Georgioupoli Bay, where the catamaran anchors for about two hours. This is the heart of the outing.

The bay gives you a calm setting for swimming in clear water. The crew prepares the equipment rather than leaving you to sort through a pile of gear. You can use a stand-up paddleboard, snorkeling equipment, inflatable noodles, or the large pink flamingo float. Swimming jackets and life jackets are also available.

Snorkeling gear includes masks and fins. The available information does not promise a particular marine life sighting or a reef, so set your expectations sensibly. The appeal is the chance to look beneath the surface in clear water, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

SUP boards are a good choice if you want a little movement without turning the stop into a serious workout. The noodles and flamingo are better for relaxed floating. Fishing equipment is available on request for a gentle fishing session, which may suit families or anyone who would rather stay close to the boat.

The two-hour stop is valuable because it leaves room for more than one activity. You can swim first, try the paddleboard, then return to the deck for lunch. On shorter cruises, you often have to choose one option and rush through it. Here, the schedule gives you a fair chance to enjoy the water at your own pace.

Still, do not expect two full hours of nonstop activity. Lunch and the transition between activities are part of this stop, and the exact amount of time in the water can feel shorter if you want to try everything.

A Cretan Lunch Without the Heavy Feeling

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The lunch is prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm and designed by a nutritionist. The menu is described as a fresh Mediterranean meal, supported by gourmet local bites served after arriving at the bay.

That does not mean this is a tasting menu or a formal restaurant meal. It means the food is treated as a central part of the day rather than an afterthought. You get breakfast, small bites, lunch, and dessert, with a menu built around Cretan and Mediterranean flavors.

I like this approach because a boat lunch can easily become an overload of fried food and packaged snacks. Here, the emphasis is on fresh ingredients and a meal that helps you keep enjoying the afternoon. The portions have been described as generous, and the food received some of the strongest praise.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. You can keep things light with water or a soft drink, or settle into the more traditional combination of seafood, sunshine, and chilled white wine. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection are not included.

There are also protein drinks, detox water, espresso, and tea. These choices make the trip suitable for people who want something beyond beer and wine, though you should still bring any personal food or drink needs that the tour does not cover.

The Catamaran’s Comfort and Space

This is presented as a modern luxury catamaran, but the useful question is what that means during six and a half hours on board.

You get sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard WC, and an outdoor shower. Those features become important after swimming. Being able to rinse off saltwater and change your position between sun and shade makes a long boat outing much easier.

The group limit is 25. That is not an intimate private charter, but it is small enough to avoid the packed feeling of a large excursion boat. The catamaran’s size also gives you room to move around instead of sitting in one fixed place.

Music and Wi-Fi are included. Safety equipment includes life jackets, swimming jackets, and liability insurance. The crew also provides personal feminine hygiene products, a small but thoughtful touch that can save an uncomfortable trip back to shore.

Families can request a box of toys for children. The tour is suitable for most people, but you should be comfortable spending several hours on a boat and getting into the sea if you plan to enjoy the full range of activities. Towels are not supplied, so pack one.

What the Crew Adds to the Day

The crew’s role is central to the experience. They serve the drinks, organize the water equipment, prepare the meals, and keep checking that people have what they need.

The strongest praise focuses on friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. The crew is said to be ready on time, helpful without being intrusive, and good at creating a comfortable mood. The captain also explains the trip and helps passengers feel at ease.

That personal service is part of what separates this cruise from a basic boat ride. You are not simply given a deck chair and left to manage the day. The equipment is set up for you, the food appears in stages, and the crew remains available when you want a drink or need help with an activity.

There is one small service point to keep in mind. One account found that the drinks were not offered as quickly as expected once people boarded and settled in. This does not sound like a major issue, but if you want immediate service, ask the crew rather than waiting.

Is $174.98 a Fair Price?

At $174.98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near Rethymno. You are paying for more than transport to a swimming stop.

The price includes a six-and-a-half-hour catamaran outing, a breakfast bowl, snacks, a prepared lunch, unlimited selected drinks, water equipment, safety gear, Wi-Fi, music, and crew service. The catamaran also provides both sunbeds and shaded lounges, which adds real value during a long day in the sun.

The food and drink package is especially important. If you would otherwise pay separately for breakfast, lunch, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, the difference narrows. The included SUP, snorkeling equipment, floats, and fishing gear also mean you do not need to rent those items at the bay.

I would call it good value for someone who wants a polished, all-in-one day and plans to use the food, open bar, and water equipment. It is less attractive for someone who mainly wants a quick swim and does not care about meals or onboard comfort.

Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged on request. Plan your route to Sofokli Venizelou 37 in advance. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the tour returns there at the end.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

This outing suits couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed day at sea with enough structure to make things easy. The toy box by request helps families, while the shaded seating and calm pace work well for anyone who wants a break from sightseeing.

It is also a good fit if you care about food quality. The nutritionist-designed meals, fresh local ingredients, and choice of protein drinks set this apart from a standard party boat menu.

You should choose a different type of excursion if you want a hard-charging water sports day, a private yacht, or a nonstop party. The boat is not private, cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed, and the open bar is limited to the listed drinks.

The cruise is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility specifications, so ask DanEri Yachts directly if you have mobility or medical concerns.

Booking, Weather, and What to Pack

This cruise is often reserved about 28 days ahead, so booking early makes sense during the busy season. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, so check the forecast before the final cancellation window closes.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Personal care items
• Swimwear
• A light cover-up for the return sail
• Any personal medication or food items you require

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear, SUP equipment, floats, life jackets, or fishing gear. Those are provided on board.

Should You Book the Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused day on Crete’s north coast, with a real swimming stop and a crew that handles the details. The best features are the generous lunch, selected open bar, small group size, shaded seating, and long stop at Georgioupoli Bay.

Think twice if you dislike slow sailing sections or want constant action. The cruise takes time to reach its anchorage, and the water activities share the stop with lunch and relaxation.

For most people, the strongest reason to book is balance. You get enough swimming and paddling to feel active, but enough food, shade, and deck space to make the day restful. At this price, that mix is the point.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise 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 six hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Rethymno.

Is lunch included?

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

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.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, swimming jackets, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included.

Can I go fishing during the cruise?

Fishing equipment is available on request for a gentle fishing experience.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel. Sunscreen and personal care items are also not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The experience has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

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