Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this 6.5-hour catamaran cruise is the easy mix of good food, open water, and room to relax. You sail from Rethymno toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, then spend time swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply stretching out on a sunbed with a glass of Cretan white wine.

I like two things in particular: the fresh, nutritionist-designed meals and the boat’s generous layout, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and enough water equipment for an active afternoon. The crew also has a good reputation for helping with seasickness and special meals. The main drawback is the long sailing time, about 105 minutes each way, which leaves roughly 2.75 hours at the swimming stop.

Key points to know

• A proper day on the sea: The 390-minute outing includes a light brunch, gourmet lunch, dessert, drinks, and water activities.
• Food is a major part of the value: Fresh Cretan ingredients go into salads, pasta, seafood, chicken, vegetarian dishes, and seasonal desserts.
• The boat is built for comfort: You get sunbeds, shaded areas, onboard Wi-Fi, a WC, an outdoor shower, and soft music.
• The destination depends on weather: The captain may choose Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta for safer sailing and better swimming conditions.
• You can be active without bringing equipment: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, noodles, a floating flamingo, and fishing gear are provided.
• Plan carefully for the sun and motion: Bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, and any seasickness medication you normally use.

A comfortable day boat, not a quick sightseeing trip

At $170 per person, this is one of the pricier boat outings from Rethymno. I think the cost makes more sense if you want a full service experience rather than a simple transfer to a swimming cove.

Your fare covers nearly everything once you board: espresso, tea, detox water, a protein drink, brunch, lunch, dessert, beer, white wine, soft drinks, and the use of water equipment. You are also paying for a modern catamaran with a maximum group size of 25, not a crowded excursion boat where every seat is taken.

The tradeoff is pace. You will spend about three and a half hours sailing to and from the swimming area. That is pleasant when the sea is calm and the sails are up, but it can feel long if your only goal is snorkeling. I would book this for the full day on the water, not just for time in the sea.

Boarding at Rethymno Marina

Arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. The catamaran is called Karina, and the DanEri crew wear DanEri T-shirts when meeting passengers.

There is a municipal parking lot at the marina, which helps if you have a rental car. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price, though they can be arranged for some locations, including Bali Village when the correct option is selected.

Boarding begins with a friendly welcome and a short safety briefing. You can expect espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail before the boat gets properly underway. Life jackets are provided, and the boat has an onboard WC and outdoor shower.

Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy. Port authorities require the full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number of every passenger before issuing sailing permission. Your QR-code ticket is sent by email one day before departure, so give the operator a working email address.

The first 105 minutes: settle into the sailing rhythm

The outward trip takes about 105 minutes. This is where the experience feels most different from a standard beach excursion. You have time to find your favorite place on deck, listen to music, watch the coast, and let breakfast settle before the swimming stop.

The rocky Cretan coast looks best from the water. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the shoreline rather than the usual road-level glimpse. On calm days, the boat can feel wonderfully smooth. On rougher days, the same crossing may bring seasickness, even for people who do not usually struggle on boats.

I would sit toward the center of the catamaran if you are sensitive to movement and avoid drinking too much alcohol before the swimming stop. The crew has helped people who felt unwell, and some passengers were given practical natural tips or anti-sickness support, but it is wiser to bring your own medicine if you know you need it.

The music creates a relaxed holiday mood without completely taking over the boat. The volume has generally allowed people to talk, which matters on a shared cruise. Wi-Fi is available, though the real reason to come is to look up from your phone.

Brunch first, then a quiet place on deck

The light brunch is designed by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh local ingredients. You might receive a breakfast bowl, Cretan snacks, pastries, or similar seasonal items. The exact menu changes, so do not expect one fixed dish every time.

This early food service is useful rather than showy. It gives you something substantial before swimming and paddleboarding without turning the morning into a heavy restaurant meal. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included.

The catamaran has sunbeds and shaded lounge areas. You can lie in the sun, sit under cover, or move around as the day changes. Shade is important here. One practical weakness of any catamaran is that not every part of the deck is protected from the midday sun, so bring a hat and apply sunscreen before boarding.

Shoes are not worn indoors, and smoking is not allowed inside. Glass objects, red wine, drugs, and unaccompanied minors are also not permitted. These rules are simple, but they help keep the boat safe and clean.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on conditions

The captain chooses between Georgioupoli Bay and Skaleta according to the weather. That flexibility is a strength, not a sign that the route is uncertain. Sea conditions can change, and a good captain will favor a safer bay with clearer water and a more comfortable anchorage.

Georgioupoli Bay is the main stopping point described for the cruise. It offers scenic views, clear water, and time for swimming and water sports. Skaleta may be used when conditions make it the better choice.

Do not expect a cultural stop or a walk ashore. This is a boat-based outing, and the special feature is the water itself. You stay aboard the catamaran while the crew prepares food and lays out the equipment.

The exact quality of snorkeling can vary. Some days offer schools of fish, turtles, or other marine life. Several people have spotted sea turtles, dolphins, flying fish, and jellyfish during the wider sailing day. On other days, the water is beautiful but the bay is deep or has limited marine life. If snorkeling is your top priority, keep your expectations sensible.

About 2.75 hours for swimming and water play

The main stop lasts around 2.75 hours. This is the most active part of the day and the point when the crew brings out the SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and pink flamingo float.

The paddleboards are a good choice for people who want activity without committing to a long swim. Snorkeling gear lets you explore around the boat, while swim vests and noodles make it easier to relax in the water. Fishing equipment is available on request, and a box of children’s toys can also be requested.

The pink flamingo is clearly aimed at fun photographs, but it also gives children and less confident swimmers another way to enjoy the stop. You must not touch marine life, even when fish or turtles come close.

The length of the water stop is reasonable, but some people will want more. Since the boat spends 210 minutes sailing in total, anyone hoping to swim at several different locations may find the itinerary a little one-sided. The route is better suited to a long, leisurely stop than to a series of short snorkel sites.

Currents can also affect the experience. A beautiful bay may be harder to swim in on a particular day, and the crew cannot control that. Pay attention to the safety briefing and use a vest if you feel unsure.

A healthy Cretan lunch served back on board

Lunch is where this cruise earns much of its premium price. The meal is prepared onboard using fresh, local, biological, and organic ingredients sourced from a Cretan farm. The stated aim is a balanced Mediterranean meal, and the food is more than the usual sandwich-and-fruit package.

Menus change with the season. Past meals have included fresh salads, Greek salad, avocado salad, orzo, pasta with tomato sauce and prawns, mussels, grilled chicken, pita bread, and several desserts. The portions are generous, and seconds may be available.

You can request a vegetarian dish, a lighter meal, or a children’s plate. If you have an allergy, tell the crew before departure. A separate pasta dish was prepared for someone with a shellfish allergy, but you should still provide full details in advance rather than rely on a last-minute adjustment.

The lunch is served with unlimited still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Cocktails and other alcohol are not included. Red wine is not allowed onboard, so the drinks selection is deliberately limited to the listed options.

I like this approach because it makes the day feel like a proper meal out, not a picnic squeezed between activities. Still, people seeking a heavy party cruise may find the healthy menu and moderate drink selection less appealing. The atmosphere is social and relaxed, rather than a loud drinking event.

The crew and the feel of a small group

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Panos and Kleo are among the hosts associated with the cruise, and the service style is attentive without being stiff. Drink refills are handled promptly, equipment is set out quickly, and the crew checks on people who feel unwell.

The boat can carry up to 25 people, though some departures have had closer to 15 or 20. That difference matters. With fewer passengers, you get more room on the sunbeds and less waiting for a paddleboard or pair of fins.

If you are traveling with friends or family, provide everyone’s names together when booking. Multiple DanEri boats may leave at the same time, and keeping your group together depends on the operator having the full party details.

Private groups are available. I would consider that option for a birthday, anniversary, or family gathering, especially since the company can provide a complimentary branded gift for a special occasion when notified in advance.

Return sailing and the practical limits

After lunch and more time in the water, the catamaran begins the 105-minute return to Rethymno. This is often the quietest section of the day. You can shower off salt water, find a shaded seat, finish a drink, and watch the coastline slide past.

When conditions allow, the sails may be raised. This can make the return feel special, though the boat does not promise a full sailing-only itinerary. The outing is a mix of powered cruising, sailing, swimming, food, and lounging.

The listed drop-off areas include Rethymno, Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Bali, Georgioupoli, Panormos, Skaleta, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, Pigianos Kampos, and other nearby locations. Standard hotel transfer is not included, so check the selected option carefully before assuming transportation is covered.

Weather can force a reschedule or cancellation. This is normal for a sea trip, but it matters if you have a tightly packed holiday schedule. Pregnant people, children under two, anyone with a medical condition, people over 95, and those with serious mobility or seasickness concerns should check with the operator before booking.

Is $170 good value?

I would call the price fair for the right kind of day. You receive nearly six and a half hours onboard, a small-group setting, two meals, unlimited listed drinks, professional crew, and a clean modern catamaran. Buying those elements separately would add up quickly.

The value drops if you mainly want a short swim and a lot of snorkeling. A cheaper boat may get you to the water faster, while this cruise spends substantial time sailing. You are paying for comfort, food, service, and the whole mood of the day.

The strongest value comes for couples, families, and small groups who want a polished outing with no need to pack their own lunch or rent water gear. It is also a good choice for people who enjoy a glass of wine and a proper meal as much as they enjoy swimming.

What to pack for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a passport or ID copy. Towels and personal care items are not supplied.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring the medication or remedy you normally use. Avoid arriving dehydrated, and consider choosing a seat near the center of the boat during the longer crossings.

Tell the crew ahead of time about allergies, vegetarian needs, children’s meals, birthdays, or anniversaries. The boat has a WC, outdoor shower, life jackets, feminine hygiene products, and Wi-Fi, but you should not count on private cabins. Cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed.

Should you book this Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, food-focused day with swimming and a little adventure in a comfortable setting. The outstanding points are the friendly service, generous meals, open bar, clean boat, and plenty of deck space.

Think twice if you dislike long boat crossings, struggle with motion, or want several snorkeling locations. The sea stop can be beautiful, but marine life and water conditions vary, and the route may include more sailing than you expect.

For a birthday, anniversary, family outing, or first premium catamaran experience from Rethymno, I think it is a strong choice. Just book it for the complete experience: sailing, lunch, drinks, music, and time on the water, not as a fast route to a beach.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about 6.5 hours. The outward and return sailing sections each take about 105 minutes, with approximately 2.75 hours at the swimming and activity stop.

Where does the catamaran go?

The cruise sails from Rethymno toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. The destination depends on weather and sea conditions.

Is food included?

Yes. The experience includes welcome refreshments, a light healthy brunch, local snacks, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch with dessert. Seasonal menus may include salads, pasta, seafood, chicken, vegetarian dishes, and Cretan specialties.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, Cretan white wine, espresso, and tea are included. Cocktails and alcohol outside the listed selection cost extra and are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and a pink flamingo float are provided. Fishing equipment is available on request.

What should I bring to the boat?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card, with a copy accepted. Hotel transfers and towels are not included in the standard package.