Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

Crete looks best from the water. This 390-minute catamaran outing combines a comfortable boat, a generous open bar, and a fresh Cretan lunch prepared with organic local ingredients. I especially like the spacious layout, with sunbeds and shaded seating, and the easy mix of swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and simply watching the coast slide by.

The crew receives consistently high praise for friendly, attentive service, and the boat never feels like a bare-bones day trip. The main catch is the long sailing time to and from the swimming area, so you should book this for the whole package, not for a quick snorkeling session. At $170 per person, it is a premium outing, but the food, drinks, equipment, and smaller group help explain the price.

Key points at a glance

• A 6.5-hour sea day: You spend about 105 minutes sailing each way, with roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes at the swimming stop.
• Nutritionist-planned food: The day begins with a light brunch and continues with a generous Mediterranean lunch made from fresh Cretan ingredients.
• Open bar included: Water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are available.
• Comfortable catamaran layout: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, music, and Wi-Fi make the long sailing sections easier.
• Water gear for different ages: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, noodles, a pink flamingo float, and fishing gear are provided.
• Weather shapes the route: The boat may sail to Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on sea conditions.

What the $170 price really buys you

At first glance, $170 is a lot for a day on the water. You can find cheaper boat trips around Crete, but they may offer a more crowded boat, fewer included drinks, or a simpler meal. Here, the price covers nearly the entire day once you board: food, wine, beer, soft drinks, equipment, and the crew’s service.

The boat carries a maximum of 25 people, though some departures have had closer to 15 passengers. That matters. You have more room to find a comfortable seat, and the water equipment is less likely to become a scramble. A group of six or nine can also be seated together, but tell the operator who is traveling with you, since two boats may leave at the same time.

The strongest value comes if you plan to eat, drink, and use the water equipment. If you only want a short sail and one swim, the price will feel harder to justify. If you want an all-day outing with lunch and drinks already handled, it becomes a more reasonable splurge.

Boarding at Rethymno Marina

You need to arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. The boat is the sailing catamaran Karina, and the crew wears DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which is useful if you are driving yourself.

The welcome begins with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. There is also a short safety briefing and a selection of local snacks. This opening is practical rather than rushed, giving you time to get settled before the boat heads away from the port.

Bring your passport or identity card, or a copy. Port authorities require every passenger’s full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number before cruise permission can be issued. You also receive a QR code by email the day before departure, which serves as your ticket.

Hotel transportation is not part of the standard price. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged for selected areas, including Bali Village, if you choose the correct option. If you are staying elsewhere, plan your own way to the marina.

The first 105 minutes: settling into the catamaran

The first sailing section is a big part of the experience. You will not reach the swimming stop immediately, so use this time to enjoy the boat rather than watch the clock.

The catamaran has sunbeds and shaded lounge areas, giving you a choice between full sun and shelter. That choice matters in the hot months, although shade is not unlimited. If you burn easily, claim a shaded spot early and bring your own sunscreen and hat.

Soft music plays throughout the day, creating a pleasant holiday mood without making conversation difficult. Several people particularly appreciate that the atmosphere stays social rather than turning into a loud party. Free Wi-Fi is also available, though the reason to book this trip is clearly the sea views, not a strong internet connection.

The morning food is intentionally light. You might receive a breakfast bowl, local snacks, cakes, or similar seasonal items, along with coffee and the protein drink. The exact menu changes, but the goal is to give you something useful before the main meal without making you feel heavy on the water.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the sailing time seriously. Calm conditions can still feel uncomfortable for some people, and a few passengers have needed help even on relatively smooth days. The crew has assisted people with nausea and offered practical advice, but you should speak with the operator before booking if this is a concern.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta: the main water stop

The destination depends on the weather. The boat may head toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, both selected for clear water and attractive coastal views. This flexibility is sensible because the sea around Crete can change quickly, and the safest or calmest bay is not always the same from day to day.

The main stop lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The crew serves snacks while preparing the water equipment, then you can choose your own pace. SUP boards are available for a steady glide across the surface, while masks and fins let you look for fish near the boat. Swim jackets and inflatable noodles are useful if you prefer support in the water.

The pink flamingo float adds a bit of harmless holiday silliness and makes an easy photo prop. Fishing gear is available on request, and children can use a box of toys if you ask in advance. An outdoor shower lets you rinse off saltwater before lunch.

The swimming area can be wonderful, with turquoise water and plenty of fish on a good day. Sea turtles, dolphins, and flying fish have occasionally been spotted, but these are lucky encounters, not part of the promise. Snorkeling conditions also vary. Some days offer schools of fish and clear water, while other stops are deep and have less marine life to see.

This is the main limitation of the itinerary. You spend 210 minutes sailing in total, but only one principal swimming stop is guaranteed. Several people would prefer a second cove or more time in the water. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask about the expected route and conditions before you commit.

Lunch on deck, with a Cretan point of view

Lunch is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise. The meal is prepared onboard using fresh local, biological, and organic ingredients sourced from a Cretan farm. A certified nutritionist helps plan the menu, so the emphasis is on balanced Mediterranean food rather than the usual pile of fried snacks.

The exact dishes change with the season. Past meals have included Greek salad, fresh salads, orzo, mussels, prawns, pasta, grilled chicken, pita, cheese, and assorted desserts. The food is served after the water activities, when you are ready for something substantial, and portions are generous enough that seconds may be available.

You can expect a meal with variety rather than one fixed plate. Seafood may feature, but vegetarian choices and lighter options are available. Special children’s meals can be requested onboard, and you should mention allergies or dietary needs in advance. The crew has prepared a separate pasta dish for a passenger with a shellfish allergy, but advance notice is still the smart move.

The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso, tea, and detox waters are also included. Cocktails and alcohol outside that selection cost extra, and red wine is not allowed onboard.

The lunch setting is part of the appeal. You eat with the sea around you, often while the boat is anchored in a quiet bay. It feels closer to a relaxed restaurant meal than a packed excursion buffet, though the menu is still shaped by what the crew can prepare on a catamaran.

The return sail and the rhythm of the day

After lunch, you can return to the sunbeds, stay under the shade, or use the water equipment again. The final 105-minute sailing section gives the day a slow finish instead of sending you straight back to the port after the meal.

Depending on the weather and wind, the crew may raise the sails. That is one of the more memorable moments, especially when the engine quiets and the boat moves under sail. Keep an eye on the water during the return. Dolphins and flying fish have been spotted, though there is no guarantee of wildlife.

The route finishes at Rethymno Marina, with optional drop-off points serving areas such as Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Panormos, Georgioupoli, and several other locations. Confirm your selected option carefully, since hotel transfers are not automatically included.

The crew and the feel onboard

The crew is the most consistently praised part of this experience. Service is attentive without being stiff, with drink refills, help with equipment, and quick support when someone feels unwell. The atmosphere is friendly and warm, which makes a difference during a long day in a shared space.

English and Greek are spoken onboard. Private groups are available, which may suit a family celebration or a group of friends who want more control over the day. Birthday and anniversary guests can request a complimentary branded gift in advance.

The boat is described as clean, modern, and well maintained. It has an onboard WC, outdoor shower, life jackets, shaded areas, and room to move around. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and smoking indoors is prohibited. Glass objects, pets, drugs, and touching marine life are also not permitted.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a polished, relaxed sea day rather than a basic transfer to a beach. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and small groups who value good food, drinks, comfort, and friendly service.

It is also a good fit if you like having choices. You can paddleboard, snorkel, swim, fish, float on the flamingo, or do absolutely nothing on a sunbed. The cruise does not force you into one activity.

You should think twice if you dislike long periods at sea, get motion sickness easily, or want several snorkeling locations. Pregnant people, anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, and people over 95 are listed as unsuitable for the activity. Families with children under two should check with the operator before booking, and minors cannot travel unaccompanied.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels and personal care items are not included. The boat is weather-dependent, so the route may change or the cruise may be rescheduled if conditions are poor.

Should you book the Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused day with a smaller group, open bar, and several ways to enjoy the sea. The best parts are the spacious catamaran, genuinely generous lunch, attentive crew, and clear-water swimming stop.

Skip it if your main goal is intensive snorkeling or the lowest possible price. The sailing time is substantial, and one swimming area may not satisfy serious underwater explorers.

For most visitors who want one special day on the Cretan coast, I think the package earns its premium price. Just arrive early, provide all passenger details in advance, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the snorkeling as one part of the day rather than its entire purpose.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about 6.5 hours.

Where does the cruise begin?

Boarding takes place at Rethymno Marina. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes local snacks, a light healthy brunch, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. Drinks include water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins, SUP boards, swim jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included. Fishing gear is available on request.

Which destination will the boat visit?

The boat sails to either Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Do I need to bring a towel?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The activity can also be booked with a reserve-now, pay-later option.