Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

What makes this Rethymno catamaran day special is the mix of sunbed comfort plus real water time, without turning it into a checklist tour. You start with a nutritionist-style breakfast bowl and end with a Mediterranean lunch, then you get to play in Georgioupoli Bay with SUP, snorkeling gear, and even an inflatable pink flamingo.

Two things I especially like: the food feels intentional (espresso, detox water, protein shake, then a healthy brunch plus lunch) and the crew runs a smooth, on-time day that keeps you feeling safe and looked after. The possible drawback to keep in mind is that the sailing to the anchor area takes a bit, so the actual water and swim window can feel shorter if you’re hoping for nonstop time in the sea.

If you want a relaxed half-day at sea that still gives you active options, this is a strong pick. And if you’re picky about music volume or long activity blocks, plan to be flexible once you’re anchored.

Key Highlights Worth Booking for

• Nutritionist-led food flow, from a light brunch at departure to a full Cretan lunch
• Open bar that’s simple and included, with Greek beer and Cretan white wine
• Big play list in the water: SUP, snorkeling masks and fins, inflatable noodles, plus fishing gear by request
• Comfort-focused boat setup with sunbeds, shaded lounges, Wi-Fi, and onboard WC plus outdoor shower
• Small-group feel with a max of 25 people, so moving around on deck feels easy
• Very attentive crew service, including fast help once you’re set on board

Rethymno Port Start: Welcome Drinks, Then Food That Sets the Tone

The day kicks off at DanEri Yachts, in Rethymno. You meet right at Sofokli Venizelou 37, and the cruise starts at 9:30 am. From the start, the crew makes it feel organized, not chaotic. You’re not standing around waiting for someone to tell you what’s next.

First comes the welcome. Depending on what you want, you can start with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake. Then you get a light breakfast bowl made to be “healthy-forward.” The important part here is that it gives you fuel for sun and sea without bogging you down. It’s a smart move because you’ll likely be in swimwear or planning to change right away.

I also like the pacing of the start. You get fed early, then you can settle onto the deck for the sail. If you’re the type who gets grumpy when food comes hours later, this solves that.

Modern Catamaran Comfort: Shade, Sunbeds, and Space to Breathe

This is a modern luxury catamaran, not a cramped party boat. You get sunbeds and shaded lounges, plus an onboard layout that makes it easy to rotate between lounging and getting your gear ready. With a maximum of 25 travelers, it doesn’t feel like you have to squeeze past people to get to the water.

Practical win: there’s onboard WC and an outdoor shower. That matters more than it sounds, especially when you come back sandy, salty, and sun-warmed. You’ll appreciate having a quick reset before the return sail.

Also included: music and free Wi-Fi on board. Wi-Fi on a catamaran can be hit-or-miss in many places, but having it available is useful for messaging, downloading offline maps, or checking in with family before you head back.

The Cruise Along Crete’s North Coast: Easy Sailing, Low Stress

Once you’re cruising, the mood shifts quickly. You can stretch out on deck, find shade, and just watch the coast slide by. The schedule is built so you don’t feel rushed, and the crew keeps things moving at a calm pace.

On the way toward Georgioupoli Bay, you’ll have a few drink options while you’re settling in, including detox water or a protein smoothie. That’s a nice touch if you don’t want the whole day to be built around coffee or alcohol.

One thing I’d plan around mentally: this is not a “go straight to swimming in 20 minutes” situation. There is some travel time before anchoring. If you’re hoping for the earliest possible water stop, give yourself patience.

Georgioupoli Bay Arrival: Swim Time That Feels Like Vacation Mode

When you arrive in Georgioupoli Bay, it’s time to switch from lounging to playing. The crew sets you up, and you get a set of gourmet bites with local flavors before you jump in. It’s a good handoff, because it lets people who want to swim immediately still have something to nibble, while others can browse the water toys first.

This is also when you’ll see how the boat is equipped for different comfort levels:

• SUP boards for paddling across the bay
• Snorkeling gear, including high-quality masks and fins
• Swimming jackets
• Inflatable noodles for comfort
• An inflatable flamingo for people who want to look ridiculous while staying buoyant, which is most people

You can also request fishing gear. It’s described as a complete set for a gentle fishing experience, which sounds like the kind of activity that’s meant to be relaxed, not competitive.

A pro tip from how the day tends to run: set your expectations that your main swim block is substantial, but not endless. One common pattern is that you’ll have around a couple of hours anchored for swimming and paddling. That’s enough for snorkeling if you’re careful and don’t spend all your time admiring the sky.

Lunch on Board: Cretan Flavors, Fresh Ingredients, and a Nutritionist Touch

After the water time, you come back to a delicious Cretan lunch. This is not “sandwich on a boat” energy. It’s described as freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch designed by a nutritionist, using fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm.

What I like about the way this is positioned is that it feels like you’re being fed properly, not just kept busy. You get a satisfying meal after being out in the sun, and it’s structured so you still feel light enough to enjoy the second half of the day.

If you’re tracking value: lunch here is a big part of what you’re paying for. In many coastal boat trips, you either get a snack or you get lunch but without the full drink setup. Here, lunch and drinks are both part of the package, and that reduces the “surprise costs” that can happen later.

And yes, dessert may appear as part of the food service rhythm. The day is built as a sequence: brunch early, bites at arrival, then the main lunch.

Open Bar Details: Included Beer and White Wine, Not a Full Cocktail Bar

The open bar includes unlimited water and soft drinks, plus Greek beer and Cretan white wine. That’s a clear, simple lineup. So if your ideal day includes a constant parade of specific cocktails, this isn’t the right match. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond the open bar selection aren’t included.

Still, for most people, this is exactly what you want on a sea day. Beer and white wine are easy to drink with lunch, and the unlimited format means you can pace yourself instead of tracking each round.

If you’re someone who likes to start drinking right at the moment you drop anchor, keep in mind that the day runs in crew-managed phases. It’s not always instant like a bar that’s already staffed for a concert. Plan to get your first drink once you’re settled on board.

Group Size and Crew Service: Why the Day Feels Safe and Effortless

The standout vibe on this cruise is how taken care of you feel. The crew is professional and attentive. You get clear explanations from the captain about how the trip works, and the assistant and deckhand keep checking what people need once you’re underway and when you’re getting ready to swim.

I find that this type of service matters most during water activities. Snorkeling gear and SUP boards are only helpful if people know how to use them, where to go, and what to watch for. Here, the crew setup is part of the value: you spend less energy figuring out logistics and more energy actually enjoying the sea.

Also, the boat is kept clean and well organized. That seems like a small detail, but it changes how comfortable you feel in sun and salt all afternoon.

What to Bring (and What You Don’t Need to Worry About)

You don’t have to bring the heavy gear. Towel and personal care items are not included, and sunscreen is also not included, so plan those basics. You’ll want to bring:

• Sunscreen
• A towel for after you swim
• Personal items you usually pack for sun and bathroom breaks

Everything else for water fun is provided: life jackets, snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, plus the SUP boards and other fun inflatables.

Wear whatever you can swim in comfortably. Many people wear swimwear under coverups and change quickly once on board. Since there’s an outdoor shower, you won’t need to scrub the salt off by memory.

Is This Worth $174.98? Value Math That Actually Helps

At $174.98 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re getting:

• A modern catamaran with sun and shade
• Healthy brunch and a full Cretan lunch
• Unlimited drinks that include beer and Cretan white wine
• SUP and snorkeling equipment
• Added extras like fishing gear by request, inflatable noodles, and the flamingo

When you price this out yourself, the value becomes clearer. If you were to separately book equipment, arrange lunch, and then add a drink option, the cost often jumps fast. Here, food and water activities are bundled into the cruise, which makes the day feel predictable.

This is not the cheapest way to sail in Crete. But it is one of the more “all-in” ways to spend a half-day at sea without having to plan a bunch of extras.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Fits Best

This is a great match if you want a calm day with structure. You get anchored swim time plus gear options, and you’re not stuck just watching waves from a seat.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples and small groups who want a relaxed pace and room on deck
• People who care about food quality, not just snacks
• Anyone who likes water activities but doesn’t want the hassle of renting equipment

It might be less ideal if:

• You want maximum time in the water with minimal sailing time
• You require very loud music the whole time you’re anchored
• You’re hoping for a wider cocktail menu beyond the included beer and white wine

Quick Reality Check on Timing

The cruise starts at 9:30 am, and it returns you back to the same meeting point. The day is long enough to feel like a full outing, but it’s not an all-day multi-stop adventure. If you’re the type who counts minutes for swimming, plan around that main anchored period and enjoy the rest of the time as sailing and relaxing.

Weather matters too. The experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you should expect an alternate date or a refund rather than forcing it.

Should You Book the Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

If you want a healthy, food-forward catamaran day with a real open bar and easy water activities, I’d book it. The combination of nutritionist-style meals, included SUP and snorkeling gear, and a crew that keeps the day running smoothly makes it feel like a balanced use of time in Crete.

Book it with confidence if you like relaxing at sea but still want the option to paddle, snorkel, and swim in clear water. Skip it or manage expectations if you’re chasing maximum hours anchored in the bay, or if you want cocktails beyond beer and Cretan white wine.

In short: this is a “good day, done right” kind of cruise.

FAQ

What time does the Rethymno catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at 9:30 am and runs for about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the tour in Rethymno?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 25 travelers.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

Unlimited drinks include water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond that selection are not included.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. You get snorkeling gear, including high-quality masks and fins, plus life jackets and swimming jackets.

Does the cruise include Wi-Fi and bathroom access?

Yes. There is music and free Wi-Fi on board, and there is an onboard WC plus an outdoor shower.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.