Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best Cretan days happen at sea. This private catamaran cruise from Rethymno combines open-water views, a cooked Mediterranean lunch, unlimited drinks, and a relaxed stop at Ombros Gialos Bay. You sail with your own group rather than sharing the boat with strangers, which makes the six-and-a-half-hour outing feel personal from the start.

I especially like the fresh lunch cooked onboard and the generous choice of activities, from snorkeling and fishing to stand-up paddleboarding and floating in the bay. I also like the easy pace: there is plenty of time to sit in the sun, listen to your own music, and enjoy local wine or cold beer. The main consideration is price. At $2,239 for a group of up to 10, this is a serious splurge unless you can share the cost with family or friends.

Key Points Before You Book

• Private sailing from Rethymno: You have the catamaran for your own group, with an experienced crew and no shared-tour crowd.
• Ombros Gialos Bay stop: The main swimming stop offers snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, SUP boards, and inflatable floats.
• Lunch is prepared onboard: Seafood, meat, vegetables, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade summer dessert make this more than a standard boat picnic.
• Drinks are included: Unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are served during the cruise.
• Good family provisions: Children can have a special meal, and the boat carries life jackets, arm floaties, inflatables, and a box of toys.
• Allow a full half-day: The cruise lasts 6.5 hours, with about 105 minutes of sailing each way and roughly 2.25 hours at the swimming stop.

Leaving Rethymno Marina in Comfort

Your day begins at the Marina of Rethymno. A crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt meets you 15 minutes before departure, so do not cut the timing too close. The marina has a municipal car park, which is useful if you are staying nearby and arriving by rental car.

The first part of the outing is calm and practical. You receive a safety briefing, then settle in with welcome refreshments, fresh coffee, tea, and traditional Greek pies. This small opening touch matters. It gives you time to get comfortable, ask questions, and learn where the equipment is before the boat gets moving.

The catamaran is described as one of Crete’s newer, premium-class boats. The useful point for you is space. A catamaran generally gives you several areas to sit or stretch out, rather than one narrow deck where everyone competes for room. The boat also has onboard Wi-Fi and music, with the option to use your own soundtrack.

The crew speaks English and includes Red Cross-certified staff. That does not remove the normal risks of being on open water, but it is reassuring when children are swimming or using the paddleboards. Life jackets are provided, along with arm floaties and other inflatables.

The 105-Minute Sail Along Crete’s Coast

The first sailing section lasts about 105 minutes. This is not just transport to the swimming stop. It is a large part of the experience, so think of the cruise as a day on the water rather than a short boat ride with a quick swim attached.

You can use this time in several ways. Sit back with coffee, tea, wine, or beer. Take in the rugged Cretan coast and bright sea. Listen to music. Use the Wi-Fi to share photographs while you still have a signal. Or simply let the boat carry you away from the noise of town.

The scenery is the main attraction during this stretch. You see the coast from a different angle, with open sea in front of you and Rethymno gradually behind you. The supplied plan includes scenic views and sailing time, but it does not promise a guided commentary or named sightseeing stops along the route. If you want a history lecture or a long list of landmarks, this is probably not the right boat trip.

Instead, the appeal is comfort and freedom. You are not following a packed schedule of short stops. You have a long period to settle into the rhythm of the sea, which can be especially pleasant for couples, families, and groups celebrating a birthday or another special occasion.

Ombros Gialos Bay: Two Hours to Swim and Play

The main stop is Ombros Gialos Bay, described as having clear turquoise water and a quiet setting. The planned stop lasts about 2.25 hours, giving you enough time to swim, eat, and try the water equipment without rushing from one activity to the next.

Snorkeling gear is included. The bay gives you a chance to look beneath the surface, although the experience will naturally depend on the day’s water clarity and weather. You can also use the fishing gear provided onboard. No particular catch or fishing instruction is promised, so treat this as a casual extra rather than a dedicated fishing trip.

The SUP boards are another good option. If you have never used one, you can paddle along the shoreline at your own pace. The inflatable flamingo and other floats offer an easier choice for anyone who would rather lounge than work at balancing on a board.

There is a practical point here: the activities are optional. You can swim, paddle, snorkel, fish, float, or stay on deck. That makes the cruise work well for mixed groups where some people want activity and others prefer sun and conversation.

The bay is also where weather matters most. The cruise can be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions, and rough water can affect how enjoyable the swimming stop feels. You should bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, and expect the open deck to offer strong sun exposure.

A Fresh Mediterranean Lunch on the Catamaran

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The meal is prepared onboard using local ingredients, rather than being handed over as a basic packed meal.

The menu includes seafood, meat, vegetable dishes, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade summer dessert. That range is helpful for groups with different tastes. One person can choose seafood while another sticks with meat or vegetables, and children have a special meal option.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available upon request. You should make that request when booking, not after you step onto the boat. The description does not give a fixed menu, so the exact dishes may change according to the available ingredients and the day’s preparation.

The local cheese and regional food add a welcome Cretan touch. You are not simply eating while moving between two points. You are being served a meal that connects the cruise to the island’s food traditions, with the sea as your dining room.

Unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Coffee and tea are also offered, beginning with the welcome refreshments. The alcohol arrangement suits a relaxed adult group, but remember that you are on a boat with swimming and paddleboarding available. Pace yourself, especially before using the equipment.

Sailing Back to Rethymno After Lunch

After lunch and the water activities, the catamaran begins the 105-minute return sail to Rethymno. This is usually the quietest part of the day. You have already reached the bay, eaten, and tried the equipment, so the return journey gives you time to enjoy the views without feeling that you need to do anything else.

I like this structure. The tour does not cram in several different ports or force you to keep moving. You get a long outward sail, a substantial stop, and a long ride back. That can feel wonderfully unhurried, though anyone who dislikes extended time at sea should understand the timetable before booking.

Music and Wi-Fi give the return trip a little flexibility. You can play your own selections, send photographs, or simply sit with another drink and watch the coast. The crew remains available throughout the day, with the focus on personal service rather than a large-group entertainment program.

The boat returns to the Marina of Rethymno. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but transfer service can be arranged for an additional fee. If you are not staying close to the marina, ask about that service before finalizing your plans.

What the $2,239 Price Really Buys

The listed cost is $2,239 for a private group of up to 10 people. That works out to about $224 per person if you fill every place. For 10 people, the price is easier to justify because it covers the boat, crew, lunch, drinks, equipment, and a full 6.5 hours on the water.

For two people, the same total becomes a major luxury purchase. The value rests on privacy and service, not on getting the cheapest possible boat ride. You are paying to control the group, use a premium catamaran, eat a freshly prepared meal, and spend the day without strangers sharing your deck.

The price also makes more sense for a family reunion, birthday, anniversary, or group of friends willing to split the bill. A past booking included a group of 17, but the stated capacity for this experience is up to 10, so you should not assume that larger groups will be accepted under the same terms. Ask the operator directly if your party is bigger.

Two verified ratings gave the cruise five stars. One July booking praised the service, food, and whole day, and said the group planned to return to Greece and book again. A September booking also highlighted the kind staff, food, and wine. The consistent praise centers on the core package: attentive service, a satisfying meal, and a pleasant day at sea.

Still, there are limits. You do not get hotel transport as part of the basic price. You also need to supply your own towel and sunscreen. And while the boat has Wi-Fi, signal strength can change at sea, so do not treat it as a guaranteed office connection.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

This is best for a group that values privacy, comfort, and time on the water. It suits families because of the child meal option, toys, floaties, and life jackets. It also suits adults celebrating a special event who want lunch and drinks handled for them.

It is a good fit for mixed-age groups. Active people can use the snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and SUP boards. Anyone who wants a quieter day can remain on deck with a book, music, coffee, or wine.

I would think twice if you want a fast sightseeing trip, a low-cost excursion, or a tightly organized tour with many land stops. The schedule is built around sailing, swimming, eating, and relaxing. That is its strength, but it is not designed for a full tour of Crete’s coastal sights.

Pregnant people should not book this activity. The cruise is also subject to weather conditions, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Practical Details That Make the Day Easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identification card. A copy of the passport or ID card is accepted. Port authorities require the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for each person when you book, so have those details ready.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure and look for the crew member wearing a DanEri shirt. If you are driving, the marina’s municipal car park is convenient. If you need a transfer, request it in advance because it costs extra.

Dietary requests should also be made before the cruise. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on request, while a special meal can be prepared for children.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging the rest of your Crete itinerary. Weather can cause a change or cancellation, so avoid scheduling an important flight or fixed event immediately afterward.

Is the Rethymno Catamaran Cruise Worth Booking?

Book it if you can fill much of the boat and want a private day built around good food, swimming, and easy sailing. The strongest parts are the cooked Mediterranean lunch, unlimited drinks, large selection of water equipment, and the freedom to set the pace with your own group.

Think carefully if your party is small or your budget is limited. At $2,239, this is not a bargain excursion. It becomes much better value when divided among eight to 10 people, especially for a celebration or a family day.

My practical call: book this for privacy and comfort, not for sightseeing quantity. If that sounds like your ideal day in Crete, the combination of Ombros Gialos Bay, local food, attentive crew, and a spacious catamaran makes it a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the Marina of Rethymno in Crete.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before departure. A crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt will meet you at the marina.

How long does the cruise last?

The full experience lasts 6.5 hours.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. It is a private group experience, with a price covering a group of up to 10 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Mediterranean lunch with seafood, meat, vegetables, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade summer dessert is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Coffee and tea are also available.

Are vegetarian or special meals available?

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. A special meal option is also available for children.

What activities are available at the swimming stop?

You can use snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, stand-up paddleboards, arm floaties, and inflatable floats.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Transfer service is available for an additional fee.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identification card. A copy of the passport or ID card is accepted.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant people?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.