Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

Blue water, good food, and room to stretch out. This Rethymno catamaran cruise combines a scenic sail with a healthy Cretan lunch, unlimited drinks, and a quiet swim stop near Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. I like the spacious boat and the unusually thoughtful menu, with espresso, detox water, a protein cocktail, and food prepared with fresh local ingredients.

I also like the small-group feel, with no more than 25 people and plenty of shaded seating. The main drawback is the long sailing time: you spend about 105 minutes going out and another 105 minutes returning, so the swimming stop may feel short if you want a full afternoon in the water. Seasickness can also be an issue, even on a calm day.

Quick take: what makes this cruise worth considering

• Healthy food is the main surprise: A nutritionist-designed brunch and Mediterranean lunch offer more than the usual boat-trip sandwiches.
• The catamaran has breathing room: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, onboard toilet, and Wi-Fi make the long sail more comfortable.
• The drinks are genuinely included: Water, soft drinks, local beer, Cretan white wine, espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are available.
• Water equipment is ready to use: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, a pink flamingo float, and fishing gear are provided.
• The destination can change: Weather determines whether the boat heads toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta.
• This is best for a full, relaxed day: It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who value food and comfort as much as swimming.

Starting at Rethymno Marina with coffee and Cretan snacks

Your day begins at Rethymno Marina, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, but hotel transfers are not part of the standard price. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from selected areas, including Bali Village, if you choose the appropriate option.

Boarding starts with a friendly welcome and a short safety briefing. The opening refreshments are a nice touch: espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein shake give the morning a more polished feel than the standard orange juice and biscuit routine.

You will also receive local snacks and a light breakfast bowl. The exact menu changes, but the aim is to offer a proper, balanced start before the boat heads out. If you have a food allergy, dietary need, or need a children’s meal, tell the crew in advance. A separate pasta dish was prepared for one passenger with a shellfish allergy, showing that the staff can be flexible when they know ahead of time.

105 minutes along Crete’s rocky coast

The first sail lasts about 105 minutes. That is not a short transfer, so your enjoyment depends on how much you like being on the water. I see this as a scenic part of the experience, not dead time. You can settle onto a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, listen to soft music, and watch the rocky coast pass by.

The modern catamaran helps here. Its two hulls give it a broad, steady feel, and the open deck provides more space than a small motorboat. The boat is limited to a maximum of 25 people, though some departures have had closer to 15 or 20. That leaves room to move around and reduces the packed-in feeling common on popular sea trips.

There is not endless shade, so bring a hat and use the covered areas during the hottest part of summer. One useful point from the experience is that even a large, clean boat cannot remove the motion of the sea. A few people have felt queasy on calm days, while rougher conditions have caused more trouble. If you are prone to seasickness, ask the crew for advice before departure and consider bringing your usual remedy.

Music plays throughout the cruise, generally at a level that creates a pleasant mood without making conversation impossible. The atmosphere is more relaxed lunch cruise than party boat. You can enjoy a drink, read, chat with your group, or simply watch the water.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta: the swimming stop

The boat sails toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, with the final choice based on weather and sea conditions. Both areas offer clear water and attractive coastal views, but you should not expect a fixed destination every time you book.

The main stop lasts about two hours and 45 minutes. The crew serves gourmet bites first, then prepares the water equipment. You can use the SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, and inflatable noodles. The pink flamingo float adds a playful touch, especially for photos, while fishing equipment is available by request.

This is the most active part of the day. You can paddle across the bay, swim from the back of the catamaran, or use the snorkeling gear to look for fish. Some conditions have produced excellent visibility and plenty of marine life, including reports of sea turtles, dolphins, jellyfish, flying fish, and schools of smaller fish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, and the quality of snorkeling can vary sharply from one stop to another.

That is the main weakness of the cruise. Some swimming spots have been beautiful but deep, with limited underwater scenery. Strong currents can also make swimming harder. A few people would have preferred a second cove or more time in the water instead of such a long outward and return sail.

If your first priority is serious snorkeling, this may not be the best choice. If you want a comfortable boat, clear water, some easy water sports, and time to relax, the stop works well. The crew supplies flotation aids, which is useful for less confident swimmers and children who meet the age requirements.

A nutritionist-designed lunch on the back deck

Lunch is the strongest part of the food program. The menu is created by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh, local, biological, and organic ingredients from a Cretan farm. That does not mean the food is austere or overly health-focused. The meal is Mediterranean, generous, and designed to suit different tastes.

Past menus have included fresh salads, orzo, mussels, prawns, chicken, pita bread, pasta with tomato sauce, avocado salad, cheese, and seasonal desserts. One meal included grilled orange chicken, seafood, several salads, and assorted sweets. The precise menu changes with the season, but the crew aims to provide a proper restaurant-style lunch rather than a token buffet.

Vegetarian options are available, and lighter meals or children’s portions can be requested. If you have an allergy, contact the operator before you board rather than waiting until lunch. That gives the kitchen time to prepare safely.

The setting adds a lot. You eat with the sea in front of you, usually after working up an appetite in the water. Food is cooked and served onboard, and portions appear generous enough for seconds. The balance here is good: enough care for people who want fresh, nutritious food, but enough flavor and variety for anyone who simply wants a satisfying Greek meal.

Open bar, without the surprise bill

The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and the protein cocktail are also part of the included service. Crew members keep an eye on drink levels and offer refills, which makes the cruise feel genuinely all-inclusive.

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside that selection cost extra and are not included. Red wine is not allowed, and glass objects are prohibited. Smoking is not permitted indoors.

The drinks matter because the boat spends nearly seven hours away from the port. On a shorter trip, paying separately for each bottle may not matter much. Here, the included drinks help justify part of the $170 price, especially if you would otherwise buy several drinks during a long day in the sun.

What the $170 price really buys you

At $170 per person, this is not a budget sailing trip. You are paying for more than transport to a swimming cove. The price covers a modern catamaran, professional crew, brunch, a freshly prepared lunch, an open bar, water equipment, insurance, Wi-Fi, and a smaller group.

The value improves if you plan to use the boat’s full offering. Eat the brunch and lunch, use the SUP and snorkeling gear, enjoy the drinks, and make the most of the shaded and sunny seating. If you only want a quick swim and a basic coastal sail, cheaper excursions may suit you better.

The boat’s size is part of the value. Several departures have felt uncrowded, with enough deck space for people to spread out. Families can sit together, couples can find a quieter corner, and active swimmers can use the equipment without the whole boat feeling chaotic.

Still, the experience is not private unless you select a private-group option. The maximum group size is 25, and the actual number depends on the departure. If your group is large, tell the operator everyone’s names so you can be seated together, especially when more than one boat leaves at the same time.

The return sail and the shape of the day

After lunch and more time in the water, you can dry off on deck and settle in for the return journey. The sailing back takes another 105 minutes. On suitable days, the crew may raise the sails, giving you a quieter and more classic sailing experience.

This return leg is lovely if you enjoy an unhurried afternoon. It can feel long if you are tired, sunburned, or eager to get back to shore. Bring a book, a hat, and a light layer. The sea breeze can feel cooler later in the day.

The cruise lasts 390 minutes in total, or six and a half hours. Return drop-off options cover several places around Rethymno and nearby resorts, including Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Panormos, Bali, Georgioupoli, Skaleta, Sfakaki, Stavromenos, and Paralia Kourna. Confirm your chosen option when booking, since standard hotel transport is not automatically included.

Who will enjoy the Karina most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a polished day at sea rather than a fast, activity-heavy excursion. It is especially well suited to:

• Couples who want food, wine, scenery, and an easy swim
• Families who value shade, flotation aids, and a proper meal
• Small groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary
• First-time catamaran sailors who want attentive crew support
• People who enjoy paddleboarding and casual snorkeling
• Anyone who prefers a small group over a packed excursion boat

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive. They help with equipment, keep drinks topped up, and respond quickly when someone feels unwell. For special occasions, the operator can provide a complimentary branded gift if you arrange it in advance.

I would be more cautious if you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, are over 95, or are bringing a child under two. The operator also advises checking conditions if you have mobility concerns or are prone to seasickness. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

You need a passport or ID card, or a copy, because port authorities require each passenger’s full name, birth date, identification number, and nationality. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels and sunscreen are not supplied.

Final verdict: book it for comfort, food, and a calm day afloat

I would book this cruise if the idea of a long, comfortable sail appeals to you. The best features are the spacious catamaran, unusually good food, generous drinks, and crew who take personal care of the day. The clear Cretan water and chance of seeing turtles or dolphins are welcome bonuses.

I would skip it if your main goal is several snorkeling sites or nonstop time in the water. The single main stop can be excellent, but conditions vary, and the long sailing legs take up much of the six-and-a-half-hour schedule.

For most visitors looking for a premium day from Rethymno, the $170 price is defensible. You are buying a full meal service, open drinks, equipment, space, and a more relaxed pace. Pack carefully, arrive early, and accept that the sea chooses the final swimming bay.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours.

Where does the cruise begin?

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

Where does the catamaran go?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a light healthy brunch and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. The menu changes with the season and may include seafood, salads, pasta, chicken, pita, and dessert.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and a pink flamingo float are included. Fishing gear is available by request.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price, though pickup and drop-off can be arranged from selected areas if you choose the appropriate option.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your identification document is accepted.

Can the cruise be canceled because of bad weather?

Yes. The cruise depends on sea and weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsuitable. Cancellation up to 24 hours before departure qualifies for a full refund.