Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best Crete days end in the water. This private catamaran cruise leaves Rethymno for a calm bay near Georgioupoli, pairing swimming and snorkeling with a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch, open bar, and plenty of room to relax. I especially like the private setting for groups of up to 15 and the fact that the crew handles the meal while you enjoy the sea.

I also like the useful mix of activities: snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, an inflatable flamingo, music, and WiFi are all included. The main thing to consider is the price. At $2,643.35 per group, it makes the most sense for a large family or group of friends. One swimming location is the main water stop, so you may want more variety if you prefer several coastal stops.

Key points at a glance

• A private catamaran for up to 15 people: Your group does not share the boat with strangers, which makes the day easier for families and close friends.
• One main swimming stop near Georgioupoli: The clear water is the focus, with snorkeling, SUP boarding, fishing, and floating time.
• Fresh lunch cooked onboard: Expect salads, seafood, chicken, pasta or rice, cheese, and seasonal fruit.
• Unlimited beer, local white wine, and soft drinks: Alcohol is included for passengers aged 18 and older.
• Friendly crew and helpful personal touches: Crew member Rena has taken family photos in the water, a nice service for anyone wanting more than a self-timer shot.
• A full 6.5-hour outing: The 9:30 am start gives you most of the day, but hotel pickup is not included.

Setting out from Rethymno at 9:30 am

The cruise begins at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in or around Rethymno.

The morning departure is practical. You get out on the water before the day feels too long, then return around mid-afternoon after roughly six and a half hours. Since the activity ends back at the same meeting point, you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That matters more than it may sound. You can settle into the day at your own pace, keep children near your group, and enjoy lunch without adjusting to a boatload of strangers. For a family celebration, reunion, or group holiday, that privacy is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise.

The group limit is 15 people. If you fill the boat, the cost works out to about $176 per person. That is a much better value than the headline price suggests, especially since lunch, drinks, equipment, and the crew are included. For only two or three people, however, the same total becomes a major splurge.

Sailing toward the bay near Georgioupoli

The main destination is a beautiful bay near Georgioupoli, with clear water suited to swimming and water activities. The cruise description centers on this one swimming stop rather than a packed route of beaches and coves.

That makes the day easy and relaxed. You are not constantly getting back aboard, collecting belongings, and moving to another site. Once the catamaran reaches the bay, you have time to choose how active you want to be. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, try the SUP boards, or stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the view.

There is one tradeoff. One family specifically wished for more than one location, mainly for a change of scenery and a different water experience. If you want a fast-moving itinerary with several stops, this cruise may feel limited. If you prefer one long, unhurried swimming session, the format works well.

The exact sailing route and time spent underway are not specified, so I would not book this expecting a sightseeing tour with a long list of named coastal landmarks. Think of the boat ride as the way to reach a pleasant water stop, not as the entire attraction.

Swimming, snorkeling, SUP boards, and fishing

The water stop gives you several ways to spend the middle of the day. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. That is useful if you are traveling light or do not want wet equipment taking up space in your luggage.

The clear water should appeal to anyone who likes watching the sea below the surface. Still, the description does not promise particular marine life or a guided snorkeling session. You are getting equipment and access to the water, not a specialist-led snorkeling excursion.

SUP boards are also included. This is a good option for first-timers because you can try the activity without paying an extra rental fee. You can paddle, balance, and have a laugh without turning the cruise into a serious sports outing. The wording suggests a beginner-friendly chance to try stand-up paddleboarding, though no lesson or instructor-led session is specified.

Fishing equipment adds another simple choice. It may suit children or anyone who wants something to do between swims. Again, the attraction is casual participation rather than a dedicated fishing trip. You can try it from the boat, then return to swimming or lounging when the mood changes.

The inflatable flamingo is a small but telling touch. It gives you a floating place to relax and makes for playful holiday photos. The spacious deck also works well for pictures, sunbathing, or simply watching the water while lunch is prepared.

Fresh Mediterranean lunch on the boat

Food is one of the most praised parts of this experience, and the menu is more substantial than a basic sandwich lunch. The meal includes a cheese platter, green and Greek salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in a turmeric and ouzo sauce, chicken breast with oranges, and dessert with seasonal fruit.

That range gives the meal a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Seafood fans get shrimp and mussels, while chicken provides a safer choice for anyone who does not eat shellfish. The salads and cheese platter make the meal feel generous rather than centered on one main dish.

Children have their own choices: chicken nuggets or pasta. That helps if you are bringing younger passengers with simple tastes. The supplied details do not specify how dietary restrictions are handled, so you should ask DanEri Yachts about allergies or special diets before booking.

The crew prepares the lunch onboard, which adds to the appeal. You are not eating a packed meal that has been sitting in a cooler since morning. The food is cooked during the cruise, and the combination of fresh preparation and sea views is a large part of what you are paying for.

Welcome snacks are also included. You receive traditional cheese pies and biscuits, along with welcome drinks, coffee, and tea. These are useful early in the day, especially if your breakfast was rushed before reaching the meeting point.

Drinks, music, and a slower afternoon pace

Unlimited drinks are included throughout the cruise. The alcoholic options are beer and local dry white wine, while soft drinks include Fanta, Cola, Sprite, Cola Zero, and water. Coffee and tea are available as well.

Only people aged 18 and older may drink alcohol. That is worth noting for mixed-age groups, since the drinks package does not mean every passenger can use every option.

The local dry white wine fits the food and the warm weather better than a heavy drink would. Beer and soft drinks cover the basics, while water is especially important during a long day in the sun. You should still pace yourself, since swimming, sun, and alcohol are not a great combination.

Soft music plays while you relax. This is not presented as a party boat with loud entertainment, which will suit anyone looking for an easygoing day. Free WiFi is also included, allowing you to share photos while still aboard. The WiFi is a handy bonus, though I would treat it as a convenience rather than the main reason to choose the cruise.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and well organized. The captain, first mate, and chef are described as working well together, with the meal and service receiving especially high marks.

A particularly nice detail is Rena taking family photos in the water. That kind of help can make a real difference. Someone always ends up missing from group pictures, especially when everyone is swimming or standing on a SUP board. Having a crew member capture those moments lets the whole group appear in the photos.

The crew’s role also matters because this is a private charter rather than a self-guided boat rental. You can focus on enjoying the day instead of managing navigation, food preparation, drinks, and equipment. The cruise still leaves you plenty of freedom, but the practical work is handled for you.

Is $2,643.35 good value?

The total price is high, but the per-person figure changes the picture. With 15 people, the cost is roughly $176 each. With 10 people, it is about $264 each. With six people, it rises to around $441 each.

For a full group, the package offers solid value. You are paying for a private catamaran, a six-and-a-half-hour outing, crew service, a cooked lunch, unlimited drinks, water equipment, fishing gear, WiFi, and the privacy of having the boat to yourselves. Comparable private experiences can become expensive once food, drinks, and equipment are added separately.

For a small group, the value is more personal than financial. You are paying for comfort, privacy, and the convenience of having the whole boat arranged for you. If your group would rather spend less and does not care about a private setting, a shared boat trip may be a better fit.

I would book this for a birthday, family day, wedding-related outing, or reunion where the private space matters. I would hesitate if you are mainly looking for the cheapest way to swim from Rethymno.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This experience suits groups that want a relaxed day with choices. You can be active for an hour, eat a proper lunch, and then spend the rest of the afternoon stretched out on deck. The mix works particularly well for families with different energy levels.

It is also a good match for adults who care about food and drinks as much as swimming. The menu is broad, the wine and beer are included, and the cooking happens onboard. People who want a quiet luxury feel without formal sightseeing may find the format just right.

Children have food options, floating equipment, and several ways to play in the water. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The available information does not give detailed boarding or mobility guidance, so anyone with specific access needs should confirm arrangements before booking.

You should think twice if you need a tightly planned sightseeing route. The main focus is one bay near Georgioupoli, and the itinerary does not promise several swimming locations. That is the clearest limitation of an otherwise well-rounded day.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The cruise is often reserved well ahead, with an average booking time of 43 days in advance, so I would avoid leaving a large-group reservation until the last moment.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Because this is a private boat, weather flexibility matters. A bad sea day affects the entire experience, not just one short outdoor activity. Keep a little space in your Crete schedule if possible, especially if the cruise is a major part of your holiday.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

I would book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a comfortable, private day on the water. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, fresh onboard lunch, unlimited drinks, and the freedom to switch between swimming, snorkeling, SUP boarding, fishing, and deck time.

I would not choose it if your top priority is visiting several different bays or finding the lowest-cost boat trip. The single main swimming location may feel repetitive for some people, and the total price is hard to justify for a tiny group.

For a full family or friend group, though, this is an appealing Crete splurge. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a willingness to spend much of the day at sea. The rest, including lunch, drinks, and the equipment, is already arranged.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

It begins at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Rethymno.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The private catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 15 people, and only your group participates.

What food is included?

Lunch includes a cheese platter, green and Greek salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo, chicken breast with oranges, chicken nuggets or pasta for children, and dessert with seasonal fruit. Welcome snacks include traditional cheese pies and biscuits.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.