Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

A calm day on a luxury catamaran. This Rethymno cruise pairs nutritionist-made meals with an easy open bar setup, plus plenty of time to swim, paddle, and snorkel near Georgioupoli Bay. One thing to keep in mind: the sailing time before the anchor stop can feel a bit long, and the water play usually gets packed into a couple focused stretches.

You start at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno Port at 9:30 am, then spend about 6 hours 30 minutes on the water with a maximum group size of 25. You’ll be in a comfortable boat with sunbeds and shade, a friendly English-speaking crew, and a schedule that feels relaxed rather than rushed.

Key Highlights Before You Go

• Healthy brunch and Cretan lunch planned with a nutritionist, using fresh organic ingredients
• Unlimited drinks on the open bar: water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine
• Real water gear is included: SUP boards, high-quality snorkeling masks and fins, plus swimming jackets
• Fun extras on board like a pink flamingo float, inflatable noodles, music, and free Wi-Fi
• A small-group feel capped at 25, with a crew that stays attentive on deck

From Rethymno Port to Open Water: What the Day Feels Like

This is the kind of tour where the rhythm matters. You’re not spending the day on a schedule full of stops, lines, and transfers. Instead, you get a slow start at Rethymno Port, a sail along Crete’s northern coast, a swim and water activities at Georgioupoli Bay, and then lunch before the final stretch back.

The catamaran setup is built for lounging. Sunbeds and shaded lounges mean you can follow the sun or hide from it. That may sound basic, but on a half-day boat day, it changes how much you actually enjoy the sea time.

Boarding at DanEri Yachts: Breakfast Drinks and First Impressions

You begin at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno. The tour starts at 9:30 am, and the crew greets you right away with warm drinks and cold options like espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein cocktail. There’s also a light breakfast bowl, made by a certified nutritionist, designed to kick off the day without a heavy, stodgy feeling.

This first hour is also where you get your bearings. You’ll find your spot on deck, see what’s set up for you, and get a clear sense of how the crew runs the day. In the best moments, you feel like the boat is already organized, not chaotic.

If you’re the type who hates waiting around, you’ll still want a few minutes of patience here. The day runs smoothly once you’re onboard, but it does mean you’ll likely spend some time sailing before the main swimming stop.

The Sail Toward Georgioupoli Bay: Comfort Before the Swim

After boarding, you sail toward Georgioupoli Bay. Along the way, the vibe is calm. You can stretch out, get shade, and sip things like detox water or smoothies.

This sailing portion matters more than people think. It helps you ease into the day, so when the crew sets the anchor, you’re ready to make the most of the swim window. In a perfect world, I’d still go in knowing that the boat needs time to reach the bay, so it’s not a quick hop-and-splash excursion.

Georgioupoli Water Time: SUP, Snorkeling Gear, Fishing, and the Flamingo Float

This is where the tour turns fun. When you reach the bay, the crew sets up the included water activities. You can swim in clear water, paddle across the bay with SUP boards, or snorkel with the provided snorkeling equipment, including quality masks and fins.

A few practical notes you’ll appreciate:

• You’re given swimming jackets and life jackets, which makes the water time easier to manage.
• You get inflatable noodles for comfort, so you’re not stuck fighting your position in the water.
• There’s an inflatable flamingo float, which is silly in the best way and makes for easy, relaxed group photos.

If you want something different than snorkeling, there’s also fishing gear included for a gentle fishing experience. That’s a nice bonus if your group splits between swimmers and people who just want to watch the water.

And if kids are along, ask about the box of toys for children. It’s included by request, so it’s worth mentioning early if that matters for your family.

Lunch on Board: Nutritionist-Made Cretan Food Plus Unlimited Drinks

Back on board, lunch is one of the strongest parts of the day. It’s described as a Mediterranean lunch prepared freshly, using authentic local flavors and fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm. And yes, it’s designed with a nutritionist, which usually means more balance in what you’ll eat, not just a lot of food.

What you actually get is also a win. You’ll have a generous meal plus time to digest before the final relaxation stretch. The open bar keeps the mood easy: unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine.

Two smart ways to enjoy lunch without feeling stuck. First, plan to eat when you’re ready, not when the hunger hits. Second, pace your drinks, especially if you’re going back into the water after lunch. You don’t want to cut your own day short because you got too relaxed too fast.

After Lunch and the Return Sail: Extra Time to Relax

After lunch, you have flexibility. You can lounge on deck again, or jump back into the water for more activity if conditions allow. Since this is a catamaran with both open sun and shade, you can stay comfortable even if the weather shifts.

Then the tour heads back, sailing across sparkling blue waters back toward the meeting point. It’s the kind of finish that feels like exhale time. You don’t leave exhausted. You leave clearer-headed, sun-warmed, and ready for dinner on land.

Small-Group Experience, Big-Catamaran Comfort

With a maximum of 25 travelers, this isn’t the type of boat day where you feel packed in. The catamaran itself is set up with sunbeds and shaded areas, plus an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, which is genuinely useful on a swimming day.

I also like that the crew is professional and attentive, and it’s an English-offered experience. Music and free Wi-Fi are included too, so you can either stay off your phone or use it as a quiet, practical tool while you wait between swim windows.

There are also thoughtful extras included that make the day feel handled. The tour includes personal feminine hygiene products, plus a branded memorable gift for special occasions. Those are small, but they signal care in the details.

Price and Value: Why $174.98 Can Feel Fair

At $174.98 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, the headline cost isn’t the whole story. You’re paying for more than a boat ride.

You’re also getting:

• Meals: a light healthy brunch plus a Cretan lunch (nutritionist-planned)
• Unlimited drinks in the open bar selection (beer and white wine included)
• Water gear: SUP, snorkeling equipment, swimming jackets, inflatable comfort items
• Extra activities like gentle fishing and the flamingo float
• Onboard comforts like music, free Wi-Fi, and washroom access

If you try to build a day like this on your own, the gear and food add up fast, and you lose the easy coordination that keeps the day calm. So I’d read this price as a bundle price. The value lands best if you’ll actually use the included activities, not just ride along.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise suits you if you want a relaxing Crete day that mixes comfort, food, and real time in the water. It’s especially good for couples, friend groups, and small families who like structured fun without stress.

It’s also a nice fit if you’re picky about meals. The nutritionist-planned brunch and lunch are designed to feel intentional, not like random snacks thrown on a schedule.

You might consider another option if you hate long boat segments before the main stop. The day includes sailing time before anchoring, and one review notes the water activity window can feel short. If your top priority is nonstop water time, you may find this pacing slightly gentler than you’d like.

Packing Tips So You’re Not Caught Without Anything

The tour does not include towels, sunscreen, or personal care items, so plan to bring those. Also think about how you’ll handle sun and water time: even with swimming jackets and life jackets available, you’ll still want protection and comfort for deck lounging.

Quick checklist for a smooth day:

• Sunscreen and personal care items
• A towel
• Swimwear you’re comfortable using for the full day
• Light layers for shade on deck if you get cool on the return sail

And remember, it depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the experience may be rescheduled or refunded, so it’s best to keep your plans flexible.

Should You Book This Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward, high-value Crete sea day with a real food-and-drink plan, included activity gear, and enough comfort to make lounging part of the fun. The pricing looks reasonable when you factor in lunch, unlimited drinks in the open bar selection, and the included snorkeling and SUP equipment.

I would hold off if you’re chasing constant action or if your group hates waiting. The sailing to Georgioupoli Bay takes time, and the main water play is concentrated into set windows.

If you match the vibe, though, this is the kind of cruise that leaves you feeling like you got exactly what you wanted: sun, sea time, good food, and a crew that keeps things moving without turning the day into a production.

FAQ

What time does the Rethymno catamaran cruise start?

It starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a freshly prepared gourmet Mediterranean lunch on board, plus a light healthy brunch.

What’s included in the open bar?

The unlimited drinks include water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine.

Are snorkeling and SUP included?

Yes. SUP boards and snorkeling gear (high-quality masks and fins) are included.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

Yes, music and free Wi-Fi on board are included.

What should I bring since towels and sunscreen are not included?

Bring your own towels and sunscreen, plus any personal care items you prefer.