Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

The best part of this Rethymno cruise is the long stop in a quiet Cretan bay, where you can swim in clear water while lunch is prepared aboard the catamaran. You get more than a quick photo stop: there is time for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, floating, eating, and simply letting the sea do the work.

I like the new, spacious catamaran and the unusually attentive service, especially for families and anyone who wants a polished day on the water. I also like the fresh food, with seafood, meat, salads, fruit, and separate options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and younger diners.

The main point to consider is the limited shade. Summer sun can be strong on an open catamaran, and the ride can feel choppy on a windy day. Bring sunscreen, and if you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead.

Key points to know before booking

• A 2.75-hour bay stop: You have real time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, lunch, and relaxing rather than a rushed swim.
• Fresh food served on board: Expect Mediterranean dishes such as seafood, grilled chicken, salads, pasta, bread, cheese, and desserts.
• Unlimited drinks: Soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included throughout the cruise.
• A small-group feel: The catamaran can carry up to about 20 people, giving the day a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.
• Rethymno Marina departure: Arrive 15 minutes early and look for the crew in DanEri T-shirts aboard the sailing catamaran Karina.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can lead to a changed route, rescheduling, or cancellation.

Why this six-and-a-half-hour cruise works

A boat trip from Rethymno can be as simple as a short coastal ride, but this one is planned as a full day at sea. You spend about 105 minutes sailing out, several hours at a scenic bay, and about 105 minutes returning. That balance matters. The sailing is long enough to enjoy the coast, but the main reward is the extended time anchored in calm water.

I like this format because it leaves room for different holiday moods. You can be active with the snorkeling gear and SUP boards, or claim a comfortable spot and listen to music with a glass of wine. Families get inflatables, arm floaties, life jackets, and a box of toys. Couples and solo visitors can use the boat as a floating sun terrace, though shade is not its strong point.

The vessel is described as one of Crete’s newest and most luxurious catamarans, with several areas for sitting or lying down. The broad design should feel steadier and less cramped than a small motorboat, especially when the boat is carrying a group of around 20 people.

The crew is Red Cross certified, and the atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. The team has handled seasickness, allergies, children, birthday celebrations, and changes caused by rough conditions. On one reported sailing, the crew included captain Adonis, sailor Manolis, chef Kiril, and driver Andrey for transfers. Crew names can vary by departure, but the important point is that service is a major part of this outing.

Boarding at Rethymno Marina

You should arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before boarding. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which is useful if you are making your own way there. Find the DanEri crew wearing company T-shirts and board the catamaran Karina.

The first 15 minutes are practical but pleasant. You receive a safety briefing, local snacks, and welcome tea or coffee. This is also your chance to settle in, ask about the day, and make sure you know where the life jackets and swimming equipment are kept.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard option. Transfers can be added for listed areas around Rethymno, including Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Petres, and Gerani. Check the exact option carefully when booking, because transport changes the convenience and the final value.

You will also need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or identity card number. A copy of the document is accepted. This is required by the port authorities, so do not leave it until the last minute.

The outward sail along Crete’s north coast

Once the boat leaves the marina, the day slows down. The catamaran travels for roughly 105 minutes toward the swimming area, with views of the Cretan coast and open sea. Music plays on board, and WiFi is available if you want to send photos or keep in touch.

The sailing itself is part of the value, but it is not a nonstop sightseeing lecture. This is a leisure cruise, not a history tour. You are paying for space, food, service, equipment, and time on the water rather than a packed schedule of landmarks.

On a calm day, the wide catamaran should feel comfortable and smooth. On a rougher day, the ride can be more demanding. A few people have needed help with seasickness, and the crew has provided anti-sickness tablets when conditions turned choppy. If you know you are sensitive to motion, bring the medication you normally use and choose a seat near the center of the boat.

The sail also gives you a chance to decide how you want to spend the afternoon. You can settle into the music and scenery, talk with other people on board, or use the WiFi before putting your phone away for the swimming stop.

The Georgioupoli bay stop

The main stop is near Georgioupoli, in a picturesque bay selected for swimming and water activities. The exact location may change with weather and sea conditions. When the water near Rethymno has been rough, the crew has changed the destination and arranged free transfers in connection with the altered plan.

The bay is the heart of the cruise. You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, paddle a SUP board, or float on the inflatable flamingo. Life jackets and arm floaties are available, which makes the water session easier for children and less confident swimmers.

The water is often clear and strikingly blue, but you should set your snorkeling expectations sensibly. Some parts of the bay offer little marine life, especially where the water is deep. This is better viewed as a beautiful swimming stop with basic snorkeling than as a dedicated underwater wildlife excursion.

There may be one main swimming area rather than several different stops. That is a small drawback if you prefer constant variety. The benefit is that you get a generous block of time in one place, with no need to climb back aboard after a short swim and immediately move on.

If you do not want to swim, the bay is still worthwhile. You can stay on deck, take photographs, enjoy a drink, or watch people use the SUP boards. The boat remains the base for the whole stop, so you do not need to carry gear onto a beach.

A Mediterranean lunch prepared on board

Lunch is served during the bay stop, while you still have the scenery and the sea around you. The meal is not just a basic sandwich. The food can include a cheese plate, Greek salad, avocado salad, pasta with tomato sauce and prawns, grilled chicken with orange, pita bread, fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, fruit, and assorted desserts.

The exact menu can vary, but the pattern is clear: this is a generous Mediterranean spread with fresh ingredients and several choices. Food is one of the strongest reasons to compare this cruise with cheaper boat rides. You are not losing valuable shore time searching for lunch, and the crew can keep the meal flowing while you relax.

Special meals are available by request. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s options are listed, and the crew has prepared a separate pasta dish for a passenger with a shellfish allergy. Tell the operator about allergies or dietary needs before departure rather than waiting until lunch.

Birthday touches are possible too. The crew has marked birthdays with singing and even provided a cake for one passenger. That is not a guaranteed feature for every booking, but it shows the warm, personal tone the company aims for.

Drinks are unlimited and include soft drinks, white wine, and beer. Tea and coffee are available, along with the welcome refreshments at the start. If you want spirits, cocktails, or a wider wine list, this is not that kind of package. For a day at sea, though, the included drinks remove the need to keep counting small purchases.

Activities, music, and the practical side of comfort

The swimming equipment is included: snorkeling and fishing gear, SUP boards, inflatables, arm floaties, and life jackets. The selection is good enough for casual use, but equipment quantities can be limited. If you are particular about having a certain size of fins or a matching pair, ask the crew early.

The catamaran has music throughout the trip and free WiFi. Music helps set a holiday mood, though it has occasionally felt too loud during lunch. You can also ask whether the crew will allow your own music later in the day, depending on the group and the crew’s judgment.

Shade is the larger comfort issue. A catamaran gives you room to move, but much of the experience takes place in full sun. Bring a strong sunscreen, towel, hat, and a cover-up. Sunscreen is especially important because the reflected light from the water can catch you even when the air feels comfortable.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card copy. Pregnant women are advised not to join this activity. The operator can offer a private group, which may suit a family celebration or a group of friends wanting more control over the atmosphere.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride. It becomes better value when you add up what is included: six and a half hours, a newer catamaran, crew service, lunch, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, swimming equipment, SUP boards, inflatables, WiFi, insurance, and a small-group setting.

The price makes the most sense if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and water equipment. It also works well for someone who values comfort and service more than finding the cheapest way to reach the coast.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not care about lunch, or mainly want a short swim. You can also find the day expensive if poor weather limits sailing or changes the planned bay. The experience depends heavily on sea conditions, and no operator can guarantee calm water or perfect visibility.

Transport is another part of the calculation. If you are staying close to Rethymno Marina and can park or walk to the meeting point, the standard option may suit you. If you are staying farther away, compare the pickup option with the cost and effort of arranging your own ride.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a comfortable day with food and drinks already handled. It is especially suited to you if you like having a choice between activity and idleness. You can paddle and snorkel, then spend the next hour stretched out on deck.

Families benefit from the safety equipment, children’s meal option, toys, and the attentive crew. Still, parents should be ready for strong sun, open water, and the possibility of a rough ride. The boat is not a substitute for constant supervision around the swimming area.

It also suits people celebrating something special. A birthday cake is not guaranteed, but the crew has shown a willingness to make occasions feel personal. The private group option is worth considering if privacy matters more than the standard shared price.

This is less suitable if you want a serious snorkeling trip, a packed sightseeing route, or a guaranteed series of secluded bays. It is also a poor match if you are pregnant or highly uncomfortable on boats.

Booking details and weather planning

The cruise ends back at the marina, unless your selected transfer option includes a return ride to an approved area. The listed languages are English and Greek, so basic communication should be straightforward for most international visitors.

Weather can change the plan. Rough seas may lead to a different bay, a rescheduled departure, or cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you keep your money until closer to the trip.

I would avoid booking this as your only fixed activity on a very tight schedule. Give yourself some flexibility around it, especially if the weather forecast looks uncertain. A calm day turns the crossing into part of the pleasure; a windy day may make the swimming stop less comfortable.

Should you book the DanEri catamaran?

Book it if you want a polished, social day on the Cretan sea, with a proper lunch, open bar, and plenty of time at a beautiful swimming bay. The strongest features are the friendly crew, clean spacious boat, generous food, and the freedom to swim, paddle, or do absolutely nothing.

Think twice if $164 feels high for a boat outing, if you need lots of shade, or if snorkeling is your main goal. For most people who value comfort and an all-inclusive feel, this is a strong choice from Rethymno. Just bring sun protection, prepare for possible motion, and treat the underwater viewing as a bonus rather than the main event.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri crew aboard the sailing catamaran Karina.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 6.5 hours. Check the available options for the exact starting time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard activity. An optional transfer service is available for selected areas around Rethymno and Georgioupoli.

What food is served?

The meal is Mediterranean and includes a selection of seafood and meat, fresh vegetables, fruit, and other regional foods. Examples include salads, pasta with prawns, grilled chicken, pita bread, cheese, and desserts.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included during the cruise. Tea, coffee, and welcome refreshments are also provided.

Can I request a special meal?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s meal options are available upon request. You should provide allergy or dietary information when booking.

What activities are available at the bay?

You can swim, snorkel, use the SUP boards, and enjoy inflatables such as the flamingo. Snorkeling and fishing gear, life jackets, and arm floaties are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card. A copy of the identity document is accepted. Expect strong sun and bring extra protection if you prefer shade.