Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Blue water, fresh food, and a quiet bay await. This 6.5-hour cruise from Rethymno combines a spacious luxury catamaran with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. I especially like the friendly crew and the generous supply of food, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main drawback is simple: at $164 per person, this is a costly day on the water, and shade can be limited during the hottest months.

I also like that you get real time to enjoy the bay rather than rushing through a string of brief stops. The crew serves local snacks on departure, prepares lunch aboard, and keeps the mood easy with music and WiFi. Just remember that swimming conditions, scenery, and the exact destination depend on the weather.

Five useful things to know before booking

• The boat is the star: You sail aboard the catamaran Karina, described as a new, clean, spacious vessel with several areas for sitting or lying down.
• The swimming stop is long: Expect about 2 hours and 45 minutes around the Georgioupoli area, with time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and relaxing.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The meal includes seafood and meat, salads, vegetables, fruit, dessert, and unlimited beer, white wine, and soft drinks.
• The group can feel personal: One departure was described as having up to 20 people, while private group bookings are also available.
• Bring sun protection: The boat has limited shade, especially important in July and August.
• Port paperwork matters: You must provide each passenger’s full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number when booking.

Setting sail from Rethymno Marina

Your day begins at Rethymno Marina, where you should arrive 15 minutes before boarding. Look for the crew in DanEri T-shirts and the sailing catamaran Karina. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which helps if you are making your own way there.

The welcome is warm and practical. You are offered coffee, tea, and local treats before a short safety briefing. The crew members hold Red Cross certification, and life jackets are available. That combination gives the trip a reassuring feel without turning the opening into a long formal lecture.

The route includes a sailing stretch of roughly 105 minutes before the main bay stop. That is enough time to settle into the rhythm of the boat, find your preferred place to sit, and watch the coast open up from the water. Depending on the wind, the catamaran may travel smoothly or move with a noticeable chop.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead. Some passengers needed help on choppier days, and the crew has provided anti-sickness tablets when conditions called for them. The cruise can be rescheduled or canceled for bad weather, so keep your plans flexible.

What makes Karina comfortable

Karina is presented as one of Crete’s newer luxury catamarans, and the practical advantage is space. You are not confined to one crowded bench for six hours. You might choose a place in the sun, move to another area during lunch, or stretch out while the boat is under sail.

The catamaran has music and free WiFi. The music helps create a holiday atmosphere, though the volume can occasionally feel high, particularly during lunch. You can also use the WiFi to share photographs as you go, although many people will find that putting the phone away is the better use of a day like this.

The boat is kept clean and well maintained. That matters more than glossy language when you are spending most of a day at sea. On calm days, sailing is smooth and restful. On rougher days, the wide catamaran still offers a stable base, but you should not expect every departure to feel like a glassy lake.

Shade is the weak point. There is not a lot of it, so bring sunscreen, a hat if you use one, and a willingness to move between sun and the more sheltered areas available. If you burn easily, do not wait until lunch to protect yourself.

The long stop near Georgioupoli

The main stop is around Georgioupoli, where the catamaran anchors in a scenic bay. This is the part of the day that gives the cruise its value. Instead of stepping ashore for a quick photograph, you get a long pause for swimming, water sports, lunch, and simply floating beside the boat.

The water is often clear and turquoise, with the kind of color that makes Crete’s coast so appealing. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment to look below the surface, or take a stand-up paddleboard across the calmer water. Arm floaties and inflatables, including a playful flamingo, are available for anyone who prefers easy floating to organized exercise.

The snorkeling is pleasant but should be approached with sensible expectations. The bay can be beautiful without having a large amount of marine life. Some people found little to see below the surface, and the water at the swimming point can be quite deep. If your main goal is reef life, this may not be the right excursion. If your goal is swimming in clean open water with a view of Crete, it works much better.

You also get fishing gear, though swimming, SUP, and snorkeling are the main water activities described. The crew provides the equipment, life jackets, and guidance needed to use it. Fins and masks may not always be available in matching pairs, so equipment selection can be a little less polished than the boat and food service.

The bay itself may change with the weather. One reported departure shifted its destination because the water near Rethymno was rough. The crew arranged complimentary transfers in that case, showing useful flexibility, but you should understand that the exact cove is not guaranteed.

A Mediterranean lunch served at sea

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of this cruise. The kitchen prepares the meal aboard the catamaran, giving the midday stop a proper restaurant feel rather than a packed-lunch feel.

The published offering includes seafood and meat, fresh vegetables, fruit, and regional food. On one menu, the spread included a cheese tray, Greek salad, avocado salad, pasta with garlicky tomato sauce and prawns, grilled orange chicken, pita bread, and assorted desserts. Other meals included mussels and prawn paella.

The food is plentiful, fresh, and designed to suit a mixed group. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance. A separate children’s meal is also offered. If you have an allergy, tell the operator before departure. One passenger with a shellfish allergy received a separate pasta dish, which is exactly the kind of detail you want handled before lunch rather than explained while the plates are being served.

Drinks are included throughout the cruise. You can have unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer. Coffee and tea are also part of the welcome and onboard service, with dessert served after lunch. The supply of wine and beer is generous, which makes the price easier to understand for people who would otherwise spend quite a bit on drinks during a full-day sailing trip.

The snack selection at the beginning may feel modest, especially if you arrive hungry. I would eat a normal breakfast before boarding, then treat the local snacks as a pleasant extra. The main meal is the substantial food stop.

Crew service and the mood onboard

The crew is repeatedly praised for being attentive, friendly, and quick to help. That shows up in practical ways: regular drink refills, help with swimming equipment, care for anyone feeling seasick, and attention to food requests.

The crew also adds small personal touches. Birthday celebrations have included a cake and a song, and the staff has allowed passengers to choose music later in the day. Those details can make the boat feel more like a hosted outing than a basic transport service.

Names recorded from one departure include captain Adonis, sailor Manolis, chef Kiril, and driver Andrey. Crew members can vary, but the pattern is clear: service is a major part of the experience. You are not simply left to find your own way around the boat.

The social side is worth considering. On a smaller departure, with around 20 people, it is easy to meet others and chat between swims. A private group option is available if you want more control over the atmosphere. The cruise is best suited to couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed day around other people.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip from Rethymno. The price makes sense if you value the full package: a luxury catamaran, a long sailing time, a multi-course lunch, unlimited drinks, water equipment, and attentive service.

The cost is harder to justify if you only want a short swim or a quick ride along the coast. You may also feel the value drops if the sea is rough, the swimming stop is shortened, or you do not drink alcohol. The snorkeling is another factor. The water can be clear and beautiful, but marine life is not guaranteed.

I see this as a comfort-focused day rather than a bargain excursion. You are paying for time, space, food, and care. Compared with a basic boat ride, it offers much more. Compared with a private yacht charter, it is the more accessible option, especially if you are happy sharing the boat.

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price. Pickup and drop-off can be added from Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Petres, and Gerani if you select the appropriate option. If you are staying outside those areas, you will need to reach the marina yourself.

Timing, paperwork, and what to pack

The full activity lasts 6.5 hours. The broad structure is:

• About 15 minutes at the port for snacks, refreshments, and the safety briefing
• Around 105 minutes sailing to the bay
• About 2 hours and 45 minutes for swimming, food, drinks, and water activities
• Around 105 minutes sailing back to Rethymno

You finish at the same meeting point. The day is long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that it takes over your entire holiday schedule.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A passport or ID card is required, and a copy is accepted. Port authorities require the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for every passenger. Give this information carefully when booking, since it is needed to secure permission for the cruise.

Pregnant women should not book this activity. The cruise is offered in English and Greek. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available.

Who should book this cruise?

You should consider it if you want an easy, polished day at sea with good food and plenty of time in the water. It is especially suitable if you enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and social boat trips but do not want to organize equipment or meals yourself.

Families may appreciate the children’s meal, toys, floaties, and life jackets. Couples can find quieter moments on the boat, though this is not an adults-only sailing. Food-sensitive passengers should request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options in advance.

I would hesitate if you need abundant shade, want serious snorkeling, dislike group activities, or are very sensitive to motion. You should also wait for a calm-weather forecast if your schedule allows. The catamaran is comfortable, but no boat can cancel the wind.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your ideal Crete day includes a clean modern boat, attentive service, a long swim stop, and a proper lunch with drinks already covered. The strongest reasons to go are the crew, the food, the spacious catamaran, and the chance to spend nearly three hours around a beautiful bay.

Skip it if $164 feels high for a shared outing or if underwater wildlife is your main goal. For most people who want a relaxed sailing day from Rethymno, though, this is a well-rounded choice. Pack sunscreen, arrive early, request any special meal before boarding, and let the crew handle the rest.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 6.5 hours. The schedule includes sailing to and from the bay, plus about 2 hours and 45 minutes for swimming, food, drinks, and water activities.

Where does the cruise begin?

The cruise begins at Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri crew and the catamaran Karina.

Is hotel pickup included?

Standard hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Optional transfers are available from selected areas around Rethymno if you choose the appropriate booking option.

What food is served?

Lunch includes Mediterranean food with seafood, meat, fresh vegetables, fruit, dessert, and regional dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s meal options are available upon request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included. Coffee and tea are also served, along with local snacks and dessert.

Can I swim and use water equipment?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, stand-up paddleboards, life jackets, arm floaties, and inflatables.

Do I need to bring identification?

Yes. Port authorities require each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID card number. A copy of the passport or ID card is accepted.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled if weather conditions are unsuitable. The route may also change when the sea is rough.