Rethymno Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

Rethymno’s coastline is nice on land, but it turns into a different world once you’re gliding across the water on a modern luxury catamaran. What makes this cruise especially appealing is the mix of healthy nutrition-first food and real time in the sea, all paired with an easy open-bar setup.

I also really like the small-group feel, capped at 25 people, plus the crew setup that makes everything feel smooth, from the welcome drinks to the gear being ready when you want it. One thing to keep in mind is that the day is long on the water, so you’ll want to be cool with a bit of sailing time before the main swim and lunch moments, plus the activity windows aren’t unlimited.

Key highlights at a glance

• Warm welcome drinks plus a light healthy breakfast bowl to start you off right
• Open bar included with water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine
• SUP, snorkeling, and fishing gear set up by the crew when you ask
• Lunch built by a nutritionist using fresh, organic local farm ingredients
• A small maximum group size so the boat does not feel crowded
• Onboard comfort extras like shade lounges, sunbeds, an outdoor shower, and onboard WC

Rethymno Catamaran Day: a simple plan that feels like a mini vacation

This is a straightforward half-day cruise, starting at 9:30 am from DanEri Yachts in Rethymno and ending back at the same meeting point. The whole idea is to get you out on the water, feed you well, give you fun gear to use, then send you back feeling like you actually rested.

You’re on a modern luxury catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges, so you’re not stuck choosing between “too hot” and “too uncomfortable.” And since this trip runs in English with a professional crew, you can relax without worrying that the instructions and logistics will be unclear.

The length is about 6 hours 30 minutes, and that time matters. You’ll have enough sailing to enjoy the views, plus a meaningful chunk of time for swimming and paddleboarding, not just a quick stop. On the flip side, it’s not a private charter with endless do-whatever-anytime freedom. If you want to be in the water every single minute, you may find yourself wishing the main activity window stretched a bit longer.

Getting on board: espresso, detox water, and a breakfast bowl that actually makes sense

Your day begins at the port with a warm crew welcome. You can start with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, which is a fun touch if you’re the type who wakes up hungry or just wants something refreshing before the sea air hits.

Then comes the light breakfast bowl. It’s made with a nutritionist’s guidance, and the goal is clear: keep it light enough that you can enjoy the rest of the day on the water, without feeling heavy or sluggish. I like this approach because cruise food can be hit or miss. Here, breakfast is set up to help you enjoy lunch instead of dreading it.

Once you’re aboard, find your spot on deck. There’s shade for people who sunburn fast, and sunbeds for those who want to lean back and do nothing for a few hours. The boat also has music and free Wi-Fi, which is handy if you want to share a photo quickly, or if you’re traveling with someone who needs a tiny distraction between swim breaks.

Sailing the north coast: relaxing pace, not a race

After the morning welcome, you head along Crete’s northern coastline toward Georgioupoli Bay. This is one of those sections where the vibe is travel, not rushing. You’re moving, you’re seeing coastline views, and you’re not being yanked from one location to another like a check-list tour.

That calm pace shows up in how the day is structured. You’ll have time to settle in, then later you’ll get a swim stop and the full lunch setup. It helps that the crew keeps things organized and on time. In the reviews, people consistently mentioned the trip running as scheduled and the crew staying friendly and efficient.

The main water time: SUP, snorkeling, fishing, and the pink flamingo moment

The best part of this cruise is that it doesn’t treat “time in the sea” like a box to tick. The crew sets up the water activities for you, including:

• SUP boards
• Snorkeling gear, with high-quality masks and fins
• Swimming jackets
• Inflatable noodles
• Fishing gear, if you request it
• An inflatable flamingo, which people seem to love for picture moments and casual floating

This is where you’ll spend your energy. If you want to paddle, the SUP is ready. If you want to snorkel, the crew helps get you geared up with masks and fins. And if you just want to float, the noodles and flamingo do the job without turning your day into a workout.

One review highlighted that there was enough time to swim and snorkel without feeling rushed, with swim and lunch together roughly giving you a solid window of around two hours before moving on. That felt like the sweet spot for a lot of people, especially those who wanted relaxation more than a packed sports schedule.

Practical tip: ask early what you want to do first. The crew sets up everything, but you’ll enjoy your time more if you’re not waiting around while your friends are already in the water.

Lunch on a nutrition-minded cruise: Mediterranean, organic, and actually filling

Back on board, lunch is where this cruise stands out. It’s a gourmet Cretan lunch designed by a nutritionist, and it’s made with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm. That description matters because it signals a focus on quality, not just volume.

The lunch setup comes with a classic Mediterranean rhythm: food, conversation, a calm sea backdrop, then drinks to cool you down. Reviews called out that the appetizers, lunch, and dessert were delicious, with people praising both taste and portion that felt satisfying.

And drinks are not a small add-on here. You get unlimited water and soft drinks, plus Greek beer and Cretan white wine included as part of the open bar selection. So you can keep it simple with wine with lunch, or stay fully non-alcoholic without feeling like you’re missing out.

Important note: cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond the open bar selection are not included. If you’re a specific cocktail person, check your expectations and plan to keep it to what’s on the included list.

After lunch, you can relax on deck again, or go back into the water for more fun depending on how you feel and where the day takes you.

The crew experience: friendly, attentive, and very organized

A luxury boat lives or dies by the crew. Here, the crew matters a lot, and it shows. People repeatedly described the captain and deck crew as friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful. One review even called out that the staff were ready to go on time, explained what was happening, and made the whole thing feel safe and easy.

You also get that steady attention that makes a difference: if you need something, the team is proactive rather than disappearing. In one review, the person specifically praised how the crew kept checking if they needed anything and brought it to them. That’s not a small thing when you’re floating on a boat and trying to stay comfortable.

The boat is also described as clean and well organized. That matters because you’re using shared spaces, and the whole experience depends on feeling taken care of from the first welcome drink.

What about timing and pacing: the tradeoff you should know before you go

This cruise is built around a relaxing flow, but there are a couple timing realities to consider:

• There can be a longer travel stretch before anchoring for the main swim and activities. One review mentioned that the time to reach the anchor felt a bit long.
• Once you’re anchored, the active moments feel nicely sized, but not endless. Another review suggested that the time for swimming, paddleboarding, and similar activities felt fairly short.

Here’s how I’d frame it: this is an easy sea day, not an all-day water sports camp. You’ll get enough time to enjoy yourself, but if you’re the type who wants to do one long snorkel session, you may want to be flexible and prioritize one main activity per stop.

Music is included, but one review noted it wasn’t loud enough when they anchored. If music volume matters to you, know that you may hear it more in some parts of the day than others.

Value and price: what you’re really paying for at $174.98

At $174.98 per person, you’re paying for more than just a boat ride. You’re paying for:

• a modern catamaran experience with sunbeds and shade lounges
• a full meal experience, including breakfast and a full lunch
• unlimited included drinks within the specified open bar options
• included gear for SUP and snorkeling
• onboard comfort extras like onboard WC and an outdoor shower
• a crew that runs things smoothly so you’re not managing logistics yourself

In other words, you’re bundling a lot of “stuff that costs extra elsewhere.” Many boat trips charge separately for drinks, snacks, and gear. Here, the structure is more like a package meal plus activity day.

The small max group size also helps the value. With a maximum of 25 travelers, and with reports of even smaller groups onboard, you get more personal space. That is one of the easiest upgrades you can feel immediately, without needing to do anything different.

Who should book this catamaran cruise in Crete?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a relaxed half-day out on the water from Rethymno
• good food that doesn’t feel like cheap buffet energy
• included snorkeling and SUP, without bringing your own gear
• a friendly crew where safety and comfort are clearly part of the plan

It’s also good for mixed groups. Some people want to swim and snorkel, some want to paddle, and some just want shade, drinks, and a view. The included inflatables and noodles help the “just float” crowd have fun too.

If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a box of toys for kids by request, which can be a nice touch for keeping them happy without constant entertainment.

Practical tips: what to bring and how to plan your day

A few smart things to do before you go:

• Bring towels and sunscreen. Those are not included.
• Wear swimwear you’re comfortable with, since you’ll likely be changing in and out of the water.
• Pack a cover-up for the shade lounges. The deck sun is great, but you’ll want an easy layer for comfort.
• If you want a specific water activity first, tell the crew right away so your gear time lines up with your plans.
• Since the open bar includes beer and white wine but not cocktails, decide early how you want to handle drinks so you’re not disappointed later.

Also, the meeting point is close to public transportation, so you can skip a car if you’re already in Rethymno. Transfers are not included, but they can be arranged upon request.

Should you book Rethymno Catamaran Cruise for healthy lunch and open bar?

I’d say yes, if your ideal day at sea looks like this: sail calmly, enjoy a welcoming start, do a real swim or paddle session with good gear, then eat a legit lunch with included drinks.

Book it if you care about food quality, appreciate a friendly organized crew, and want more of a “slow day” feel than a frantic, stop-start tour.

Maybe skip or adjust expectations if you’re the type who hates any downtime before the anchor, or if you want very long uninterrupted activity time. This cruise prioritizes balance, and some of the tradeoff is simply how half-day timing works on boats.

If you’re flexible and want an easy Crete highlight from Rethymno, this one is a very solid pick.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start in Rethymno?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the crew for the catamaran cruise?

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a light healthy brunch and a Mediterranean lunch, plus espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail. The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine.

What water activities are included?

SUP boards and snorkeling gear are included, along with swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the inflatable flamingo. Fishing gear is available upon request.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi on board, along with onboard music.