Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Trip – Sushi & Open Bar

A sunset catamaran in Rethymno is interesting because the plan is built around one thing: getting you back to shore with the last light on the water. You start with a warm welcome, then sail out on a modern catamaran where you can actually relax. The main consideration is weather, because when the sea gets choppy, activities and timing can change.

I especially like two parts of this trip. First, you get unlimited drinks alongside sushi served with sea views, so the meal feels like part of the experience, not an afterthought. Second, the “on the water” time is hands-on, with SUP boards and proper snorkeling gear, plus that inflatable pink flamingo for laughs and photos. The drawback to keep in mind is that if seasickness hits easily, you’ll want to be ready for some motion, and you may need to be flexible about which activities you do.

Key highlights before you go

• Prosecco welcome, then a real sail on a comfortable catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges
• Sushi rolls plus fresh fruit served while you’re still anchored out on the bay
• A proper water playground: SUP, snorkeling masks and fins, inflatable noodles, even light fishing gear
• Open bar that stays practical: water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine
• Free Wi-Fi onboard so you can share sunset photos in real time
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 25 people

Why the Rethymno sunset timing matters

This cruise is built around the golden-hour payoff. You’re not just going out for a quick swim and then rushing back. You’re out in the afternoon, you get your activities done while it is still comfortable, and then you’re positioned for the sunset moment when the water turns calm looking and the sky goes pink and gold.

What makes that timing feel worth it is that the “best part” is not left to chance. Even with normal sea movement, the crew’s goal is to deliver that sunset view from the catamaran itself. Add the fact that there are shaded and sunny spots aboard, and you can choose your comfort level instead of getting stuck in one place.

If you’ve spent time in Crete before, you already know sunsets are everywhere. This one is more fun because you’re on the water during it, with music in the background and the whole boat becoming your viewing platform.

Getting started: Prosecco, finger food, and the easy comfort setup

The vibe starts immediately. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods, then you get a short safety briefing before heading out. That matters more than it sounds, because it sets the tone: you’re not overwhelmed, you’re not rushed, and you know where life jackets, boarding steps, and restrooms are.

On the boat, comfort is the point. There are sunbeds plus shaded lounges, so you can follow your mood. One of my favorite details in this kind of trip is when the boat feels like it has two modes: lazy lounging first, and then water-play later. Here that switch is easy.

A few practical onboard perks are included too: there’s an onboard WC and an outdoor shower. That means you can rinse off after swimming without turning it into a whole production. And because kids are sometimes traveling with adults, there’s also a box of toys available on request.

Tip for your sanity: if you hate scrambling for a towel later, bring your own. Towels are not included.

The swim stop playground: SUP, snorkeling gear, flamingo, fishing

Once the catamaran drops anchor, the fun gets physical. The crew sets up SUP boards and provides snorkeling gear with quality masks and fins. You’re also given swimming jackets and inflatable noodles, which is great if you want to float and relax without feeling like you have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the water.

Then comes the silly part that makes the trip memorable. There’s an inflatable flamingo onboard, and it is exactly the kind of prop that turns your photos into something you’ll actually remember. It is also an easy conversation starter, which helps if you’re traveling solo and want friendly energy without awkwardness.

Fishing gear is included as well, described as a gentle fishing experience. Even if you never catch anything, the gear turns the stop into an activity loop instead of just a swim break.

One thing to plan for: the water temperature can surprise you. In one situation, guests chose not to swim because the water was chilly, and that’s totally reasonable. The cruise still works if you treat snorkeling like a choose-your-own-adventure moment.

If you feel motion easily, pace yourself at the start. Some crew members in past trips have been ready with sea sickness tablets, but it is smart to have your own plan too.

Sushi rolls, fruit, and an open bar that keeps it simple

This is where the cruise earns its name on paper and in reality. After the swim time, you get sushi rolls on board along with fresh seasonal fruit. The key is that this food is served while you still have the sea views. You’re not eating in a dull back room or at a rushed stop.

Drink service is set up so you do not have to ask for every refill. The open bar includes unlimited water and soft drinks, plus local beer and white wine. The welcome and included beverages also cover espresso, detox water, and teas, so it is not only alcohol if you want something else.

I like this approach because it supports the whole “slow down” goal of a sunset trip. You can do a quiet swim, snack when you want, and keep your evening vibe without running out of drinks halfway through.

Small reality check: only the open bar selection is included. Cocktails or other alcoholic beverages beyond that are not part of the package.

Sunset on the calm Cretan sea, plus Wi-Fi and music

When the sun approaches the horizon, the boat shifts into full-view mode. The crew positions you for the sunset so the sky reflects on the calm Cretan sea in that classic way you want from a late-afternoon cruise.

There’s music onboard, which helps keep the mood relaxed instead of turning into a silent boat where everyone is staring at their phones. And speaking of phones, there is free Wi-Fi. That is a big deal if you want to share as you go, not after you get back to land.

From a practical standpoint, Wi-Fi also lets you handle the little things on your own schedule: messaging home, checking directions for later, or just posting the sunset without draining your battery waiting until the end of the day.

Bonus comfort detail: the catamaran has netting you can relax on, and it can feel like a dream lounge if you want to lie back and let the boat rock you instead of sitting upright.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should be cautious

This works well for couples looking for a romantic afternoon, friends who want an easy group plan, and families who want kid-friendly water play. One of the strengths here is that it does not feel like a party boat, but it also does not feel stiff.

Families often have a good time because kids have clear activity options: SUP, floaties and inflatable noodles, and toys by request. In at least one case, kids were even given a role that made them feel included. That kind of crew attention matters on family trips.

Solo travelers can also enjoy it, especially because the crew is friendly and there is enough happening to avoid long awkward silences. If you’re lucky and you meet first mate George, you might get extra conversation about Greek gods, mythology, and Crete, including references tied to the island of Dia. That kind of storytelling turns the sail back toward Rethymno into more than just travel time.

Now the cautious part. The cruise requires good weather. If you are extremely sensitive to motion, or if sea conditions are rough in your window, plan for the possibility of reduced activities or an early return. One of the less pleasant outcomes in bad conditions is that the onboard plan can get disrupted, and food or planned stops may not be fully enjoyed. This is rare when conditions are good, but you should respect it.

Also, there can be moments when it feels more crowded than you expect. The max group size is 25, but boats feel different depending on season and how people choose to move around during the swim time.

Price and value: what $102.58 buys you in real life

At about $102.58 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: catamaran time, open bar, a real meal with sushi, and multiple water activities. For a sunset experience, the value comes from not having to pay extra once you’re onboard.

Here’s what makes it feel like more than “just sailing”:

• A wide drink setup (water, soft drinks, beer, white wine) is included, so the evening stays fun without budget math.
• Sushi rolls and fresh fruit are part of the experience, not a small snack.
• The water toolkit is included: snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and inflatable noodles.
• There’s extra onboard convenience: Wi-Fi, music, WC, and an outdoor shower.

When you price similar activities individually, the math usually starts to favor the package. Even if you skip one water option, the rest still covers the cost.

One more value detail: a branded memorable gift can be included for special occasions. That is small, but it’s a nice touch when birthdays or anniversaries happen.

Tips to get the most out of a sunset catamaran

A few smart moves will help you enjoy the trip even if the sea is not perfectly calm.

• Bring your own towel and sunscreen. They are not included.
• Wear swimwear you can handle easily, because changing on a boat is not like changing in a hotel.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions early. The cruise is only as comfortable as your sea legs.
• Think about your plan for the swim stop. If you do snorkeling, remember that good masks and fins are provided, but you still need time to adjust and feel comfortable.
• If you’re traveling with kids, ask about the toys box ahead of time or at the request stage. It is available by request, which suggests not everyone always gets it automatically.

If you want the most relaxing time, pick a spot on the boat where you can see the sunset without constantly shifting. The best view is usually the one you can stay with comfortably.

And if you want to talk with the crew, this is a good time. People have shared that the hosts are friendly and quick to help with comfort and safety, including responding fast when guests needed support.

Should you book this sunset catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a relaxed, scenic afternoon in Rethymno that includes more than just sitting on a boat. This is the kind of experience where sunset timing, sushi, and included water activities all line up in one package, and the crew work tends to be warm and organized.

Be cautious if you know you get seasick easily or if you’re visiting during a season when wind and waves are common. Because the cruise depends on good weather, you should expect that the day can change if conditions turn rough. If that happens, be flexible about which activities you can enjoy.

If you’re the type who likes a simple plan with clear value, this trip fits. The boat feels comfortable, the food is a real perk, and the sunset return is the payoff that most people remember.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the catamaran trip?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome glass of Prosecco plus Mediterranean finger foods. Later there is sushi rolls on board, fresh seasonal fruit, and additional included drinks like espresso, detox water, and teas. There is an open bar with unlimited water and soft drinks, plus local beer and white wine.

What water activities come with the cruise?

You get snorkeling gear (high-quality masks and fins), stand-up paddleboards (SUP), swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing gear for a gentle fishing experience.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available during the cruise.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

What should I bring, and what happens if weather is poor?

Bring your own towels and sunscreen, since they are not included. The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.