Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno catamaran cruise is the balance between a polished boat day and real time in the water. You sail along Crete’s rocky coast, stop in a clear-water bay, and have several hours for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding before a freshly prepared Cretan lunch. I like the thoughtful food program and the spacious deck, where you can choose sun or shade instead of being packed shoulder to shoulder.

I also like the open bar, which includes Greek white wine, beer, soft drinks, water, tea, espresso, and detox drinks. The crew’s care is another strength. They have helped people with seasickness, arranged separate dishes for a shellfish allergy, and made birthday trips feel personal. The main drawback is the long sailing time: about 105 minutes each way. If you mainly want to swim, you may wish for a second water stop.

Why this cruise earns attention

• A six-and-a-half-hour boat day: You get a full outing rather than a quick coastal ride.
• Nutritionist-planned meals: Brunch and lunch use fresh local ingredients, with seafood, vegetarian, and lighter choices.
• A spacious catamaran: Sunbeds, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, onboard WC, and Wi-Fi make the long sailing stretches comfortable.
• Water fun included: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing gear are available.
• A small-group feel: The maximum is 25 people, though the boat can feel pleasantly open when numbers are lower.
• Weather shapes the route: The captain may choose Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta depending on sea conditions.

Rethymno Marina and the first coffee

Your morning begins at Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, find the sailing catamaran Karina, and look for crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, but hotel transfers are not part of the standard price. Pickup and return can be arranged from Bali Village when you select the appropriate option.

The crew welcomes you with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. There are also local snacks and a light breakfast bowl prepared with nutrition in mind. This is a useful touch because the first part of the trip is not short. You can settle in, eat something sensible, and find your preferred place on deck before the boat gets fully underway.

A safety briefing comes before departure. Life jackets are provided, and the boat has a WC and outdoor shower. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and smoking is not allowed inside. Bring a towel, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. Port authorities require each passenger’s full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number when booking.

105 minutes along Crete’s coast

The outward sail takes about 105 minutes. That sounds long on paper, but the catamaran is designed for this part of the day. You can stretch out on a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, listen to soft music, or watch the coast pass by. The boat also offers free Wi-Fi, although the sea views are the better reason to put your phone down.

The long crossing is both a strength and a limitation. It gives you a proper sailing experience, with time to talk, rest, and enjoy another drink. It also means you should not book this outing expecting constant activity. The sea can be calm and smooth, but conditions vary, and several people have needed help with seasickness even on days that appeared fairly gentle.

If you are prone to motion sickness, check the forecast and speak with the operator before booking. Crew members have offered natural remedies and assistance when people felt unwell, but preparation is still the smart move. Sit in a stable area, watch the horizon, and avoid treating the open bar as a challenge during the first hour.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta

The route depends on the weather. Georgioupoli Bay is the stated main stop, while Skaleta may be used when conditions make it the better choice. Both offer coastal views and clear water, but the exact swimming experience can change with wind and currents.

At the main stop, the boat anchors for roughly two hours and 45 minutes. This is the heart of the day. You can swim from the catamaran, use the SUP boards, try the snorkeling equipment, float on a noodle, or pose with the bright pink flamingo. Fishing equipment is available on request, and children can use a box of toys if arranged ahead of time.

The water has often been clear and turquoise, with fish visible near the coast. Sea turtles, dolphins, and flying fish have also been spotted on some sailings, but these are lucky encounters, not part of the promise. Do not expect a coral reef or a guaranteed wildlife show. Some stops are deep, and several people found the underwater scenery modest compared with the striking color of the water.

This is where expectations matter. I would call the cruise better for swimming, floating, and general water play than for serious snorkeling. The supplied masks and fins are a useful convenience, but the boat does not promise a dedicated reef site. Currents can also make swimming harder, and the captain may need to adapt the stop.

Lunch made for a long day at sea

While you play in the water, the crew prepares lunch aboard the catamaran. The menu is created with help from a certified nutritionist and uses fresh, local, biological, and organic ingredients from a Cretan farm. Menus change with the season, but the aim is a balanced Mediterranean meal rather than a pile of heavy buffet food.

The exact menu varies, though past meals have included Greek salad, avocado salad, cheese, pita, orzo, pasta, prawns, mussels, chicken, and assorted desserts. The food is prepared onboard and served after the water activities, so you can return to the deck, dry off, and eat while looking out over the sea.

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider the price. A basic boat trip may get you to a cove, but here the meal is a central part of the experience. Portions have been generous, and second helpings have been available. Vegetarian dishes and lighter choices are offered, and children’s meals can be requested. If you have an allergy, tell the crew before departure. A separate pasta dish was prepared for one person with a shellfish allergy, but you should still provide full details in advance.

The open bar includes still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso and tea are available, along with detox water and the morning protein drink. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included, and red wine is not allowed onboard. The drink service is attentive, but the cruise is still a boat trip first, not a floating nightclub.

A catamaran built for comfort

The Karina is modern, clean, and noticeably more spacious than a basic excursion boat. You can stretch out on the sunbeds, retreat to shaded seating, or move around to find a quieter corner. The maximum group size is 25, though the boat may carry fewer people. Smaller numbers make the experience feel more relaxed and give you room to spread out.

There is not unlimited shade, so this matters in July and August. The covered loungers are useful, but you should still bring a hat and apply sunscreen often. The outdoor shower helps rinse off salt after swimming, and the onboard WC is a practical advantage during a six-and-a-half-hour outing.

Music plays throughout the day and sets an easygoing mood. It is generally soft enough for conversation, and on some departures the crew has allowed the group to play its own music later in the trip. That detail can vary, but the overall atmosphere is social without being rowdy.

Private cabins are available on request but are not guaranteed. You should not book this cruise expecting a private yacht or a personal cabin. Think of it as a premium shared sailing experience with a comfortable public deck.

Who gets the best value at $170

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Cretan coast. The value comes from combining several costs in one day: a 390-minute cruise, a modern catamaran, professional crew, brunch, a substantial lunch, unlimited selected drinks, and water equipment.

I think the price makes sense if you want a relaxed, all-in-one day and would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, food, drinks, and water gear. It is also a good choice for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a more comfortable boat than a crowded excursion vessel. The maximum of 25 helps, although the actual atmosphere depends on how full the departure is.

The value is weaker if your top priority is snorkeling. You spend about three and a half hours sailing in total, and most of the water time is concentrated in one main stop. A dedicated snorkeling trip may give you more time at several underwater sites. This cruise is better suited to someone who wants food, scenery, swimming, and comfort in equal measure.

Families should note that unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and children under two require a conversation with the team before booking. Pregnant people, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95 are listed as unsuitable. A private group is available, which may make the outing appealing for celebrations or family gatherings.

Practical details that save trouble

Book with the correct names and identity details, since port permission depends on them. Your QR-code voucher is sent one day before departure, so check your email and arrive early. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of port rules.

Hotel transport is not included by default. If you are staying in Rethymno, reaching the marina is your responsibility, though pickup can be arranged from Bali Village with the right option. The marina has municipal parking.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Personal feminine hygiene products are available onboard, a small but useful detail. Glass objects, drugs, alcohol outside the permitted service, indoor smoking, and touching marine life are prohibited. Pets are not allowed.

The cruise can be rescheduled or canceled in poor weather. A flexible booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available. These policies matter because the route and swimming conditions depend heavily on the sea.

For birthdays and anniversaries, notify the crew in advance. A complimentary branded gift may be arranged for a special occasion. The crew has also provided birthday acknowledgments and cake-style celebrations on some outings, but make your request before sailing rather than assuming it will happen.

Is the long sail worth your day?

I would book this cruise if you want a comfortable Cretan boat day with good food, open-bar service, and plenty of room to relax. The crew is a major part of the experience, and their attentive approach has helped people with seasickness, dietary needs, and celebrations. The boat, lunch, and service receive the strongest praise for good reason.

I would hesitate only if you want a fast trip with several snorkeling stops. The outward and return sails take time, and the main bay can be deep or affected by current. For everyone else, the combination of a modern catamaran, clear water, SUP boards, fresh Mediterranean food, and a calm deck makes $170 a reasonable premium for a full day from Rethymno.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Rethymno Marina. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure for boarding.

What destination will the catamaran visit?

The boat may sail to Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard option. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from Bali Village if you select the appropriate transfer option.

What food is included?

You receive a light healthy brunch and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. Seasonal menus may include salads, seafood, pasta, chicken, regional dishes, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are provided. Fishing gear is available on request.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with swimwear, a hat, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Children may join with an accompanying adult. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and children under two require advance consultation with the team. Children’s meals and a box of toys can be requested.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The cruise may also be rescheduled or canceled because of poor weather.