A sea day with real food and real water time. On a modern catamaran out of Rethymno, you get open-bar drinks plus included SUP and snorkeling, and the crew keeps things smooth and calm. One thing to plan for: the water-activity window can feel a bit short if you’re hoping for lots of time in one spot.

You start the morning with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, then eat a light healthy brunch bowl before you settle on deck. The trip runs about 6 hours 30 minutes, and the group stays small enough that you’re not packed in.

Key highlights (why this cruise is worth your attention)

• Nutritionist-designed meals: a healthy brunch bowl to start, then a gourmet Mediterranean lunch made with fresh, organic ingredients
• Open-bar selection: unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine
• Included water gear: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, plus an inflatable flamingo float
• Small-group feel: capped at 25 travelers, and the boat setup helps you spread out
• Comfort perks on board: sunbeds, shaded lounges, outdoor shower, and an onboard WC
• Crew service that stays present: friendly, organized, and ready with food and drinks while you’re onboard

From Rethymno Port: The Morning Start That Sets the Tone

This is the kind of cruise that doesn’t waste your time. You meet at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno (Sofokli Venizelou 37). The start time is 9:30am, and the first thing you’ll notice is how quickly the day gets going.

Before you even think about swimming, you’re offered a quick pick-me-up: espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake. Then you get a light breakfast bowl made with healthy intent—created by a certified nutritionist. I like this approach because it means you’re not boarding hungry, and it also helps you keep energy for the water activities without feeling heavy.

After that, you settle on the catamaran. There are sunbeds and shaded lounge areas, so you can choose your own mood: “stay warm and sun-soaked” or “easy shade with a sea breeze.” Either way, you’ll get the feel of a luxury day at sea without having to dress up or bring much more than your swimsuit and a bit of patience for the first sail.

The Catamaran Setup: Space, Shade, and Practical Comfort

A big part of why this cruise works is the boat layout. The catamaran is described as modern luxury, and the details match that: sunbeds, shaded areas, and plenty of room to move around. With a maximum of 25 travelers, you generally avoid the cramped feeling that can ruin a day on the water.

You also get real comfort add-ons. There’s an onboard WC, plus an outdoor shower once you’ve been swimming. That matters more than people think. Saltwater gets everywhere, and having an easy rinse saves you from that “why did I do this to myself” feeling later.

Onboard also has music and free Wi-Fi. If you’re the type who likes photos right after a swim, Wi-Fi helps. If you just want background sound while you relax, music does that job too.

And it’s not only adults-focused. There’s a box of toys for kids available by request, and there are small thoughtful touches for women—personal feminine hygiene products are included. Those aren’t the headline, but they’re exactly the kind of details that make a trip feel well-run.

Cruising Toward Georgioupoli Bay: How the Day Flows

Once you leave Rethymno, the plan is to sail along the north coast toward Georgioupoli Bay. The vibe is relaxed from the start. You’re not stuck listening to instructions for the first hour—you’re offered drinks, food, and time to get settled.

Here’s the key timing reality: this is a day trip of about 6 hours 30 minutes, so you’re balancing sailing time with water time. The cruise is built around reaching a good swim area and then giving you multiple options once you arrive.

One drawback to consider: some people feel the travel portion before anchoring can take a little while, and the activity time once you’re parked can be just enough rather than long and leisurely. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel rushed, but it’s worth knowing if you’re the type who wants extended snorkeling or long paddling sessions.

That said, the payoff is that you’re aiming for calm, clear water where SUP and snorkeling are actually enjoyable—not just “gear provided, good luck.”

The Food Game: Nutritionist-Branded Brunch and a Real Cretan Lunch

If you care about food on a boat day, this is a strong pick. You start with a light healthy brunch bowl made by a certified nutritionist. That’s not just marketing language—it changes the experience. I find that when the morning meal is designed to be easy to eat, you don’t spend the rest of the day feeling stuffed or sluggish.

Then comes the main meal: a delicious Mediterranean lunch with authentic Cretan flavors. It’s prepared fresh using organic ingredients from a local farm. Again, you’re not just getting “something filling.” You’re getting a lunch that fits the idea of a sailing day: flavorful, satisfying, and not too heavy in the heat.

You also get dessert. While the exact type isn’t listed, dessert shows up as part of the onboard service in the feedback I’m seeing. Even if you’re not a dessert person, it’s nice to have a complete meal pacing instead of just snacks.

And drinks? They keep it simple and generous: unlimited water and soft drinks, plus Greek beer and Cretan white wine from the open bar selection. That’s great value for a cruise like this because it removes the constant decision-making of what costs extra.

Small practical note: this open bar is about that stated selection. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond that aren’t included.

Water Time on Your Terms: SUP, Snorkeling, Fishing, and the Flamingo

Once you anchor, the fun shifts into gear. The crew sets up the water activities for you. That means you don’t have to wrestle with complicated equipment or figure out what goes where.

You’ll have:

• Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP)
• High-quality snorkeling gear (masks and fins)
• Swimming jackets
• Inflatable noodles for comfort
• An inflatable flamingo float (the famous pink one)
• Fishing gear, set up for a gentle fishing experience if you request it

I like having multiple “ways to be in the water.” You can pick your energy level. Want to drift and float? Inflatable noodles and the flamingo do that. Want a more active move? SUP gives you a workout without turning it into a hardcore session. Want to see what’s under the surface? Snorkeling gear makes that easy.

Snorkeling is usually the wildcard on sea days because some places are clear and calm, and some are not. This route is designed for good conditions, so you get a realistic chance to enjoy it rather than just trying for a quick look.

Fishing adds another angle. You’re not signing up for an all-day competition. It’s more about the experience: calm water, a line in the sea, and something different from just swimming.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll also want to ask for toys in advance (it’s available by request). The included floating options also tend to keep younger travelers occupied in the water safely.

Drinks and Atmosphere: Music, Wi-Fi, and a Calm Social Mix

The mood onboard is part of the value. You’re not stuck with a loud, chaotic party atmosphere, and the group size helps. People describe it as relaxing, with a friendly crew that keeps things moving without hovering.

Music is part of the setup, and it helps fill the gaps between swimming, eating, and lounging. One consideration: in at least one experience, the music wasn’t loud enough when they anchored. That’s minor, but it’s a good reminder that onboard sound may vary by conditions and setup.

Wi-Fi can be handy for sending photos right away. You’re likely to want proof that you were out there on the water—especially with the SUP and snorkeling gear ready and the flamingo float making it harder not to grin.

The crew is attentive. Service includes bringing drinks and making sure people have what they need once you’re set in place. In a couple of cases, the only friction point was that some people wanted the drinks flowing right after anchoring while they were still settling. If you’re a “first five minutes are everything” type, you might want to be extra direct about requesting drinks once you’re ready.

Price and Value: What $174.98 Really Buys You

At $174.98 per person for about 6.5 hours, this isn’t a budget gamble. It’s a mid-range day trip with a lot included, and that’s where the value comes from.

You’re paying for:

• A modern catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges
• A professional English-speaking crew
• Unlimited drinks in the open bar selection (water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine)
• A light healthy brunch plus a gourmet Mediterranean lunch with organic/local ingredients
• A full set of water gear (SUP, snorkeling kit, plus options like fishing and the flamingo float)
• Onboard comforts like WC and an outdoor shower
• Music and free Wi-Fi

The key is that so much is included that you don’t end up nickel-and-diming yourself mid-day. In practice, that means your day stays simple: you eat, you swim, you paddle, you relax, and you’re not thinking about what the next add-on costs.

Could you find cheaper cruises in Crete? Sure. But cheaper usually means fewer included activities, fewer comforts, or a smaller focus on food and service. Here, the “premium-feel” isn’t just the boat—it’s the meal design and the drink plan.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and who might not)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A relaxing sea day with structured food and included activities
• A small-group vibe (cap at 25) so you can actually move around the boat
• SUP or snorkeling time without bringing your own gear
• An open-bar selection that keeps the day enjoyable without constant decisions

It may not be ideal if:

• You strongly prefer longer time at one swim stop over a mix of activities
• You’re expecting cocktails beyond the listed open-bar selection
• You want a super fast day with minimal sailing time before anchoring

For families, it’s workable thanks to kid toys by request and flotation-style fun. For couples, the layout and meal pacing make it feel like a real date-day option. Solo travelers can also do well here since there’s food and activities organized around you, not around finding someone to paddle with.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few things will make your day smoother:

• Bring swimwear and plan to use the snorkeling and SUP gear on your own schedule.
• Pack your own towel since towels aren’t included.
• Bring sunscreen and personal care items since those aren’t provided.
• Expect good weather. The experience requires it, so if conditions aren’t right, the plan changes (you’ll be offered another date or a refund).
• If you want a private cabin, know it’s not guaranteed.

Also, if you’re the kind of person who likes to start the day with momentum, arrive a touch early so you’re ready when the morning welcome begins.

Should You Book This Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a well-run Crete sea day where the food is taken seriously, the drinks are part of the package, and the water activities aren’t an afterthought. The small-group feel, the practical onboard comforts, and the variety of included gear make it easy to have a good day without planning a thing.

I’d think twice if your top priority is maximizing time in the water at a single stop. This cruise spreads the day across sailing, anchoring, meals, and multiple activity options—great for balance, but not built for people who want to stay parked for hours.

If you’re aiming for an organized, comfortable, and genuinely fun catamaran outing along Crete’s north coast, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

It lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30am.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. The cruise ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the open bar?

Unlimited water and soft drinks are included, along with Greek beer and Cretan white wine.

Is food included?

Yes. You get a light healthy brunch and a Mediterranean lunch prepared on board.

Are SUP boards and snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) and snorkeling gear (high-quality masks and fins) are included.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes. There is an onboard WC and an outdoor shower.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available onboard.

Are towels, sunscreen, or personal care items included?

No. Towels, sunscreen, and personal care items are not included.

Is the cruise suitable for most travelers?

Most travelers can participate. The experience also requires good weather.