This is the Cretan sea day that feels like a floating day club. You get a modern catamaran with space to stretch out, plus a nutritionist-built menu you can actually feel good about. I really liked the calm, well-paced flow, and I also loved the mix of comfort and hands-on water time. One thing to weigh: shade is limited on a hot day, so you’ll want to plan for sun.

What makes it practical is how much is included for $170. Espresso, detox-style waters, and a protein cocktail show up early, then you get a light brunch and a hearty lunch while you’re out on the water. The only real drawback I see for some people is that the swim/snorkel stop depends on conditions, and you may find currents or visibility aren’t always perfect.

If you’re game for a weather-dependent sailing day and you want all-in-one food plus water toys, this cruise makes sense. If you’re very prone to seasickness, have major medical concerns, or you just hate boats, I’d look at a more shore-based plan.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Healthy food that’s actually planned: Light brunch and a Mediterranean-style lunch built by a certified nutritionist
• Unlimited drinks, on a schedule that works: Beer and Greek white wine plus water and soft drinks all day
• Real water time with options: SUP, snorkeling gear, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo
• Small-group feel on a bigger boat: Most days run well under “mass tourism” energy
• Crew energy matters: Hosts and crew stay attentive, including quick help for nausea if needed

Getting on board at Rethymno Marina: snacks, gear, and the tone

Your day starts at Rethymno Marina, and you’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can board without stress. The vibe is friendly and organized. Once you’re on the catamaran, you get that first round of welcome drinks—espresso or tea, plus detox water and a protein-style shake. It’s a smart start because you’re about to be out on open water and then eating later.

There’s also a safety briefing, and you’ll see the crew setting up the day’s plan. I like that the staff seems to handle the “little things” early: getting people oriented, checking on gear, and keeping the day moving at a relaxed pace instead of turning it into a scramble.

Practical note: they provide life jackets, swim vests, and snorkeling equipment (masks and fins). What they do not provide is your towel, so pack your own.

The catamaran ride: comfort first, views always

Once you pull away, you’re on a spacious, modern catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounge areas. This matters more than it sounds. On a long sea day, you want places to lie down, not just stand around. The boat also has an outdoor shower and an onboard WC, so you won’t be stuck planning your hydration around bathroom logistics.

Music plays during the cruise and helps set the mood, but it still leaves room to chat. This is one of those trips where the atmosphere is fun without being nonstop chaos.

If you’re sensitive to motion: Crete can be calm, but it can also be choppy. Some people have handled seasickness smoothly with the crew’s help, and the company notes the cruise is weather-dependent. If you know you get queasy, plan to bring what helps you personally (and consult your team if you have health concerns).

The sailing day unfolds: two chunks of cruising time

The experience is built around two sailing stretches on the catamaran—out toward the swimming area and back toward Rethymno. This structure gives you a steady rhythm: drink and settle in, then a focused stop for sea play, then food and relaxation on the way back.

You’re not bouncing between rapid stops every 10 minutes. Instead, you get time to enjoy the coastline and the feeling of being out there—plus enough downtime that you don’t end up exhausted from your own itinerary.

Lunch on board: where the premium part shows

Now for the best reason to pick this cruise over the cheaper ones: the food is a main event.

Before the main lunch, there’s a light healthy brunch designed by a certified nutritionist. Then, after the swimming time, you get a full Mediterranean-style lunch. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can expect a mix of seafood and meat options plus vegetarian choices, along with a dessert.

What I’d call “real value” here is the way the cruise keeps you fed without making it feel like you’re eating cafeteria food on a boat. Several people described restaurant-quality flavors and fresh cooking, and it’s not just snack-table energy. One review also mentioned a separate pasta dish for a shellfish allergy, which signals the staff takes dietary needs seriously.

Food details you can count on:

• Cretan snacks and a light breakfast bowl early
• A proper lunch with hot meal components and dessert
• Seasonal variety, but always using fresh ingredients (they specifically mention local, biological/organic sourcing)

Also, drinks aren’t an afterthought. You’ll have unlimited still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Greek white wine during the open bar window—available whenever you want it, not only at one set time.

The big sea stop: Georgioupoli or Skaleta, plus a photo stop

The cruise heads toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta depending on conditions. Either way, you’re going to a part of the coast that’s famous for clear water and dramatic shoreline.

Before you hit the water toys, there’s a photo stop. You’ll get chances to capture the coastline from the boat—then you shift into swim mode. The stop includes plenty of time for:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Paddleboarding on the calm stretches they set up
• Floating on inflatable noodles
• Posing with the iconic pink flamingo float

Here’s the honest part: snorkeling quality can vary. Some people had incredible marine life sightings (including sea turtles and even dolphins on other parts of the day), while others felt the first snorkeling location wasn’t as revealing as hoped—especially if the water was deeper or if current made it tougher.

So think of snorkeling as a bonus, not a guarantee. The swimming and the water play are the real constant.

Water toys you’ll actually use: SUP, snorkeling, fishing, noodles

This is one of those cruises where you’re not just handed a mask and told good luck. The boat comes with high-quality snorkeling gear, including masks and fins, plus SUP boards. You also get swim jackets for extra comfort in the water.

If you want variety, you’ll appreciate the smaller extras:

• Inflatable noodles for lounging
• Inflatable flamingo for photos
• Fishing gear available for gentle fishing
• A kid-focused toy box available by request (and children’s meals can be requested onboard)

Even if you’re not an “activity person,” the noodles + floating + swimming time is enough to make the whole day feel different from a standard catamaran ride.

Open bar, espresso, and the little drink details

I like how the drink setup covers the whole day without feeling awkward. You start with espresso and tea, then there’s detox-style water and a protein shake early. During the sailing and lunch periods, the open bar keeps refills coming: beer, Greek white wine, water, and soft drinks.

One thing to keep in mind: cocktails and alcohol beyond the open bar selection aren’t included. Also, they don’t allow red wine and they don’t allow smoking indoors, glass objects, or alcohol/drugs outside the rules.

Bottom line: if you want beer and wine as part of the day, you’re set.

Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and the comfort stuff you forget to pack

Some boat trips forget the basics. This one includes music and free Wi-Fi on board, plus an onboard WC and an outdoor shower. That’s useful after you swim and before you head back.

What you still need to bring:

• Swimwear
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Your ID/passport (a copy is accepted)

Also, note their rules about marine life: you’re not supposed to touch it. If you see turtles or other sea life, keep your distance and let the moment happen without turning it into a photo-op disruption.

How long is the day, and how it will feel

The total duration is 390 minutes (about 6.5 hours). The real feeling of the day comes from the timing mix:

• Early boarding and sailing out with refreshments
• A long midsection anchored by the bay stop for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling
• A return ride with the wind-down that makes it feel like a full experience, not a quick tour

If you’re deciding between half-day and full-day activities in Crete, this sits in a sweet spot. You’re not stuck for an entire long day on land first. You get sea time right away, and you still have a complete meal on board.

Price and value: what $170 gets you

At $170 per person, this isn’t the cheapest boat day out of Rethymno. But it can be good value if you compare what’s included:

• Premium-level food (brunch + lunch designed by a nutritionist)
• Unlimited drinks (beer, Greek white wine, soft drinks, water)
• Multiple water activities (SUP + snorkeling gear + flotation options)
• A boat designed for comfort (sunbeds, shaded zones, showers, WC)

Where it might feel expensive is if you’re mostly looking for scenic cruising with minimal sea play. In that case, you may not “use” the extras enough to justify the price.

But if you want a day where the food, the drinks, and the ocean activities are all part of one package, the math starts to look better.

Who this cruise suits best

This cruise is a strong match if you:

• Want a comfortable catamaran day with real downtime
• Care about food quality and want a healthier menu approach
• Like being active in the water (SUP and snorkeling gear included)
• Prefer a more organized, attentive crew style

It’s also a good option for couples and small groups who want fun without feeling herded. Several people highlighted the small-group feeling and attentive service.

Who should pause or skip:

• Pregnant women
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• People over 95
• Anyone who knows they get severe seasickness and can’t handle it

And remember: towels and sunscreen are on you.

Small drawbacks to plan for

No trip is perfect, so here are the trade-offs you can actually plan around:

• Shade can be limited on a hot summer day, even if there are shaded lounges. Bring your hat and use sunscreen.
• Swimming/snorkeling conditions can vary. Current, depth, and visibility can affect how fun snorkeling is.
• You spend a lot of time on the boat. If you’re the type who needs to be off the water exploring constantly, this might feel too “sea-forward.”
• If you’re very sensitive to motion, you may need extra help. The crew has helped people with nausea when seas are less than perfect.

Should you book this premium Rethymno catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal Crete day looks like this: coffee and drinks early, a long comfortable sail, a proper swim stop with SUP and snorkeling gear, and lunch that doesn’t feel like it was thrown on at the last minute. The nutritionist-led menu and all-inclusive drink setup make it feel like a true premium day, not just transport to the water.

I’d skip it if you want shore sightseeing, you hate boats, or you’re counting on snorkeling as your main goal no matter the conditions. In those cases, pick something more shore-based or plan a more flexible day.

If you go, I’d bring a towel, a hat, and sunscreen, then show up ready to enjoy the ocean time. That’s where this cruise earns its money.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 390 minutes (about 6.5 hours).

Where does the cruise start?

You board at Rethymno Marina. You should arrive about 15 minutes early for boarding.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a light healthy brunch and a Mediterranean lunch onboard, plus dessert.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included as part of the open bar selection.

What water activities are available?

You get stand-up paddleboards (SUP), snorkeling gear (masks and fins), swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing gear is also available upon request.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available onboard.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Is transportation from hotels included?

Not automatically. Hotel transfers aren’t included, but pickup/drop-off may be arranged if the appropriate option is selected (for example, from Bali Village).

What should I watch for with weather?

The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad conditions.

Are cocktails included?

Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond the open bar selection are not included.