A catamaran day, with lunch handled. This Rethymno cruise turns a half-day on the northern coast into a simple plan: breakfast snacks, easy water time, then a proper Cretan lunch plus an open bar. It is the kind of outing where you spend your energy on swimming and chatting, not on logistics.

I especially like the food approach. You start with a light healthy brunch, then eat a Mediterranean-style lunch made with fresh ingredients from a local farm, designed by a nutritionist, and fueled by multiple early-morning drink options like espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

One thing to consider is timing. The day includes sailing time before you drop anchor, and the active water window can feel shorter if you were hoping for an all-day float with no gaps.

Key highlights before you sail

• Nutritionist-designed meals: a healthy breakfast bowl and an organic, farm-sourced Cretan lunch
• Unlimited open bar: water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine
• Water toys included: SUP boards, snorkeling gear, inflatable noodles, and a flamingo float
• A small-group feel: maximum 25 people, with space to spread out on sunbeds and shaded lounges
• A pro English-speaking crew: friendly, organized, and attentive during the whole trip
• Comfort extras onboard: Wi-Fi, music, outdoor shower, and onboard WC

Meeting Rethymno on a modern luxury catamaran

The tour starts at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno, at 9:30 am. You get a modern luxury catamaran set up with sunbeds plus shaded lounging, so you can choose your vibe right away. This matters in Crete, because the sun can go from nice to intense quickly.

The boat includes practical features that make it feel like a real day on the water, not just a long boat ride. There is an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, plus an easy way to cool off after swimming.

Group size is capped at 25, which usually keeps things from getting chaotic. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, this is a good sign, especially since the crew runs the whole experience and takes care of the gear.

Morning welcome: espresso, detox water, and a healthy brunch bowl

Your day starts right at the port with crew welcome drinks. You can choose from espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, which is a smart touch for people with different tastes and energy levels. It also sets the tone: you are not stuck waiting until after boarding to feel taken care of.

Then comes a light breakfast bowl created by a certified nutritionist. Even if you are not “a breakfast person,” this kind of pre-sail fuel helps you enjoy the water time without feeling heavy or hungry later. It also fits the theme of the day, healthy and easy, with enough variety to satisfy different palates.

If you tend to get thirsty early, you will appreciate that water and non-alcoholic options are built into the flow from the start. And if you want coffee, you get it before the sea air works its magic.

Sailing north: what the 6.5 hours really feels like

Once you are onboard, you sail along the northern coast toward Georgioupoli Bay. The plan gives you time to settle in, stretch out, and enjoy the scenery without constantly changing plans. This is one of the real strengths of a catamaran day, the movement is gentler than you might expect from a smaller boat.

On deck, you can park yourself on soft sunbeds or retreat to shade. The boat also has music and free Wi-Fi, so it is not totally “leave the world behind” if you need a quick check-in.

You should plan to spend part of the morning in a relaxed cruising rhythm. That includes the sail time before you drop anchor, which some people may wish was shorter if you like to get into the water immediately.

Georgioupoli Bay swim time: SUP, snorkeling, fishing, and the flamingo float

This is where the day gets fun. When you arrive at the bay, the crew sets up the water activities, including SUP boards and snorkeling gear, plus swimming jackets for comfort. The snorkeling kit includes high-quality masks and fins, so you are not hunting for gear or making do with mismatched equipment.

You also get inflatable noodles for an easy float, and there is an inflatable flamingo for laughs and photos. This is not just decoration, it gives you an effortless way to relax without having to be a strong swimmer.

Want to paddle? SUP boards are included, and the bay setup is meant for friendly water time rather than a hardcore workout. Want to explore closer to the surface? Snorkeling gear is ready, and the calm bay setting is ideal for a first try or a slow look around.

Fishing gear is available as well, described as a complete set for a gentle fishing experience. If you like the idea of trying something different for a bit, it is nice that it is built into the package.

If you are traveling with kids, there is a box of toys available on request. That small detail can make a big difference on a boat day, when everyone needs a few different ways to pass the time.

Practical note: towels are not included, so bring your own or plan to dry off using what you brought.

The Cretan lunch plus open bar that actually satisfies

After your swim and activity time, lunch comes onboard. This Cretan lunch is described as gourmet Mediterranean, prepared fresh, and designed by a nutritionist. The ingredients are said to come from an organic local farm, which is a clear attempt at quality rather than a generic cruise meal.

You also get unlimited drinks: water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. This is a big value point because it removes the usual “what should I pay for now?” feeling during a half-day outing.

For many people, the open bar is the main reason to pick a boat day like this. But the better part is that it is paired with food that does not feel like filler. You are getting a true lunch, not just snacks, and the meal is timed for after you have worked up some appetite.

What to keep in mind: cocktails and alcohol beyond the listed open bar selection are not included. If your drink order tends to be specific and cocktail-heavy, you might want to adjust expectations and plan around beer and white wine.

Deck time after lunch: rest, music, Wi-Fi, and another chance in the water

Once lunch is done, you can relax back on deck for the return sail. This is the easy part of the day: sun or shade, slow conversations, and the kind of sea views that do not require constant attention.

The schedule also allows for a second round of water fun if you want it, so you are not forced to “do everything first.” This is good if you like to pace yourself, especially in the sun.

Because music and free Wi-Fi are included, it also works well if someone in your group wants to stay slightly connected while others are busy in the water. It is a comfort feature, not a distraction by default.

Value check: what you get for $174.98

At $174.98 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, you are paying for a bundle, not just transport. You are getting:

• A light healthy brunch plus a full lunch
• Unlimited water and soft drinks, plus local beer and Cretan white wine
• SUP boards, snorkeling gear, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the flamingo float
• Fishing gear (for gentle fishing) and optional kid toys
• A small-group setup with sunbeds, shaded lounges, and onboard amenities like a WC and shower

If you tried to assemble this on your own, you would likely spend time and money on food, drinks, gear rentals, and maybe a guide or driver. Here, the crew handles the timing and the setup for the water activities, which is where the real value often hides.

The day is also listed as English-speaking, which is a practical plus in Greece. It helps you understand what to do with the gear and how the day will run, so you can relax sooner.

Who should book this Rethymno catamaran cruise

This is a strong match for people who want a classic Crete sea day with structure. You get a clear flow, food included, and activity gear ready, so it suits couples, friend groups, and families who like a mix of relaxation and light adventure.

It also makes sense if you care about the “health angle” without going extreme. The breakfast bowl and nutritionist-designed lunch mean you are not stuck with only heavy, greasy boat food.

I would be cautious if you want a very long uninterrupted swim session. The day includes sailing time before anchor, and the active portion is scheduled, so it is more like an organized half-day than a loose all-day drift.

Should you book?

Book it if you want an easy, well-run half-day at sea that includes food, drinks, and water gear in one package. The combination of nutritionist-designed meals, a friendly English-speaking crew, and included SUP and snorkeling gear makes it a good value choice for Rethymno.

Skip or adjust expectations if you need cocktail-style drinks beyond the listed beer and white wine, or if you have specific timing needs about being in the water immediately. Also plan ahead for essentials like towels and personal sun care, since those are not included.

If the weather is looking good, this is the kind of day that lets you enjoy Crete without turning it into a project.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The activity starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

What food is included?

A light healthy brunch is included at the start, and a Cretan lunch is served onboard later.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

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

Are SUP boards and snorkeling gear included?

Yes. SUP boards and high-quality snorkeling masks and fins are included, and swimming jackets are provided.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

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

Do I need to bring towels?

Towels are not included.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included onboard.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience also requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.