A Cretan catamaran day feels like a reset button. From Rethymno Port, this cruise pairs a nutritionist-minded lunch with a smooth, scenic sail along the northern coast. You’re not just “on a boat,” you’re set up for a full day that mixes comfort and active water time.

I also like the small-group vibe for a day like this. With a max of 25 people, the deck feels more relaxed, and the crew can actually focus on you. That said, there can be a little wait before the anchor drops, so plan your patience for the earlier part of the trip.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel on This Cruise

• Nutritionist-led food, starting with a light breakfast bowl and ending with a filling Cretan lunch
• Open bar basics: local beer and Cretan white wine, plus unlimited water and soft drinks
• Real water gear included: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, plus an inflatable flamingo
• Crew-run activities: you ask, they set up, you go enjoy
• A deck made for lounging with sunbeds and shaded lounges, plus an outdoor shower
• Music and free Wi-Fi on board, so you can keep the vibe going even when you’re not in the water

Why This Rethymno Catamaran Day Feels Like a Smart Half-Day

This is a 6.5 hour cruise with a clear goal: get you out on the water, keep you fed, and make the swim stuff easy. The catamaran setup matters. It’s not a cramped speedboat situation, so you can move around, claim shade if you want it, and still feel like you have space.

The value here is tied to how much is included. You get food in phases, an open bar selection, and a lot of activity gear bundled into one price. For days in Crete, that combination often decides if you feel “taken care of” or if you end up paying extra for the basics.

One thing to keep in mind: the cruising time before the main swim stop can feel long if you’re itching to get in the water right away. The upside is that once you’re anchored, you typically get a proper chunk of time for swimming and paddling.

Morning Start at Rethymno Port: Coffee, Detox Water, and a Breakfast Bowl

Your day starts at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno, meeting at Sofokli Venizelou 37. Start time is 9:30 am, so you’re getting going with the cooler morning light instead of burning time later.

Once you arrive, the crew welcomes you with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake. That might sound like a marketing list, but it’s practical. It gives you an easy “pre-boat” moment without needing to find a cafe first.

Then comes the light breakfast bowl, made with a nutritionist’s input. It’s the kind of breakfast that helps you not feel heavy once you’re out sailing, while still keeping your energy steady for swimming later.

Tip from how the day is set up: if you get motion sensitive, eat lightly but don’t skip the breakfast. Having something in your stomach beats trying to power through on empty.

On Deck: Sunbeds, Shade, Wi-Fi, and a Crew That Runs the Day

This boat is built for comfort. You’ve got sunbeds and shaded lounges, plus an onboard WC and an outdoor shower. That shower detail is more useful than it sounds. After swimming, you can rinse off before you sit down for lunch, and you don’t spend the rest of the day feeling salty.

The vibe is also deliberately low-stress. The crew sets up the water activities when you request them, so you’re not wrestling with gear or trying to figure out how it all works. That’s a big deal if snorkeling or SUP is new to you.

You’ll also have music on board and free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi isn’t the reason you come, but it’s handy for navigation, posting once in a while, or just keeping your phone charged with something that feels productive.

Based on the overall tone of the experience, the staff approach is friendly and attentive. People felt safe and cared for, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re on open water with family-friendly included gear.

The Georgioupoli Bay Swim Stop: SUP, Snorkeling, and Time to Breathe

Heading toward Georgioupoli Bay is part of the calm. Once you arrive, the day shifts from sailing mode to play mode.

This is where the included gear becomes the star:

• SUP boards for paddling
• Snorkeling gear with high-quality masks and fins
• Swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo

The inflatable flamingo is a silly detail that actually works. Float time can be the best time, especially if you just want to relax and enjoy the sun and the water without committing to a swim workout.

Snorkeling deserves a practical note: you don’t need to be an expert. What you do need is comfort in the water. The crew helps with setup, and you can decide whether you want a short look around or a longer session.

One consideration from past experiences: the time once anchored can feel a bit short if you’re hoping to do everything in one go. If that’s you, pick your top two activities first. Then enjoy the rest without turning the day into a checklist. Also, if music volume is important to you, don’t expect it to dominate once you’re anchored. It’s more of a background soundtrack than a party sound system.

Lunch With a Nutritionist’s Touch, Plus Beer and Cretan White Wine

After you play in the water, lunch is ready onboard. This is not an afterthought meal. It’s described as a gourmet Mediterranean lunch made with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm, designed by a nutritionist.

The open bar is also included in a clear way:

• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Greek beer
• Cretan white wine

That’s a good setup for most people. It covers the classic “what do I drink while eating” needs without pushing you into ordering extras. It also keeps the lunch phase easy. You can focus on food and conversation rather than scanning a menu.

A quick practical angle: since your lunch includes wine and beer, pace yourself if you still want to swim again after. The day includes multiple chances to get back in the water, and you’ll enjoy that more if you’re not overdoing it.

Also, you’ll likely have desserts and appetizers as part of the meal flow. Past experiences have called the overall food delicious and satisfying, which matters because a lot of boat lunches are… fine. This one aims higher.

Water Toys and Comfort Details That Make the Day Feel Complete

A catamaran cruise can be two things: a scenic ride or a floating amusement platform. This one leans into both, with gear that doesn’t feel like random extras.

On board you’ll have:

• Fishing gear (for gentle fishing)
• Inflatable flamingo and inflatable noodles
• A box of toys for kids by request
• Personal feminine hygiene products
• A branded memorable gift for special occasions

Some of these are the kind of details you only notice when you need them. The outdoor shower and WC are comfort essentials. The toys for kids by request helps families avoid bringing extra clutter. Even the small personal items signal that the crew thought about day-to-day realities.

You’ll also find the boat is set up in a way that supports movement. People don’t feel stuck in one place. You can lounge, then shift to the water when you’re ready, then return for lunch without losing track of where your essentials are.

And yes, the music on board helps keep the day playful, especially if your group is the type that likes to talk and laugh while the boat rocks gently.

Price and Value: What $174.98 Buys You in Real Terms

At $174.98 per person, you’re paying for a full package day, not a bare-bones boat rental. The price makes sense because so much is already covered:

• The catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges
• Breakfast plus lunch
• Unlimited water and soft drinks, plus local beer and Cretan white wine
• SUP and snorkeling gear
• Swimming accessories like jackets and noodles
• Onboard Wi-Fi and music
• Outdoor shower and WC

If you tried to assemble this yourself, you’d quickly spend money on separate food stops and water activity rentals. Here, you’re buying convenience and time. The sailing itself is part of the experience, but the value is really in how the day runs like a complete loop.

Is it perfect? No. The tradeoff is that you’re not controlling the schedule. If you hate waiting, the earlier travel time can test your patience. If you want long, unhurried activity sessions at a single spot, you might feel the time on the anchor is not as long as you’d like.

Still, the overall rating is strong, and the repeated themes are consistent: clean boat, friendly crew, good food, and a safe, relaxing feel.

Who This Cruise Fits Best, and Who Might Want Another Option

This is a great fit if you want:

• A relaxing day at sea with comfort seating
• Included water time without hunting for rentals
• Food that doesn’t feel like a sad snack plate
• A group size capped at 25, which helps keep things calmer

It also suits people traveling as couples, friend groups, and families who want simple beach-style fun without the logistics.

You might want to consider a different kind of cruise if your main goal is maximum time in the water with no waiting, because the schedule includes sailing time before anchoring. If your “must-do” list is huge, pick wisely. Do your top activity first so you don’t feel rushed.

Also, bring basic sun habits with you. Towels are not included, and sunscreen and personal care items are not included either. You’ll be happier if you arrive ready for a sun-and-water day.

My Bottom Line: Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book this if you’re aiming for a comfortable Crete sea day with healthy-minded food, included snorkeling and SUP, and an open bar selection that actually makes lunch enjoyable. The combination of comfort space, crew-run setup, and included gear makes it feel effortless.

If you’re ultra-focused on timing, like you want the water fun to start immediately and last a long time, you may find the sailing lead-in and the anchor-stop pacing a little restrictive. But if your goal is a balanced, easy day on the water, this one is a solid bet.

One last practical tip: plan your day around this. If you try to squeeze in extra beach plans afterward, you’ll feel tired. This cruise works best when you treat it like the highlight and then coast.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and how long is it?

The activity starts at 9:30 am and runs about 6 hours 30 minutes. It ends back at the meeting point.

Where do we meet?

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

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll get espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake, plus a light healthy brunch and a Mediterranean lunch. Drinks included are unlimited water and soft drinks, plus local beer and Cretan white wine from the open bar selection.

Is it an open bar with cocktails?

The open bar selection includes water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond that selection are not included.

What water activities are included?

SUP boards, snorkeling gear with masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included. Fishing gear is also included for gentle fishing, and the crew sets up water activities upon request.

Do I need to bring towels or sunscreen?

Yes. Towels are not included, and sunscreen and personal care items are not included.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.