Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

A healthy lunch, open bar, and a proper catamaran deck make this 6.5-hour cruise more than a quick swim stop. You start with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein drink, then sail along Crete’s rocky coast toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. Once anchored, you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out with a glass of local white wine.

I especially like the small maximum group of 25 and the amount of deck space. The food is another strong point: fresh salads, Mediterranean dishes, seafood or meat options, and dessert are prepared onboard with local ingredients. The catch is the long sailing time. You spend about 105 minutes going out and another 105 minutes returning, so this suits people who enjoy being on the water, not just people chasing a short snorkeling stop.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• A full day on a spacious catamaran: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and an onboard toilet make the long sailing time comfortable.
• A nutrition-focused menu: The light brunch and lunch are designed by a certified nutritionist, with fresh Cretan ingredients and seasonal Mediterranean dishes.
• An open bar with sensible limits: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.
• A well-equipped swim stop: You can use SUP boards, quality masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, and the famous pink flamingo float.
• A flexible destination: The captain chooses Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta according to sea and weather conditions.
• A calm, social atmosphere: Music plays throughout the day, but the boat is arranged so you can still talk, rest, or find a quieter shaded spot.

Setting off from Rethymno Marina

Your day begins at Rethymno Marina, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, though hotel transportation is not included unless you select an option that provides pickup.

The welcome is more generous than a basic safety briefing. You receive espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail, along with local snacks and a light breakfast bowl. This is a useful start for an early cruise, especially if you do not want to eat a heavy meal before spending hours at sea.

The crew gives a safety briefing before departure. Life jackets are available, and the boat carries liability insurance. Shoes are not allowed indoors, smoking is not allowed inside, and glass objects are prohibited. Bring your passport or ID card, since port authorities require passenger details before issuing sailing permission.

The sailing time is part of the experience

The first leg lasts about 105 minutes. That sounds long if you picture a transfer, but the point is to enjoy the catamaran itself. You can settle into a sunbed, sit under cover, listen to the music, or watch the Cretan coast slide past.

The catamaran has enough room to avoid feeling packed, with sun areas and shaded seating. Several people have found that the boat still feels comfortable even when carrying a fairly full group. The published maximum is 25 people, and some departures may be smaller.

The sea can be calm and smooth, but conditions change. A few people have felt seasick even on relatively gentle days, while rougher weather has caused more trouble. If you are prone to nausea, bring suitable medication and ask the crew for advice before departure. The crew has helped people who became unwell, but you should not treat that as a substitute for your own preparation.

The sailing route also depends on the weather. The usual destination is Georgioupoli Bay, but the boat may head toward Skaleta instead. This flexibility helps the crew choose safer conditions, though it means you should not expect one fixed cove every time.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta

The main stop lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The water is the star here: clear, blue, and suitable for swimming and water games. The exact character of the stop varies with the chosen bay, wind, and current.

At Georgioupoli, you can expect a scenic anchorage with time for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and paddleboarding. Some people have seen plenty of fish, while others have found the snorkeling less interesting because the water was deep or there was limited underwater life. That is normal for an open-water stop. This is not a dedicated reef excursion, and marine life cannot be promised.

The crew lays out masks, fins, SUP boards, swim vests, and inflatable noodles. The noodles are useful if you want to float without working hard, while the vests help less confident swimmers enjoy the water. The pink flamingo float adds a playful photo opportunity, especially for families and groups.

Fishing equipment is available on request. Children can also use a box of toys if arranged ahead of time. Do not touch marine life, even if you see fish, turtles, jellyfish, or other creatures. A few people have been lucky enough to spot turtles and dolphins from the boat, but these are chance sightings rather than part of the promised program.

One practical point matters here: the water stop is usually a single main anchorage. Some people wish there were a second swimming location, while others find that the nearly three hours in one bay is enough. If you want several coves and constant movement, this may feel slow. If you prefer settling into one beautiful place without rushing, it works well.

A healthy lunch that feels like a real meal

While you swim or use the SUP boards, the crew prepares lunch. The food is designed by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh, local, biological, and organic ingredients from a Cretan farm.

Menus change with the season, but the style is Mediterranean. You might find Greek salad, fresh salads, orzo, pasta, mussels, prawns, chicken, pita, and a selection of desserts. The meal is intended to be balanced rather than heavy, yet portions are generous enough that seconds may be available.

This is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper boat trip with basic snacks. Food is not treated as an afterthought. It is prepared onboard and served while you look across the water, which turns lunch into a central part of the day.

Vegetarian choices are available, and children’s meals can be requested. If you have a shellfish allergy or another dietary concern, tell the operator before sailing rather than waiting until lunch. A separate pasta dish has been prepared for a passenger with a shellfish allergy, but special arrangements should always be confirmed in advance.

The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso and tea are also available. Cocktails, red wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not part of the included selection. Red wine is specifically not allowed onboard, so pack your expectations around the listed drinks.

Afternoon drinks, music, and deck time

After lunch, you can return to the water or stay aboard. The choice is yours, which gives the cruise a relaxed rhythm. You do not have to take part in every activity, and the shaded lounge areas are valuable during the hottest months.

Music plays throughout the cruise, usually creating a light holiday mood without making conversation impossible. The boat also has free Wi-Fi, though I would treat that as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The best connection here is with the sea and the view.

The deck has less shade than some people expect from a large boat, especially when the sun is high. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels and personal care items are not supplied. The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, and the onboard toilet saves you from having to wait until returning to shore.

Private cabins may be available on request, but they are not guaranteed. For most people, the public deck areas are the practical choice. Families should note that unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the cruise is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with certain pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95.

How the $170 price measures up

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a limited group size, crew service, two substantial food services, selected drinks throughout the day, and water equipment.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. Swim, try a SUP, enjoy the lunch, make use of the open bar, and spend time on deck. If you only want a short swim and a basic coastal view, a less expensive trip may fit better.

The cruise also compares favorably for people who care about food. A restaurant-style lunch, seasonal ingredients, and special meal requests give it an advantage over excursions built around sandwiches or buffet basics. Unlimited beer and wine add value for adults who expect to drink onboard, though people who do not drink may feel the price is high.

The smaller scale matters too. With a maximum of 25 people, the boat should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel. If you are booking as a group, give the operator every passenger’s name and make it clear who should be seated or grouped together. Two boats can leave at the same time, so this small detail prevents confusion at the marina.

Who will enjoy the Karina most

I would choose this cruise if you want a comfortable day with a mix of sailing, food, swimming, and light adventure. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary. Tell the crew about a special occasion in advance, and a complimentary branded gift may be arranged.

It is also a good match if you like having choices. You can be active on the SUP, float on the flamingo, snorkel for a while, or remain under the shade with a drink. The crew, including Panos and Kleo on some departures, has been especially attentive when people needed help or felt unwell.

I would think twice if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The water can be wonderfully clear, but the underwater scenery changes from one anchorage to another. Some stops offer fish and interesting views, while others are mainly about swimming in beautiful open water.

You should also reconsider if you dislike long boat journeys. The outward and return legs total about 3.5 hours. That is a lot of time at sea, but it is also what gives the trip its unhurried feel.

Booking details that matter

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or 6.5 hours. The host and greeter speak English and Greek, and private groups are available. Pickup can be arranged from Bali Village when the appropriate option is selected, but regular hotel transfers are not automatically included.

The cruise is weather-dependent. Poor conditions can lead to a change of destination, rescheduling, or cancellation. Check the forecast before you go, especially if you are pregnant, traveling with a very young child, prone to seasickness, or managing a health or mobility issue.

When booking, provide each passenger’s full name, birth date, passport or ID number, and nationality. The port authority requires this information. Your QR voucher is sent by email one day before departure, so check that you have supplied a working address.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Arrive on time, since port rules prevent the boat from waiting for late arrivals.

Should you book this Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished, food-focused day at sea rather than a quick transport ride to a snorkeling site. The spacious boat, attentive crew, plentiful drinks, fresh lunch, and long swim stop create a comfortable all-around experience.

Skip it if you want several swimming locations, a serious reef outing, or the lowest possible price. The strongest value comes from enjoying the entire day: sailing, relaxing, eating, drinking, and using the water equipment. For that kind of holiday, the $170 price is easier to justify.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or 6.5 hours. The listed route includes about 105 minutes sailing out, around 2 hours and 45 minutes at the swimming area, and another 105 minutes sailing back.

Where does the cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri shirts.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome refreshments, a light healthy brunch, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local beer, and Cretan white wine are included, along with espresso and tea. Cocktails, red wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Can I swim, snorkel, or use a paddleboard?

Yes. The boat provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is available on request.

Should I bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels, sunscreen, and personal care items are not included. Bring swimwear, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and a passport or ID card.

Can the cruise accommodate special diets or children?

Vegetarian dishes are available, children’s meals can be requested, and dietary needs should be provided before departure. A box of toys is available for children by request. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the experience is not suitable for children under two.