Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno catamaran cruise is the easy mix of time on the water and time in the water. You can settle onto a sunbed, sip Greek wine, then head out on a paddleboard or with a mask and fins before watching the sun drop over the Mediterranean.

I like the generous food and drink package, especially the combination of sushi, Cretan snacks, fresh fruit, and an open bar. I also like the crew’s attentive style. Nana, Yannis, Banos, and Sepdos are among the crew members praised for helping with swimming, taking sunset photos, and making birthdays feel special. The main consideration is the sea itself: rough conditions can cause seasickness, and the cruise may be rescheduled if the weather turns poor.

Key points to know before booking

• A 3.5-hour sunset outing: The cruise leaves Rethymno Marina, sails along the coast near Skaleta, pauses around Geropotamos Beach, and returns after sunset.
• Food is part of the experience: You get welcome Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, and local snacks.
• The open bar covers the basics: Unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, and local beer are included. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra.
• Water gear is ready to use: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, noodles, fishing gear, and a pink flamingo float are provided.
• Comfort comes first: The catamaran has sunbeds, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, a toilet, Wi-Fi, and a maximum group size of 25.
• Weather matters: Wind and waves can change the feel of the trip, so anyone prone to seasickness should check conditions before booking.

Why this Rethymno sunset cruise works so well

Many boat trips ask you to choose between comfort and activity. This one gives you both. The modern catamaran has open deck space for sunbathing, shaded lounge areas for cooling off, and enough room to move around without feeling packed in.

The design matters during a three-and-a-half-hour outing. You are not confined to one bench or a narrow sailing deck. You can change your setting as the afternoon develops: shade during the warmest part, the front of the boat for views, and the water once the crew anchors.

Soft music keeps the mood relaxed rather than rowdy. That makes this a good fit for couples, families, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a social outing without turning it into a party boat.

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is small enough for the crew to check on passengers and help people back aboard after swimming. A private group option is also available if you want the boat to feel more personal.

Boarding at Rethymno Marina

Plan to arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. The catamaran is called Karina, and the DanEri crew wear DanEri T-shirts, which makes them easier to identify at the harbor.

A municipal parking lot is available at the marina. Hotel pickup is not automatically included, though it can be arranged for an additional option from certain areas, including Bali Village. Check the exact pickup choice when booking rather than assuming transport is part of the $100 price.

The crew handles the port formalities and safety briefing before departure. You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality when you book. Port authorities require these details to issue permission for the cruise, so have everyone’s information ready.

You will also receive a booking voucher by email. The QR code is sent one day before the cruise and serves as your ticket. Arrive on time, since port rules do not allow the boat to wait for late passengers.

The first hour: settling into the catamaran

The cruise begins with a welcome glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also listed among the onboard refreshments, so the drink choices go beyond the alcoholic options.

After the safety briefing, the catamaran heads out along the coast near Skaleta. This first hour is your chance to settle in and get a feel for the boat. Choose a sunny place on the deck, find shade in the lounge area, or sit near the front for open sea views.

The crew keeps drinks available throughout the trip. Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. This is a useful distinction: the open bar is generous, but it does not include every drink on the menu. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks beyond the listed selection cost extra.

The boat also has free Wi-Fi. That may seem like a small detail, but it is handy if you want to send a quick photo from the water or stay reachable without using your mobile data. Just remember that the real reason to come is to look up from the phone.

Geropotamos Beach and the swimming stop

The main pause takes place around Geropotamos Beach, with about 75 minutes set aside for the stop. Depending on the sea conditions, this is when you can make the most of the water equipment.

The crew prepares stand-up paddleboards, masks, fins, swim vests, and inflatable noodles. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, float, or try the fishing equipment provided onboard. The pink flamingo float is there for a playful photo, and the crew can help take pictures.

The water stop is the most active part of the afternoon, but you do not need to be sporty to enjoy it. A noodle or swim vest lets you stay in the water with little effort. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on deck with a drink and watch the activity from a comfortable seat.

Getting back onto a catamaran ladder can be awkward, especially after swimming. The crew is attentive at this stage and helps people climb aboard. That practical assistance is important for children, older passengers, or anyone who feels unsteady in moving water.

Snorkeling is included, but expectations should stay sensible. The supplied information promises equipment and clear water, not a major reef site or a guided marine-life tour. You may see interesting underwater life, but the main appeal is the chance to cool off in the sea rather than a formal snorkeling program.

Touching marine life is not allowed. This is a simple rule, but a useful one to remember before entering the water.

Sushi, Cretan snacks, and the open bar

Food arrives as part of the rhythm of the cruise rather than as one formal meal. You begin with finger food and local snacks, then receive a selection of sushi rolls after the water stop. A fresh seasonal fruit plate follows later.

The sushi is an unusual choice for a Cretan boat outing. It gives the meal a lighter feel than a heavy grilled lunch, which suits an afternoon of swimming and sun. The Cretan snacks add a local touch, while the fruit works well as the afternoon heat fades.

The food is included in the $100 price, as are the basic drinks. You can order water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, and local beer without watching every charge. Coffee and tea are also available.

You should not book this expecting a full restaurant meal or an unlimited premium bar. Cocktails and higher-end drinks are extra, and the included wine and beer are local selections. For most people, that is enough. If premium drinks are important to you, add that expense to the budget.

The boat does not allow red wine, glass objects, smoking indoors, alcohol brought from outside, or drugs. Shoes are not worn indoors, so choose footwear that is easy to remove.

The sunset: the quiet finish

After the swim and meal, the pace slows. You can return to a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, or position yourself for sunset photos. The cruise pauses for views around Geropotamos Beach before heading back toward Rethymno.

The sunset is the emotional high point of the trip, and timing makes a difference. Colors change quickly once the sun begins to drop, so keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole moment behind it. The crew is happy to take photos, which is helpful if you want a picture with the sea behind you.

The sunset also gives the cruise a clear shape. It is not simply a boat ride with drinks. You start with a welcome, spend the middle in the water, eat and relax, then finish with a calm return after darkening skies.

Birthdays and anniversaries can receive extra attention if you tell the crew ahead of time. A complimentary branded gift is available for special occasions, and one birthday outing included a cake and a song from the hostess. That kind of personal touch makes this a sensible choice for a small celebration.

How the crew affects the experience

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Nana and Yannis are praised for being welcoming and attentive, while Banos and Sepdos are also named among the crew members who helped create a friendly atmosphere.

The practical side matters more than simple friendliness. Crew members refresh drinks, assist with water equipment, help passengers back onto the boat, and take photos at the sunset stop. They also pay attention when the sea becomes uncomfortable.

One outing took place in rougher water, and another began with strong wind. The captain adjusted the route and found a quieter area for swimming. That flexibility cannot remove the effects of bad weather, but it can make the difference between a difficult trip and a manageable one.

Seasickness remains a real possibility. One passenger became quite ill, even though the crew offered regular help and checked in throughout the cruise. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual precautions and sitting where you feel most stable. Pregnant people and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition should consult the provider before booking.

What the $100 price really buys

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Cretan coast. The value comes from the amount bundled into the afternoon.

You are paying for a modern catamaran, a professional crew, the port arrangements, three and a half hours on the water, welcome Prosecco, sushi, snacks, fruit, and an open bar. You also get SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, noodles, a flamingo float, fishing gear, Wi-Fi, an outdoor shower, and an onboard toilet.

A cheaper basic boat trip may offer a similar sunset view, but it may not include food, equipment, or the same amount of deck space. If you would otherwise pay separately for drinks, lunch, a swim stop, and water activities, this package begins to look fair.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol, do not eat sushi, or plan to remain on land during the swimming stop. In that case, much of the package value goes unused. You should also budget for towels and sunscreen, since neither is included, plus cocktails if you want them.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it most strongly for couples seeking a relaxed evening, families who want included activities, and friends looking for a polished half-day outing. The shaded areas, children’s toy box by request, swim vests, noodles, and attentive crew make it more flexible than a simple open-water excursion.

Solo visitors can also fit in easily, especially if they enjoy meeting people in a small group setting. The music and shared deck create a social atmosphere without requiring you to join organized games or conversation.

This is not the right pick for someone who wants a quiet private yacht experience unless you book the private option. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes boats, feels sick at sea, or expects a serious snorkeling expedition.

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain how every water activity or boarding step is handled. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns, contact the team before booking and discuss your needs directly.

Practical packing advice

Bring a passport or ID card, sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to enter the water without fuss.

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, swim vest, or inflatable float. Those are supplied. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you have one, since the boat’s free Wi-Fi does not protect your phone from salt water.

The boat has life jackets, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. Personal feminine hygiene products are also available onboard, though you should still bring anything specific you need.

Pets, weapons, sharp objects, glass, outside alcohol, and smoking indoors are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors cannot join the cruise, and children under two require a check with the team before booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather can lead to a cancellation or rescheduled sailing, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Should you book the Rethymno sunset catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an all-in-one sea afternoon rather than a basic sunset ride. The combination of sushi, Cretan snacks, open-bar drinks, swimming gear, deck space, and sunset views gives the $100 price solid value for people who will use the whole package.

I would be more cautious if you are sensitive to waves, do not care for swimming, or want a completely private boat. Check the forecast, pack a towel and sunscreen, arrive early at Rethymno Marina, and tell the crew about a birthday or anniversary in advance.

For most visitors, this is a comfortable way to see the coast without planning separate meals, equipment rentals, and transport between stops. The sea still sets the terms, but the attentive crew and flexible route help make the afternoon feel easy.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 3.5 hours, including the welcome at Rethymno Marina, time sailing near Skaleta, a stop around Geropotamos Beach, and the return to port after sunset.

What food is included?

The cruise includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, local Cretan snacks, a selection of sushi rolls, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. Coffee, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, fins, and other snorkeling equipment are provided, along with SUP boards, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and fishing gear.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Rethymno Marina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included in the standard cruise. Optional transfer service can be arranged from selected areas, including Bali Village, if you choose the appropriate booking option.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled if sea or weather conditions are unsafe. Anyone prone to seasickness, pregnant, traveling with a child under two, or managing health or mobility concerns should check conditions and speak with the team before booking.