Sun + sea + food on a boat is hard to beat. This Rethymno catamaran day mixes a nutritionist-led meal plan with unlimited drinks as you sail from Rethymno toward Georgioupoli Bay. My favorite part is how they set you up for the water time with gear ready to go, but there is one tradeoff: part of the day is spent cruising before you drop anchor, so the “active swim” window can feel shorter than you’d hope.

You start at 9:30am at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake—then a light healthy breakfast bowl before you even think about sunscreen. The boat is designed for easy lounging (sunbeds and shaded lounges), and the crew runs the day with calm efficiency, so you’re not stuck figuring things out.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Nutritionist-designed brunch and lunch using fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm
• Open bar with water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine
• Real water gear included: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, inflatable noodles, plus a flamingo
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 25 travelers on board
• Comfort extras like free Wi‑Fi, music, an onboard WC, and an outdoor shower

Rethymno Port Welcome: Espresso, Brunch, and a Smooth Start

This trip starts where you’d want it to start: at Rethymno’s port, right by the action. The meeting point is DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37 (near public transportation), and the departure time is 9:30am, with the day ending back at the same spot.

Once you’re on board, you’re not handed a dry “good luck” and pointed toward a chair. You get a warm welcome with espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein cocktail, plus a light breakfast bowl made to keep you energized for the sea day. The breakfast is described as coming from a certified nutritionist, and the vibe matters here: you’re fueling up before you’re out in the sun, not after.

Then it’s find your spot. I like that you can choose your style—stretch out on the sunbeds if you want to bake a little, or retreat into shaded seating when the sun gets pushy. The boat is set up for comfort, and you’re not crammed in like you’d expect from a big group excursion.

Sailing Toward Georgioupoli Bay: The Right Kind of Time at Sea

Once you cast off, the day becomes part relaxation, part “okay, where’s the water.” You’ll cruise along Crete’s northern coast, and the scenery shifts as you move—coastline views plus open sea that feels a little wider than you see from shore.

On board, the mood is easy. You’ll have music and free Wi‑Fi, so if you want to post a few photos or just keep your phone alive, you can. The catamaran setup also helps you settle in. With sunbeds and shaded lounges, you’re not constantly competing for space to sit, stretch, or rinse off after a swim.

One practical note: the itinerary includes travel time before the main anchor stop. That’s normal on a sea cruise, but it’s worth setting your expectations. If you’re the type who wants uninterrupted “activity time,” you might wish the first stop came a touch sooner.

Water Time Includes SUP, Snorkeling Gear, and the Pink Flamingo

This is where the day turns playful. As you head toward Georgioupoli Bay, the crew sets up the water activities and you get to use what’s provided without hunting for rental shops.

Here’s what’s included:

• SUP boards for paddle time across the bay
• Snorkeling gear with high-quality masks and fins
• Swimming jackets for added comfort
• Inflatable noodles for easy floating
• An inflatable pink flamingo for a laugh and a slow drift

You can also request fishing gear for a gentle fishing experience. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s even a box of toys available by request, which I appreciate because it turns “we’re on a boat all day” into “we have options.”

I also like the way this is framed: it’s not just “go swim at your own risk.” The crew takes care of setup, so you spend your energy on actually enjoying the water. And since the tour is described as suitable for most travelers, you don’t need to be a scuba expert or a strong swimmer to participate—just come prepared to get wet and have fun with the included gear.

Heads-up on timing: the stop at the water comes with a good chunk of time to swim and paddle, but it isn’t a whole afternoon of nonstop water sports. Plan for a mix of lounging, a couple of water rounds, and then food.

The Lunch That Makes This Cruise Feel Like a Full Meal Day

After your time in the water, you’ll come back to board-ready comfort and a meal that’s more than “snack plate, bye.” Lunch is described as a freshly prepared gourmet Mediterranean spread, designed by a nutritionist and made with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm.

This is also where the open bar changes the feel of the afternoon. You’ll have unlimited access to water and soft drinks, plus Greek beer and Cretan white wine. The wording is specific: it’s an open bar selection, not unlimited every possible cocktail on earth. If you’re hoping for specialty cocktails beyond the included options, you should know those are not part of the deal.

From the on-board flow, it seems built to keep you from feeling rushed. You come back, you eat, you reset. There’s also mention in feedback about dessert being included as part of the meal progression, which fits the overall “full lunch day” design.

And even if you’re not drinking much, this matters. A proper meal is what turns a half-day outing into something you remember as a real experience, not a quick boat ride.

Comfort on the Catamaran: Space, Shade, and Useful On-Board Extras

The boat is a modern luxury catamaran, and that shows up in small ways that make a big difference. You have sunbeds plus shaded lounges, so you can shift positions without feeling trapped in one spot.

Practical comforts are included too:

• Onboard WC
• Outdoor shower (handy after swimming)
• Life jackets
• A clean, organized setup that makes it easier to move around
• Free Wi‑Fi and music
• Branded memorable gift for special occasions

I also like that swimming gear like inflatable noodles and swimming jackets are part of the package. That saves you the mental load of bringing everything and makes it simpler for people who just want to show up.

What you should bring yourself is equally important. Towels are not included, and neither are sunscreen and personal care items. So pack a towel (or at least plan to buy one), and don’t rely on the boat to solve your sunscreen problem.

Also, private cabins are mentioned as possible on request, not guaranteed. If you’re the sort of traveler who needs privacy, consider that you may end up in the main open areas instead.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $174.98 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Crete—but it also isn’t just a “seat on a boat” price. You’re paying for a full package: meals, drinks, and water gear.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You get a light healthy brunch plus a full lunch designed with nutrition in mind.
• Drinks aren’t a separate line item. You’ll have unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and white wine as part of the open bar selection.
• You get equipment included: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, and other floating/fun items.
• The group size stays capped at 25 travelers, which usually means more breathing room than the mega-boats.
• There’s a crew that handles setup and runs the day so you’re not managing logistics.

If you were to piece this together yourself—boat rental or day charter, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and transportation—you’d likely end up spending more and spending more time organizing. This cruise compresses all of that into a single booking.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This catamaran day is a strong fit if you want a mix of relaxation and activities without doing homework. I think it works especially well for couples and small groups who want to spend time on the water, not chase a busy schedule.

It also makes sense for:

• People who like to lounge with shade options
• Families, since kids’ toy supplies are available by request
• Travelers who want SUP and snorkeling gear included rather than rented
• Anyone who enjoys a proper meal with drinks during the afternoon

If you’re more into constant action and minimal “travel time” between stops, then you should expect the pacing to be sea-cruise paced. You’ll have fun, but the day is designed around sailing, swimming breaks, and lunch—not a tight, gym-class itinerary.

Weather matters too. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund (more on that in the FAQ).

Should You Book This Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels like a real meal outing plus water time, with everything handled for you. The biggest wins are the nutritionist-led food, the included water gear, and the relaxed small-group setup. You’re also getting practical extras like the onboard WC and outdoor shower, which sounds basic until you need them.

I’d think twice if you’re very sensitive to timing. There’s some cruising time before the anchor stop, and the main water activity window isn’t long enough to satisfy everyone who wants hours of nonstop paddle and swim. Also, if you’re picky about specific cocktails beyond the open bar selection, plan around the included beer and white wine.

Bottom line: for a smoother-than-average Crete day at sea, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

What’s included in the open bar?

The cruise includes unlimited water and soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond that selection are not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. You’ll have snorkeling gear included, including high-quality masks and fins.

Are SUP boards included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are included, and the crew sets them up for you.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. The tour starts at 9:30am.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towels. Sunscreen and personal care items are not included. You should also plan for a wet day, since swimming jackets and inflatable gear are part of the experience.

Is private cabin access guaranteed?

Private cabins are not guaranteed. They may be available on request, but it’s not promised.

What happens if the 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.

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