One smooth sail can fix a whole vacation. This Rethymno catamaran pairs a small-group feel with an all-in meal plan and water toys, plus that pink flamingo float everyone wants for photos.

I especially love the onboard approach to food: a healthy brunch and Mediterranean lunch built by a certified nutritionist, with local organic ingredients. I also like that the crew keeps things easy—espresso, detox waters, and protein cocktails show up early, and the open bar is truly part of the flow.

One consideration: it’s weather-dependent, and if the sea gets choppy you may spend more time holding onto the moment than the sun lounger.

Key Points Before You Go

• Certified-nutrition lunch plus a lighter brunch, made with local organic ingredients you can taste
• Unlimited drinks on a real open bar selection: Greek beer and white wine, plus espresso and teas
• Water toys included (SUP, quality snorkel gear, swim vests, inflatable noodles, flamingo float)
• Comfort-first catamaran with shaded lounge areas and plenty of deck space for a group size up to 25
• A fun, friendly crew vibe that stays attentive without turning the trip into a production
• Two scenery options depending on conditions: Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, both known for clear swimming water

Rethymno Marina Check-In: Simple Start, No Drama

Your day starts at Rethymno Marina, where you should show up about 15 minutes early. After a welcome and a quick safety briefing, you’ll settle onto the modern catamaran with drinks in hand—espresso, tea, detox water, and that protein shake that sets the tone early.

If you chose the pickup option, it’s only from Bali Village. Otherwise, you’ll handle it yourself by getting to the municipal parking lot near the marina. Either way, the timing matters: port rules mean they won’t delay departure for late arrivals.

The Catamaran Setup: Shade, Space, and All-Day Comfort

This is the kind of boat layout that works for both chatters and sunbathers. You’ve got sunbeds and shaded lounge areas, so you’re not stuck rotating between full sun and full regret.

Onboard comfort doesn’t stop at seating. There’s an onboard WC, plus an outdoor shower, and life jackets are on hand. Even the details feel practical—like having a music system and free Wi‑Fi so you can keep one foot in holiday mode and one in message mode.

Food and drinks are staged in a way that keeps the day moving. Instead of waiting around for refills, you’ll get a steady rhythm: welcome beverages, snacks/light breakfast, then lunch later, with open bar access throughout.

The Sail Out of Rethymno: Views With a Laid-Back Pace

Once you leave port, you’ll spend time cruising along the dramatic rocky coastline, with the deck giving you that classic Crete-from-the-sea perspective. The timing is long enough to enjoy the ride, but not so long that you feel trapped on board.

You may see people using the gear right away, but the overall flow stays relaxed. The music helps create a light atmosphere, and you’ll still be able to talk—this isn’t party-only catamaran chaos. If you’re worried about seasickness, don’t ignore it; the sea can change. One approach that’s worth copying from the calm-minded regulars: bring seasick tablets if you’re prone to nausea, and tell a crew member quickly if you feel off. (On some departures, the team has provided anti-sickness help when conditions worsened.)

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta: Where the Day Really Happens

The highlight is the water time at the main stop, chosen based on weather: Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. Both are built for the same goal: crystal-clear swimming and easy access to fun without needing to be an expert.

At the swimming stop, you’ll get a mix of options:

• Snorkeling gear (masks and fins) for exploring the surface world
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) for gliding across calmer patches
• Swim vests and inflatable noodles if you want comfort over athleticism
• The inflatable flamingo for photos, both funny and photogenic

A key practical note: snorkeling results can vary with the day and current. Some spots can be deeper or produce fewer fish views than you expect. The trade-off is that you still get stunning colors and a great swim experience even if snorkeling isn’t wildlife heavy.

Also, the water can be stronger than it looks from the boat. If you’re sensitive to motion, choose the gentler activities first—floating on a noodle, paddleboarding slowly, or swimming with a vest—then decide if snorkel time feels right.

Onboard Food Plan: Nutritionist-Created Lunch That Doesn’t Feel Like a Gamble

This is where the premium price starts making sense.

First, you’ll fuel up at the start with a lighter breakfast bowl. Then the day rolls into Cretan snacks, followed by a Mediterranean lunch onboard. The big claim is that the menu is made with a certified nutritionist’s balance in mind, and the ingredients are described as fresh, local, biological, and organic sourced from a Cretan farm.

What that means for you in plain terms: the meal tends to feel thoughtful, not just “included food.” You’ll get a flavorful main course, often with a seafood-forward option, plus vegetarian choices. There’s usually dessert too, so this doesn’t turn into a strict salad cruise.

Families get a small but important detail: children’s meals can be requested onboard. And for anyone with dietary restrictions, it helps that the crew can prepare separate dishes when asked, rather than treating food as one-size-fits-all.

If you’re watching hydration and energy, the drink lineup matters too. You’ll have unlimited still water, soft drinks, and warm-weather favorites like espresso and tea whenever you want them.

Open Bar Reality Check: Unlimited Beer and White Wine, Plus Coffee Drinks

The open bar isn’t vague. It includes unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, and local beer—with plenty of opportunities to get refills without making it a long waiting game.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience: the drinks feel present throughout the day, not saved for one big moment. In practice, that means you can enjoy a glass with lunch and still grab something between swims without feeling like you’re inconveniencing anyone.

Just know what’s not included: cocktails and alcoholic beverages outside the listed open bar selection. If you’re a cocktail person, plan on wine/beer/soft drinks as the baseline.

Who Leads the Day: Crew Service and the Human Touch

The crew is a big part of why this trip feels premium rather than merely expensive. You’ll have an English-speaking crew, and service tends to be proactive—checking in, refilling, setting up gear, and keeping the schedule moving.

You might meet crew members with names like Panos or Kleo on board, based on past groups. If you’re booking for a celebration, tell them ahead of time; special occasions have included a complimentary branded gift, and celebrations like birthdays have been handled with extra effort.

Safety and Rules That Affect Your Comfort

This cruise includes the basics you should expect: life jackets, swim vests, and snorkeling gear that’s described as high-quality. Still, follow the rules so the day stays smooth:

• No touching marine life
• No glass objects
• No smoking indoors
• Shoes off indoors
• Pets aren’t allowed
• Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed

One small comfort tip: pack your own towel. Towels aren’t included, and you’ll want one ready for after your swim stop.

Price and Value: Why $170 Can Feel Worth It (or Not)

At $170 per person, this isn’t the cheapest catamaran around. Here’s the value math that makes it land well for many people:

You’re paying for a bundle:

• a premium catamaran with shaded areas and deck space
• full water-activity gear (SUP, snorkeling, vests, noodles, flamingo float)
• a nutritionist-designed brunch and lunch
• unlimited drinks within a clear open bar selection
• an experienced crew and onboard facilities like WC and shower

If you compare it to basic sail trips where food is minimal and water toys cost extra, the pricing starts to feel more reasonable. And some people choose it specifically because the group stays relatively small and the boat feels comfortable instead of packed.

The downside is simple: if your main goal is just a short swim and you don’t care about food, drinks, or the extra gear, you might feel the premium. In that case, shop around with a strict “what’s included” checklist.

Practical Tips: What to Bring for a Smooth Day

Bring the basics because onboard essentials like towels and sunscreen aren’t included. I’d pack:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID (a copy is accepted)

Also, if you’re prone to nausea, plan ahead. Even with calm water, some people react to boat motion. Having your own meds (and telling the crew early) keeps you from spending the day regretting the sea.

If shade is your priority, remember a catamaran deck can skew sunny. The good news: shaded lounge areas exist, so you can rotate smartly instead of baking.

Should You Book This Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a day that mixes real comfort, food that isn’t an afterthought, and water toys that are ready when you are. This is a strong choice for couples, friends, and small groups who like clear swimming water, simple sailing, and a smooth all-in style—without feeling like you’re on a crowded cattle boat.

Skip it (or double-check your fit) if you’re pregnant, have pre-existing medical conditions, or you’re in the older age range listed as not suitable. Also be honest about seasickness risk. The itinerary is designed to maximize time on the water and deck, so if you hate boat movement, you’ll feel that more than other itineraries.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It departs from Rethymno Marina. You should arrive about 15 minutes before boarding.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is listed as 390 minutes (about 6.5 hours).

What drinks are included?

Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included, along with Greek white wine and local beer from the open bar selection.

Is lunch included, and is it part of a specific diet plan?

Yes. You’ll get a light healthy brunch and a Mediterranean-style lunch onboard, described as created by a certified nutritionist with fresh local organic ingredients.

What water activities are included?

Stand-up paddleboards (SUP), snorkeling gear (masks and fins), swim vests, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Is transportation from hotels included?

No. Hotel transfers aren’t included, but pickup and drop-off can be arranged if the option is selected, including pickup from Bali Village.

What should I bring with me for boarding?

Bring swimwear, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Athens: Riviera Catamaran Tour with Fresh Meal and DrinksBig Island Parasailing ExperienceFunchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury CatamaranMarseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine