Crete from the water is different. This Rethymno catamaran cruise turns a simple day into a full-on sea afternoon: sun, a swim stop near Georgioupoli, and lunch served right on board. You start with welcome drinks and local bites, then spend hours out on the water with snorkeling gear, SUP, and floaties.

I love the way the crew looks after you from the first tea-and-coffee welcome through refills at lunch. And I really like the all-in mix of swim time + food + unlimited drinks—it’s not just sightseeing from a deck.

One consideration: you’ll bake in the sun. The boat doesn’t have much shade, and snorkeling can be hit-or-miss depending on the cove and conditions.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Newer catamaran feel: spacious layout with lots of room to lie down and spread out
• All-inclusive on the water: Mediterranean lunch plus unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer
• Water-play gear: snorkeling and fishing gear, plus SUP boards and inflatables (yes, there’s a flamingo float)
• On-board comfort: music, free Wi‑Fi, and crew trained with Red Cross certification
• Weather can change the plan: the cruise may be rescheduled if conditions are rough

Boarding at Rethymno Marina: Smooth Start, Easy Setup

Plan to arrive at Rethymno Marina about 15 minutes early. You’ll board with the crew on the sailing catamaran Karina, and you’ll usually find them wearing DanEri T‑shirts. There’s a municipal parking lot at the marina, which is handy if you’re driving in.

Before you even leave the dock, the vibe is friendly and low-pressure. Expect a warm welcome—tea, coffee, and local treats. It’s a small touch, but it helps everyone settle in fast, especially if you’re coming straight from a hotel or a day out in town.

A practical note: port authorities require your full passenger details when booking (full name, date of birth, ID/passport number, and nationality). If you’re traveling with a group, double-check you’ve entered everything correctly, so the day doesn’t get delayed at the gate.

The Catamaran Cruise Experience: Sun, Space, Music, Wi‑Fi

This is the kind of trip where you spend most of your time outside. The catamaran is designed for comfort, with a setup that makes it easy to hop between sitting, lounging, and grabbing a seat where you get the breeze. If you like a slow pace—no pressure, no rushing—this fits.

You’ll hear music on board through the day. It’s meant to set the mood, and on many sailings it stays more background than party mode. Still, if you’re sensitive to sound, keep in mind that the music can feel a bit loud for some parts of the meal.

Then there’s the tech part: free Wi‑Fi. It won’t replace a beach day for your eyes, but it’s nice if you want to send a photo while the sea is still fresh in your camera roll.

Now, the real-world sailing detail: conditions in and around Rethymno can be choppy sometimes. On those days, some guests are prone to seasickness. The crew is prepared and can provide anti-sickness tablets if you need them, so don’t white-knuckle it.

The Swim Stop Near Georgioupoli: Where the Best Photos Happen

Most of the fun is built around the stop at Georgioupoli. You’ll spend about 2.75 hours in the bay area for swimming, snorkeling, and water play.

This is where the water tends to look unreal—bright, clear, and perfect for getting that classic Crete “blue-water” shot. You’ll also have time to snorkel with the provided gear and use the SUP boards if you want something a bit more active. Fishing gear is included too, in case you’re curious to try.

There’s also an inflatable floating zone—arm floaties and inflatables—so even if you don’t want to snorkel, you can still enjoy being out there. One standout detail: there’s a flamingo inflatable that adds a little humor to the whole thing. It’s silly in the best way, and it’s great for group photos.

What to watch for: snorkeling isn’t always teeming with fish. On some stops, you might find more “pretty water” than a dramatic underwater show. One cove can be gorgeous but still have limited sea life, and sometimes parts of the area can be deeper than you expect. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll feel fine. If you prefer shallows, choose your entry spot carefully.

Snorkeling Gear, SUP, and Safety: Included, Then Actually Used

The cruise gives you the basics, not just promises. You’ll have snorkeling and fishing gear, plus life jackets available for safety. There are also arm floaties and inflatables, which are great if you’re comfortable in the water but want extra support.

For SUP, the boards are part of the package. Use your common sense on windy or bumpy days, and keep an eye on where others are paddling—catamaran trips can get busy around the waterline.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is where the trip gets extra useful. There’s a box of toys for kids, and the floaties/inflatables make it easier for younger travelers to join in without needing to be hardcore swimmers.

Lunch on Board: Mediterranean Food That’s Actually Worth Waiting For

Lunch isn’t an afterthought here. It’s served as a proper Mediterranean meal while you’re anchored and the crew is keeping things moving.

You can expect a menu built around seafood and meat options, fresh vegetables, and juicy fruits. Many meals on board also come with a full spread: salads, pasta, pita bread, and a mix of desserts. Depending on the day, you might see choices like cheese trays, Greek salad, avocado salad, pasta with garlicky tomato sauce (sometimes with prawns), and grilled chicken. It’s that kind of “lots of items on the table” style.

Drinks run alongside lunch. Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included, and the crew will keep refilling. If you’re the type who drinks wine with lunch, this is where the value starts to feel real.

Diet needs are taken seriously. You can request vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and there’s also a special meal option for children. If you have allergies, it helps that the crew has experience managing separate dishes. On at least one recent sailing, the kitchen handled a shellfish allergy by preparing a separate pasta dish rather than just swapping a side.

One more human detail that stands out in the stories: birthdays can get a little celebration on board, including a birthday cake and singing. You don’t book for that, but it’s a nice reminder that this is hospitality, not just a schedule.

Drinks, Refills, and the On-Deck Vibe

Unlimited drinks change the feel of the trip. People relax faster, stay longer at lunch, and don’t spend the day scanning for what costs extra. Wine and beer are included, along with unlimited soft drinks, so you can pick what matches your mood.

The crew keeps things flowing, and that shows in how smoothly the meal runs. You’ll typically find staff checking in, refilling cups, and helping with gear if you need it.

There’s also a social layer. The boat layout makes it easy to talk with others without it feeling like you’re trapped in a big bus group. On some days, the mood can even turn a little playful—like letting passengers play their own music after drinks.

Timing and the Shape of the Day: Enough Sail, Enough Swim

The total duration is about 6.5 hours, with set sailing blocks and a main time window for swimming. You’ll spend time sailing out from Rethymno, then settle into the bay for the Georgioupoli stop. After swimming and lunch, you’ll sail back toward Rethymno.

That balance is why this works well for people who want a full day at sea without committing to a full-day charter. You get multiple hours on the water, plus a meaningful swim window, not just one quick dip.

Keep one thing in mind: if the sea is rough, plans can shift to stay safe. That can mean a different destination or altered timing, but the goal stays the same—time on the water, with activities adjusted to conditions.

Getting There: Optional Transfers, No Hotel Pickup

Hotel pickup isn’t included by default. If you want it, you can choose an option with transfer service. Pickup areas listed include Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, and Petres.

Drop-off coverage is broader, with multiple locations listed (including Georgioupoli, Sofokli Venizelou 108, Adelianos Kampos, Sfakaki, Paralia Kourna, Stavromenos, Skaleta, Gerani, Pigianos Kampos, Rethimno, and Petres). If you’re staying outside the core Rethymno area, this can be the difference between a smooth day and a stressful commute.

At the end of the activity, you return to the meeting point. If you chose transfers, the ride back is handled through the drop-off network.

Price and Value: Is $164 Worth It?

At $164 per person for about 6.5 hours, this isn’t a cheap add-on. It’s a “you’re paying for comfort and included extras” kind of experience.

Here’s why it can feel worth it:

• Boat + crew for a long block of time
• Mediterranean lunch with multiple components
• Unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks)
• Snorkeling gear + SUP + inflatables
• Wi‑Fi and music, which make the time feel like a proper outing, not just a transport ride

Where value can wobble:

• If you’re expecting big snorkeling action at every cove, conditions and underwater life can vary.
• If you hate sun, limited shade on the catamaran may make the experience less comfortable.

So I’d frame it like this: if you want a relaxed sea day where most costs are handled up front, you’ll likely feel good about the price. If you mostly care about snorkeling reefs and want maximum underwater life, you might want to compare alternatives.

Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Might Skip It)

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A comfortable catamaran day with real swim time
• Included lunch and unlimited drinks
• Water play that’s easy to join (snorkeling, SUP, floaties)
• A crew that’s attentive and calm under pressure

You should think twice if:

• You’re pregnant (not suitable for pregnant women)
• You get motion sick easily and don’t want to deal with choppy conditions (even though the crew can help with tablets)
• You hate direct sun and don’t have a shade-friendly plan

It also suits families well, especially because there are toys for kids and plenty of floating options for non-swimmers.

Should You Book the Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

If your ideal Crete day looks like sea views, a real lunch, and hours to swim and play, I’d book this. The combination of included drinks, included equipment, and a crew that runs the day smoothly makes it feel like a complete outing, not a bare-bones tour.

I’d also book if you care about comfort: the catamaran layout, the on-board music, and the small touches (like welcome treats) make the experience feel cared for.

Skip it or compare options if your priority is heavy snorkeling with lots of fish, or if you’re very shade-sensitive. You’ll still get beautiful water and fun, but the underwater experience can vary by stop.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes a luxurious catamaran ride, Mediterranean lunch, unlimited soft drinks plus white wine and beer, snorkeling and fishing gear, SUP boards, inflatables and arm floaties, life jackets, music, Wi‑Fi on board, kids’ toys, and liability insurance.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meal options?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request. There is also a special meal option for children.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, unless you select a transfer option that offers pickup from listed areas.

What should I bring for the day?

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

Do they provide snorkeling and water activity equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling and fishing gear are provided, along with SUP boards, arm floaties, and inflatables.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

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