Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

A trip on a private catamaran makes Cretan coast time feel effortless. You’ll start in Rethymno, head to a swim-friendly bay near Georgioupoli, and spend hours on a spacious sailing deck with snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and even fishing tackle. It’s a laid-back day that mixes water play with a real onboard meal instead of the usual snack-and-sail routine.

Two things I really like about this outing: the mix of included activities (snorkeling, SUP, fishing) and the fact that lunch is cooked onboard with plenty of variety. From the way the crew handles details, it also feels like you’re in good hands from the first welcome snack to the last moments back near the dock—people even highlight the crew taking family photos in the water, including Rena.

One possible drawback: it’s built around a single main swimming stop. If you’re hoping for multiple swim bays and changing scenery every hour, this format may feel a little one-note.

Key points before you book

• Private cruise for up to 15: your group has the boat to yourselves.
• Gear is included: snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and fishing equipment are part of the deal.
• Proper onboard lunch: cheese platter, salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels, chicken, and a kids option.
• Unlimited drinks with an 18+ rule: beer and local dry white wine are included, but only for adults.
• Free WiFi on board: handy for messaging and posting while you’re out on the water.
• Photo-friendly extras: an inflatable flamingo adds fun and instant picture potential.

First look: Rethymno sailing time that feels like a real treat

This isn’t a “sit on a bus, rush through a stop” kind of day. It’s a slow, sea-focused experience. You board a catamaran in Rethymno, then the day shifts into vacation mode: open deck time, calm water, and a crew that keeps the pacing smooth.

What makes it feel special is the combination. Many boat trips give you one or two things: either swimming gear, or a lunch box, or a couple of drinks. Here, you get all of it in one package: swim and water activities, a cooked Mediterranean lunch, plus unlimited drinks for adults.

And because it’s private, your group controls the mood. Families can keep it easy. Friends can linger on deck. If you’re traveling with kids, having a clear kids meal option helps you avoid the usual scramble.

The 9:30 start and why it matters for your day

The cruise starts at 9:30 am at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno. The activity runs about 6 hours 30 minutes, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

That early start is a practical choice. You’ll get on the water in the morning hours, when the bay time usually feels calm and unhurried. It also helps you avoid the late-day “everyone’s hungry and nothing’s relaxed” feeling. By the time lunch and the swim break roll around, you’re already fully in the rhythm of being on the sea.

The tradeoff: there’s no hotel pickup. So you’ll want to plan how you’ll reach the meeting point yourself. Since it’s near public transportation, that’s manageable, but it still means your day needs a little structure on the front end.

Your main stop: a crystal-clear bay near Georgioupoli

The day’s centerpiece is the swimming stop near Georgioupoli, in a stunning bay with clear water. This is the part you’ll remember most: the shift from deck to water, the ease of stepping back onboard, and the simple fact that you’re in the kind of water that makes people grin without trying too hard.

You can keep it simple with a swim. If you want more, you’ve got options. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can also fish using the provided gear. Feeling adventurous but not sure where to start? The SUP boards are included too—so you can try stand-up paddleboarding without signing up for a separate lesson package.

One note on expectations: this experience centers on that core swimming time. There isn’t a built-in “see a totally different coast view every hour” plan. If variety in locations is your top priority, you may miss that. If you just want a great bay and enough time to actually use it, the structure works.

Snorkeling, SUP, and fishing: included fun that doesn’t waste your time

Here’s the practical side of what you’re getting once you’re in the water zone:

• Snorkeling equipment is included
• SUP boards are included
• Fishing equipment is included

That’s a big deal because rental costs and gear logistics are often where boat days get expensive or stressful. Here, the whole point is that you can move from one activity to the next without hunting for a checkout counter.

Also, the activities fit different comfort levels. Not everyone wants to snorkel. Some people prefer a laid-back float. Others will want to paddle or try fishing. A private group makes that easier, since the boat doesn’t need to match one pace for everyone the whole time.

If you bring a mix of ages, this is where the design helps. Kids can spend time with the water fun while adults can split off to snorkeling or fishing breaks, then regroup on deck for lunch.

Onboard welcome snacks, lunch, and the drink setup

Food is a major part of why this cruise earns strong ratings. The lunch isn’t an afterthought. It’s prepared onboard with a fresh-cooked approach, and the menu gives you real choice.

Before lunch, you get coffee and/or tea plus traditional cheese pies and biscuits as a welcome snack. It’s a smart start. It gives you something comforting early, before you’ve fully warmed up on the water.

Then lunch is served with a well-rounded mix:

• Cheese platter
• Green and Greek salads
• Shrimp pasta or rice with feta
• Mussels in turmeric sauce and ouzo
• Chicken breast with oranges
• Chicken nuggets or pasta for kids
• Dessert with seasonal fruits

If you’ve traveled with picky eaters, the kids option matters. You’re not stuck hoping the main dishes work for everyone. And for adults, the menu isn’t just “Greek salad and bread.” You’re getting seafood, chicken, and a dessert that lands as something lighter after a swim day.

Drinks are just as straightforward. You’ll have unlimited beer and local dry white wine, with an important rule: only guests aged 18 and above can drink alcohol. Non-alcohol options are also covered, including Fanta, cola, Sprite, cola zero, and water.

One more “why this matters” detail: a crew that stays on top of the rhythm. People mention the captain, first mate, and chef working in sync to keep everything running smoothly. That kind of coordination is what turns a boat day from chaotic into genuinely relaxing.

Deck time, the inflatable flamingo, and your photo moment

The catamaran deck is part of the experience, not just transportation. There’s space for lounging, and the views are the kind that make people want to stop moving and just look.

A fun extra comes with an inflatable flamingo. It’s the sort of thing that seems silly until you’re out there and suddenly everyone wants a photo. It also gives the day a playful vibe that fits well with families and friend groups.

And about photos: in a standout review, the crew member Rena helped take picture moments for a family while they were in the water. That’s not the same as a professional photo session, but it’s a meaningful little touch. If you care about getting great group shots, this kind of hands-on help can save you from constantly asking strangers.

Value and price: what you’re really paying for

The price is $2,643.35 per group (up to 15). That’s not a bargain price if you’re traveling solo or as a couple looking for the cheapest option. But it can be good value if you compare it to how boat days add up once you factor in private access, included food, unlimited adult drinks, and the gear.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• Private boat for up to 15 means you’re paying for the whole experience space, not just a seat.
• Lunch is included with multiple courses and a kids option.
• Unlimited drinks for adults, plus sodas, water, and welcome coffee/tea.
• Activities gear included (snorkeling, SUP, fishing), which would usually cost extra elsewhere.

If you split the group cost among several people, it starts to look more reasonable. If you’re just two people, you may feel the expense more. Still, the appeal of a private sailing day is the lack of crowd hassle and the freedom to spend time your way.

One practical tip: this type of booking often fills as summer approaches. If you’re aiming for specific dates, it’s smart to book with some lead time—this one tends to get reserved about a month and a half out on average.

Weather and comfort: the “good day” requirement

This cruise requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s worth noting because it’s a sea-day. You’re not trying to control the elements, and the provider builds flexibility into the plan. If you’re visiting in a week with unpredictable weather, you’ll sleep better if you keep your expectations flexible.

As for comfort, catamarans typically feel stable compared to smaller boats, and the deck time helps. You’re also not locked into one chair. You can move between lounging, water activities, and meal breaks as the day goes on.

Who this cruise is best for (and who might want something else)

This experience fits best when you want a relaxing, self-contained day on the water with real food and multiple included activities.

It’s a great match for:

• Families who want a full day without constant logistics (kids meal option included)
• Friends groups who want a private boat and don’t want to manage rentals
• Couples who like the idea of a private experience and plan to spend hours in the water
• People who value the crew’s attention to detail, since staff coordination is a big part of the experience

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re chasing multiple locations and changing scenery throughout the trip
• You’re traveling with a tiny group and want the lowest cost per person

Should you book this Rethymno private catamaran cruise?

If your dream day is a long, comfortable sail with time to swim, try SUP, and mess around with fishing gear—while someone else handles lunch and drinks—this is an easy yes. The included menu gives you enough variety for mixed groups, and the private setup means your day stays your pace.

I’d book it when you can do one thing: plan for the bay time. This trip’s magic is built around one great water stop and a deck that’s ready for photos, snacks, and downtime. If that sounds like your kind of vacation day, you’ll likely love it.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The experience starts at 9:30 am.

Where do we meet?

You’ll meet at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and includes items such as a cheese platter, Greek and green salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels, chicken breast with oranges, a kids option, and dessert with seasonal fruits.

Are drinks included, and can everyone drink alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages include unlimited beer and local dry white wine, but only guests aged 18 and above can consume alcohol. Coffee/tea, soda, and water are also included.

Is snorkeling, SUP, and fishing gear provided?

Yes. The experience includes snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and fishing equipment.