Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Two coves, one easy day on the sea. This sailing trip from Rethymno mixes catamaran cruising with real swim time, plus snorkeling/SUP gear and inflatables so the day stays fun (not just scenic). The one thing to plan for is sun—shade on a catamaran is limited, especially in peak summer.

I also like the way the crew runs the flow: warm welcome, short safety briefing, then you’re off. You get onboard music and Wi‑Fi, and the drinks and lunch are built into the experience so you aren’t hunting for lunch stops. One practical consideration: hotel pickup is optional, so double-check whether your area has the transfer option before you go.

Key things I’d circle on this cruise

• Welcome first, then sail: quick snacks and a safety briefing before you settle in.
• Unlimited drinks: soft drinks plus white wine and beer during the cruise.
• Swim playground: snorkeling gear, SUP boards, arm floaties, and inflatables.
• Mediterranean lunch on board: seafood/meat choices with veg options available on request.
• Onboard comfort tools: music and Wi‑Fi, plus a Red Cross–certified crew.
• A practical boat name to find: you board the sailing catamaran Karina with DanEri staff.

From Rethymno Marina to the Georgioupoli coves: how the day moves

This is a half-day cruise that stays simple in structure: you start at Rethymno Marina, spend time sailing out, then hit a coastal area with photo-worthy stops and swimming, and finish back near where you started.

Your day kicks off with a short arrival window. Get to Rethymno Marina about 15 minutes early so you can board without stress. Once everyone’s settled, you’ll get a welcome with tea and coffee plus local treats, and then a safety briefing before sailing time begins.

After that, the cruise settles into “slow holiday mode.” There’s sailing time on the catamaran, with views from the water that are better than the quick bus pulls you’ll do on land. Then you reach the main swimming stretch near Georgioupoli, where you’ll have enough time to do more than one activity—swim first, then snorkel or paddle, then drift again.

The return portion includes another block of sailing. By the end, the tour sends you back to the meeting point area, with many people also using the optional drop-off service to get back to various towns along the coast.

Timing that matters

Because this is about 6.5 hours total, you’ll want to treat it like a swim-and-lunch day, not a “see everything” day. The schedule is built around:

• getting you out on the water quickly
• giving you substantial time in the cove
• keeping the return relaxed

If you want a long day of stops and late-night views, you might prefer a longer cruise. But for most people planning a few days in Crete, this hits a sweet spot.

The catamaran Karina: space, comfort, and the shade reality

The boat is a newer, spacious catamaran designed for comfort. In plain terms: catamarans are made for the way people actually spend time on a cruise. You’ll have room to spread out, lie down, and rotate through sun and breeze.

What I like most is that this isn’t a cramped “sit in chairs” experience. You’re meant to be moving around: one zone for sunning, one for cooling off, and one for getting your snorkeling or SUP gear ready.

The main limitation is shade. Multiple people point out there’s not much of it on a catamaran deck. That means:

• If you burn easily, sunscreen is non-negotiable.
• If you’re heat-sensitive, plan to bring a light cover or hat.
• Consider swimming or paddle time earlier or later in the day to avoid the strongest sun.

Also, keep expectations realistic for snorkeling. Some days are better than others, and even when the water is gorgeous, sea life may be limited at the specific spot.

Welcome drinks, Wi‑Fi, and music: little extras that change the mood

On this type of boat trip, small details can make a big difference. Here, the “small stuff” is actually useful.

Right from the start, the crew greets you with tea and coffee and local treats. It’s a nice way to settle in, especially if you’re arriving before you’ve properly started your day.

Once you’re sailing, you’ll find music set up onboard, plus Wi‑Fi so you can message home, post a photo, or just keep up without leaving the water behind.

If you’re coming from a busier part of your trip (walking tours, car transfers, museums), this is a good reset. It doesn’t feel like you’re disconnected from your life entirely, but it also doesn’t turn into a “work on the water” situation.

Lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought

A big reason people rate this cruise highly is the food. Lunch is cooked for the day and served while you’re out at sea, so you aren’t spending the midday hunger window waiting in a port.

The menu is Mediterranean, built around a mix of:

• seafood and meat options
• fresh vegetables
• juicy fruits
• plus dessert

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. There’s also a special meal option for children, and a box of toys onboard to keep kids occupied.

One practical point: if you have allergies, don’t assume every company handles them the same way. Still, the crew has shown they can make special dishes when someone has specific dietary needs, so it’s worth communicating your request clearly.

Drinks: the “unlimited” part is real

This cruise includes unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer. That matters because it changes how you spend your time:

• You can eat and drink at your pace.
• You don’t need to budget for alcohol at the bar.
• The cove-time feels more like a party picnic than a checklist.

If you’re planning to snorkel soon after drinking, keep it sensible. But if you want the day to feel relaxed and social, the drink setup helps.

Swimming time, snorkeling gear, and SUP: the fun engine

The cruise has a real activity mix, not just a one-time swim jump.

In the cove near Georgioupoli, you’ll get time for:

• swimming in clear water
• snorkeling with provided gear
• paddling with stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
• floating with arm floaties and inflatables

There’s even a flamingo inflatable for an extra dose of goofy fun. It sounds silly—until you’re holding onto it with the sun on your shoulders and thinking, yep, this is why I came to Crete.

Snorkeling: what to expect (and what to accept)

The snorkeling setup is there, and the water can look stunningly blue. That’s the part you’ll remember.

But sea life isn’t guaranteed at every stop. Some days the visibility is great and the water is crystal clear, yet the snorkeling may not show a lot of fish. I’d treat snorkeling as part of the experience—watching the water and trying it—rather than as a guarantee of a reef full of wildlife.

SUP time: great for skill levels

SUP is one of those activities where the barrier to entry is lower than you think. If you can stand and keep your balance for a few minutes, you’ll likely have fun. The best trick is to start slow, let the board settle, and then relax into it.

Stop pattern and photo moments around Georgioupoli

The core “anchor stop” is the Georgioupoli portion. It includes:

• photo time
• lunch and dessert
• swimming and snorkeling time
• and time for other activities like SUP
• plus additional regional food items

There’s also time on the way back and forth that gives you scenic views from the water—good for photos, and better for sightlines than being stuck on the road.

One more real-world detail: not every day is perfectly smooth. If the sea gets rough around Rethymno, the crew can help with motion comfort. In one documented situation, they gave out anti-sickness tablets and helped anyone who needed it. If you’re prone to sea sickness, it’s smart to prepare ahead of time anyway.

Crew energy and safety: warmth with competence

The crew is a big part of why this cruise feels like a holiday instead of a commercial transaction. You’ll see that in how they welcome you, manage the timing, and keep drinks refilled.

They’re also Red Cross certified, which is comforting, especially when you’re taking a group out on open water with active swimming involved.

Some crew names have stood out in passenger accounts:

• Orpheus (recognized for kindness and care when someone felt unwell)
• Adonis (captain, mentioned by name)
• Manolis (sailor)
• Kirill (chef)
• Andrey (driver, when transfers were arranged)

Even if you don’t meet these specific people, the point is the team culture: attentive, quick to help, and ready to keep the day running.

Price and value: what $164 buys you on this kind of day

At $164 per person for a roughly 6.5-hour cruise, you’re paying for more than transportation.

You’re getting:

• a luxurious spacious catamaran experience
• a Mediterranean lunch included
• unlimited soft drinks plus white wine and beer
• snorkeling gear, SUP boards, floaties, and inflatables
• music and Wi‑Fi onboard

That’s where the value math works. If you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat rental or a private excursion, plus lunch, plus drinks, plus equipment, the bundled package starts to look fair.

That said, this isn’t a bargain cruise. It’s an experience purchase. If you love sea days and want time to actually swim, it’s a solid use of budget. If you mostly want sightseeing without water play, you might feel like you’re paying for activities you won’t use.

Where pickup fits in (and where it doesn’t)

There’s no guaranteed hotel pickup included by default. But you can choose an option that provides transfer service from several areas, including:

Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, and Petres.

If you’re staying somewhere else, you’ll likely need to handle your own way to Rethymno Marina using the municipal parking lot at the marina.

For most people, this is simple: either plan your timing around arriving at the marina, or choose the transfer option if it matches where you’re staying.

What to bring so the day feels effortless

You’ll have the gear for snorkeling and SUP, but you still need your basics. Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)

If you’re thinking ahead for comfort, also consider:

• a hat and cover for the sun (shade is limited)
• water shoes, if you prefer them for easier footing near swim areas
• a light layer for when you cool down after swimming

Who should book this cruise from Rethymno?

This one fits best if you want:

• a relaxed half-day on the water with minimal planning
• real swim time with provided gear
• lunch and drinks included (not “buy your own” energy)
• a social vibe with attentive staff

It’s also a nice option for couples and small groups who want a scenic day without committing to a full-day sail.

One caution: it’s not suitable for pregnant women, and it can be affected by weather. If conditions are rough, the cruise may be rescheduled or canceled.

Should you book this Rethymno catamaran cruise?

If your Crete plan includes a day where you actually want to swim, try snorkeling, or paddle around, this is an easy yes.

Book it when:

• you like the idea of unlimited drinks plus lunch onboard
• you want a comfortable catamaran ride with provided equipment
• you want a simple schedule with one main swimming/cove time

Skip it if:

• you hate being in strong sun and can’t manage low-shade conditions
• you’re only interested in shore sightseeing
• you get sea sick easily and don’t want to plan for it

If you’re on the fence, I’d pick your season and your expectations. In warmer months, the sun factor matters most. If you’re comfortable in the heat and you’re here for the sea, this cruise is one of the more satisfying ways to spend a half day in the Rethymno area.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 6.5 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet at Rethymno Marina. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early for boarding.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included by default. Transfer service may be available if you select the appropriate option.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the catamaran cruise, Mediterranean lunch, snorkeling and fishing gear, SUP boards, inflatables/floaties, unlimited soft drinks plus white wine and beer, Wi‑Fi and music onboard, and liability insurance.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

Do kids have options on board?

Yes. There’s a special meal option for children and a box of toys onboard.

What drinks are unlimited?

Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included.

Is there Wi‑Fi on the catamaran?

Yes, Wi‑Fi is available onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

No, it is not suitable for pregnant women.

What should I bring?

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