Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Trip – Sushi & Open Bar

Sunset catamaran is the best kind of slow. In Rethymno, this ~3.5-hour cruise mixes sushi and an open bar with real water time, from SUP paddles to a swim stop.

You start with a warm crew welcome, Prosecco plus Mediterranean finger foods, then you settle into a comfy floating lounge with sunbeds and shady seating. After that, the crew keeps things moving with gear like snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, and even an inflatable flamingo for laughs.

The only real consideration is weather. If the sea turns choppy, some activities can get limited and the captain may adjust the timing for safety.

Key points to know before you sail

• Prosecco welcome + finger foods kick off the afternoon on a friendly note
• Sunbeds and shaded lounges make it easy to relax without roasting in the sun
• SUP, snorkeling gear, and a flamingo theme turn the anchored swim stop into the fun part
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine keep the vibe easy
• Sushi rolls with sea views land right before the sunset colors show up

A 3.5-Hour Rethymno Sunset Plan That Feels Like Yacht Day

This trip is built for people who want the coast without the stress of driving, packing a dozen logistics, or hunting for the next view. You get a proper sailing experience, but it stays relaxed: there’s a welcome drink, soft music, plenty of places to lie down, and an on-board flow that doesn’t rush you from one thing to the next.

The timing is the secret sauce. You’re out in the late afternoon, then the schedule naturally leads you into that classic Crete moment where the sky and water shift into gold-and-pink tones as the sun slips toward the horizon. It’s the kind of timing that makes photos easy and conversation even easier.

With a maximum of 25 people, you should feel like you’re on a small-group cruise rather than a moving party boat. And if you’re someone who likes to soak up scenery without feeling penned in, the catamaran setup helps a lot.

Check-In and the Welcome: Prosecco, Snacks, and a Quick Safety Pulse

Your day begins at DanEri Yachts (Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00). You meet the crew, get situated, and then the mood turns warm fast: a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods arrive early, after a short safety briefing.

That safety briefing matters more than it sounds. A crew that takes safety seriously tends to run the rest of the cruise more smoothly too—getting people lined up for gear, explaining how to use masks and fins properly, and keeping the boat moving without panic. You also get life jackets and a crew that’s there to help once you’re out on the water.

A nice touch: the experience includes multiple drink options beyond just beer and wine, including espresso, teas, and detox water. So even if you’re not in a full alcohol mood, you still get something that feels intentional, not like a token sip.

Sailing Time: Sunbeds, Shade, Soft Music, and Wi‑Fi

Once you’re underway, you’re in the slow lane in the best way. The catamaran gives you the option to stay outside on the sunbeds, but it also has shaded areas for when the sun feels too strong. You don’t have to choose between sun and comfort.

Soft music and open sea views do the rest. You’re not “doing” a checklist. You’re settling into the rhythm of sailing—water sound, wind, and that gradual shift from late-day brightness to sunset glow.

One practical perk I like: free Wi‑Fi on board. It’s handy for quick messages, storing memories, or updating plans once you’re back in town. Just keep in mind it’s a boat, so expect it to work like boat Wi‑Fi, not like a café router.

The Anchored Swim Stop: Snorkeling Gear, SUP Boards, and a Pink Flamingo

This is where the trip earns its playful side.

After the catamaran drops anchor, the crew prepares snorkeling equipment (high-quality masks and fins) and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). You also get swimming jackets and inflatable noodles, which make it easier for people who don’t want to fight the water. The inflatable flamingo adds a silly photo opportunity and a low-pressure way to join in even if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Snorkeling is the classic choice, but you can also go paddle-first. SUP feels like the “active relax” option: you’re working a little, but you’re also drifting and looking around. With life jackets included, you can feel more confident jumping in.

Fishing gear is also provided for a gentle try. It’s not set up like a survival challenge. Think of it as one more way to slow down and enjoy the moment while the rest of the boat does its thing.

Two real-world notes to plan for:

• If the water is calmer, you’ll get the full range—paddle, snorkel, and the inflatable fun.
• If conditions are rough, activities can get reduced. On choppier days, safety comes first, and that can mean less time in the water or shorter stops.

Sushi and Fruit: Sea Views Plus an Open Bar That Actually Stays Open

After your swim time, the mood shifts to food and golden lighting.

You’re served sushi rolls on board, plus a fresh seasonal fruit plate. This is one of those details that makes the experience feel complete. Instead of returning to shore and looking for dinner, you get a satisfying meal right where you’ve been relaxing.

Drinks are truly part of the experience. You can help yourself to unlimited water and soft drinks, plus Greek wine and beer from the open bar selection. That matters for value: you’re paying for a packaged afternoon, and the boat doesn’t suddenly start charging once you’re mid-sunset.

Also included: fresh fruit and those extra drink options (espresso, teas, protein cocktail, detox water). It’s a nice spread for mixed groups—people who want a casual beer, people who want wine, and people who want something non-alcoholic.

The Sunset Return: Golden Tones Over the Cretan Sea

Then you get the main event.

As the sun drops, you’re sailing back toward Rethymno, and the colors on the water turn the whole boat into a slow-moving viewpoint. The cruise is timed so you’re not stuck watching the sunset from the dock. You’re watching it from the sea.

If you like memorable pictures, this is the moment to grab them—wide shots from the open side of the catamaran, plus close-ups where the water reflection makes everything look extra dramatic.

The vibe is also different here than earlier. Earlier you’re moving between welcome, seating, swim gear, and food. On the return, you can just settle in. It’s the “therapy” style part of the trip—relaxation that doesn’t feel forced.

Onboard Comfort and the Small Practical Extras That Matter

The catamaran setup is designed for comfort across different traveler styles.

• You have sunbeds and shaded lounges, so your group can split between full sun and shade.
• There’s an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, which makes the transition from water activities to food much easier.
• In-flatters like inflatable noodles and toys (for kids, by request) help families and groups keep things fun without needing extra gear.
• There are also personal feminine hygiene products included—an unusual detail, but it shows the cruise is thinking about real needs, not just marketing bullet points.

Crew warmth comes up again and again in the way the cruise operates. On board, the hosts are quick to help with comfort and safety while still leaving you space to relax. If you’re lucky and your sailing team includes first mate George, there’s a good chance you’ll hear interesting Greek mythology and local history talk—an easy, friendly way to make time pass without turning it into a lecture.

And for parents: a review-style highlight from past trips is that the crew has helped kids feel included, including letting kids participate in simple ship moments when appropriate.

Price and Value: Why This Usually Works at $102.58

At about $102.58 per person for a ~3.5-hour cruise, the value depends on what you’d otherwise spend your time doing.

If you’re comparing this to:

• paying for a boat rental,
• hiring a guide,
• buying a full meal,
• and then adding snorkeling/SUP gear on top,

…the all-in nature starts to look fair. You get sushi, fruit, and unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, Greek wine, and beer). You also get snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, and other water aids. That’s a lot bundled into one afternoon.

Where the price can feel less worth it is when weather limits the water activities. This is why your best strategy is to go into the trip with flexible expectations and a plan for choppy conditions.

Also, you’ll likely want to book ahead. The cruise is commonly reserved around three weeks in advance, so if you have a tight schedule, securing your slot early helps.

When Weather Gets Choppy: How to Decide If You Should Go

This is the part I’d rather say plainly than sugarcoat.

This cruise requires good weather. On calm days, you’ll get the full combo: sail, anchor, swim stop fun, food, and sunset. But on rougher days, the captain may shorten the route or adjust the plan for safety. That can mean reduced snorkeling/paddle time and less time anchored.

If you’re sensitive to motion:

• consider timing carefully,
• and bring a basic sea-sickness plan.

On at least one sailing, sea-sickness tablets were available at the start, and the crew knew who needed extra support.

If you’re prone to feeling unwell on boats, don’t pretend. This isn’t a calm-lake ride. It’s a sea cruise, and you’ll feel it when conditions are strong.

Who This Catamaran Trip Is Best For

This one fits a lot of travel styles, but it really shines for:

• Couples who want a romantic sunset plan with food and drinks handled
• Friends who want a social outing that still has room to relax
• Families with kids (especially since toys are available by request and water aids help younger swimmers)
• Solo travelers who want a small-group experience and a crew that helps you feel included

Mobility needs can also be a consideration. One previous experience included accommodation and kindness for a walking disability. Still, you’ll want to judge the boat layout yourself, since it’s a working sailing craft and you’ll be moving around the deck.

Should You Book This Sunset Catamaran With Sushi and an Open Bar?

If you’re picturing an easy evening on the water—sunbeds, a swim stop with snorkeling and SUP, sushi rolls, unlimited drinks, then a real sunset from sea level—this is a strong choice.

I’d book it if:

• you’re okay with boat time and the possibility of mild chop,
• you want everything bundled (food + drinks + gear),
• and you care more about views and comfort than about a strict, stop-by-stop checklist.

I’d think twice if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to sea motion,
• you can’t handle changes to water activities if the sea is rough,
• or you’re going for a guaranteed snorkeling-heavy itinerary no matter the conditions.

If your dates are flexible and the forecast looks reasonable, this cruise is the kind of Crete evening that turns into a memory you’ll keep replaying long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the sunset catamaran trip?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome glass of Prosecco with Mediterranean finger foods, plus sushi rolls, fresh seasonal fruit, and unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included.

Do snorkeling and SUP gear come with the tour?

Yes. Snorkeling gear (high-quality masks and fins) and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are included, along with swimming jackets. Inflatable noodles are provided too.

Where does the cruise start and end?

The tour starts at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.