Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno cruise is that it treats a day at sea as more than a boat ride. You get a spacious catamaran, a proper Cretan lunch, an open bar, and several hours to swim, paddleboard, snorkel, or stretch out under shade. The crew keeps the mood easy with music, coffee, and steady service.

I especially like the fresh, nutritionist-planned food and the generous deck space. You can start with espresso, detox water, and a protein drink, then settle into a light brunch before lunch arrives with local ingredients. The main consideration is the long sailing time: about 105 minutes each way, with the water stop lasting roughly two hours and 45 minutes.

• Two possible sailing areas: Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, chosen according to sea and weather conditions.
• Food is a major part of the day: light brunch, Cretan snacks, a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, and dessert.
• The open bar covers the basics: still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine.
• Water equipment is included: SUP boards, masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, and a pink flamingo float.
• A small-group feel: the maximum is 25 people, with private groups available.
• Plan for comfort: bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, and seasickness medicine if you need it.

A six-and-a-half-hour day on the water

This is a full outing, not a quick coastal cruise. The listed duration is 390 minutes, or six and a half hours, beginning and ending at Rethymno Marina. You spend about 15 minutes getting settled and hearing the safety briefing, around 105 minutes sailing out, about 2 hours and 45 minutes at the swimming area, and another 105 minutes returning.

That schedule works best if you want a relaxed day with plenty of time on board. I would not choose it if you mainly want a short swim stop. Several people have found the sailing time a little long compared with the time in the water, though the catamaran makes the journey comfortable with sunbeds, shaded seating, music, Wi-Fi, a toilet, and an outdoor shower.

The vessel is the sailing catamaran Karina. It is modern, clean, and large enough that the maximum group of 25 does not have to feel packed together. Depending on the day, you can find a place in the sun, sit in a shaded lounge, or move around as the view changes.

Starting with espresso at Rethymno Marina

Arrive at the marina 15 minutes before departure. This matters because the boat cannot hold its departure for late arrivals, and port rules are strict. Look for the crew in DanEri T-shirts aboard Karina. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, but hotel transport is not part of the standard price.

The welcome is relaxed but organized. You receive a safety briefing and can begin with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. Local snacks and a light breakfast bowl follow, giving the morning a bit more substance than the usual packaged pastry and coffee found on many boat trips.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Service is one of the strongest parts of the experience, with staff regularly checking on drinks, helping with equipment, and responding quickly if someone feels unwell. Panos and Kleo are two crew members who have been singled out for warm, attentive service, though the exact crew can vary by departure.

Sailing the north coast toward Georgioupoli or Skaleta

Once Karina leaves port, the main activity is simply being at sea. The route follows Crete’s rocky northern coast, with open views of cliffs, shorelines, and bright water. Soft music plays throughout the day, loud enough to create a holiday mood but generally not so loud that conversation becomes difficult.

The destination depends on conditions. Georgioupoli Bay is the named swimming area in the main route, while Skaleta may be used when weather or sea conditions make it the better choice. This flexibility is sensible, but it means you should not book expecting one exact cove every time.

The long outward sail is a good moment to claim your preferred place. Sunbeds are ideal for reading or drying off later, while shaded seating is the wiser choice during July and August. The boat has some shade, but not every part of the deck is covered. If you burn easily, bring a hat and apply sunscreen before boarding.

The sea can be calm and smooth, but it can also turn choppy. A few people have felt seasick even on days that seemed mild, and rougher conditions have forced route changes in the past. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions and ask the crew for advice before setting out. This is not a criticism of the boat. It is simply the reality of spending several hours in open water.

A swim stop with paddleboards and snorkeling gear

At the bay, the crew sets out the water equipment while you enjoy snacks and drinks. You can use stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the bright pink flamingo float. Fishing gear is available on request, and children can use a box of toys if arranged in advance.

The water is often clear and turquoise, and sightings have included fish, flying fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and jellyfish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course. Snorkeling conditions also vary. Some stops have offered plenty to see close to shore, while other spots have been deep and attractive but not especially full of marine life.

That is the main weakness for anyone booking primarily for snorkeling. The stop is beautiful and enjoyable for swimming, but it is not a dedicated reef excursion. You may have a fine swim and see fish, or you may find the underwater view less interesting than the scenery from the deck. There is generally one main swimming area rather than a series of different snorkel sites.

The water time is long enough for several activities. You can paddle, float, swim from the stern, or stay aboard and watch the crew prepare lunch. Swim vests and noodles are useful for less confident swimmers, but the cruise is not suitable for unaccompanied minors, and children under two require a discussion with the operator before booking.

A Cretan lunch prepared on board

Food is where this cruise earns much of its price. The menu is created with input from a certified nutritionist and uses fresh local, biological, and organic ingredients from a Cretan farm. It aims for a balanced Mediterranean meal rather than a heavy buffet designed only to fill you up.

Menus change with the season, but the style is consistent. You can expect a flavorful main course, salads or other fresh sides, bread, and dessert. Past meals have included Greek salad, avocado salad, orzo, pasta with tomato sauce, prawns, mussels, grilled orange chicken, pita, cheese, and assorted sweets. The exact menu depends on the day and season.

The food is served after the swimming stop, when a proper meal feels welcome. Portions are generous, and second helpings may be available. A vegetarian option can be arranged, lighter dishes are available, and special children’s meals can be requested. If you have an allergy, tell the operator before sailing. A separate pasta dish was prepared for one passenger with a shellfish allergy, but advance notice is still the smart approach.

Drinks are available throughout the day. The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and the protein cocktail are also included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included, and red wine is not allowed on board.

I like this setup because the meal feels tied to Crete rather than being an afterthought. You are eating local-style food while looking over the same sea that supplied much of the region’s culinary tradition. If you are expecting a high-end restaurant tasting menu, adjust your expectations. This is generous, fresh, informal boat dining, served in a setting that does most of the work.

Comfort, music, and the social side of the boat

Karina gives you several ways to spend the day. You can talk with other people in the lounge, lie back on a sunbed, sit in the shade, or move to the edge of the deck for a better view. The music adds energy without necessarily taking over the day, and free Wi-Fi is available if you need it.

The group limit of 25 is important. It keeps the boat from feeling like a mass excursion, especially because the catamaran is spacious. Some departures have had only around 15 people, leaving plenty of room to spread out. If you are booking with friends or family, provide the names of everyone in your party so the operator can keep your group together when more than one boat leaves at the same time.

The cruise also works for celebrations. Tell the crew ahead of time if you are marking a birthday or anniversary. A complimentary branded gift may be arranged, and the crew has helped make birthdays feel personal with a song or cake in the past.

There are a few house rules. Shoes are not worn indoors, smoking is not allowed inside, and glass objects, drugs, and alcohol outside the permitted service are prohibited. You must not touch marine life. These are sensible rules for a clean boat and a protected sea.

Is $170 good value?

At $170 per person, this is one of the more expensive boat outings from Rethymno. You are paying for more than transport to a swimming cove: the price includes a modern catamaran, professional crew, brunch, a substantial lunch, dessert, unlimited standard drinks, water equipment, insurance, and six and a half hours on the sea.

I think the value is strongest if you will make full use of the package. Eat the meals, enjoy the open bar, use the SUP and snorkeling equipment, and settle into the boat for the long return sail. The price makes less sense if you do not drink, want only a short swim, or prefer a simple, low-cost excursion.

Private groups are available, which can change the value calculation for a birthday, family outing, or special occasion. Hotel transfers are not included, although they can be arranged on request. A pickup option is specifically available from Bali Village, so check the selected booking option carefully rather than assuming transport comes with the fare.

Practical details to settle before booking

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your identification is accepted. Towels and personal care items are not supplied, so do not leave those behind at the hotel.

The port authorities require every passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. You also need to provide an email address for the booking voucher. The QR code is sent one day before the cruise and serves as your ticket.

The cruise is weather-dependent. It can be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions, and the destination may change between Georgioupoli Bay and Skaleta. Pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and anyone over 95 are listed as unsuitable for the activity. If you are pregnant, have a child under two, or have mobility or health concerns, contact the team before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. These policies are useful when the sea forecast is uncertain, but you still need to arrive on time on the day of departure.

Who will enjoy this Rethymno cruise most?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a polished day at sea without having to organize food, drinks, or water equipment themselves. It is also a good match for someone who values a clean boat, attentive service, and a comfortable place to sit between swims.

Food-focused visitors will appreciate the fresh Mediterranean menu. People who do not want a party boat will like the smaller group size and easygoing atmosphere. The cruise also suits first-time catamaran passengers who want an introduction to sailing without giving up comfort.

I would hesitate if you are very prone to seasickness, dislike long stretches of sailing, or want serious underwater exploration. In that case, a shorter excursion with more than one snorkel site may fit better. Also, do not assume that every day will include dolphins, turtles, or a perfect calm sea. Those are welcome extras, not part of the guarantee.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a full day built around comfort, food, and time on the water. The strongest reasons are the roomy catamaran, kind crew, generous drinks, well-prepared Cretan lunch, and included SUP and snorkeling equipment. At $170, it is a premium outing, but the inclusions are substantial.

Skip it if your priority is the cheapest way to reach the sea or the longest possible snorkeling session. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced Rethymno day: scenic sailing, a pleasant swim stop, good food, and enough space to make the boat itself part of the experience.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or six and a half hours. The schedule includes a welcome at Rethymno Port, about 105 minutes sailing out, around 2 hours and 45 minutes at the swimming area, and about 105 minutes sailing back.

Where does the catamaran go?

The cruise may sail to Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on weather and sea conditions. Both areas offer coastal scenery and clear water for swimming.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive local snacks, a light healthy brunch, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch with dessert. Unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine are included, along with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The boat provides snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is available on request.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a passport or ID card. Towels, sunscreen, and personal care products are not provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard cruise. They can be arranged on request, and a pickup option is available from Bali Village. Check the option you select when booking.