A catamaran day with lunch, gear, and open bar. I like that this trip starts in Rethymno Port with drinks (espresso, tea, detox water, protein shake) and a nutritionist-made brunch bowl, so you’re fueled before the sailing even starts. I also like the small-group setup with a modern luxury catamaran and lots of deck room to spread out. One thing to consider: the schedule can feel a bit travel-heavy before you drop anchor, and the time in the water isn’t always long enough for people who want nonstop activity.

You’ll head toward Georgioupoli Bay for swimming and water fun, with the crew handling the setup for SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and more. Lunch is a big highlight: a Mediterranean Cretan meal made with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm, paired with unlimited local beer and Cretan white wine in the open bar. The main drawback to plan around is that you should bring your own beach essentials like a towel and sunscreen, because those aren’t included.

Key highlights at a glance

• Nutritionist-designed meals: light healthy brunch and a gourmet lunch built around fresh ingredients
• Real water toys included: SUP, snorkeling gear, swimming jackets, inflatable flamingo, and inflatable noodles
• Open bar with a clear boundary: water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine
• Crew attention and safety focus: a professional, friendly team that keeps things organized and relaxed
• Good boat comfort: sunbeds plus shaded lounge areas, with Wi‑Fi and music onboard
• Small-group feel (max 25): easier chatting, less crowding, and quicker help when you want something

A 6.5-hour Cretan sail that works as a full-day reset

This cruise is built for one thing: a slow, good-feeling day on the water where the food and activities are taken care of. You start with an onboard breakfast bowl, then you spend the middle of the trip at Georgioupoli Bay swimming and paddling. After that, lunch and more deck time do the heavy lifting of making the day feel complete.

I especially like that the day mixes “sit back” time with active options. You can keep it lazy—sunbeds, shade, music, and views—then jump in when the water looks inviting. If you want to do everything, the included gear makes that easy too.

Where it starts in Rethymno, and what you’ll do before the sailing

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, in Rethymno (start time is 9:30am). The vibe begins immediately: the crew welcomes you onboard with options like espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake. It’s a smart start, because it means you’re not just waiting around hungry and rushed.

You’ll also get a light breakfast bowl created by a certified nutritionist. That detail matters more than it sounds. It sets the tone for the rest of the day—healthy-first without being boring, and not the usual “pastry-and-hope” approach.

On the boat, take a minute to pick your spot. There are sunbeds for soaking up the light, plus shaded lounges if you want a break. You’ll likely be glad you chose shade early if the morning is bright.

Heading to Georgioupoli Bay: the sea time vs the waiting time tradeoff

Once you leave Rethymno, you’ll cruise along the northern coast of Crete toward Georgioupoli Bay. The point of this sailing segment is less sightseeing talk and more “get out there and enjoy the time.” The catamaran setting makes the movement feel smooth, and that helps if you’re not sure you love boats.

That said, one review notes the trip to the anchor point can feel like a bit of a wait. If you’re the type who gets restless before the fun starts, keep that in mind. Mentally plan for a calmer first half, then think of the water stop as the main event.

When you arrive at the bay area, you’re not just dumped into swimming. You’ll get gourmet bites with local flavor as part of the stop, so you can settle in before gear goes out.

Water time is the real event: SUP, snorkeling, flamingo float, and fishing

Georgioupoli Bay is where you’ll spend the action. The crew sets up the activities for you, including SUP boards and snorkeling gear with high-quality masks and fins. This is the kind of included equipment you actually want to use, because you’re not stuck improvising with random gear.

If you want to be floaty, there are inflatable noodles for comfort and fun. There’s also an inflatable flamingo—pink, iconic, and exactly the sort of silly photo prop that makes a day on the water feel like a holiday. There’s even an inflatable flamingo mentioned as part of the onboard kit, so you should expect it to be part of the experience.

For snorkeling, wear something you’re comfortable getting wet in. Snorkeling jackets are provided, which can be helpful for comfort in the water. If you’re confident in the water, you can treat the jacket as optional comfort rather than a necessity.

There’s also fishing gear (a complete set for a gentle fishing experience). This is one of those extras that can turn a quiet swim into something different for a while—especially if you like calm, low-key activities more than competitive sports.

A practical note: you’ll want to pay attention when the crew invites you to take a try. The best-feeling water moments happen when you’re ready to go while everyone else is still setting up.

Lunch on board: healthy Cretan food plus an open bar (with limits)

After time in the water, you’ll return to the catamaran for lunch. This meal is designed by a nutritionist and made with fresh, organic ingredients from a local farm. That’s a meaningful promise, because it explains why the food gets called out as high quality instead of just “included.”

The lunch is described as freshly prepared and Mediterranean in style, with local Cretan flavors. Many people also mention the food spread is delicious, and one review specifically calls out dessert as part of the overall meal experience. Even if dessert timing varies, the overall message is clear: they’re not treating lunch like a checkbox.

Now for the drinks. The open bar includes unlimited water and soft drinks, plus Greek beer and Cretan white wine. You can keep it simple, stay hydrated, and avoid the stress of buying drinks one by one. One drawback noted by a reviewer: there may be a short moment before the open bar fully feels available, so don’t expect cocktails to start the second you sit down.

Also, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages beyond the open bar selection aren’t included. If you’re a mixed-drink person, plan your expectations. Focus on beer and wine, and you’ll match what the cruise is set up to deliver.

Boat comfort and onboard extras: small-group calm with real amenities

This is a modern luxury catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges. It’s not a cramped party boat. The max group size is 25, which shows up in how relaxed the day feels. Several reviews highlight the small group as part of why the cruise is relaxing.

You’ll also get onboard Wi‑Fi and music. Wi‑Fi is nice for posting a photo or checking maps. Music adds energy during the calmer sailing and deck time. One review mentions the music volume wasn’t quite right when the boat anchored, which is a small reminder that sound isn’t always perfect outdoors.

Comfort and practical needs are covered too:

• onboard WC and an outdoor shower
• life jackets onboard
• swimming jackets available for the water time
• liability insurance

There are also very specific extra inclusions. You’ll find personal feminine hygiene products included, and there’s a branded memorable gift for special occasions. Kids aren’t forgotten either—there’s a box of toys for children available on request.

Price and value: what $174.98 gets you in real terms

At $174.98 per person, you’re paying for a full setup: boat day, meal plan, water gear, and drinks. For a 6 hours 30 minutes experience, that can feel like good value if you’d otherwise spend money on a boat rental, guided water equipment, and lunch out.

Here’s how I’d think about the price in practical terms:

• You’re not just buying transportation. You’re getting brunch, lunch, and a drink program.
• You’re not just buying admission to swim. You’re getting SUP and snorkeling gear plus inflatables.
• You’re not doing it with a huge crowd. The max 25 person limit helps keep it calmer and easier to move around.

If you only want one swim break and you hate open-water time, you might feel this is more than you need. But if you want a day where the details are already handled, the cost starts to make sense quickly.

Who should book, and who might want a different plan

This cruise fits best if you want a relaxed boat day with meaningful food and included water activities. It’s a strong pick for couples, small friend groups, and anyone who likes the mix of sunbathing plus a chance to play in the water.

It’s also a good option if you don’t want to manage gear. The crew handles setup for SUP boards and snorkeling gear, and that removes a chunk of hassle that can kill the fun in self-planned days.

Choose a different style of tour if:

• you prefer cocktails beyond beer and Cretan white wine
• you get restless waiting for the anchor moment
• you’re looking for long, repeated swim sessions without the schedule feeling timed

Tips so your day feels smooth (and not like a checklist)

Bring what isn’t included: towels and sunscreen. Those two items are the most common “oops” moments on day tours, and they’re explicitly not listed as included here. Also plan for a deck-to-water day with practical swimwear.

If you’re sensitive to sun, pick a shaded spot early. The catamaran has shade, but if you wait until late morning, your best choice may already be taken.

With food and drinks, pace yourself. Start with the welcome drinks and breakfast bowl, then enjoy the swim stop and let lunch land when you’re actually hungry. The open bar is unlimited for the included selections, so you don’t have to calculate every sip—but you’ll feel better if you keep it steady, not sprint-and-sip.

If you’re going as a family, request the kids’ toys in advance. It’s included by request, and it can make the day feel more tailored to everyone.

Should you book this Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-run, small-group day on the water with nutritionist-style meals, a genuine drink setup (beer and wine included), and included water gear that lets you play without extra rental steps. The crew’s friendliness and the clean, organized boat show up repeatedly in feedback, and that matters because it’s what turns “a boat ride” into a day you’d repeat.

Skip it only if your main goal is ultra-long water sessions or specific cocktails. The cruise is designed around a balanced schedule, not an all-day floating marathon.

If that balance sounds like your kind of vacation day, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 9:30am and lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes. It ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll have a light healthy brunch and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. Drinks included are water and soft drinks, plus local Greek beer and Cretan white wine from the open bar. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included.

What water activities and gear come with the cruise?

Included activities include SUP boards, snorkeling gear (masks and fins), swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing gear is also included, and the crew sets up the water activities upon request.

Do I need to bring a towel or sunscreen?

Towels are not included, and sunscreen and personal care items aren’t included. Bring your own so you’re comfortable when you get back onboard.

Are transfers from hotels included?

Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged upon request.

What’s the cancellation policy and what happens with bad weather?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. This activity requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.