Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Blue water, good food, easy sailing. This 6.5-hour cruise from Rethymno combines a comfortable catamaran ride with swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean meal. I like the small-group feel, with space for about 20 people, and I like that lunch includes seafood, meat, salads, fruit, and dessert rather than a basic snack box. The main consideration is the price, about $164 per person, and the boat has limited shade during Crete’s hottest months.

The crew earns much of the praise here. Service is attentive without sounding stiff, and the team has handled seasickness, food allergies, and birthday celebrations with care. You should also know that snorkeling may be more about enjoying clear water than spotting abundant sea life, and rough weather can change the route or make the crossing uncomfortable.

Key things to know before sailing

• Two 105-minute sailing legs: Much of the day is spent actually moving along Crete’s coast, not simply sitting at anchor.
• About 2.75 hours in the bay: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP boarding, lunch, drinks, and photographs.
• Fresh food prepared on board: Expect Mediterranean dishes with seafood and meat, plus vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s options by request.
• Unlimited drinks included: Soft drinks, white wine, and beer are available throughout the cruise.
• A spacious, newer catamaran: There are different areas for sitting, sunbathing, and relaxing, though shade is limited.
• Rethymno Marina departure: Arrive 15 minutes early, and look for the crew in DanEri T-shirts aboard the sailing catamaran Karina.

Leaving Rethymno Marina aboard Karina

The cruise begins at Rethymno Marina, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. The crew meets you aboard the sailing catamaran Karina, wearing DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which is useful if you are driving yourself.

The welcome is pleasantly Greek rather than formal. You receive tea, coffee, and local treats before the boat gets moving. There is also a short safety briefing, with life jackets available and an experienced crew holding Red Cross certification.

The starting time depends on the option you choose, so check the schedule carefully. Some booking options include transfers from Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Petres, and Gerani. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not automatically included, so do not assume your accommodation is covered unless you select the transfer option.

A useful practical point: port authorities require the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for every passenger. A copy of a passport or ID card is accepted, but you still need to provide the required details when booking.

The first 105 minutes at sea

Once the catamaran leaves the marina, the pace slows. The outward leg lasts about 105 minutes, giving you a good stretch of time to enjoy the coast and settle into the boat.

This is not a speedboat outing. A catamaran generally offers a broad, stable platform, and the wide layout gives you room to sit, stand, or lie in the sun. Music plays on board, and free WiFi is available if you want to share photographs or stay connected.

I see the long sailing time as one of the cruise’s main strengths. You are not being rushed from one activity to the next. You can watch the coastline, chat with people around you, or simply let the boat carry you along.

The tradeoff is that the sea crossing can feel long if the weather turns rough. Several people have needed help with seasickness on choppy days, and the crew has provided anti-sickness tablets when needed. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual medication and take the weather seriously.

On calm days, the catamaran ride is smooth and easy. On windy days, the crew may change the destination for safety and comfort. The cruise can also be rescheduled or canceled in poor weather.

Time in the Georgioupoli bay

The main stop is near Georgioupoli, where you spend around 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is the heart of the outing, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, drinks, and photographs.

The bay is selected for its clear water and attractive setting. Depending on sea conditions, you might stop at a quiet cove or a place such as Omprogialos, both described as beautiful spots for swimming and photographs. The exact destination can change, so think of the bay time as the fixed part of the day, not the precise cove.

The water is the star. It is often clear and turquoise, making the swim feel like a proper Crete experience rather than a quick dip beside a busy harbor. The boat carries snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, SUP boards, arm floaties, and other inflatables, including a playful flamingo.

Families get some useful extras here. There is a box of toys for children, a special children’s meal option, and flotation equipment. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, but it can work well for families with children who are comfortable around open water.

The snorkeling deserves a realistic explanation. The water may be beautifully clear, but the amount of marine life can be limited. In some areas, the bottom is deep and there may not be much to see beyond rocks and fish passing by. I would bring snorkeling gear for the pleasure of looking around, not because this is a dedicated marine-life excursion.

The SUP boards add more fun than a standard swim stop. You can paddle across the calm water, take turns with other people, or use the inflatables for a relaxed float. Equipment availability can vary at busy moments, and one outing had limited matching pairs of flippers, so do not expect a full dive-center setup.

A Mediterranean lunch with plenty to drink

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the cruise. Food is prepared on board and served during the bay stop, while you still have the sea around you.

The menu can include a cheese platter, Greek salad, avocado salad, pita bread, pasta with tomato sauce and prawns, grilled chicken, seafood, vegetables, fruit, and assorted desserts. Exact dishes can vary, but the overall approach is generous Mediterranean cooking rather than a single prepacked meal.

The food matters because it turns the cruise into a full day out. At $164, you are not paying only for a boat ride and a swim. You are also paying for a prepared lunch, drinks, equipment, crew service, and a long period on the water.

Dietary needs are handled by request. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available, and the crew has prepared separate food for a shellfish allergy. You should provide this information when booking rather than waiting until boarding.

Unlimited drinks include soft drinks, white wine, and beer. Tea and coffee are also available, along with the welcome refreshments. The supply of wine and beer is generous, and staff regularly check whether you need a refill.

There is one small point to keep in mind: snack variety may feel modest before lunch. If you tend to get hungry early, eat breakfast first. The welcome treats are pleasant, but they are not meant to replace a full morning meal.

Comfort, shade, and the feel of the boat

The catamaran is one of the better reasons to choose this outing over a cheaper boat trip. It is described as new, clean, spacious, and well maintained, with several areas where you can sit or stretch out.

The size also helps the atmosphere. With a group of about 20 people, the cruise feels more personal than a large excursion boat. You still have company, but you are not packed shoulder to shoulder.

The boat has music and WiFi, which may sound minor, but both shape the day. Music creates a relaxed holiday mood, while WiFi lets you send photographs without using your own mobile data. The music has occasionally been too loud during lunch, so if you prefer quiet meals, mention it to the crew.

Shade is the main comfort limitation. There is not much cover on a catamaran, especially during the hottest summer months. Bring strong sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear, and consider a hat or light cover-up. The boat’s open design gives you excellent sun and sea views, but it also means you need to manage your own exposure.

The crew is another clear strength. The team is described as friendly, attentive, and calm, including when someone became ill on board. One crew member, Orpheus, received particular praise for kindness and care during a seasickness incident. That sort of response matters when you are several miles from shore.

Birthday celebrations have also been handled warmly, with cake and a song for the birthday person. These details are not guaranteed, but they show the tone of the service.

The return sailing and drop-off options

After the bay stop, the catamaran spends another 105 minutes sailing back. By this point, you have had lunch and time in the water, so the return leg becomes a chance to relax, talk, listen to music, or watch the coast pass by.

The activity ends back at the meeting point unless you selected a transfer option. Possible drop-off areas include Georgioupoli, Rethymno, Adelianos Kampos, Sfakaki, Paralia Kourna, Stavromenos, Skaleta, Gerani, Pigianos Kampos, Petres, and nearby locations.

This return arrangement is simple if you have parked at the marina. If you are staying outside central Rethymno, check the transfer option before paying. One of the few complaints about the outing came from the fact that transportation was not included in the basic price.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. You can probably find cheaper ways to get on the water, especially if all you want is a short ride and a swim.

The value improves if you use what is included. The price covers 6.5 hours, a spacious catamaran, crew service, lunch, seafood and meat dishes, unlimited soft drinks, beer and white wine, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, SUP boards, inflatables, WiFi, music, and insurance.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging those pieces separately. A private boat, restaurant lunch, drinks, water equipment, and transport can quickly add up. The cruise also avoids the work of planning a coastal day yourself.

The best value comes for people who want a comfortable social day with food and drinks already arranged. It is weaker value if you dislike group activities, do not drink, plan to spend most of the day in the shade, or expect serious snorkeling.

Private groups are available, which may make the price easier to justify for a birthday, family gathering, or special occasion. You should confirm the private-group terms before booking.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day on the sea rather than an intense water-sports program. It is especially suited to people who care about good food, friendly service, and a pleasant boat as much as the swimming stop.

Families benefit from the toys, floaties, children’s meal option, and attentive crew. People with dietary restrictions also have more flexibility than on many standard excursions, provided they request the right meal in advance.

It is less suitable if you are pregnant, highly sensitive to boat movement, or hoping to see lots of underwater wildlife. It may also disappoint anyone expecting thick shade or a completely quiet ride.

You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card, or an accepted copy. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Crete plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished, all-day sea outing with a good meal, open-bar drinks, and enough time to swim and paddleboard. The catamaran, crew, food, and bay setting are the main reasons this experience receives such strong praise.

Before booking, check three things: the weather forecast, your transport plan, and your expectations for snorkeling. Choose a cooler month if possible, bring sun protection in summer, and tell the operator about allergies or special diets.

For a relaxed day on the Cretan coast, this is a strong choice. It costs more than a basic cruise, but the long sailing time, generous lunch, equipment, and attentive crew make the price easier to understand.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 6.5 hours. Starting times depend on the date and option selected.

Where does the cruise depart?

Boarding takes place at Rethymno Marina aboard the sailing catamaran Karina. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard option. Transfers may be available if you select the appropriate option.

Which areas may have transfer service?

Pickup and drop-off may be arranged from Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Petres, and Gerani.

What food is served?

The Mediterranean lunch includes a selection of seafood and meat, fresh vegetables, and fruit. Dishes may include salads, pasta, grilled chicken, pita, desserts, and other regional foods.

Are dietary meals available?

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. Special meals for children can also be arranged.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included. Tea, coffee, and welcome refreshments are also provided.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling and fishing gear, SUP boards, life jackets, arm floaties, and inflatables are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of the passport or ID card is accepted.

Can bad weather change the cruise?

Yes. The cruise depends on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather. The destination may also change if sea conditions are rough.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.