Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

A day aboard the catamaran Karina is built around one simple pleasure: leaving Rethymno behind and spending several hours on clear Cretan water. You sail for about 105 minutes each way, then anchor near a scenic bay for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, and lazy time in the sun.

I like the freshly prepared Mediterranean meal, which can include seafood, meat, salads, pasta, fruit, and dessert. I also like the crew’s attentive service, especially the care shown when someone feels seasick or needs a separate dish for an allergy.

The main drawback is practical rather than dramatic: there is limited shade, and the swimming area may be deep with little marine life. At $164 per person, this is a special-occasion outing, not a cheap way to get on the water.

Key things to know before you book

• A full 6.5-hour sailing day: You get substantial time at sea, not just a quick harbor ride.
• A quiet swimming bay near Georgioupoli: The main stop lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Lunch cooked for a range of diets: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, child-friendly, and allergy-conscious meals are available when requested in advance.
• Unlimited drinks: Beer, white wine, and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise.
• Useful water equipment: Snorkeling gear, fishing gear, SUP boards, life jackets, arm floaties, and inflatables are provided.
• A small-group feel: The catamaran can accommodate up to about 20 people, with private groups also available.

Setting sail from Rethymno Marina

You meet the crew at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. Look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, but hotel pickup is not included unless you select an option that specifically includes transfers.

The first 15 minutes are for boarding, welcome refreshments, local snacks, and a safety briefing. Tea, coffee, and small Cretan treats make the start feel hospitable rather than hurried. You will also need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number when booking. Port authorities require this information before the boat can leave.

Once the boat clears the marina, the pace changes. The catamaran gives you room to sit, stretch out, take photos, or find a spot with a view. Music plays on board, and Wi-Fi is available if you want to share the day as you go.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as new, clean, spacious, and well maintained, with several areas for sitting or lying in the sun. A catamaran also tends to feel steadier than a smaller single-hull boat, though no boat is perfectly smooth when the sea turns rough.

The 105-minute sail along Crete’s north coast

The first sailing section takes about 105 minutes. The value here is the time itself. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to another. You get a long stretch to watch the coast, listen to music, talk with your group, and enjoy the movement of the boat.

On calm days, the ride can be wonderfully smooth. When the sea is choppy, expect more motion, particularly during the open-water sections. Some people have experienced seasickness, and the crew has offered anti-nausea tablets when conditions required it. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy and take it before the boat gets underway.

The crew is one reason this cruise earns such strong marks. Service includes regular drink refills, help with equipment, and close attention to anyone who feels unwell. One crew member named Orpheus was singled out for his kindness and care toward a sick passenger. That sort of response matters more than polished sales talk when you are far from shore.

The crew speaks English and Greek. The atmosphere is social but not forced. You can chat with other people, relax quietly, or enjoy the music. On at least one cruise, the crew allowed passengers to play their own music later in the day, though music volume has occasionally felt too loud during lunch.

The Georgioupoli bay swimming stop

The main stop is near Georgioupoli, where the catamaran anchors in a scenic bay for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is the heart of the day. You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, paddle a SUP board, or float on the inflatable flamingo.

The water is often described as clear and turquoise, making it excellent for a swim and a memorable photo. The bay itself provides the sense of escape most people want from a boat trip. You are away from the town, bobbing offshore with the Cretan coast around you.

Snorkeling conditions deserve a realistic note. The water may be wonderfully clear, but that does not guarantee a busy underwater scene. At some stops, there has been little sea life to see, and the swimming area can be quite deep. Think of snorkeling here as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book.

The SUP boards add more value for active passengers. You can paddle around the anchored catamaran, while children can use arm floaties and the inflatable equipment under supervision. Life jackets are supplied, and the crew manages the equipment. A box of toys is available for children, which helps make the long day easier for families.

There is a tradeoff between sun and comfort. Catamarans offer plenty of open deck space, but shade may be limited, especially during the hottest summer months. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a hat if you have one. You will want to protect yourself during the sailing portions as well as during the swim.

A Mediterranean lunch served on board

Lunch is not an afterthought. The meal is one of the most praised features of the cruise, and the menu can include a generous spread of Greek and Mediterranean food.

A typical meal described from the cruise included a cheese tray, Greek salad, avocado salad, pasta with garlicky tomato sauce and prawns, grilled orange chicken, pita bread, and several desserts. Other meals have included mussels, paella, fresh vegetables, fruit, and regional dishes. The exact menu can vary, but you should expect a substantial meal rather than a basic sandwich.

Unlimited beer, white wine, and soft drinks are included. Coffee and tea are also available. This is useful because the trip lasts most of the day, and buying drinks separately on a boat can quickly become expensive.

Tell the provider about dietary needs when you book. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s meals are available by request. One passenger with a shellfish allergy received a separate pasta dish, showing that the kitchen can make practical adjustments. Still, you should communicate allergies clearly before departure rather than waiting until lunch.

The meal is served while the catamaran is anchored, so you can eat with the bay around you. That setting adds a great deal to the experience. You are not simply paying for food; you are paying for a long, comfortable pause in a beautiful place.

What the $164 price really covers

At $164 per person, this cruise sits firmly in the premium day-trip category. The price includes a 6.5-hour outing, a spacious catamaran, an experienced Red Cross-certified crew, lunch, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, snorkeling and fishing gear, SUP boards, inflatables, Wi-Fi, music, insurance, and life jackets.

That package can make sense if you want an easy full-day experience with little extra spending once you board. A meal, drinks, and equipment are all covered. The boat is also designed for comfort, with enough space to move around rather than feeling packed into a small motorboat.

The value is weaker if you only care about swimming. You may find a cheaper boat trip that takes you to the coast for a shorter time. This cruise is better suited to someone who wants the whole package: sailing time, food, drinks, service, and a comfortable boat.

Group size matters too. The catamaran can carry up to around 20 people, which is more intimate than a large excursion vessel. If you are celebrating a birthday or traveling with a group, a private option is available, though the price and terms for that option are not specified here.

Timing, transfers, and weather

The cruise lasts 6.5 hours, but starting times depend on the date you choose. The stated route begins and ends at Rethymno Marina. Optional transfers are available from Rethymno, Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Campos, Pigianos Campos, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Petres, and Gerani if you select the correct booking option.

Do not assume transportation is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard experience. This was a clear frustration for at least one passenger, so check the selected option before paying.

Weather can change the plan. The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled in bad conditions, and the destination can change if the sea near Rethymno is rough. That flexibility is sensible, since safety and comfort matter more than following a fixed route. It also means you should avoid scheduling this outing immediately before an important flight or ferry connection.

The boat returns to the same meeting point. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of the identification document is accepted.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, small groups, and anyone who wants a polished day on the water without organizing every detail separately. It suits you especially well if good food and attentive service matter as much as swimming.

Families benefit from the child’s meal option, toys, floaties, and life jackets. The crew’s close attention is reassuring, though parents still need to supervise children around the water and boat edges.

It is also a good choice for a birthday or special day. The crew has helped celebrate birthdays with songs and even a cake for one passenger. The setting does much of the work: clear water, open sea, lunch on board, and time away from town.

You may want to choose another activity if you need lots of shade, dislike boat motion, or are primarily seeking coral, fish, and underwater wildlife. Pregnant women should not book this activity, as it is listed as unsuitable for them.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, social, food-centered sailing day with swimming and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the clean catamaran, caring crew, generous lunch, and long stop in a clear-water bay.

Think twice if $164 feels high for a day on the sea, or if you want a dedicated snorkeling trip with abundant marine life. Also remember to arrange transport if you are not staying near the marina, and prepare for sun exposure and possible motion.

For the right person, this is less about checking off a particular beach and more about enjoying a full day that is already organized. You board in Rethymno, let the crew handle the food and equipment, and spend the afternoon floating, paddling, eating, and watching Crete slide past.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 6.5 hours, including the sailing time and the swimming stop.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Rethymno Marina. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure for boarding.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at Rethymno Marina, the same place where you board.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard option. Transfer service is available only if you select an option that includes it.

What food is included?

A Mediterranean lunch with seafood, meat, vegetables, fruit, and dessert is included. The exact menu may vary.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer are included. Tea and coffee are also available.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s meal options are available when requested in advance.

Can I swim and use water equipment?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming, snorkeling gear, fishing gear, SUP boards, life jackets, arm floaties, and inflatables.

What should I bring?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled because of bad weather. The destination may also change if sea conditions near Rethymno are rough.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel my booking?

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