9 Boat Tours in Rethymno: Which One to Actually Book

1.Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Pirate Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 581 reviews · 1 hour · from $29Our pick

Board the wooden pirate boat Captain Hook at Rethymno Port for a one-hour sunset cruise. You’ll pass Fortezza Castle, the Venetian Port, lighthouse, and glowing waterfront while enjoying one beer or soft drink. Departure time changes with sunset, and the host team speaks English, German, and French. Bring a jacket and arrive 30 minutes early.

“It was good fun, but make sure you are good with potential sea sickness the waves were quite large when we went!”

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2.Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 446 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $100

Sail from Rethymno Marina aboard the catamaran Karina for sushi, Cretan snacks, an open bar, swimming, SUP, snorkeling, and sunset views near Geropotamos Beach. The English and Greek-speaking crew, including Nana and Yannis, keeps the mood warm and relaxed. The 25-person limit, shaded lounges, Wi-Fi, and optional pickup make this a comfortable evening at sea.

“Host was incredible, atmosphere was amazing. Could not recommend this trip more!!!”

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3.Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 285 reviews · from $164

Spend 6.5 hours aboard DanEri Yachts’ spacious catamaran Karina, sailing from Rethymno to a quiet bay near Georgioupoli. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with beer, wine, and soft drinks. The crew speaks English and Greek, and private groups are available.

“Great trip, all inclusive drinks were amazing so was the food - great spots for photos and to swim with the fish! Would love to do it again”

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4.Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 255 reviews · from $62

Spend five hours on a wooden pirate boat from Rethymno Marina, sailing past Fortezza and Gerani to Kefalas Bay. You get about an hour to swim and snorkel from the boat, with masks and tubes supplied, plus Greek salad and one wine or soft drink. The main tradeoff is a long ride to one swimming stop.

“Really enjoyable trip. Lots of shade on board to protect from sun. Great swimming at quiet bay and snorkelling with equipment provided. Lovely fresh lunch and drink included My son had chance to steer the boat. Booked online and excellent communication with company.”

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5.Preveli By Boat, Damnoni & Kourtaliotiko Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 254 reviews · 11 - 13.5 hours · from $58

Spend a long day in southern Crete with a multilingual guide, visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge Springs, Damnoni Beach, and Preveli Palm Beach. The $58 price includes air-conditioned transport, guide services, insurance, and the boat ride. Expect a 30-minute river boat trip each way, swimming time, and a full day on the road from Heraklion.

“Awesome trip, we just could have more time at the first beach because it was really great for swimming and chilling!”

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6.Mini Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 110 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Spend 2.5 hours on a pirate boat from Rethymno, cruising past Fortezza and along Crete’s east coast to Gerani Bay. You’ll see sea-carved caves and the Camarola arch, stop for a 30-minute swim, and receive a snack and small bottle of water. English, French, and German hosts are available.

“Hyvin sujui. Merellä olo parasta, vesipullo ja sen kanssa tarjottu sämpylä positiivinen yllätys.”

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7.Agia Galini: South Crete Sailing Trip with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 92 reviews · 4.5 - 6 hours · from $106

Set sail from Agia Galini with a certified crew of up to 10 people. Sam, Andrei, Lucas, or another local skipper guides you toward Paximadia and quiet South Crete coves for swimming, snorkeling, SUP time, and coastal stories. Lunch is optional and costs extra. Transfers are free within 5 kilometers of Agia Galini.

“The communication prior to the activity wasn’t amazing, tricky to get any answer or details re pick up location etc however the actual activity (with lunch) was amazing, excellent value”

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8.Panormo: Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174Top rated

Start at 9:30 am in Panormo for a six-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise along Crete’s coast. Enjoy espresso, a light breakfast, fresh Mediterranean lunch, local beer and white wine, plus swimming, snorkeling, SUP boards, fishing, and shaded deck space. The English-speaking crew welcomes families and groups of up to 20.

“We had a amazing experience we were a group of 16 and the staff were so helpful, attentive and supplied amazing food. The cruise takes you on a lovely journey allowing for lots of time for swimming, paddle boarding and snorkelling. We would 100% do this again”

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9.From Panormo: Luxe All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 39 reviews · from $164

Set sail from Panormo on a 6.5-hour DanEri Yachts cruise to Bali Bay. You get coffee, local pies, unlimited drinks, a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch, snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, Wi-Fi, and inflatables. The cruise suits couples and families, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s meals available by request.

“So much fun. Provided with lots of swimming gear and floats. The boat is lovely and the food was great!”

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