Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The sea is the day’s main attraction. This 6.5-hour Rethymno cruise pairs a spacious catamaran with a fresh, nutritionist-designed lunch and an open bar that includes Greek wine and beer. I like the generous deck space, shaded lounging areas, and the easy mix of swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The main drawback is the long sailing time, with roughly 105 minutes each way and usually only one main swim stop.

The strongest part of the day is the service. Crew members keep drinks topped up, help with sea sickness, and set out the water equipment without fuss. I also like that the meal is more thoughtful than the usual boat-trip buffet, with fresh Cretan ingredients and options for seafood lovers, vegetarians, and children.

Key points at a glance

• A small-group sailing day: The catamaran carries no more than 25 people, so the deck feels far less cramped than a standard excursion boat.
• A real lunch, not just snacks: Expect a fresh Mediterranean meal prepared with local, organic ingredients, followed by dessert.
• Swimming equipment is included: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, and a pink flamingo float are available.
• The route depends on the weather: The crew may sail toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, with the final swimming area set by sea conditions.
• The open bar is useful: Water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, tea, espresso, detox water, and a protein cocktail are included.
• Plan for a full day: The cruise lasts 390 minutes, and the sea journey itself takes about three and a half hours.

Setting sail from Rethymno Marina

Your day begins at Rethymno Marina, where you should arrive 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 transfers are not part of the standard price.

The welcome is a pleasant start rather than a rushed boarding routine. You can have espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail while the crew handles the safety briefing. Light local snacks and a healthy breakfast bowl follow, giving you something substantial before the boat gets underway.

You will need to provide every passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number when booking. Port authorities require those details to issue sailing permission. Bring your passport or identity card, or a copy, and arrive on time because the boat cannot hold its departure for late arrivals.

The 105-minute sail along Crete’s coast

The first sailing leg lasts about 105 minutes. This is a major part of the experience, not a quick transfer to the swimming stop. That matters when you decide if this cruise suits you.

I like the idea of using this time as a proper rest period. You can stretch out on a sunbed, sit in a shaded lounge, listen to soft music, or watch the rocky coastline pass by. Wi-Fi is available, though the best entertainment is the changing view and the occasional sight of flying fish reported on the route.

The catamaran’s twin-hull design gives you more room to move around than a narrow sailing boat. There are sunbeds, shaded seating, an indoor area, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. Shoes are not allowed indoors, so wear something easy to remove and keep your feet protected on deck where appropriate.

The sea can be calm and wonderfully smooth, but no boat can promise that. Several people have needed help with nausea even on fairly gentle days, while rougher weather has caused more obvious discomfort. If you are prone to seasickness, take the forecast seriously and ask the crew for advice before booking. Anti-sickness help has been available on some departures, but you should not rely on that as your only plan.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on conditions

The advertised route usually heads toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. The crew chooses the destination according to wind and sea conditions, so you should think of the route as flexible rather than fixed.

Georgioupoli Bay offers the kind of Cretan water most people hope to see from a boat: clear, bright, and suitable for swimming. Depending on the exact anchorage, you may find fish near the coast and good conditions for snorkeling. Some departures have included sightings of sea turtles, dolphins, jellyfish, and schools of fish, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

The swimming stop lasts about two hours and 45 minutes, including the meal and time around the boat. That gives you a generous chance to use the equipment, but much of this period is also devoted to lunch and relaxing. If your main goal is snorkeling, keep your expectations measured. Some swimming areas are deep and beautiful but offer limited underwater detail, while others have more visible fish and better conditions.

The crew brings out SUP boards, high-quality masks and fins, swim jackets, inflatable noodles, and the large pink flamingo float. Fishing equipment is available on request. Children can use a box of toys if you ask ahead of time, though minors cannot travel unaccompanied.

The water stop is best for a mix of activities rather than serious snorkeling. You can paddle for a while, float in the sun, swim from the stern, and return to the deck when you have had enough. Strong currents can make swimming harder, so pay attention to the crew’s instructions and use the provided swim vests if needed.

A healthy Cretan lunch on the water

Food is one of the clearest reasons to consider paying $170 per person. This is not simply a boat ride with a few packets of snacks. The lunch is designed by a certified nutritionist and uses fresh local, biological, and organic ingredients sourced from a Cretan farm.

Menus change with the season, but the meal is Mediterranean in style. Past menus and dishes have included salads, orzo, mussels, prawns, grilled chicken, pita, pasta, and several desserts. A cheese board, Greek salad, avocado salad, and freshly prepared seafood have also appeared on different days.

I would expect a meal that feels generous without being overly heavy. You begin with snacks and a light brunch, then receive a proper lunch after the crew has prepared the boat at anchor. Dessert is included, and there is usually enough food for seconds.

You should tell the operator about dietary needs before sailing. Vegetarian food, lighter choices, children’s meals, and separate dishes for allergies can be arranged. One passenger with a shellfish allergy received a different pasta dish, but it is still important to state your needs clearly in advance.

Drinks are available throughout the day. The open bar covers still water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, local beer, tea, espresso, detox water, and a protein shake. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra and are not included. Red wine is not allowed onboard, so do not bring a bottle expecting to use it.

What the $170 price really buys

At $170, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Rethymno. You are paying for a smaller group, a newer and more spacious boat, a full meal, unlimited drinks, water equipment, and attentive service.

The value improves if you plan to use the whole package. Someone who wants only a short swim and a basic coastal cruise can find cheaper options. Someone who wants a comfortable day with food, wine, sunbeds, shade, equipment, and no separate charges for each drink may find the price fair.

The group limit of 25 is important. Some departures have carried only 10 to 15 people, leaving plenty of room to spread out. Even with a fuller boat, the catamaran does not feel as crowded as a large excursion vessel. If you are traveling with a group, give the operator all your names and say you want to sit together. Two boats may leave at the same time.

The service also adds real value. Crew members check on people often, refill drinks, help with equipment, and respond quickly when someone feels ill. On special occasions, such as a birthday or anniversary, advance notice can bring a complimentary branded gift. A birthday cake has also been arranged on a departure, though you should request celebration help ahead of time.

Sailing back with music and open water

After lunch, you can return to the water or settle into the shaded seating. The return sailing lasts another 105 minutes, giving you time to dry off, enjoy a final drink, and watch the coast from a different angle.

The music is soft enough for conversation on most departures, creating a relaxed holiday mood rather than a loud party atmosphere. Some crews may allow passengers to play their own music later in the day, but that should not be treated as a guaranteed feature.

The boat returns across the sparkling water to Rethymno. Drop-off options cover Rethymno and several nearby areas, including Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Bali, Panormos, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Sfakaki, Stavromenos, and Paralia Kourna. Pickup and return transfers are optional and must be selected when booking. Bali Village is specifically listed for transfer service.

Practical details that can make or break the day

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and identification. Towels and sunscreen are not supplied. Personal care items are also your responsibility, though feminine hygiene products are available onboard.

The boat has life jackets, liability insurance, a toilet, an outdoor shower, and free Wi-Fi. Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not part of the normal experience.

This cruise is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, or people over 95. The operator also asks anyone traveling with a child under two or dealing with mobility or health concerns to speak with the team before booking. Pets, glass objects, indoor smoking, drugs, and touching marine life are prohibited.

The cruise can be canceled or rescheduled for bad weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. The QR code used as your ticket is sent one day before departure, so check your email.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip for a couple, family, or small group that wants a polished day at sea without having to organize lunch, drinks, and water gear separately. It works especially well for people who enjoy the social side of a shared boat but do not want a huge crowd.

It is also a good choice if food matters to you. The meal is a central part of the day, not an afterthought, and the open bar means you can settle into the afternoon without watching every small expense.

I would be more cautious if you dislike long boat rides, get seasick easily, or want several different snorkeling sites. The sailing time is long, and the schedule generally focuses on one main bay. Shade is available, but some areas of the catamaran receive strong sun, especially during the hottest summer months.

Should you book the Karina catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused day with attentive service, a small group, and a good selection of included drinks and water activities. The combination of a clean catamaran, healthy Cretan lunch, open bar, and generous deck space explains the strong 4.7 rating from 393 ratings.

Skip it if your priority is low cost, serious snorkeling, or a fast trip to the coast. You will spend a lot of time sailing, and the swimming site can vary from excellent for fish watching to scenic but fairly deep.

For most people who see this as a full day out rather than a simple boat transfer, the price is defensible. Pack sunscreen, arrive early, take seasickness seriously, and let the crew know about allergies, children, or celebrations before departure.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about 6.5 hours.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Rethymno Marina. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the sailing catamaran Karina and crew members wearing DanEri T-shirts.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard option. They can be arranged for selected areas, with Bali Village specifically listed for pickup and drop-off service.

Which destination will the boat visit?

The crew sails toward either Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a light healthy brunch and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, followed by dessert.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, Cretan white wine, tea, espresso, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, SUP boards, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided. You should also bring swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a passport or ID card or copy.

Can children join the cruise?

Children can join, and children’s meals and a box of toys can be requested. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the operator asks you to consult the team before booking for a child under two.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The cruise may also be rescheduled or canceled because of bad weather.