Premium Catamaran Cruise to Marathi Bay with Lunch from Chania

Marathi Bay turns a workweek into sea time. This premium catamaran cruise from Chania area delivers a relaxed ride, bright-water fun, and a serious lunch stop at Marathi Bay.

I love how the morning starts easy and organized, with a friendly English-speaking crew plus welcome drinks like espresso and detox water. I also really appreciate the food: a nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch with options for different tastes, served with unlimited local beer or crisp white wine.

One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to Souda Port (Ellis 1) by the 9:30 am start time, and the day does depend on good weather.

Key Highlights That Matter on Day One

• Semi-private feel (max 20 people), so you can actually enjoy the sea view without elbow-to-elbow crowding
• Marathi Bay anchor stop with SUPs, snorkeling gear, and extra float toys like an inflatable flamingo
• An on-board open bar style setup, with unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine
• Nutritionist-designed lunch with seasonal menu changes and light, organic-leaning ingredients
• Lots of ways to play in the water, including sea scooter and an inflatable water slide
• Comfort extras like outdoor shower, onboard WC, life jackets, and swimming jackets

A Half-Day Catamaran Day From Souda Port to Marathi Bay

This is a 6.5-hour, morning-to-afternoon style cruise that starts at Souda Port (meeting point: Ellis 1, Souda 732 00, Greece). You’ll board a modern catamaran and head out toward Marathi Bay, with the day paced for relaxation first, then water fun, then food.

What makes this route appealing is the balance. You’re not doing a nonstop sightseeing marathon. Instead, you get time to settle in on the water, enjoy the ride, and then spend the middle of the trip anchored at Marathi Bay so you can actually get in the water. For many people, that’s the sweet spot: enough structure to feel like a proper excursion, without killing your schedule.

Also, the group size matters. With a maximum of 20 travelers, you tend to get a calmer vibe onboard, plus more room for your stuff—like your towel bag, sunscreen, and the things you’ll want for the water.

Welcome Drinks and Brunch: Easy Start, No Rush Energy

The crew welcomes you onboard with espresso, tea, water, and soft drinks, plus a breakfast bowl that’s described as light and healthy. There are also protein-focused snacks and a protein cocktail bar during the cruise. In plain terms: this is set up so you’re not hungry while the boat is moving and you’re still waking up.

I like that the morning isn’t only about getting you from point A to point B. It’s about making the first hour feel like you’re already on vacation—cool drinks in hand, somewhere comfortable to sit, and a simple breakfast that won’t feel heavy.

One practical tip: if you’re the type who skips breakfast at home, don’t. That breakfast bowl helps you enjoy the rest of the day, especially because the main lunch isn’t served until after you’ve had time to anchor and play.

The Sail Out: Sunbeds, Sea Views, and a Semi-Private Rhythm

As the catamaran heads toward Marathi Bay, you’ll have time to do the classic things right: relax on sunbeds, sip detox water, and watch the coast drift by. Since this is a semi-private morning cruise, the vibe stays relaxed. You’re not competing for space like you would on a larger boat.

If you want to be active later, this is where I’d pace yourself. Sit down early, enjoy the views, and save your energy for the water toys. You’ll get a proper “play in the bay” moment later, with multiple options at once.

And yes, this trip is built for comfort aboard a moving boat. The catamaran design typically helps with stability compared with smaller, single-hull vessels, and the day is planned so you don’t need to fight a chaotic itinerary. The result is a cruise that feels like it’s for actual humans, not just a checklist.

The Anchor Stop at Marathi Bay: Toys, Float Fun, and Real Water Time

This is the main event. Once the boat drops anchor at Marathi Bay, the crew sets up water activities right there in the bay. You get snorkeling and fishing gear, SUPs (stand-up paddleboards), inflatable noodles, and a sea scooter for those who want a different kind of glide.

A standout detail is the inflatable flamingo float. It’s playful, photogenic, and a fun marker that you’re really in holiday mode. If you like making your day feel memorable, this is the kind of silly detail that does it without being forced.

Here’s how you can think about the options so you don’t end up doing none of them:

• If you want an easy water activity: snorkeling gear and inflatable noodles are a low-effort way to enjoy the bay.
• If you want movement: SUPs and the inflatable water slide (yes, there is one) are built for that jump-into-the-day energy.
• If you want something a bit different: the sea scooter tends to attract people who want to feel like they’re cruising underwater or near the surface.

Safety and support are handled onboard too. You’ll have life jackets available, plus swimming jackets. Even if you’re confident in the water, it helps that the gear is part of the setup rather than something you scramble to find.

Fishing is included as well, with a complete set for a gentle fishing experience. If you’re not a fisherman, it can still be a fun way to watch the bay from a calmer angle while others try SUP or snorkeling.

Nutritionist-Designed Cretan Lunch: What You Eat Changes the Day

After the water toys, you head back onboard and lunch is served. The lunch is described as light, healthy, and designed by a certified nutritionist, using fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Menus change with the seasons, but the sample menu gives you a clear idea of the style.

In one sample:

• Greek salad and green salad
• Oven-baked chicken fillet, shrimp pasta, and mussels
• Fruits for dessert

I like the approach here. Instead of turning lunch into a heavy, fried-food sprint, it’s built to keep you comfortable on a boat. That matters. If lunch is too heavy, you spend the afternoon feeling sluggish and your last stretch of sailing feels longer. With a lighter menu, you’re more likely to stay relaxed and enjoy the ride back.

You also get Greek beer or white wine, available in unlimited quantities throughout the entire cruise. That’s part of the value too: it’s not just one drink token. It’s set up as an ongoing onboard feature, so the day feels complete.

One more practical angle: because vegetarian and children’s options are available on request, you’re less likely to get stuck with only one or two meal choices. If you have dietary needs, add them when you book.

Drinks and Onboard Extras: The Little Things That Keep It Comfortable

Unlimited drinks aren’t just a perk. They’re a way to make the whole cruise feel continuous, not stop-and-go. You’ll have water and soft drinks, plus unlimited local beer and white wine. There’s also a protein cocktail bar and light protein snacks throughout the day.

There are also real comfort extras onboard:

• Music onboard
• Free Wi-Fi
• Onboard WC and an outdoor shower
• Life jackets, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles
• A box of toys for kids available on request

If you’re traveling with kids, this is useful. A dedicated kids toy box beats the usual situation where kids get bored and you start negotiating with everyone’s patience. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the toy box and age-friendly structure can still help keep the energy smooth rather than chaotic.

One detail to note: private cabins aren’t guaranteed. If that’s something you care about, request it, but plan with the assumption you’ll enjoy the main open onboard spaces.

Price and Value: Is $153.78 Worth It for 6.5 Hours?

Let’s talk value in a way that’s actually useful. At $153.78 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for a premium catamaran experience plus several included items that add up fast if you were to book separately:

• Brunch and a nutritionist-designed lunch
• Unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine)
• A full set of water gear (snorkeling gear, SUPs, swimming jackets)
• Extra play equipment (inflatable water slide, sea scooter, inflatable flamingo, inflatable noodles)
• A smaller group size (max 20)

If you normally pay separately for a boat trip plus snorkel rental plus lunch and drinks, this can look like a fair deal. And because it’s a half-day cruise, you’re also buying time efficiency. You get a full “sea day” without losing an entire day in transport and transfers.

Where the price may feel less attractive is if you don’t plan to use the included water toys or you’re mostly there for basic sightseeing. But if your ideal day includes swimming, snorkeling, or paddling, the inclusions justify the cost quickly.

Also keep in mind what’s not included: towels and hotel pickup/drop-off. That means you should plan to bring a towel and your sunscreen. Since sunscreen and personal care items aren’t included, pack the basics even if you’re traveling light.

Who This Marathi Bay Catamaran Cruise Suits Best

This is a strong match for people who want:

• Active relaxation: lounging on sunbeds with real water activities, not just a drive-by
• A food-forward cruise: lunch is a major part of the experience, not an afterthought
• A smaller group vibe: max 20 travelers helps keep it calmer
• Clear inclusions: snorkeling gear, SUPs, and multiple float options are part of the package

It also works well for couples and friends who want an easy social day. The drinks and onboard setup make it feel festive without turning it into a party boat.

If you’re traveling with very young children, a kids toy box can help, but you’ll still want to think about supervision and water comfort. The good news is you do get swimming jackets and life jackets as part of the setup.

If you dislike water activities or don’t feel like going into the bay, you might prefer a different type of tour that focuses more on scenery or shore time.

Should You Book This Cruise or Skip It?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, high-inclusion sea day around Chania/Crete: a premium catamaran, time at Marathi Bay, a solid lunch, and enough water toys to keep the day interesting even if the sea is calm.

Skip it—or switch plans—if you don’t want to travel to Souda Port on your own, since hotel pickup/drop-off isn’t included. And keep in mind the experience requires good weather. If the weather is rough, you may be offered a different date or a full refund, so don’t plan this as your only option if your travel window is tight.

If your goal is a real vacation day that blends food, water fun, and relaxed pacing, this one is built for that.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 9:30 am, and the duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You meet at Ellis 1, Souda 732 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and it’s nutritionist-designed, with vegetarian and children’s options available on request.

What water activities are included at Marathi Bay?

You’ll have snorkeling gear, fishing gear, SUPs, sea scooter, inflatable noodles, swimming jackets, and inflatable options like an inflatable water slide and an inflatable flamingo float.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and soft drinks are included, along with unlimited local beer and white wine throughout the cruise. Cocktails and alcoholic beverages beyond the open bar selection are not included.

Do I get hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.