A slow sailing day, properly pampered. On this Rethymno cruise you start with a nutritionist-style breakfast and spend the morning cruising the northern coast on a modern catamaran.

The food and drinks feel built-in, not tacked on, which makes the whole day easier to enjoy.

I especially like how the crew handles the water gear for you—SUP boards, snorkeling kits, fishing equipment, and even that inflatable flamingo float.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: there can be some waiting time while the boat sails before it drops anchor, and the main swim window won’t be a full all-day party.

Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Notice First

• Nutritionist-guided meals start with a light brunch bowl and continue with a fresh, organic lunch
• Open bar includes local beer and Cretan white wine, plus unlimited water and soft drinks
• Water activities are crew-supported (SUP, snorkeling, fishing, flotation toys)
• Comfort is built into the boat with sunbeds, shaded lounges, outdoor shower, and onboard WC
• Small-group feel with a max of 25, and I’ve seen it run with very few people on board

Entering the Day: Rethymno Port to a Luxury Catamaran Rhythm

This cruise is built around a simple idea: get you out on the water early, feed you well, and keep you moving between lounging and swimming without stress. The meeting point is DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 74100, and the start time is 9:30 am. You’ll be back at the same place when you’re done, which means no end-of-day guessing games.

The boat itself is a modern luxury catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges. That matters more than it sounds. If you’re traveling with someone who wants sun and someone who wants shade, you’re covered. And even if you’re solo, the layout helps you avoid the “everyone piles in one spot” feeling.

There’s also practical comfort on board: an outdoor shower (useful after salt water), an onboard WC, and a music system plus free Wi‑Fi. You can keep the day laid-back without feeling like you’re totally offline.

The Morning Welcome: Coffee, Detox Water, and a Breakfast That Feels Thought Through

From the moment you step aboard, the crew greets you with options you can actually choose. Expect espresso, tea, detox water, or a protein shake to start. Then comes a light breakfast bowl that’s described as created by a certified nutritionist—the kind of meal that’s filling enough for a sea day, but not so heavy you feel slow later.

I like this opening because it removes a common vacation problem: you don’t have to hunt for breakfast, and you don’t have to gamble on whether the food will be okay. You’re already fed while the boat is getting you underway.

You’ll also want to decide where you’ll spend the morning. The catamaran gives you real options: spread out on sunbeds, or settle in shade if you burn easily. If you’re the type who likes to move around throughout the day, you can do that too—this isn’t the kind of cruise where you’re stuck in one “tourist view” for six hours.

Cruising Toward Georgioupoli Bay: Relax on Deck Without the Rush

Once the sailing gets going, the vibe is calm. You’re heading along the northern coast of Crete, and the main point is to enjoy the day at sea—soft sun, salt air, and that easy sense that nothing important is happening on land.

On the way to Georgioupoli Bay, the boat stops you from getting bored. You’ll have access to the drinks and you can float through the time using the open space: relax, switch seats, take photos, or just watch the shoreline slide by. There’s also music on board, which helps if you’re traveling with people who want a little soundtrack.

This portion is also where that one potential drawback can show up: some time passes while the boat sails before anchoring. If you’re the kind of traveler who’s itching to get in the water right away, I’d come with a flexible mood. You’ll likely still feel happy once you see how long the day stays active after the stop.

The Swim Stop: SUP, Snorkeling Gear, Fishing, and a Pink Flamingo Float

Georgioupoli Bay is where the cruise turns more playful. After you arrive, you’ll find calm, clear water and a setup that’s ready for you.

What I like most is that the crew handles the heavy lifting of activities. You’re not arriving and then spending your time figuring out gear. You can ask for:

• Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP)
• Snorkeling gear, including high-quality masks and fins
• Fishing equipment for a gentle fishing experience
• An inflatable flamingo plus other flotation fun like inflatable noodles
• Swimming jackets and life jackets for comfort and safety

Even if you’re not the “I will do every activity” type, you’ll still enjoy the stop. You can swim at your own pace, snorkel for short bursts, or just hang onto the side and bob around.

How much time do you get?

From the experience of a past group, the swim-and-food section can run around two hours, which is long enough to paddle once, snorkel for a bit, and still come up hungry. That’s the sweet spot for people who want action without feeling rushed.

A quick practical tip

If you want photos, do it during the water time. When people are in the water, the deck clears out a bit, and you’ll get cleaner angles without constantly asking everyone to move.

Lunch on Board: Gourmet Cretan Food, Organic Ingredients, and a Real Open Bar

After the water time, lunch becomes the main event. The meal is described as Mediterranean and Cretan, made fresh with organic ingredients from a local farm and designed by a nutritionist for a healthier approach.

Expect a gourmet lunch plus additional bites when you arrive at the bay. There’s also a sense of variety across the day—coffee and breakfast early, then bites, then lunch, and the day doesn’t end right after the main meal.

Drinks: what’s included (and what isn’t)

This is one of the strongest value pieces. The open bar isn’t just “one beer and done.” You get unlimited:

• Water
• Soft drinks
• Greek beer
• Cretan white wine

If you’re hoping for cocktails beyond that selection, those aren’t included. But if you’re happy with beer and wine, you can keep the day simple.

One small thing to mentally file away: service can take a minute while people are settling. A previous group noted a short wait to fully tap into the all-you-can-drink rhythm right after they got installed on board. In practice, it’s usually easy to fix—just wait a few minutes and then ask for refills once you’re in your spot.

After lunch

Lunch doesn’t mean “go quiet.” You can relax on deck again, enjoy the music, and if you still feel energetic, you can return to the water for more paddling or swimming.

The Crew and Boat Setup: Why This Feels Easy

A major reason this cruise gets strong ratings is the team dynamic. You’re with a small crew—the captain plus an assistant and deckhand—and the service style is hands-on. People consistently describe feeling safe and taken care of, and the boat tends to feel clean and well organized.

That matters because being on the water isn’t just about scenery. It’s about comfort and confidence:

• You want clear explanations before you go
• You want gear ready when you ask
• You want help if you’re unsure what to do first

The catamaran also supports that comfort with practical touches: onboard WC, outdoor shower, and plenty of space to sit or stretch out. And because it’s not huge, the day feels more like “a fun boat day with a team” than “a conveyor belt excursion.”

Comfort and Extras That Make the Day Smoother

Some of the details might feel small, but they add up on a sea day.

Gear and safety items

You’ll have:

• Life jackets
• Swimming jackets
• Inflatable noodles
• High-quality snorkeling masks and fins
• SUP boards and fishing tackle

And since towels aren’t included, you’ll want to bring your own quick-dry option if you plan to dry off on shore afterward.

Toiletries and gifts

The cruise includes personal feminine hygiene products and a branded memorable gift for special occasions. You also have free Wi‑Fi, which can be a nice bonus if you want to post photos right away.

Kids

There’s a box of toys for kids, but it’s by request. If you’re traveling with children, plan ahead and ask when you book so you don’t find out too late.

Private cabins (not guaranteed)

Private cabins are available on request, but they’re not promised. If that matters to you, treat it like a good-to-have rather than an expectation.

Price and Value: Is $174.98 Worth a 6.5-Hour Sea Day?

At $174.98 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, the value comes down to what’s already included. Here, you’re not just paying for “a boat ride.” Your price covers:

• The boat and crew
• Breakfast/brunch and a full lunch
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, and Cretan white wine
• The core water activity gear (SUP, snorkeling, and fishing equipment)
• Shade/sunbed access on the catamaran

That’s a big deal. Many boat trips charge extra for drinks or for the equipment to get in the water. Here, the thinking seems to be: you pay once, then you enjoy the day without counting every euro.

The two main tradeoffs are also clear:

• You need good weather. If it’s canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• You don’t get everything beyond the open bar selection (no extra cocktails).

If you want a structured day at sea with real food and gear handled for you, this pricing structure usually makes sense.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This catamaran day works best for people who want:

• A relaxing day on deck with genuine swim time
• Included snorkeling and SUP without renting gear
• A small-group feel, with a maximum of 25 travelers and plenty of room to move
• A food-and-drink plan that doesn’t require decision fatigue

It can be less ideal if you’re the “I want the most time possible swimming” type. Between the sailing time and the anchoring window, you may feel you only get a taste of the bay rather than a long, repeat swim session.

If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or solo, you’ll likely enjoy the mix of lounge + water activities. If you’re traveling with kids, the toy box helps, but you’ll want to request it.

Should You Book the DanEri Yachts Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a smooth, well-run sea day where the big pieces are handled for you: meals, drinks, and the water toys. The standout strengths are consistent: the crew’s service, the quality of the food, and the fact that the activities come with the gear and support you need.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very sensitive to schedule length and want maximum water time right away. In that case, accept that there’s a morning sailing stretch and plan to enjoy the ride on the deck.

If your goal is a Cretan day that feels both comfortable and active, this is an easy “yes” to consider.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start in Rethymno?

It starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece, and the tour ends back at the same location.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a light healthy brunch and a gourmet Mediterranean lunch, plus unlimited water and soft drinks. The open bar includes local Greek beer and Cretan white wine, and you’ll also have espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, including high-quality masks and fins. Swimming jackets and life jackets are also provided.

Are SUP boards included?

Yes. Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) are included, and the crew sets up water activities.

Is there fishing equipment on board?

Yes. Complete fishing gear is included for a gentle fishing experience.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Does the boat have Wi‑Fi and music?

Yes. Music and free Wi‑Fi are available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.