Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks — An Authentic Crete Experience

Imagine spending a relaxing day on a sleek, modern catamaran, gliding across the sparkling waters of Crete, with good food, refreshing drinks, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear bay waters. This Rethymno-based sailing cruise offers just that — a perfect blend of leisure, scenic beauty, and authentic Greek hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time water lover, this tour promises a memorable experience under the warm Cretan sun.

What sets this cruise apart? For starters, it’s on one of Crete’s newest, most luxurious catamarans, which means comfort and style are guaranteed. The crew’s friendly and attentive attitude makes the whole journey feel like a day out with friends. Plus, the delicious Mediterranean lunch, unlimited drinks, and variety of water activities make it a solid value for the price.

One thing to keep in mind: transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer. Also, the tour tends to fill up quickly, with bookings usually made about a month in advance, so planning ahead is key. This tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or families looking for a laid-back day on the water combined with good food and fun activities.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: Modern, well-maintained catamarans with spacious decks.
• Authentic Crete Flavors: Fresh Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients.
• Water Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and inflatable flamingo fun.
• Inclusive Drinks: Unlimited beer, local wine, and soft drinks for a relaxed vibe.
• Scenic Spots: Crystal-clear waters at Georgioupoli bay, perfect for swimming and photos.
• Perfect for Relaxation: Soft music, free WiFi, and a small group setting for an intimate experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The cruise departs from DanEri Yachts at Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno, at 9:30 am. The start time is ideal for making the most of the day, and the roughly 6.5-hour duration ensures enough time for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the onboard amenities without feeling rushed.

While hotel transfers aren’t included, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers staying locally. The cruise is capped at 25 guests, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere where staff can give personalized attention, as several reviews highlight.

The Vessel and Atmosphere

Guests consistently mention that the catamaran is clean, spacious, and comfortable. Reviews rave about the professional, friendly crew, who are ready to assist and ensure everyone has a good time. As one guest put it, the crew was “attentive, helpful, and ready on time,” which is crucial for a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Water and Snorkeling

The bay stop at Georgioupoli offers crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around. Guests love that the water is calm and inviting — a great opportunity for beginners or those who’d rather relax on deck. Equipment is provided, so no need to bring your own gear, and some reviews mention being able to use snorkel masks and fins.

Water Activities and Fun perches

You can paddleboard, fish, or lounge on the inflatable flamingo, adding a playful touch to your day. Reviewers note that the inflatable flamingo is especially fun for photos and relaxing. For those interested in fishing, gear is provided, turning the trip into a mini adventure.

The Meal and Drinks

The highlight for many is the onboard Mediterranean lunch. Expect a well-rounded spread including cheeses, salads, seafood pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric with ouzo, and chicken with oranges. For kids, simpler fare like chicken nuggets or pasta is available. Several travelers praise the food’s quality and quantity, calling it “copious” and “delicious,” with praise for the cooks’ efforts.

Unlimited drinks—beer, local white wine, soft drinks—are included, fueling the party atmosphere and keeping everyone refreshed. Guest commentary like “great drinks, music, and scenery” highlights how well the onboard beverages complement the laid-back vibe.

Music, WiFi, and Social Setting

Soft music plays throughout, creating a relaxed but lively mood. Free WiFi on board allows guests to share their experiences in real-time, adding to the sense of connection and fun. The smaller group size means conversations flow easily, making it ideal for social travelers or those seeking a quieter, more personal outing.

Practical Details and Value Analysis

Price and Value

At around $143 per person, this cruise offers considerable value considering the inclusions: a full day on a luxury vessel, a gourmet Mediterranean meal, unlimited drinks, and a variety of water activities. Reviews suggest that many find the experience worth every euro, often emphasizing the quality of the food and friendly service.

Duration and Group Size

Most guests mention the 6.5-hour duration as being just right—not too long, not too short. The maximum of 25 travelers ensures a relaxed environment where everyone can participate without feeling crowded, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

Booking and Flexibility

This tour is popular and tends to be booked about 34 days in advance, so planning ahead is recommended. The booking process is straightforward with a mobile ticket, and cancellations are free if done 24 hours in advance, offering some peace of mind.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, describing them as “attentive,” “helpful,” and “very professional.” Guests appreciate the punctuality and the smooth organization, which makes the day flow seamlessly.

Food is consistently praised, with one guest calling the lunch “superb” and another mentioning the “copious” portions of seafood and fresh vegetables. The drinks are also a big hit, with unlimited beer and wine adding to the party atmosphere.

The water activities are another favorite aspect. Reviewers love swimming in the calm waters, snorkeling with provided gear, and relaxing on the deck with music and drinks. The inflatable flamingo often earns rave reviews for photos and fun.

Authenticity and Small Group Appeal

Several travelers note the small group size and friendly crew make the experience feel more personal, which is a refreshing change from larger, commercial cruises. The quiet, secluded bay spots for swimming and the scenic views are often described as idyllic and relaxing.

Final Thoughts

This Rethymno sailing cruise offers a well-rounded day combining scenic beauty, delicious food, and plenty of water-based fun. The modern, spacious catamaran and attentive crew create a comfortable environment for guests to unwind, socialize, and enjoy authentic Greek hospitality. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation and good food.

The included Mediterranean lunch, unlimited drinks, and water activities provide excellent value, especially considering the small group setting and professional service. The cruise suits those looking for a laid-back, scenic experience with a touch of luxury—perfect for couples, small groups, or families wanting a memorable day on the water.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. The meeting point is at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37, which is accessible by public transportation.

What time does the cruise start?
The cruise departs at 9:30 am, giving plenty of daylight hours for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the onboard amenities.

How long does the cruise last?
The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, providing a good balance of activities and downtime.

What is included in the price?
You get the boat ride, a Mediterranean lunch, unlimited beer and local white wine, soft drinks, coffee/tea, snorkeling and fishing equipment, SUP boards, and free WiFi onboard.

Are there age restrictions for alcohol?
Yes, only individuals aged 18 and above are permitted to consume alcoholic beverages.

How many people typically join?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time, offering flexibility in your planning.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour relies on good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, if you’re after a day of scenic sailing with high-quality food, relaxed water activities, and friendly service, this cruise hits most of the right notes. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate a small-group vibe, authentic Greek flavors, and the chance to soak up stunning views from Crete’s waters.