Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

A catamaran day can be a toss-up, but this one feels planned. You get a modern catamaran, nutritionist-led food, and a lineup of water toys without the usual hassle, plus Greek white wine and beer on tap. The main trade-off is simple: the schedule and swim quality depend on weather and water conditions.

From the moment you board in Rethymno, the vibe is easy, fun, and grown-up enough to hold a conversation. You’ll sail along Crete’s rugged coast, then spend real time in the water at a cove stop, with plenty of deck space for sun lovers and shade seekers. One thing to consider: it’s not the cheapest boat day at $170 per person, so it makes sense if you’ll actually use the included food, drinks, and gear.

Key Points Before You Go

• Spacious, new-feeling catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounge areas, plus onboard Wi-Fi and music
• Healthy menu on board created by a certified nutritionist, using fresh Cretan organic ingredients
• Open bar basics included: unlimited still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine, plus espresso and tea
• Water toys are genuinely part of the plan: SUP, snorkeling gear (with high-quality masks and fins), swim vests, noodles, and a flamingo float
• Small group pace with a maximum of 25 people, so you’re not fighting for space
• Weather-dependent routing toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, with sea conditions sometimes affecting snorkeling comfort

Setting Sail From Rethymno Marina With a Real Welcome

This cruise starts at Rethymno Marina, and I like that it’s straightforward. Arrive about 15 minutes early so you can board on time. The crew meets you on board the catamaran Karina, wearing DanEri T-shirts, which makes it harder to get lost in marina chaos.

Right away, you get a welcome spread meant to get your morning off the ground: espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail or protein shake. Then you settle in with local snacks and a safety briefing before you start moving. It’s not a long lecture. It’s the kind of briefing that helps you relax quickly, especially if you’re not thrilled about boats.

One practical note: this is a port process trip, so you’ll need to provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality for permission. That’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of admin that keeps the day running.

Onboard Comfort: Sunbeds, Shade Zones, and Space That Matters

A premium catamaran should feel like a floating lounge, not a crowded bench. Here, the boat layout supports exactly that. You’ll find sunbeds for tanning and shaded lounge areas so you can cool off between swims and snack breaks. Reviews also flag that the catamaran is roomy enough that it doesn’t feel packed, even with a handful of people onboard.

Inside comfort is also practical. There’s an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, which you’ll appreciate once you’ve been in the sea. They also provide life jackets, plus onboard amenities like personal feminine hygiene products. Little touches like that signal care without turning the trip into a formal event.

Wi-Fi is included too, along with music. The goal isn’t turning you into a party DJ, it’s adding background energy. You can still talk. And if you like making a playlist for your beach day, one review even mentions you can listen to your own music after a few drinks.

If you’re sun-sensitive, plan smart. One review calls out that shade can be limited on hot days because you’re mostly on deck. Bring a hat and sunscreen because you’ll want to stay out in the action, not hide in the corner.

The Open Bar Plus Espresso Plan: Unlimited Drinks, Not Just a Token Pour

This is an all-day food and drink format, so the beverage list matters. The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. And you’re not waiting until lunch to start sipping.

Early on, you’re offered espresso and tea, along with detox water and a protein shake or protein cocktail. That sets the tone. It’s not just beer-thirty. It’s more like a paced cruising day where you can have a coffee, switch to wine later, and still feel normal while you swim.

A lot of reviews praise how plentiful the drinks are and how attentive the staff is about refills. Service seems quick, and the crew does check on people, including offering help when someone feels queasy, even when the sea is calm.

One consideration: the open bar covers specific options, and it doesn’t list every cocktail type. If you’re hoping for mixed cocktails outside that selection, you’ll need to clarify what’s included when you book.

Lunch by a Certified Nutritionist, Made With Organic Cretan Ingredients

Here’s where this cruise earns its premium label. Instead of a standard boat buffet, you get a healthy, balanced menu designed by a certified nutritionist. The food is described as Mediterranean-inspired and seasonal, with main courses plus dessert.

You’ll eat something meant to be satisfying, not just “healthy for the sake of it.” The boat uses fresh local, biological, and organic ingredients sourced from a Cretan farm. Reviews back up that the lunch is restaurant quality, not just a pre-packed meal.

What does that look like in real life? Expect multiple courses, and plenty of variety. Reviews specifically mention items like:

• salads and orzo
• mussels and pasta dishes
• grilled meats such as orange chicken
• desserts, plus cheese trays and pita

I also like that they can handle dietary needs when possible. One review mentions a separate pasta dish for a shellfish allergy. That’s a great sign, but don’t assume it’s automatic for every case. If you have allergies or strong preferences, message the operator before boarding and be explicit.

For kids, special children’s meals can be requested onboard, and there’s also a box of toys by request. If you’re traveling with family, that reduces the “kids are bored, parents are stressed” problem that hits some boat trips.

The Sail Between Stops: A 390-Minute Day With Breathing Room

The full cruise is 390 minutes. That breaks down into real sea time plus time at the swimming area. You’ll board, snack, and get going, then sail for about 105 minutes before the main swim and photo time.

That first sailing stretch matters because it sets you up for the best water. You’re moving along the coastline and positioning for the cove stop. If you get motion sick easily, this is where you should plan carefully. Reviews mention sea sickness help, and one person reports the crew handed out anti-sickness tablets when conditions got rough. Still, weather is weather. Bring your own remedies if you’re prone to nausea, then take their support as a bonus.

After the main stop, you’ll sail back for another 105 minutes, then return to drop-offs around Rethymno and nearby areas. The pacing feels designed for a full day, not a quick hop. You’ll have enough time to do your activities without feeling rushed off the boat.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta: Where the Water Toys Actually Get Used

The itinerary centers on one big water area, with the destination depending on conditions: either Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. You’ll likely get a photo stop, then settle into the fun while the crew sets up the gear.

The time in the bay is about 2.75 hours. That’s a solid chunk. It gives you room to swim first, snorkel next, then paddleboard, and still stop for lunch without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

The cove experiences are usually described as crystal clear and gorgeous. One common theme in reviews is the bright turquoise water and lots of marine life you can see from the surface. People also mention sightings like turtles and flying fish, and even dolphins on the ride back. None of that is guaranteed, but the conditions described suggest it’s realistic.

Potential drawback: snorkeling can be inconsistent. A couple reviews say the water life wasn’t as visible in the exact spot, or that the snorkeling was limited by depth or strong current. You can’t control currents, but you can choose how you approach it: if snorkeling is your top goal, be ready to treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee of a reef show.

Snorkeling Gear, SUP, Noodles, and the Flamingo Float Photo Moment

This isn’t a “float for photos only” catamaran. It has equipment you’ll actually use. Included gear covers:

• snorkeling masks and fins
• stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
• swim vests
• inflatable noodles for easy floating
• an inflatable flamingo for pictures

The flamingo detail is silly in the best way. It’s right there when you need it for that bright, pink photo against the sea. It’s also a good reminder that the trip is designed for both fun and comfort, not just gear tourism.

Reviews repeatedly call out the swimming spot as amazing, with attendants quick to help with equipment. If you’re a first-time paddleboarder, the presence of vests and the relaxed vibe makes it feel less intimidating. SUP and noodle floating are also a smart plan if you want a quieter day, especially if snorkeling isn’t your thing.

One other thoughtful detail: rules say not to touch marine life. That’s good for the ecosystem and also keeps your experience respectful and safer.

The Pace, the Crew, and How Service Actually Feels

The crew is a major part of why people rate this highly. Reviews mention names like Panos and Kleo as welcoming hosts, and in other accounts the captain and crew include people such as Adonis (captain), Manolis (sailor), and Kiril (chef). Even when names vary by date and assignment, the consistent pattern is attentive service without hovering.

They check on people, refill drinks, and help with equipment. Importantly, they also respond when someone feels unwell. One review describes quick support for sea sickness. That’s worth keeping in mind if you’re on the fence about taking a boat day.

A final comfort factor: the boat is described as clean and modern, with enough zones to spread out. That means you’re less likely to spend the day squeezed into a tight cluster, which is the fastest way to ruin a cruise.

Price and Value: Is $170 Worth It for a Premium Sea Day?

Let’s be honest. $170 per person is not a casual add-on. It’s priced like a premium experience, and it has to deliver across multiple categories to justify itself.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• a modern catamaran with shaded and sunny zones
• nutritionist-led lunch with high-quality ingredients
• open bar with unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine
• multiple included water activities, not just one
• small-group feeling up to 25 people
• onboard comfort features like WC, outdoor shower, music, and Wi-Fi

In value terms, this cruise becomes a good deal if you’re the kind of traveler who uses the included items. If you drink wine or beer, this matters. If you’ll snorkel or try SUP, it matters. If you’ll eat a full lunch onboard, it matters.

Some reviews also mention that it can be among the pricier options compared with other Rethymno boat trips, so you should decide based on your priorities. If you only want a scenic cruise with minimal food and no water gear, there may be cheaper ways to see the coast. But if you want a full package where the boat is the base camp, this one makes sense.

Practical Tips So Your Day Goes Smoothly

These are the real-world details that help your time feel effortless.

Bring:

• sun hat
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• passport or ID

Don’t bring (or you’ll have a bad day at security checks):

• pets
• red wine
• glass objects
• smoking indoors
• alcohol and drugs beyond what’s allowed
• shoes indoors

Also note the rules: touching marine life is not allowed, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. If you’re traveling with a child, check the family meal and onboard kids toy option, then plan supervision.

Finally, plan for weather. The day can be rescheduled or canceled in bad conditions. That matters because the destination and comfort of the water stop depend on wind and sea state.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise, and Who Should Skip It

This trip fits best if you want a comfortable, guided day that mixes sea time, included meals, and actual water activities.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• you like structured fun (food and gear handled for you)
• you want a smaller-group feel, not a mass market cruise
• you’re comfortable swimming and using SUP or snorkeling gear
• you value a healthier meal style, not a greasy boat sandwich

You should skip it if:

• you are pregnant, since the trip is not suitable for pregnant women
• you have pre-existing medical conditions (the trip lists this as not suitable)
• you’re over 95 years old

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to check the forecast and consider your own motion plan. The crew can help when needed, but you should still protect yourself.

Should You Book This Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, if you want a premium catamaran day where the food and drinks feel like part of the vacation, not just a sideshow. The strongest reason to book is the nutritionist-led healthy lunch plus unlimited beverages and real water toys in clear Cretan water.

I’d think twice if you’re only looking for a cheap scenic ride, or if you’re expecting perfect snorkeling every time. The water stop can vary with currents, depth, and visibility, and weather can shift the destination between Georgioupoli Bay and Skaleta.

If you’re ready to spend most of the day on the water, eat well onboard, and enjoy a relaxed crew-led atmosphere, this is the kind of day you’ll remember.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at Rethymno Marina. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can board. The crew meets you on board the catamaran Karina.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso and tea are also included, along with detox waters and protein drinks at the start.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as a healthy, balanced Mediterranean-style meal designed by a certified nutritionist, using fresh local organic ingredients. A dessert is also part of the meal.

What water activities are available?

You’ll have access to SUP, snorkeling gear (high-quality masks and fins), swim vests, and inflatable noodles. There is also an inflatable flamingo for photos and fishing gear available upon request.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted). You may also want to have your own comfort items since towels and personal care items are not included.

Are transfers included?

Hotel transfers are not included, but pickup may be available if you select the transfer option from Bali Village. Drop-off locations are spread across the Rethymno area.

What happens if weather is bad?

The cruise is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the trip may be rescheduled or canceled. In general, you should check conditions and be ready for changes.

Is this cruise suitable for families and children?

Special children’s meals can be requested onboard, and there’s a box of toys for kids by request. The trip is not suitable for unaccompanied minors, so plan for supervision.