Rethymno Premium Catamaran Cruise: Healthy Lunch & Open Bar

The main attraction here is simple: you get a full day on the Cretan sea without choosing between comfort, food, and water fun. The Karina catamaran has sunbeds, shaded seating, a WC, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and enough room to avoid feeling packed in.

I especially like the fresh, nutritionist-planned meals and the open bar with Greek wine and beer, water, and soft drinks. I also like that SUP boards, snorkeling gear, swim vests, noodles, and even a pink flamingo float are included. The main drawback is the long sailing time, about 105 minutes each way, with usually one main swimming stop. If you want nonstop snorkeling, this may feel too leisurely.

Key points

• A small-capacity catamaran: The boat carries no more than 25 people, with plenty of deck space and shaded areas.
• Food is a major part of the day: Expect a light brunch, Cretan snacks, a generous Mediterranean lunch, and dessert.
• The swim stop depends on weather: The route usually heads toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta.
• Open-bar drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, Greek beer, Cretan white wine, tea, espresso, and detox drinks are available.
• Water equipment costs nothing extra: Use the SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, swim vests, and inflatable flamingo.
• Plan for sea conditions: The crew helps with seasickness, but the boat can still feel rough on windy days.

A Comfortable Start at Rethymno Port

Arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. Look for the crew in DanEri T-shirts and the sailing catamaran Karina. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, but hotel transport is not part of the standard price unless you select an option that includes pickup.

Boarding begins with espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. You also get local snacks and a safety briefing before the boat leaves. This opening is nicely handled because you can settle in, ask questions, and learn where the life jackets and other equipment are kept before the sailing begins.

Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy. Port authorities require the full name, birth date, nationality, and identification number of every person booked. The QR code sent the day before the cruise serves as your ticket, so keep it handy.

The crew speaks English and Greek. On some departures, Panos and Kleo have been especially noted for their warm, attentive service, but the exact crew can change. The group limit is 25, and private groups are available if you book that option.

The 105-Minute Sail Along Crete’s Coast

The first sailing leg lasts about 105 minutes. This is not a quick transfer to a nearby beach. It is a large part of the experience, so you should be happy spending time on the boat.

You can stretch out on a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, listen to soft music, or watch the rocky coast pass by. The boat’s twin-hull design gives you more room than a small motorboat, and the open deck makes it easy to move around without crowding other people.

This is also when the crew begins serving the light brunch. The menu changes, but the emphasis is on fresh ingredients and balanced portions. Detox water and the protein drink add a wellness angle, though you should not expect a strict health retreat. Greek snacks, bread, salads, pasta, seafood, and desserts can all appear during the day.

The sail can be calm and smooth, but conditions vary. Several departures have had choppy water, and some people became seasick even when the sea looked fairly calm. If you are prone to nausea, ask the crew for advice before setting out and consider bringing medication recommended by your doctor.

The long sail is a drawback if your priority is time in the water. It is a plus if you want a relaxed day with scenery, food, music, and room to lie down. I would choose this cruise for the whole boating experience, not simply as transport to a snorkeling site.

Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, Depending on the Weather

The route normally heads toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. The captain chooses the destination according to sea and weather conditions, so you should not book expecting one guaranteed cove.

Georgioupoli Bay is listed as the main stop, with photo opportunities, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and time for SUP. Some departures have used beautiful coves with clear turquoise water, while others have found the water deeper and less interesting below the surface. The area can be wonderful for swimming and photographs without offering a huge amount of marine life.

Skaleta provides the alternative when conditions make the other route less suitable. The point of the change is comfort and safety, not a fixed sightseeing schedule. A calm, pleasant swim in a less famous location is better than forcing a route into rough water.

Once anchored, the crew sets out the water equipment. High-quality masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the pink flamingo float are included. Fishing gear is also available on request, and children can ask for a box of toys.

Expect a generous water break, but usually only one main swimming stop. Some departures have included more than one chance to get wet, yet the published plan gives the principal stop around two hours and 45 minutes. That time includes the food service, so you will not spend all of it swimming.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Paddleboarding

The water activities are easy to use and do not require you to bring your own equipment. Swim vests help less confident swimmers, while the noodles are useful if you simply want to float and cool off.

SUP is a good choice for a short outing away from the boat. You can paddle near the catamaran, take photographs, and return when you want. The snorkeling gear lets you look for fish along the coast, though the underwater experience depends heavily on the exact anchorage, visibility, current, and season.

This is where expectations matter. Some days bring schools of fish, flying fish, sea turtles, dolphins, or jellyfish sightings. Other days offer clear water but little to see below it. A few swimming sites are deep, and a strong current can make swimming harder. The crew cannot control those conditions, so treat snorkeling as an added pleasure rather than the main reason to spend $170.

The inflatable flamingo is a lighthearted touch, especially for photographs and families. Children must be accompanied, and unaccompanied minors are not accepted. Pets, glass objects, indoor smoking, drugs, and touching marine life are not allowed.

If you have limited mobility, a medical condition, or are pregnant, speak with the operator before booking. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95. Children under two also require a conversation with the team before you reserve.

A Cretan Lunch Prepared on Board

The lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic boat outing. A professional nutritionist plans the meals, and the kitchen uses fresh local organic ingredients from a Cretan farm.

The exact menu changes with the season. You might find a Mediterranean main course, fresh salads, orzo or pasta, seafood, chicken, pita, and a refreshing dessert. One detailed meal included cheese, Greek salad, avocado salad, pasta with prawns, orange chicken, pita, and assorted sweets. Another included mussels and orzo.

The portions are generous, and seconds may be available. Vegetarian choices and lighter meals can be requested, while children’s meals can also be arranged. If you have an allergy, tell the crew before sailing. A separate pasta dish was prepared for one person with a shellfish allergy, but you should still provide dietary information in advance rather than relying on a last-minute change.

Lunch is served with views across the sea. That setting matters. You are not rushing through a meal at a port restaurant, and you can return to the water afterward. The food is not merely a snack between activities. It is a central part of the day.

The open bar includes unlimited still water, soft drinks, local Greek beer, and Cretan white wine. Espresso, tea, detox waters, and the protein cocktail are also included. Cocktails and other alcohol are extra, and red wine is not allowed. If you want a wider drinks menu, this is not the right package, but the included selection covers the basics well.

Space, Shade, and the Feel of the Boat

The catamaran is modern, clean, and roomy. You have sunbeds for lying down, shaded lounges for escaping the heat, and open deck space for views. Music plays throughout the trip, generally creating an upbeat background without preventing conversation.

The boat’s comfort is particularly valuable during the long outbound and return sails. A smaller vessel might get you to the bay faster, but it would not offer the same ability to move between sun and shade. The onboard WC and outdoor shower are useful after swimming, and the Wi-Fi is a welcome extra, though this is a day to spend more time looking outward than at your phone.

Shade is not unlimited. During the hottest summer weeks, some parts of the deck can feel exposed. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Shoes are not worn indoors, so simple sandals that you can remove easily are practical.

The group limit of 25 is a good compromise. You get a social atmosphere without the scale of a large party boat. Several departures have carried closer to 15 people, leaving plenty of room. The exact number varies, so do not assume every sailing will feel nearly private.

Is $170 Good Value?

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The price makes more sense when you add up what is included: about six and a half hours on the water, a modern catamaran, crew service, brunch, snacks, a full lunch, dessert, open-bar drinks, and water equipment.

You are also paying for space. A cheaper boat may offer a shorter ride, fewer shaded seats, a simpler meal, or extra charges for equipment and drinks. Here, the day is designed as a complete package, and that reduces the small costs that can add up on a premium excursion.

The value is strongest for people who want to eat well, relax, and swim without arranging separate activities. It is weaker if you care only about snorkeling time. With around three and a half hours of sailing in total, the cruise gives you a lot of scenery and comfort but not a full day spent at several reefs or beaches.

I would compare it with the cost of a good meal, drinks, a boat rental, and water equipment in Rethymno. If you would normally pay for those separately, the package is fair. If you prefer an active, low-cost day on shore, $170 may feel high.

Weather, Seasickness, and Practical Details

The cruise is weather-dependent and can be rescheduled or canceled when conditions are poor. The destination may change to keep the day comfortable and safe. Arrive on time because port rules do not allow the boat to wait for late arrivals.

The standard experience does not include hotel transfers. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged for selected areas, including Bali Village, if you choose the correct option. The available drop-off areas include Rethymno, Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Panormo, Bali, and several nearby coastal communities.

For celebrations, tell the team ahead of time. A complimentary branded gift can be arranged for birthdays or anniversaries. This is a small detail, but it can make a shared special occasion feel more personal.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful when weather or holiday plans are still uncertain.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, small groups of friends, and anyone who wants a polished day at sea without renting a boat. It suits people who like a mix of sun, food, conversation, music, and gentle water activities.

It is also a good choice for a first catamaran trip. The crew provides equipment, food, drinks, and guidance, so you do not need to plan much beyond arriving prepared.

I would think twice if you get severe seasickness, want a quiet boat with no music, or expect several long snorkeling stops. The cruise is social and relaxed, not a serious marine expedition. Water conditions can limit what you see, and the journey to the bay takes time.

Should You Book the Karina Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused day with a small group, a generous open bar, and a clean modern boat. The strongest features are the attentive crew, the fresh Cretan lunch, the room to spread out, and the fact that SUP and snorkeling gear are already included.

Skip it if your main goal is maximum time in the water or the lowest possible price. For everyone else, $170 is a reasonable premium for a well-organized day that combines sailing, swimming, food, and service in one package.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours. This includes the welcome and safety briefing, sailing to the swimming area, time near Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta, and the return trip.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome refreshments, Cretan snacks, a light healthy brunch, a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, and dessert. Included drinks are espresso, tea, detox water, a protein cocktail, still water, soft drinks, Greek beer, and Cretan white wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins, swimming jackets, SUP boards, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included. Fishing equipment is available on request.

Where does the cruise go?

The boat leaves from Rethymno Marina and normally sails toward Georgioupoli Bay or Skaleta. The captain selects the destination according to weather and sea conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard option. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged when you select an appropriate transfer option. Bali Village is specifically listed for optional transfer service.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. You should arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure and keep the booking QR code available.