Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this private catamaran cruise is the freedom to enjoy a beautiful bay near Georgioupoli at your own pace. You can swim, snorkel, fish, try a SUP board, or simply stretch out on deck while the crew prepares lunch. I especially like the freshly cooked meal and the fact that the boat is reserved for your group, not mixed with strangers.

I also like the little touches: welcome cheese pies and biscuits, an inflatable flamingo for floating and photos, and crew member Rena taking family pictures in the water. The main thing to consider is that the published plan centers on one swimming stop, so you may prefer a cruise that visits several places if changing scenery matters most to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 15 people: The $2,643.35 price covers the group, so the value improves sharply when you fill the catamaran.
• One main bay near Georgioupoli: Expect a long swimming and lunch stop rather than a fast tour of many coves.
• Fresh Mediterranean meal onboard: Cheese, salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels, chicken, dessert, and children’s options are included.
• Plenty to do in the water: Snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and SUP boards are supplied.
• Drinks are included: Beer, local dry white wine, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are available, with alcohol limited to people aged 18 and over.
• Rena adds a thoughtful touch: She has taken family photos in the water, useful when everyone wants to appear in the holiday picture.

Setting out from Rethymno at 9:30 a.m.

Your morning starts at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The cruise lasts about six and a half hours and returns to the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the harbor.

That detail matters. If you are staying in Rethymno, the meeting point keeps the morning simple. If you are based elsewhere on Crete, allow time for your own transport and do not assume the boat will collect you at your hotel.

The experience is private, which changes the feel of the day. You are not trying to keep up with a large group or sharing the schedule with people you have never met. A family can settle into its own rhythm, while a group of friends can make full use of the water equipment without negotiating every choice with strangers.

The crew includes a captain, first mate, and chef. Their roles are practical and well divided: the captain handles the boat, the first mate helps with the activity and service, and the chef prepares lunch onboard. Rena is specifically praised for helping with photographs, a small service that can matter when you are trying to capture a group memory.

Reaching the bay near Georgioupoli

The main destination is a beautiful bay near Georgioupoli, known for clear water and a calm setting suited to a long stop. The plan is less about ticking off coastal sights and more about spending useful time at anchor.

That makes the cruise a good match for you if your ideal boat day includes water time, sun, food, and a relaxed schedule. You can choose your own level of activity. Get in the water for a swim, use the snorkeling equipment, try fishing, or take a SUP board out for a short paddle.

The SUP boards are especially useful for beginners. You do not need to arrive as an expert, and the activity offers a change from simply swimming. Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is not presented as a formal lesson, so the attraction is the chance to try the boards in a pleasant setting, not detailed instruction from a specialist coach.

Fishing equipment is also available. The information does not promise a particular catch, so treat it as a casual extra rather than the main reason to book. It gives children and adults another way to pass the time during the swimming stop.

For a quieter hour, stay on the spacious deck. The inflatable flamingo adds a playful option for floating and photographs, while the deck gives you room to sit, dry off, and take in the coastal views. Free WiFi lets you share photos during the trip, though you may find that putting the phone away for a while is the better use of the day.

One swimming stop, with room to set your own pace

The strongest feature of the schedule is also its main limitation. You get a generous period for swimming and onboard lunch, but the published experience describes one principal location rather than a string of different bays.

I see two ways to judge this. If you want a calm day where nobody rushes you from one stop to the next, one bay is a plus. You can swim again, return to the SUP board, sit with a drink, or simply wait for lunch without watching the clock.

If you want several different views, short stops, and more coastal variety, ask about the exact route before booking. One person specifically wished the cruise had visited more than one location. That is a fair point, especially at this price. The boat day is built around quality time in one spot, not maximum sightseeing.

Water activities also depend on your group. Strong swimmers may spend much of the stop in the sea, while younger children or less confident swimmers may prefer the deck and the inflatable flamingo. The supplied information says most people can participate, but you should still consider your own comfort in open water and your children’s swimming ability.

A freshly prepared lunch with Greek flavors

Lunch is a major part of the value here. The chef prepares the meal on the catamaran rather than handing out a basic packed lunch. That gives the middle of the day a proper restaurant feel, but with the setting of the sea around you.

The listed spread includes a cheese platter, green salad, Greek salad, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce with ouzo, chicken breast with oranges, and seasonal fruit for dessert. Children can have chicken nuggets or pasta.

This is a broad menu, useful for a mixed group with different tastes. Seafood fans have shrimp and mussels, while people who prefer familiar food can choose chicken. The salads and fruit keep the meal from feeling too heavy during a warm day on the water.

The food also helps justify the private-group price. You are not paying only for transport to a swimming spot. The boat, crew, water gear, chef-prepared meal, and drinks are bundled into one long experience. The lunch is reported to be freshly made and satisfying, which is important because food quality can make or break a full-day cruise.

You should still check dietary needs when booking if anyone in your group has an allergy or follows a strict diet. The available information lists the dishes but does not provide a full allergy or vegetarian policy.

Drinks, welcome snacks, and the practical comfort level

The day begins with welcome drinks, traditional cheese pies, and biscuits. These are useful rather than decorative: the cruise starts at 9:30 a.m., and you have something to eat before the main meal.

Included drinks cover unlimited beer and local dry white wine, plus water, Fanta, Cola, Sprite, Cola Zero, coffee, and tea. Alcohol is available only to people aged 18 and over. If you are bringing a group with children, the soft drinks and children’s meal options make the setup easier.

The unlimited drinks can add real value for a full group, especially during a six-and-a-half-hour outing. I would not book solely for the alcohol, but it means you do not need to keep calculating the cost of every bottle or glass during the day.

WiFi is included, too. That is handy for sharing pictures or keeping in touch, though the best feature of a private cruise is having the option to disconnect without missing anything important.

What the private price really means

The listed cost is $2,643.35 per group of up to 15 people. That sounds high if you are booking for two or three people, but the math changes when the catamaran is full:

• 15 people: about $176 per person
• 10 people: about $264 per person
• 5 people: about $529 per person

These figures are approximate and based on the supplied group price. For a full family gathering, wedding party, or group of friends, the cost can be reasonable for a private boat, crew, lunch, equipment, and drinks. For a small party, it becomes a luxury purchase rather than a bargain excursion.

The private format is the key value question. You are paying for space, control over your group’s atmosphere, and a more personal service style. If you would happily join a shared boat and only need a seat, this cruise may cost more than necessary. If you want a special day where your own group can relax together, the price is easier to defend.

The cruise is booked an average of 43 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Bad weather can also lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most

I would recommend this cruise most strongly for a group that values time together over a packed sightseeing schedule. It suits:

• Families with children and adults who want different food and activity choices
• Groups of friends who can share the private price
• Couples celebrating with a larger party
• People who want swimming, snorkeling, and SUP boards without arranging each item separately
• Anyone who likes the idea of lunch served onboard rather than returning to shore

The cruise is less suitable if you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with only a few people and are watching your budget closely. It may also disappoint you if your main goal is seeing many coastal locations in one morning.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The boat is near public transportation, but the exact access details are not provided, so ask DanEri Yachts if you need specific information about boarding or mobility.

Small details that can make the day better

Bring whatever you normally need for a long time around water, such as swimwear and sun protection. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and SUP boards, so you do not need to organize those items yourself.

Keep a little flexibility in your expectations. The crew can provide the setting and equipment, but the day’s enjoyment will depend partly on sea conditions, your group’s energy, and how much time you want to spend in the water.

If photographs matter, let Rena know early that you would like group pictures. She has helped capture families in the water, which is far better than asking one person to remain on deck and miss every activity.

Also decide in advance how your group feels about the one-stop format. Some people will see it as restful. Others will want more movement. This simple conversation can prevent the most likely disappointment.

Should you book the Rethymno private catamaran cruise?

Book it if you can fill much of the 15-person capacity and want a polished, private day with excellent food, drinks, and easy access to water activities. The crew service, fresh lunch, and thoughtful extras such as family photos give the cruise more character than a basic boat transfer.

Think twice if you have a small group, a strict budget, or a strong wish to visit several bays. For the right party, this is a comfortable and sociable way to spend a day off Crete’s north coast. For others, a shared cruise with more stops may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The private catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 15 people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity begins and ends at the meeting point in Rethymno.

What food is served onboard?

Lunch includes a cheese platter, green and Greek salads, shrimp pasta or rice with feta, mussels in turmeric sauce with ouzo, chicken breast with oranges, and seasonal fruit for dessert. Children can have chicken nuggets or pasta.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited beer and local dry white wine are included for people aged 18 and over. Water, Fanta, Cola, Sprite, Cola Zero, coffee, and tea are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and fishing equipment are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the cruise to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.