Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Trip – Sushi & Open Bar

The sunset is the main event here, and the timing is well judged. You spend the afternoon sailing, swimming, and eating sushi before the catamaran turns back toward Rethymno with the sky glowing over the Cretan Sea. I especially like the comfortable mix of shaded lounges and open sunbeds, plus the easy access to SUP boards, masks, fins, and floaties.

I also like the generous drinks setup, with local beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water included. The crew has earned strong praise for being warm and attentive, with George sharing Greek mythology and Crete stories, and Vito and Slavik helping families feel at home. The main concern is weather: rough seas have caused some outings to become unpleasant or end early, so check the forecast and bring seasickness medicine if you are prone to motion sickness.

At a glance

• Sunset timing: The cruise returns toward Rethymno as the sun drops, giving you the best views near the end of the trip.
• Water activities: You can use SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, swimming jackets, noodles, and a large inflatable flamingo.
• Food and drinks: Expect a welcome glass of Prosecco, finger foods, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, and an open bar with beer and white wine.
• Small enough to feel personal: The maximum group size is 25 people, although one account found the boat more crowded than expected.
• Family-friendly touches: Kids can use the toy box by request, and families have enjoyed the SUP boards and floaties.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, but rough water may also affect comfort and activities even when the sailing goes ahead.

Setting sail from Rethymno in the late afternoon

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The cruise lasts about three and a half hours and ends back at the same point. Hotel pickup is not included, though it can be arranged on request.

The opening is pleasantly simple. You receive a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food while the crew gets everyone settled. A short safety briefing follows, then the catamaran heads out toward a sheltered bay and the open Cretan water beyond.

The boat itself is designed for relaxed sitting rather than formal cruising. Sunbeds give you space to stretch out, while shaded lounges are useful during the warmer part of the afternoon. The catamaran also has an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, life jackets, and free Wi-Fi.

I would not book this as a quiet private charter. The boat can carry up to 25 people, and the atmosphere depends on the group on your departure. One person found it busier than expected, while another family group found the setup comfortable and easygoing. The best seats will naturally go early, so arrive ready to settle in rather than waiting for a private corner.

The advertised location is in Rethymno, although the general tour information also refers to Heraklion. Since the meeting point is clearly given in Rethymno, confirm the departure details when you book, especially if you are staying elsewhere on Crete.

The open water portion and the importance of sea conditions

The outward sail is meant to be part of the pleasure, not simply transport to a swimming stop. You can sit on the netting at the front, stretch out on a sunbed, or remain in the shade with a drink. Soft music plays while the shoreline recedes.

On a calm day, this is the cruise at its best. The catamaran moves gently, the sea opens around you, and the pace feels unhurried. Several people found the evening peaceful, with enough service from the crew to feel cared for but not so much interruption that relaxation became difficult.

The weak point is rough weather. Two particularly unhappy accounts describe high waves, severe seasickness, and a trip where swimming and drinks were not practical. Another account describes a shorter outing after several people became unwell in choppy conditions. The official policy says the company requires good weather and may cancel for a full refund or offer another date, but conditions can still feel uncomfortable if the cruise proceeds in windier water.

That makes a few practical choices important. If you are sensitive to motion, take appropriate precautions before boarding and ask the crew about seasickness support. One person appreciated that the crew had seasickness tablets available at the beginning. Sit near the center of the boat if you can, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid a large meal before departure.

Swimming, SUP boards, snorkeling, and the pink flamingo

After sailing, the crew prepares the water equipment. This is when the cruise becomes more active. You can use high-quality masks and fins for snorkeling, take a SUP board out from the catamaran, float on an inflatable noodle, or pose on the bright pink flamingo.

Fishing gear is also available for a gentle fishing session. The description does not promise a serious fishing trip, so think of it as a light activity between swims rather than a major part of the outing. Swimming jackets are provided, which helps children and less confident swimmers feel more secure.

The water stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sunset sail. You are not limited to looking at the sea from the deck. You can get in, paddle, snorkel, or simply float while the crew keeps equipment available.

Still, the stop depends on the sea. When the water is rough, snorkeling and SUP use may be canceled or become unsafe. One account described a planned swimming break that never happened because of waves, while several calm-weather accounts praised the swimming location and the fun on the boards.

Families with children between five and eight have enjoyed the floaties and SUP boards, and the crew has made an effort to involve younger passengers. A box of toys is available by request. The equipment makes this more suitable for a mixed-age group than a cruise focused only on cocktails and photographs.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and neither are sunscreen or personal care items. The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, but it does not replace a towel or dry change of clothes.

Sushi, fruit, and the open bar

Food is served after the water activities, when you can settle back on deck. The main dish is a selection of sushi rolls, followed by fresh seasonal fruit. The welcome finger food adds something to the opening sail, while espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail give you alternatives to alcohol.

The drinks included in the price are practical rather than extravagant. You receive unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside that selection cost extra or are not included.

This matters when you compare the $102.58 price with a simple boat ride. You are paying not just for transport and a sunset view, but also for a meal, drinks throughout the cruise, swimming equipment, SUP boards, and a crewed catamaran with shaded seating. If you would normally buy several drinks and a meal during an evening out, the package can offer solid value.

The sushi is also more than a token snack. The food has been described as generous and enjoyable, though the tour does not specify the exact rolls or whether special dietary requirements can be handled. If you have food allergies or strict dietary needs, ask before booking rather than assuming the menu can be changed.

The open bar helps create an easy social mood. You can have a glass of wine while watching the horizon, then switch to water after swimming. The crew does not appear to force a party atmosphere, which suits couples and solo people who want a calm evening as much as groups looking for a celebratory outing.

The sunset return to Rethymno

The final sail is the reason many people book this particular departure time. As the catamaran turns back, the sun lowers and the sea takes on gold, pink, and warm orange tones. The timing puts the sunset near the return journey rather than at the beginning, so you get to watch the light change while the boat is moving.

You may want to finish swimming and eating before this part of the trip. The best photographs come from being free to move around the deck, and the forward netting is especially appealing for lying back with an unobstructed view.

The sunset is not guaranteed to be clear. Clouds, wind, and haze can change the display, but the late sailing still gives you a pleasant shift from bright afternoon water to evening color. One person found the return timing perfect for a romantic outing, while another called the sunset the highlight of the entire trip.

The catamaran setting adds to the effect. You are above the water, with room to sit or stretch out, rather than packed into a single row of seats. Music, a drink, and the open horizon make the last part feel more special than a simple harbor cruise.

Crew service and the human side of the trip

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience. Names that come up include George, Vito, Slavik, and Captain Sergei. George has shared stories about Greek gods, mythology, Dias, and Crete, adding a bit of local context without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

Families have appreciated the practical help as much as the friendliness. Vito and Slavik were praised for hosting two families with children and even allowing the children to help guide the boat on the way home. Another account describes the crew taking special care of a father with a walking disability, helping him feel safe and included.

That does not mean the cruise should be treated as fully accessible without checking first. A catamaran, boarding point, deck surfaces, and movement between areas can present challenges for someone with limited mobility. The crew may be helpful, but ask DanEri Yachts about your particular needs before you pay.

The service style seems to work for different moods. You can join the conversation, ask about Crete, or simply sit quietly while the crew handles the practical details. That flexibility is valuable on a sunset trip, when not everyone wants the same kind of evening.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this outing most strongly to couples, families, small groups of friends, and solo people who want several activities in one booking. The package gives you a meal, drinks, swimming, SUP use, snorkeling, fishing, and sunset views without requiring separate arrangements.

It is particularly good for:

• Couples looking for a relaxed evening with a memorable sunset
• Families whose children need more than a passive boat ride
• Solo people who are comfortable sharing a social catamaran
• Anyone who values included drinks and water equipment
• Visitors who want a soft introduction to sailing rather than a full sailing course

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike group outings, or are booking mainly for snorkeling. The water stop is weather dependent, and choppy conditions can affect the whole experience. If the forecast looks doubtful, ask how the company is handling the sailing before leaving your hotel.

The cruise is often booked about 20 days ahead, so popular summer dates may not remain open. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund. A minimum number of people is also required, and the same alternatives apply if that minimum is not reached.

Is the $102.58 price fair?

At $102.58 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Cretan coast. A basic short boat ride will cost less, and a private charter may offer more space for a much higher price.

The value comes from the bundle. You receive a modern catamaran, a professional English-speaking crew, food, an open bar, water toys, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, Wi-Fi, and a sunset sail. If you plan to use the swimming gear and have several drinks, the price is easier to justify.

The value drops if weather prevents swimming or makes it difficult to enjoy the meal and drinks. That is not entirely within the operator’s control, but it is the central risk of any open-water outing. I would book with a flexible schedule, not on the final evening of your holiday, so a cancellation or rough-weather change does not spoil your plans.

Should you book the DanEri sunset catamaran?

Book it if you want a well-rounded evening on the water, with activities first and sunset views last. The strongest parts are the comfortable catamaran, generous included refreshments, flexible water fun, and crew members who make an effort with children, solo people, and passengers needing extra help.

Skip it if you need guaranteed calm water, a private cabin, a fully private boat, or a strict snorkeling itinerary. Private cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed, while cocktails, towels, sunscreen, transfers, and personal care items are not included.

My practical call is simple: check the forecast, pack a towel and swimsuit, bring motion-sickness protection if needed, and confirm the Rethymno meeting point. On a calm afternoon, this is a polished, good-value way to finish the day in Crete. On a rough one, the sea can overpower every feature the boat provides.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts, Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise ends back at the same meeting point in Rethymno.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What language is the cruise offered in?

The experience is offered in English, with an English-speaking crew.

Is food included?

Yes. The experience includes welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and a fresh seasonal fruit plate.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Espresso, detox water, teas, and a protein cocktail are also available.

Are snorkeling equipment and SUP boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are provided.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. You should also bring sunscreen and any personal care items you need.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum group size causes the company to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.