Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Trip – Sushi & Open Bar

Sunset does the heavy lifting. This 3.5-hour catamaran cruise from Rethymno combines a polished boat, a well-stocked open bar, and a sunset sail that gives the evening a clear purpose. I especially like the sushi and unlimited drinks, plus the choice of SUP boards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and floaties once the boat anchors. The main catch is the sea itself: rough weather can cancel the water activities or turn the ride into a very uncomfortable one.

You board at DanEri Yachts on Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno and return to the same place. The cruise costs about $102.58 per person, which is fair if you use the swim stop and enjoy the food and drinks, but less attractive if choppy water forces an early return. The boat carries up to 25 people, so it feels intimate by excursion-boat standards, though not always empty.

Key points to know before booking

• The sunset is the main event: The return sail is timed for golden and pink light over the Cretan sea.
• Food is better than standard boat snacks: You get sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, Mediterranean finger foods, and drinks throughout the trip.
• Water activities are included: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, noodles, and a pink flamingo are available at anchor.
• The boat has both sun and shade: Spacious sunbeds and shaded lounges let you choose between soaking up the afternoon or escaping the heat.
• Weather matters greatly: Calm conditions can make this a wonderful outing, while high waves may prevent swimming and make eating or drinking difficult.
• The crew receives strong praise: Vito, Slavik, George, and Captain Sergei are among the crew members singled out for friendly, attentive service.

Setting sail from Rethymno in the late afternoon

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts at Sofokli Venizelou 37, close to public transportation. Hotel transfers are not included, although they can be arranged on request. You should plan your route to the marina before departure, since the cruise ends at the same location and does not provide a separate drop-off.

The welcome sets a relaxed tone. You receive a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods before a short safety briefing. There is also espresso, detox water, tea, and a protein cocktail available on board, so the refreshments are not limited to alcoholic drinks.

Once the catamaran gets moving, you can settle on a sunbed or in a shaded lounge. The boat has music, free Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. Those details may sound small, but they matter on a boat where you are spending several hours rather than taking a quick harbor ride.

The catamaran is designed for lounging, not simply transportation. The netting at the front is a popular place to stretch out when the sea is calm, with water below and open views ahead. If you prefer firmer footing, the shaded seating areas give you a more stable place to enjoy the ride.

The crew speaks English, and the atmosphere appears friendly rather than formal. George has been praised for sharing stories about Greek mythology, the island of Dias, and Crete. That sort of conversation can give the sail more character, especially if you want a little context rather than constant music and drink service.

The anchor stop brings the cruise to life

The most active portion begins after the catamaran anchors in a bay. The exact stop can depend on sea and weather conditions, but the plan is to give you time for swimming and water activities before the sunset sail back.

Snorkeling masks and fins are supplied, along with swimming jackets. SUP boards allow you to paddle away from the boat, while inflatable noodles and the pink flamingo offer easier, less serious ways to enjoy the water. Fishing gear is also available for a gentle fishing session, which may appeal to families who want an activity that does not require strong swimming skills.

The equipment adds real value to the price. A sunset cruise that only offers a view can feel short once the novelty wears off. Here, you have several ways to spend the middle part of the trip, and families with children have a box of toys available by request.

Still, you should pack for the conditions rather than count on a perfect swim. Several outings have been described as calm and enjoyable, with snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing working as planned. In rougher weather, the sea can make swimming impossible, and the crew may need to change or shorten the program.

One particularly important warning comes from the bad-weather experiences. High waves made it difficult for some passengers to sit comfortably, eat, or use the open bar. In another case, the boat turned back after many people became seasick, resulting in no proper swim stop or sunset. The policy allows a date change or full refund if the company cancels because of poor weather, but conditions can still be unpleasant if the trip proceeds in marginal seas.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully about the forecast before booking. One passenger noted that the crew had seasickness tablets available at the start, but that should not replace your own preparation. Choose a calm day whenever possible, and bring any medication or other personal supplies you normally use.

Sushi, fruit, and an open bar at sea

After the water activities, the crew serves a plate of sushi rolls. This is a welcome change from the usual boat lunch of sandwiches or packaged snacks. The sushi is paired with fresh seasonal fruit, and Mediterranean finger foods are served earlier in the trip.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. You can also have coffee and tea, while the welcome Prosecco gives the departure a celebratory touch. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside that selection cost extra and are not included.

The phrase open bar can sometimes mean a limited supply, but the offering here is broad enough for a three-and-a-half-hour cruise. The value is strongest if you plan to have several drinks and make full use of the food. If you do not drink alcohol and mainly want a short sunset photograph, the price may feel high.

Food service depends on sea conditions. On calm water, it is easy to sit back with a plate and a glass of wine. On a rough day, holding your food and drink can become a chore, and seasickness can wipe out the appeal of an otherwise generous menu.

The timing also works well. You are not rushed through the meal at the start, when the boat is still getting under way. Instead, the sushi and fruit help mark the transition from active water time to the quieter return sail.

The return sail is timed for the best light

The cruise builds toward the sunset rather than treating it as an afterthought. As the boat heads back toward Rethymno, the sun drops lower and the sea takes on warmer colors. The combination of open water, a moving catamaran, and fewer buildings in the view gives the sunset a much bigger feel than a standard waterfront dinner.

This is where the trip earns its strongest praise. The sunset has been described as breathtaking, magical, beautiful, and the perfect ending to a Cretan holiday. I would choose this cruise primarily for that final hour, with the sushi, drinks, and swimming as valuable extras.

The timing is also well suited to couples. The music is soft, the seating gives you room to relax, and the crew appears attentive without forcing conversation. Solo passengers can fit in too. One solo participant found the arrangement comfortable even among families, helped by friendly crew interaction and conversation with George.

For families, the sunset gives the adults a peaceful finish after the children have used the SUPs and floaties. One family group with children aged five to eight particularly enjoyed the water toys, and the crew allowed the children to help steer the boat on the way back under supervision.

Do not expect complete silence. Music plays on board, and a group of up to 25 people can create a social atmosphere. That may suit you if you want a lively evening with a drink in hand. If your idea of a sunset is total solitude, a private charter would be a better fit, though private cabins on this trip are only available on request and are not guaranteed.

How much value do you get for $102.58?

At about $102.58 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, food, drinks, equipment, and the sunset timing. You also get Wi-Fi, a toilet, an outdoor shower, life jackets, insurance, and a memorable branded gift for special occasions.

The price looks reasonable when you combine those parts. A separate meal, several drinks, a water activity, and a sunset cruise could easily approach the same total. You are also getting the convenience of having equipment ready at the boat rather than renting masks or a paddleboard elsewhere.

The value drops if the water is rough. If you cannot swim, paddle, or snorkel because of waves, you may experience the outing mainly as a boat transfer with refreshments. The two most serious complaints involved poor sea conditions, one with an especially uncomfortable return and another with a premature trip back to port.

That makes the forecast more important than usual. I would not book this as your only special evening in Crete unless you have flexibility. The free-cancellation rule lets you cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a weather cancellation offers either another date or a full refund. Changes made inside 24 hours are not accepted, so watch the forecast early.

The cruise also requires a minimum number of people. If that minimum is not reached, the operator offers another date or experience, or a full refund.

Comfort, access, and what to bring

Most people can take part, and one passenger with a walking disability received considerate help from the captain and crew. That is encouraging, but you should still contact DanEri Yachts before booking if you have specific mobility needs. The available information does not provide detailed step-free access or boarding measurements.

Bring a towel. Towels are not included, and neither are sunscreen or personal care items. Pack swimwear even if the title makes the experience sound like a food-and-sunset outing. The water activities are a central part of the plan, and one passenger arrived without a swimsuit simply because the activities were not obvious from the title.

A few other practical items make sense:

• Sunscreen and any personal care products you need
• A towel and dry clothes
• Seasickness medication if you are susceptible
• A light layer for the return sail
• A phone or camera, though free Wi-Fi is available

Life jackets are supplied, as are swimming jackets and snorkeling equipment. Personal feminine hygiene products are also available on board, a thoughtful practical touch.

Who will enjoy this Rethymno catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples who want a relaxed evening with a good sunset, families whose children will use the water equipment, and solo passengers comfortable sharing a social boat. Friends can also make good use of the open bar, sushi, music, and sunset views.

It works particularly well as a final evening activity. You get movement, food, swimming, and a memorable view without needing to plan several separate stops. The crew’s warm style adds to the feeling that you are being looked after rather than simply processed through an excursion.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or need guaranteed calm water. The crew can be excellent and the catamaran can be comfortable, but neither can control the sea. The strongest negative experiences came from rough conditions, not from the basic idea of the cruise.

The maximum of 25 people is worth noting. That is a relatively small group for a commercial boat trip, but it does not guarantee a private or quiet outing. One person found the boat more crowded than expected, while another described a peaceful cruise with enough room to relax. Your experience will depend partly on how full the departure is and where you choose to sit.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, well-fed sunset evening with swimming and paddleboarding built in. The sunset, friendly crew, comfortable catamaran, sushi, and drinks make it a strong package at the right price, especially in calm weather.

I would wait for a favorable forecast and keep a flexible evening available. If the sea looks rough, ask about rescheduling before the 24-hour cancellation deadline. For a calm day in Rethymno, this is a polished way to finish an afternoon, with enough activity for children and enough quiet time for adults.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

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

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. The welcome also includes one glass of Prosecco. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection are not included.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes Mediterranean finger foods, sushi rolls, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are provided. Fishing equipment is also available.

Are towels and hotel transfers included?

No. You need to bring your own towel, and hotel transfers are not included. Transfers may be arranged on request.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.