Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

A private day at sea feels wonderfully simple. This 6.5-hour sailing trip from Rethymno combines a spacious premium catamaran, a freshly cooked Cretan lunch, and time to swim at Ombros Gialos Bay. I especially like the unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer, along with the choice of snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, or simply stretching out in the sun. The meal also gets high marks, with seafood, meat, vegetables, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade dessert.

The main point to consider is the price: $2,239 for a private group of up to 10 is a serious splurge. It becomes easier to justify when the boat is filled, but a couple or small family will pay a great deal for privacy. Hotel pickup is not included, and pregnant women should not book this cruise.

Quick Take: What Makes This Sailing Day Special

• Ombros Gialos Bay stop: Swim and snorkel in clear turquoise water, then use the SUP boards and inflatable floats.
• Fresh lunch on board: Seafood, meat, vegetables, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade summer dessert are prepared for you during the cruise.
• Private catamaran setting: Your group has the boat to itself, with a spacious deck and music chosen by you.
• Generous drinks service: Soft drinks, local white wine, and cold beer are available without an extra charge during the trip.
• Useful family touches: Children can have a special meal, and the boat carries toys, life jackets, and arm floaties.
• Easy marina departure: Meet a crew member in a DanEri shirt at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before sailing.

Leaving Rethymno Marina in Comfort

The day begins at Rethymno Marina, where a crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt meets you 15 minutes before departure. A municipal car park is available at the marina, which helps if you are driving yourself. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard price, although transfers can be arranged for an added fee.

Before the boat gets underway, you receive a safety briefing and welcome refreshments. Coffee, tea, and traditional Greek pies give you something small to enjoy while the crew explains the plan. The boat also carries experienced crew members with Red Cross certification, a useful reassurance when swimming and boating are central parts of the day.

The catamaran itself is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic shared boat excursion. You have room to sit, stretch out, and move between shaded and sunny areas. The setup is designed for a long day on the water rather than a quick sightseeing run.

The private format matters here. You are not working around a large mixed group’s preferred music, meal timing, or swimming habits. If your party includes children, older relatives, or people who want different levels of activity, the boat gives everyone more freedom.

The 105-Minute Sail Along Crete’s Coast

The first sailing section lasts about 105 minutes. That is enough time to settle into the rhythm of the boat and take in the Cretan coast without feeling rushed toward the swimming stop.

You can use the deck for sunbathing, sit with a coffee, or enjoy the sea views with a glass of wine. Unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included, which is a practical benefit on a six-and-a-half-hour outing. You do not need to keep track of a running bar bill every time you want another drink.

Onboard Wi-Fi is available throughout the trip. That may sound like a small perk, but it is useful if you want to send photos to family or keep in touch during a full day away from shore. You can also select music from the boat’s options or play your own music, giving the outing a more personal feel.

Still, you should not treat Wi-Fi as the main attraction. The best part of this first stretch is putting your phone aside and watching the coastline pass by. The music and internet are there when you want them, not as a substitute for the sea.

Ombros Gialos Bay: Swimming, Snorkeling, and SUP

The main stop is Ombros Gialos Bay, where the boat anchors for roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is the active heart of the day, but you can set your own pace.

The bay is known for clear turquoise water and a quiet setting. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Fishing gear is also available for anyone who would rather try that. The supplied information does not promise a specific catch, so think of fishing as a relaxed onboard activity rather than a guaranteed meal.

The SUP boards give you another way to explore close to the boat. You can paddle along the shoreline, take turns with family members, or stay near the catamaran if you prefer. Inflatable floats, including a flamingo float, add a playful option for people who mainly want to lie back and cool off.

Swimming is the central activity, so bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Life jackets and arm floaties are carried on board, and the crew provides safety equipment as needed. You should still be comfortable around open water, since this is a boat-based day rather than a shore excursion with a long beach area.

The bay stop also has a built-in compromise. You receive plenty of time for swimming and water activities, but the schedule is not designed for a long visit to a town or archaeological site. If your ideal day in Crete involves historic streets and museums, this cruise will not replace that. It is aimed at sea views, food, and rest.

A Mediterranean Lunch Cooked on the Catamaran

Lunch is more than a snack spread. The onboard chef prepares a Mediterranean meal using local ingredients, with seafood, meat, vegetable dishes, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade summer dessert.

That range makes the meal suitable for a mixed group. A seafood fan can find something appealing, while meat eaters and people who prefer vegetables are not left with a token side dish. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on request, and children can have a special meal.

I like that the food is tied to Crete rather than presented as generic boat catering. Cretan cheese and regional ingredients give the meal a local sense of place, while the combination of wine, sea air, and an open deck makes lunch part of the experience itself.

You should share dietary needs when booking, not wait until departure. The information confirms that special meals can be arranged, but it does not describe the exact menu for each day. The menu may also change with available ingredients.

Lunch is served during the long bay stop, alongside swimming, snorkeling, and sailing views. That gives you flexibility. You can eat first, swim afterward, or return to the table once you have had enough time in the water.

The Return Sail and the Value of Private Space

After the bay stop, the catamaran spends another 105 minutes returning to Rethymno Marina. This is a good time to slow down. You can sit with another drink, listen to music, take photos, or simply watch the Cretan coast recede.

The full schedule adds up to about 6.5 hours, including the welcome period, sailing time, and bay visit. That length is useful because a private boat charter should feel like a full day, not an expensive transfer with a short swim attached.

The price is $2,239 per group of up to 10. At full capacity, that works out to about $224 per person before any optional transfer cost. For 10 people celebrating a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or family holiday, the value becomes more reasonable because you are buying exclusive use of the boat, crew service, lunch, equipment, and drinks.

For two people, the same total is much harder to defend unless privacy and luxury are the main goals. A shared cruise will usually be the better financial choice for a small party, though it will not offer the same control over music, meal timing, or space.

One verified booking described a group of 17 having an excellent day with especially strong praise for the service and food. The advertised private capacity, however, is up to 10 people, so you should confirm the permitted group size directly if your party is larger. The positive account reinforces the importance of the crew and meal, but it should not be taken as a promise that every booking has the same capacity.

Service, Food, and the Details That Matter

The strongest praise centers on the service and food. One booking from July 2024 called it the best boat trip that group had experienced and singled out the whole day, including the service and meal. Another booking from Denmark praised the friendly staff, food, and wine.

That is useful because boat trips often look impressive in photos but feel less comfortable if the crew is inattentive or lunch is an afterthought. Here, the planned welcome, safety talk, refreshments, onboard cooking, and drink service suggest that the human side of the day is a major part of the product.

The cruise also works well for families. The box of toys, children’s meal option, arm floaties, and life jackets mean younger passengers have more to do than sit still for six hours. Parents should still expect to supervise children around the water and onboard equipment.

For adults, the relaxed setup may be more appealing than a packed activity schedule. You can snorkel and paddle, but you are never required to spend the whole stop in the water. The deck is the place to read, talk, sip wine, or enjoy the sun.

The cruise is not suitable for pregnant women. The trip is also subject to weather. Bad conditions can lead to rescheduling or cancellation, so keep some flexibility in your Crete plans.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This private catamaran trip suits you best if you:

• Are traveling with a family or group of friends that can share the cost.
• Want a full day on the water rather than a short harbor trip.
• Care about a freshly cooked meal and included drinks.
• Like having several choices, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, SUP, and relaxing.
• Are marking a special occasion and want privacy.
• Prefer a comfortable boat with Wi-Fi, music, and plenty of deck space.

It is less suitable if you are watching every euro, traveling alone, or mainly want historical sightseeing. It also may not suit you if you dislike open-water activities or need hotel transport included in the basic price.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card. A copy of the required identification may be accepted, but port authorities require the full name, birth date, passport or ID number, and nationality for every passenger when you book. English is the listed language for the host or greeter.

Should You Book the Rethymno Catamaran Cruise?

I would recommend this cruise for a full group that values privacy, food, and an easygoing day at sea. The strongest reasons to book are the spacious catamaran, long stop at Ombros Gialos Bay, fresh local-style lunch, and helpful extras for families.

The price is the deciding factor. With 10 people, the cost is easier to share and the private setup offers real value. With only two or three passengers, the same cruise becomes a luxury splurge rather than a practical day trip.

Book it if your ideal Crete memory includes turquoise water, a long lunch, local wine, and a boat that belongs to your party for the day. Skip it if you would rather spend the money on several land-based activities or need a firm plan unaffected by weather.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from the Marina of Rethymno in Crete.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts 6.5 hours.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The advertised private group size is up to 10 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Mediterranean lunch with seafood and meat is included, along with vegetable dishes, Cretan cheeses, and a homemade summer dessert.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. A special meal option is also available for children.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Coffee and tea are also provided with the welcome refreshments.

What activities are available at Ombros Gialos Bay?

You can swim, snorkel, fish, use the stand-up paddleboards, or relax on the inflatable floats.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. Transfer service can be requested for an additional fee.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card. The cruise requires passenger identification details for port authority permission, and the trip may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather.