Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Crete looks best from the water. This private catamaran cruise gives you a quiet bay near Georgioupoli, a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch, and plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and paddleboarding. I especially like the attentive crew and the easygoing mix of food, water sports, and lounging. You also get unlimited beer, local white wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The main drawback is that the cruise appears to center on one swimming area, so you should not book it expecting a busy schedule of several coastal stops.

The price is high at $2,643.35 per group, but it covers up to 15 people. That makes the cost more reasonable for a full family group or several couples sharing the boat. I also like that the crew includes a chef, and Rena has taken family photos in the water for one group. Hotel transportation is not included, so you must reach the Rethymno meeting point on your own.

Key points to know before booking

• A private boat for up to 15 people: Your group has the catamaran to itself, with no unrelated passengers joining the cruise.
• One main swimming stop near Georgioupoli: The focus is unhurried time in clear water rather than a packed sightseeing route.
• Lunch is cooked onboard: Expect salads, seafood, chicken, pasta or rice, cheese, fruit, and dessert.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and fishing equipment come at no extra charge.
• Drinks are covered throughout the cruise: Beer, local dry white wine, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are included.
• The full outing lasts about six and a half hours: It starts at 9:30 a.m. and finishes back at the Rethymno meeting point.

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

Your day begins at DanEri Yachts, at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The cruise starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple once you arrive. You do not need to arrange a second pickup point at the end.

The lack of hotel pickup matters. If you are staying away from central Rethymno, you need to plan your own way to the marina. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify a private transfer or a hotel shuttle. I would allow extra time in the morning, especially if your group has children, beach gear, or a large cooler of personal items.

This is a private activity, which changes the feel of the trip. You can spend more time sitting together, eating at your own pace, or helping children try the SUP boards. You also avoid the usual problem on shared boat trips: strangers competing for the best deck seats or setting a different pace for the day.

The cruise is offered in English. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not leave a large family outing until the last minute. The fact that it is often booked well ahead also suggests that summer dates can fill early.

Reaching the swimming bay near Georgioupoli

The main destination is a beautiful bay near Georgioupoli, where the water is described as crystal-clear. The program here is deliberately relaxed. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling gear, try fishing, or climb onto a stand-up paddleboard.

I like this arrangement because it gives you choices without forcing everyone into the same activity. One person can swim while another fishes, and someone else can remain on deck with a drink. Beginners can try the SUP boards without needing previous experience. The boat also carries an inflatable flamingo, which adds a playful option for floating and taking holiday photos.

The tradeoff is variety. The cruise description focuses on this swimming stop rather than a chain of different coves or landmarks. If you want a constantly changing route, ruins viewed from offshore, or several separate snorkel areas, this may feel too settled. If you prefer one good stop with time to enjoy it, the slower pace is a benefit.

The setting also works well for a mixed-age group. Most people can participate, and the supplied information says service animals are allowed. Still, anyone who has trouble boarding a boat, getting into the water, or using a paddleboard should consider their own comfort before booking, since no detailed mobility information is provided.

Choosing between swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and SUP

You are not paying extra each time you try an activity. Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and SUP boards are included, which makes it easier to experiment without turning the day into a series of small charges.

The snorkeling option suits anyone who wants to look below the surface without bringing equipment from home. No specific marine life is promised, so I would treat it as a pleasant way to explore the bay rather than a specialist snorkeling trip.

Fishing gives you another way to enjoy the stop. The details do not promise a particular catch or a guided fishing lesson, but the equipment is available for your group to use. This can be a good choice for children or adults who want something to do between swims.

The SUP boards are aimed at beginners as well as more confident paddlers. You can give them a try, then return to the catamaran when you have had enough. Because this is a private cruise, your group can decide how much time to give each activity instead of following a fixed rotation.

The inflatable flamingo is less about sport and more about holiday fun. It offers a floating seat and a colorful photo prop. The spacious deck gives you another place to relax, dry off, and take pictures without crowding the swimming area.

An onboard lunch with a Greek and Mediterranean mix

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The crew prepares the meal onboard, so you are not simply handed a packaged sandwich during the swimming stop. The menu 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 dessert with seasonal fruit.

That is a generous spread for a day on the water. You get familiar Greek flavors, seafood, fresh salads, and a few approachable choices for people who do not want a very adventurous meal. The chicken with oranges adds a local-style touch, while the shrimp pasta or rice gives you a filling main course after swimming.

Families have a separate option too. Children can have chicken nuggets or pasta, which is useful when younger eaters are not ready for mussels, shrimp, or strongly flavored sauces. A welcome snack of traditional cheese pies and biscuits comes before lunch, along with welcome drinks.

The meal is not just an added amenity. It shapes the rhythm of the trip. You can spend the first part of the stop swimming or trying the equipment, then sit down together for a proper meal. One group particularly praised both the food and the way the captain, first mate, and chef worked together.

You should tell the operator about any dietary needs before the trip if possible, but no special dietary arrangements are specified here. Do not assume that every substitution is available.

Unlimited drinks and an easygoing deck

Included drinks cover local dry white wine, beer, water, Fanta, Cola, Sprite, Cola Zero, coffee, and tea. The unlimited setup is useful on a six-and-a-half-hour outing, since you do not need to budget separately for every bottle or soft drink.

Alcohol is limited to people aged 18 and over. That rule is clear, and families should keep it in mind when deciding who can have beer or wine. The inclusion of coffee and tea also helps make the boat feel more like a full day out rather than a short swim transfer.

Soft music plays while you relax. Free WiFi is available, so you can share photos during the cruise if you want to stay connected. I would still treat the boat as a chance to put the phone down for a while. The bay, the deck, and the company of your own group are the main attractions.

The deck is large enough for lounging and photographs. The combination of open space, music, food, and water access makes this a better fit for people who want comfort between activities. It is less suited to anyone looking for a hard-charging watersports session from start to finish.

What the crew adds to the day

The cruise is run by DanEri Yachts, and the crew is a major part of the experience. The captain, first mate, and chef are described as working closely together, while Rena helped take family photos in the water for one group.

That small detail matters. On a private cruise, good service often means noticing the moments that are difficult for you to capture yourself. A crew member taking photos lets the whole family get into the water together instead of leaving one person behind with the camera.

The praise for the crew also points to a well-supported day. Food preparation, drink service, water equipment, and safety around the swimming stop all require coordination. You are not expected to organize the meal or bring your own snorkeling kit.

The crew cannot control every part of the experience. Wind and sea conditions may affect the plan, and the activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Is $2,643.35 a fair price?

At first glance, the price is steep. For one or two people, it is difficult to call this a budget-friendly cruise. The value improves sharply as your group grows because the rate covers up to 15 people.

At the full capacity, the cost works out to about $176 per person. For 10 people, it is about $264 per person, and for six people, about $441 per person. Those figures include the private catamaran, crew, lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, WiFi, and several water activities.

I would compare the price with what matters most to your group. If you want a private boat, a prepared meal, and an easy day where the crew handles the details, the cost can make sense. If you mainly want a short swim and a cheap boat ride, it will feel expensive.

The strongest value comes from sharing the booking with a large family group or several friends. You are buying privacy and flexibility as much as you are buying transport. The weaker value is for a small party that does not care about private use of the boat or onboard catering.

Who will enjoy this private Crete cruise?

I would recommend it most for families, groups of friends, and couples celebrating a special day together. The private format lets you set the mood, while the food and drinks make the outing feel complete.

It is also a good choice if you want several gentle activities in one place. You can swim, snorkel, fish, use a SUP board, take photos with the inflatable flamingo, and eat lunch without moving between separate operators.

Families should appreciate the children’s meal choices and the range of nonalcoholic drinks. Adults can enjoy beer and wine, while younger members of the group have pasta or chicken nuggets available.

I would hesitate to recommend it to serious sailors who want a long open-water route, or to people seeking many different coastal stops. The main pleasure is time at the bay, not a packed sightseeing schedule. The lack of hotel pickup is another practical issue for anyone staying well outside Rethymno.

Should you book the DanEri Yachts cruise?

Book this cruise if you can share the cost with a sizable group and want a polished, private day on the water. The freshly cooked lunch, helpful crew, included equipment, and unlimited drinks give the outing more substance than a basic catamaran ride.

Think twice if you are traveling alone, as a pair, or on a tight budget. Also skip it if changing scenery matters more to you than lingering at one swimming bay. For everyone else, this is a comfortable way to turn a Crete beach day into a full outing, with enough choice to keep active people and relaxed sunbathers happy.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and bad weather is handled with a new date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

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

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise end?

It ends back at the DanEri Yachts meeting point in Rethymno.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The price covers one private group of up to 15 people.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, welcome snacks, unlimited beer and local dry white wine, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are included. Alcohol is only for people aged 18 and over.

What water equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and fishing equipment are provided. Free WiFi is also included.