Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Rethymno’s Private Catamaran Cruise: An Elegant Day on the Water
Imagine gliding along Crete’s rugged coastline on a sleek, spacious catamaran, with the sun warming your skin and the breeze softly ruffling the sails. That’s what this private cruise from Rethymno promises—an intimate, carefully curated experience that combines comfort, adventure, and a touch of luxury. With a capacity of up to 15 travelers, this six-and-a-half-hour trip offers a window into the best of Crete’s beautiful waters, topped with good food, unlimited drinks, and personalized service.

Two standout features immediately caught my eye. First, the flexibility of the experience—you can customize your playlist and enjoy all the amenities like WiFi and inflatable flamingos for photos. Second, the quality of the food and drinks—a carefully prepared Mediterranean lunch paired with unlimited beer and wine, promising a true taste of the region.

On the flip side, one aspect to consider is the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off—you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. While this isn’t unusual for private charters, it’s worth planning for. Still, the overall value for the price, given the exclusivity and quality, makes this a top-tier choice for those seeking a memorable Crete day on the water.

Key Points / Takeaways

Luxury and Privacy: This is a private tour, so only your group will be onboard, making it perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking a personalized escape.

Flexible Activities: Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, or just lounge—there’s plenty of room to choose your preferred way to relax or have fun.

Gourmet Mediterranean Lunch: Enjoy fresh dishes like shrimp pasta, Greek salads, and seasonal fruit—chef-prepared and served onboard.

Unlimited Drinks: Beer, white wine, soda, and water are included—ideal for keeping spirits high while soaking up the scenery.

Stunning Coastal Views: From the deck, you’ll see Crete’s dramatic coastline, with the opportunity to stop at Ombros Gialos Bay, famed for its turquoise waters.

High Customer Satisfaction: With an average rating of 5.0 from three reviews, travelers rave about the crew’s hospitality, the delicious food, and the beautiful setting.

Setting Sail from Rethymno: What to Expect

Your day begins at DanEri Yachts, located at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno, with a start time of 9:30 am. Once onboard, the crew welcomes you with warm drinks—coffee or tea—and traditional Greek pies and biscuits, instantly setting a hospitable tone. The vessel itself is one of Crete’s most luxurious catamarans, spacious enough to spread out comfortably and enjoy the ride.

As you cruise along the coast, the views are nothing short of spectacular—rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and the endless blue of the Aegean stretch before you. The crew is friendly and attentive, often described as working seamlessly together to ensure your comfort and enjoyment—something that many reviews highlight.

A key highlight is the visit to Ombros Gialos Bay, famous for its clear, inviting waters. Here, you can jump in for a swim, snorkel to explore the underwater world, or paddle around on SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboards). For a bit of silliness, the inflatable flamingo is a fun addition—perfect for lounging or snapping playful photos. Many reviews mention how these moments are “the ultimate blend of fun, relaxation, and culinary delight.”

Back onboard, it’s time to indulge in a freshly cooked Mediterranean meal, featuring local ingredients and flavors. The chef’s menu includes dishes like shrimp pasta with feta, mussels in turmeric and ouzo, chicken with oranges, and seasonal fruits. You’ll find that the quality of the food exceeds expectations—far better than typical picnic fare, and more than enough to satisfy all appetites.

Throughout the day, unlimited drinks flow freely—beer, dry white wine, sodas, and water. The crew’s hospitality and the relaxing music playlist, which you can customize, create a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding and sharing your trip with friends and family. Plus, the free WiFi is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to share your adventure in real time.

The cruise concludes back at the starting point around 4 pm, leaving you with a sense of having experienced something truly special—an authentic, luxurious slice of Crete’s coastline, with excellent service and memorable moments.

The Details That Make This Experience Stand Out

Comfort and Privacy: The private nature of the tour means no crowds—just your group, enabling a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention from the crew, including a chef and captain praised in reviews like that of “Rena,” who captured family moments beautifully.

Attention to Food and Drink: The Mediterranean lunch is a real highlight, showcasing local ingredients and prepared onboard, which elevates the experience beyond just a boat trip. The inclusion of unlimited beer and wine adds to the feeling of indulgence.

Activities for All Ages: Whether you’re into swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just lounging, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Even beginners can enjoy SUP boards, making this suitable for families or groups with varying activity levels.

Stunning Coastal Stops: Ombros Gialos Bay’s waters are consistently praised for their turquoise hue. Many reviews mention how the crew’s care—like Rena taking pictures—adds a personal touch to the day.

Music and Connectivity: You’re encouraged to bring your playlist and enjoy free WiFi, which makes this trip feel modern and tailored, perfect for capturing those unforgettable views.

Value for Money: At $2,545 per group (up to 15 people), the experience offers luxury, exclusivity, and a variety of activities that would cost significantly more if booked separately.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers looking for a private, all-inclusive day on the water with a mix of relaxation, adventure, and gourmet food. It’s ideal for groups of friends, families, or couples celebrating a special occasion. If you enjoy personalized service and stunning scenery without the crowds, this trip is a perfect fit.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate good food—many reviews emphasize the delicious, fresh dishes served onboard—and want to enjoy Crete’s coast with a touch of luxury. Keep in mind, though, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, as this is not included.

Price and Value Considerations

At a little over $2,500 for up to 15 people, this experience averages about $170 per person—a reasonable rate for a private boat with such amenities and inclusions. Considering the quality of the food, unlimited drinks, and personalized service, this is quite a good deal, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

The price reflects the exclusivity and comfort, making it less of a mass tour and more of a special occasion. For those seeking a memorable, stress-free day that balances adventure with relaxation, the cost is justified.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book in advance—the experience is popular, often booked around 37 days beforehand.
• Arrive on time at DanEri Yachts at 9:30 am to enjoy the full six-and-a-half-hour experience.
• Bring your playlist and a camera—many reviews highlight how memorable the photo opportunities are.
• Wear sunscreen and swimwear—you’ll want to take advantage of the swimming and snorkeling.
• Plan your transportation to the meeting point, as hotel transfers are not included.
• Consider your activity level—the trip offers multiple options, but it’s primarily a relaxing cruise with optional swimming and paddleboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour starts at DanEri Yachts in Rethymno. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?
You get a Mediterranean lunch with local ingredients, unlimited beer and wine for guests 18 and above, coffee and tea, soda, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, fishing gear, and free WiFi.

How many people can join?
Up to 15 guests per booking, making it a private experience.

Can I customize the music playlist?
Yes, you can choose your own playlist or enjoy curated music provided onboard.

What activities are available during the stop?
Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, or relax on the deck or inflatable flamingo. The waters at Ombros Gialos Bay are especially noted for their turquoise beauty.

Is there a dress code?
Swimwear and casual attire are perfect—bring sunscreen and towels for swimming.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start; less than that, the refund is not available.

In summary, this private catamaran cruise from Rethymno offers a well-rounded day of relaxation, adventure, and tasty food, all set against the stunning backdrop of Crete’s coast. It’s a luxury experience that emphasizes personalized service and flexibility, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy Crete’s waters in style without feeling like just another tourist. If you’re after a memorable, intimate day with beautiful scenery, good company, and excellent amenities, this cruise delivers on all fronts.