Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno sunset catamaran cruise is the balance between easygoing comfort and time in the sea. You can stretch out on a sunbed, eat sushi with a glass of Greek wine, then use the SUP boards, masks, fins, and floating noodles when the catamaran anchors near Geropotamos Beach.

I like the spacious catamaran, which offers both open sunbeds and shaded seating, and I like the crew’s personal touch. Nana, Yannis, Banos, and Sepdos have all been praised by name for their care, help with swimming, and knack for taking good sunset photos. The main caution is the weather: wind can make the ride rough, and anyone prone to seasickness should check conditions before booking.

Key points

• A 3.5-hour sunset outing: Sail from Rethymno Marina, stop for water activities, and return after sunset.
• Sushi and Greek drinks included: You get a sushi platter, Mediterranean snacks, seasonal fruit, beer, white wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water.
• A proper swim stop: Geropotamos Beach provides time for swimming, SUP, snorkeling, floating, and gentle fishing.
• Comfortable boat layout: Sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and a maximum group size of 25 make the trip feel manageable.
• Friendly, attentive service: The crew helps with equipment, boarding after swimming, photos, and special celebrations.
• Bring your own towel: Towels, sunscreen, and cocktails beyond the listed open bar are not included.

Why this Rethymno cruise works so well at sunset

This is not a sightseeing boat that rushes past the coast while you stand at a railing. It is built around a slow afternoon on the water. The catamaran leaves Rethymno Marina, cruises along the coast near Skaleta, anchors for water activities, serves food and drinks, and then positions you for sunset views before returning to port.

That rhythm matters. You are not asked to fill every minute with activity. You can swim for a while, dry off on a sunbed, eat sushi, and let the music and sea do the rest. If you want more action, the SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, inflatable flamingo, and fishing equipment are ready to use.

The group limit of 25 people is another useful detail. This is not a tiny private sail, but it is also not a large party boat. You should have room to find a comfortable place without feeling packed in, especially because the catamaran has separate sunny and shaded areas.

Boarding at Rethymno Marina

Plan to arrive at Rethymno Marina 15 minutes before departure. The crew wears DanEri T-shirts and meets you aboard the sailing catamaran Karina. A municipal parking lot is available at the marina, which helps if you are arriving by car.

Boarding begins with a glass of Prosecco and light Mediterranean finger food. You also receive a short safety briefing before departure. This is a sensible start, since the afternoon includes swimming and moving around a boat.

The port authorities require full names, dates of birth, passport or ID numbers, and nationalities for every passenger when you book. Keep your identification details accurate, and provide an email address for the voucher. The QR code is sent one day before the cruise and serves as your ticket.

The boat is advertised as wheelchair accessible, but the practical details of boarding and moving around on deck can vary. If you use a wheelchair or have a mobility concern, contact the crew before booking so they can explain the current setup.

The first hour: settling into the catamaran

Once the catamaran leaves the marina, you have about an hour to settle in and enjoy the coast. The music is described as soft and cheerful rather than a loud party soundtrack, so the mood is better suited to conversation, photos, and watching the sea.

The modern catamaran gives you several ways to spend this first stretch. Sit in a shaded lounge if you want a break from the sun, or claim a sunbed for a more open view. The spacious deck is one of the strongest practical features here, since it lets you change position during a three-and-a-half-hour outing.

Drinks are available through the open bar. Included choices are water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, and detox water. A protein cocktail is also listed. Cocktails and other drinks outside this selection cost extra, so do not assume the open bar covers every alcoholic option.

There is free Wi-Fi on board, which is useful for sending a quick photo or message. Still, the real value is having a few hours when you can put your phone away. The crew can also help take photos, including pictures on the pink flamingo float.

Geropotamos Beach and the main swimming stop

The main pause is near Geropotamos Beach, where the boat anchors for about 75 minutes. This is the most active part of the cruise, and it gives the afternoon a clear purpose beyond simply watching the coast pass by.

The crew prepares masks, fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the flamingo float. You can choose your level of effort. Paddleboarding suits anyone who wants a little movement, while the noodles and swimming jackets make it easier to relax in the water.

Snorkeling gear is included, but the experience depends on sea conditions and visibility on the day. You can also try the complete fishing set for a gentle fishing activity. The listing says not to touch marine life, a good rule for protecting the water and avoiding unnecessary contact.

Getting back aboard after swimming can be awkward on any boat. Here, the crew has been praised for giving people steady help and keeping an eye on safety as they climb back up. Life jackets are provided, and the boat has an outdoor shower for rinsing off salt water.

If you have limited swimming ability, ask for a swimming jacket before entering the water. If you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or have a child under two, check with the team before booking. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95.

Sushi, Cretan snacks, and the open bar

Food is more substantial than a simple bag of snacks. You receive a platter of assorted sushi rolls, along with Mediterranean finger foods and local Cretan snacks. A fresh seasonal fruit plate is also served later.

The sushi is an unusual choice for a Crete boat trip, but it fits the relaxed format. It is easy to eat on deck and gives the meal a lighter feel than a formal lunch. You can enjoy it while looking out over the sea rather than sitting down for a long service.

The Cretan snacks add a local note, though this should not be treated as a full traditional Cretan meal. If you are hungry enough to need a large lunch, consider eating beforehand. The supplied food is part of the experience, but the cruise is mainly about leisure, not a serious food tour.

The open bar adds real value to the $100 price. Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included, along with coffee and tea. Since premium drinks and cocktails cost extra, ask what is included before ordering something beyond the standard selection.

Red wine is not allowed on board. Glass objects, smoking indoors, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are also prohibited. Shoes are not worn indoors, so choose footwear that is easy to remove.

Sunset near the coast

As the afternoon fades, the boat moves into the sunset portion of the trip. The sea, changing sky, and view back toward the Cretan coast become the main attraction. This is also when the catamaran’s deck layout pays off, since you can move around to find a clear view without crowding one small rail.

The sunset is weather-dependent, naturally. Clear conditions can produce the dramatic colors you want, but clouds, wind, and haze may change the scene. The crew can help with photos, which is especially useful if you are marking a birthday, anniversary, or family occasion.

For celebrations, tell DanEri Yachts in advance. A branded gift is included for special occasions, and the crew has also prepared birthday surprises such as a cake and a song. That kind of attention can make this more personal than a standard scheduled boat ride.

The return to Rethymno begins after sunset. You are back at the marina after roughly three and a half hours, with the final hour spent sailing toward port.

How the crew shapes the experience

The strongest feature here is the crew’s attentiveness. Their job is not only to serve drinks. They help set out water equipment, assist with swimming, check on people in rougher conditions, refresh drinks, and take photos.

Crew members named Nana, Yannis, Banos, and Sepdos have received particular praise for being friendly and involved. One important point is that the crew cannot control the wind or waves, but they can adjust the plan. On a windy day, the catamaran may move to a quieter area so you can swim in calmer water.

That flexibility matters. A boat ride can become uncomfortable when the crew sticks rigidly to a route despite poor conditions. Here, the reported approach is to find a more sheltered swimming area when possible. It does not remove the risk of seasickness, but it can make a rough day more manageable.

English and Greek are spoken. The group can also be booked privately, which may suit a family celebration or a small group that wants more control over the mood.

What $100 gets you

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to watch a sunset in Rethymno. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a professional crew, three and a half hours on the water, food, drinks, water equipment, and the convenience of returning to the same marina.

The value improves if you plan to use several inclusions. Someone who swims, tries the SUP, eats the sushi, and enjoys a few glasses of wine will receive more from the price than someone who only wants a short scenic sail.

You should also compare it with the cost of arranging these pieces separately. A private boat, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and sunset timing would usually require more planning and may cost more. The shared format keeps the price more controlled, while the 25-person limit avoids the scale of a large excursion boat.

Hotel transfers are not included, though they can be arranged on request for certain areas. Pickup options include Bali Village, and listed drop-off areas include Skaleta, Platanes, Stavromenos, Rethymno, Panormo, Paralia Kourna, Pigianos Kampos, Sfakaki, Adelianos Kampos, Bali, Sofokli Venizelou 108, and Georgioupoli. Check the selected option carefully, since pickup depends on the booking choice.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this cruise for couples who want a polished sunset outing without a formal dinner, families who want easy water activities, and friends who like a social afternoon with drinks and music. Solo visitors can also fit in well, since the crew creates an open and friendly setting.

It is particularly good for a birthday or anniversary. Tell the crew ahead of time, and the branded gift or other special touch can turn a pleasant cruise into a real occasion.

You should think twice if you dislike being on open water, are prone to seasickness, or need a very calm and predictable schedule. The boat is weather-dependent, and even a well-run catamaran can feel rough in wind. Take the forecast seriously and ask the team for advice before committing.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Towels and personal care items are not supplied. The boat has a toilet and outdoor shower, but private cabin use is only available on request and is not guaranteed.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Departure times vary, so check availability for your date.

Do not arrive late. Port rules mean the boat cannot wait for delayed passengers, and the operator is not responsible for missed departure caused by a late arrival or unforeseen events.

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled because of bad weather. That is not a flaw in the tour, but it is an important part of planning a sea outing in Crete. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if this is a major highlight of your holiday.

Should you book the Rethymno sunset catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable half-day on the water with real swimming time, included food and drinks, and a strong sunset finish. The friendly crew, roomy catamaran, and mix of shaded seating and water activities give the cruise broad appeal.

Skip it if you want a quiet private sailing trip, a full gourmet meal, or guaranteed calm seas. For most people who like a relaxed social outing, the $100 price is fair because it covers much more than a boat ride. Arrive early, bring a towel, watch the forecast, and save room for sushi and sunset photos.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 3.5 hours, including time sailing from Rethymno Marina, a stop near Geropotamos Beach, and the return after sunset.

What food is included?

You receive a welcome glass of Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, local Cretan snacks, a variety of sushi rolls, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, Greek white wine, coffee, tea, espresso, detox water, and a protein cocktail are included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside this selection cost extra.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Yes. The catamaran provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing equipment.

Where does the cruise depart?

Boarding takes place at Rethymno Marina aboard the catamaran Karina. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Municipal parking is available at the marina.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Towels and sunscreen are not provided.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise depends on sea and weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.