Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Trip – Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Rethymno sunset catamaran cruise comes late, when the boat turns home and the sun drops toward the Cretan Sea. Before that, you get a useful mix of swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, sushi, and drinks rather than three and a half hours of sitting still.

I especially like the comfortable catamaran layout, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and a toilet. I also like the crew’s family-friendly touch: kids can use the SUP boards and floaties, and fishing gear and a box of toys are available. The main caution is the sea. Rough conditions have caused some very poor outings, so check the forecast and ask about the weather before you sail.

Key points to know before you book

• The sunset is the main event: The cruise is timed so the return journey catches the changing gold and pink light over the sea.
• Swimming comes with useful gear: You can use masks, fins, SUP boards, life jackets, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo.
• The open bar has clear limits: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and other alcohol cost extra.
• The crew can make the evening: Vito, Slavik, George, and Sergei have all been praised for warm, attentive service, though the exact crew may vary.
• Sea conditions matter more than the menu: High waves can cancel swimming, make food difficult to enjoy, and cause serious seasickness.
• The boat holds up to 25 people: That is a fairly small group, but the experience can still feel crowded when everyone gathers on deck.

Setting sail from Rethymno

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno. The trip lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes and ends back at the same place. The supplied booking information also names Heraklion as the location, so check your confirmation carefully if you are staying outside Rethymno. The actual departure and return point given for this cruise is in Rethymno.

You begin with a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food. That small welcome matters because it gets the evening moving without making you wait for the main meal. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available, which is a nice range for people who do not want alcohol right away.

A short safety briefing follows. The crew then points out the life jackets and the boat’s facilities before heading toward a sheltered bay or swimming area. The exact route depends on the sea and wind, so you should think of the listed activities as planned possibilities, not fixed stops carved in stone.

The catamaran is designed for relaxed cruising. Sunbeds and shaded lounges give you a choice between full sun and cover, while the music stays in the background. The deck is the place to sit if you want the broadest view, but the netting at the front has a special appeal. You can lie above the water and watch the sea move below you.

The swimming stop and water equipment

Once the boat anchors, the evening becomes more active. The crew brings out snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the bright pink flamingo. Fishing gear is also available for a gentle try at fishing rather than a serious angling session.

This is a good feature for families. Children between five and eight have enjoyed the SUP boards and floaties, and the crew may invite children to help with simple parts of the return journey. A toy box is available by request. The water activities also give teenagers something to do besides take sunset photographs, which can be a real benefit on a family holiday.

You should bring a swimsuit even though swimming is not mentioned in the main title. Bring a towel too, since towels are not included. Sunscreen and personal care items are also your responsibility. The outdoor shower is useful after saltwater swimming, but it does not replace a towel or a change of clothes.

Snorkeling is dependent on conditions. In calm water, this can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip, along with paddleboarding and fishing. In rough water, it may be shortened or skipped. Several poor experiences came from high waves, when passengers could not safely enjoy the planned water stop.

The water may also feel cool, even in the warm Cretan season. One family chose not to swim for that reason and still enjoyed the cruise. You do not have to enter the water to get value from the trip, but you should book it expecting that the sea portion could be affected by wind, waves, or temperature.

Sushi, fruit, and an open bar at sea

After the water stop, the crew serves a plate of assorted sushi rolls. It is not a full restaurant meal, so do not book this as a dinner cruise if you expect several courses. It is better understood as a generous snack or light meal served with the view as your dining room.

Fresh seasonal fruit follows, and finger foods are available at the start. The drink package includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. You can also have espresso, tea, and other nonalcoholic options. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the included selection are not part of the price.

At $102.58 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you use. You are paying for the boat, crew, equipment, food, drinks, and sunset setting in one package. If you swim, use the SUP boards, enjoy the sushi, and have a few included drinks, the price is reasonable for a half-evening on the water.

The value is weaker if you cannot tolerate boats, avoid alcohol and seafood, or mainly want a short sunset sail. The swimming equipment and food are helpful extras, but the sunset remains the feature you are really buying. I would compare the cost with a basic sunset sailing trip before booking, then ask yourself if the open bar and activities justify the difference.

Why the return trip is the highlight

The route is planned around the sunset on the way back. This timing is important. The outward journey gives you daylight for the safety briefing, boat orientation, and water activities. The return is slower and more peaceful, with the sun lowering over the sea.

The best seats change as the light changes. The front netting is ideal if you want to stretch out, while a shaded lounge is better if the sun has been strong. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire return looking at a screen. The changing colors are part of the reason to book an evening cruise instead of a daytime outing.

The sunset has been the most consistently praised part of the experience. The sea can turn gold, pink, or orange, and the quiet return gives the evening a romantic feel. Couples will find the timing appealing, but the atmosphere is not reserved for them. Solo passengers can settle in with a drink, and families have enough room to spread out when the boat is not full.

Music plays on board, but this is not presented as a party cruise. The better description is relaxed and social. You can talk with other passengers, listen to the crew, or sit quietly while the boat heads back to Rethymno.

The crew and the human side of the cruise

Service is one of the stronger reasons to choose this outing. The crew is English-speaking and handles the safety briefing, equipment, food, drinks, and general comfort on board. Several crew names appear in the experience feedback, including Vito, Slavik, George, and Captain Sergei. They may not all be working on your departure, but the personal service seems to be a recurring part of the operation.

George has been especially appreciated for sharing stories about Greek gods, mythology, Dias, and Crete. That kind of conversation adds something beyond the standard boat routine. If you are curious about the area, ask questions rather than expecting a formal guided lecture.

The crew has also helped passengers with walking difficulties and made efforts to include children. That is encouraging, but you should still discuss your needs before booking. The boat has life jackets, a WC, an outdoor shower, and shaded seating, yet a catamaran remains a marine environment with steps, movement, and wet surfaces.

The strongest service comes when the sea is calm and the crew can focus on hospitality. In rough weather, their job changes to keeping people safe and dealing with seasickness. That can make the mood less carefree, even if the crew is trying hard.

Rough seas are the serious warning

This is the point I would not skip. Some departures have been badly affected by high waves. Passengers described trips where the boat rolled heavily, the snorkeling stop did not happen, drinks were not served, and food was difficult to eat because everyone had to hold on.

Another departure turned back after about 45 minutes because many people became unwell. The result was an early return without the planned swim or sunset. A passenger with severe seasickness was reportedly not able to leave at the intermediate beach, which made the rest of the trip particularly difficult.

You cannot control the sea, but you can reduce your risk. Check the forecast on the day, ask the operator whether the route is expected to be calm, and be realistic about your own seasickness. One passenger received seasickness tablets from the crew at the start, but you should not rely on that alone. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable preparation before the trip.

The cancellation policy says poor-weather cancellations qualify for a different date or a full refund. That is reassuring if the operator cancels. It does not remove the risk of a trip going ahead in weather that feels unpleasant to you, so a direct weather check with the company is worthwhile.

Group size, comfort, and practical details

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is much more manageable than a large excursion boat, though the boat may still feel crowded around the food table, swimming ladder, or front netting. One positive account also described the cruise as not too crowded, while another found it busier than expected.

Free Wi-Fi is available, so you can share photographs during the cruise. It is a fun extra, though the sea views are better experienced without constantly checking your phone. Music, shaded areas, sunbeds, and the outdoor shower make this more comfortable than a simple open deck boat.

Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request. Public transportation is nearby. Plan to reach the Sofokli Venizelou 37 meeting point with enough time for check-in and the safety briefing.

Private cabins are not guaranteed and are available only on request. Do not book this expecting a private room. The normal experience is shared deck space, with the option to find a quieter corner when the group allows.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not met, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this sunset cruise most

I would recommend it to couples who want an easy evening with a memorable sunset, families who need water activities for children, and solo visitors who like a social setting without a party atmosphere. It also suits friends who want food, drinks, swimming, and photographs in one outing.

It is a good choice if you value convenience. You do not need to rent snorkeling equipment, buy drinks separately, or find a second activity after the beach. The crew supplies the main gear, and the boat returns to the same meeting point.

I would be cautious if you dislike motion, have strong seasickness, or need a perfectly fixed itinerary. The route and water stop can change with conditions. You should also think twice if sushi is your only expected meal, since the food is better viewed as a light meal and snack service.

The cruise is offered in English. Most people can participate, but anyone with mobility concerns should contact the operator before booking. The crew has shown kindness and flexibility, but the supplied information does not promise full wheelchair accessibility.

Should you book the Rethymno catamaran sunset trip?

Book it if you want a well-rounded evening at sea, not just a boat ride. The included sushi, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, and sunset make the $102.58 price fair when conditions cooperate.

I would make the booking flexible and avoid placing it on the final few hours of your holiday. That gives you room to move it if the weather looks rough. Ask about the sea forecast, bring a towel and swimsuit, and prepare for the possibility that swimming may be shortened or canceled.

In calm weather, this should be a lovely mix of activity and rest, with the sunset providing the lasting memory. In rough weather, it can become uncomfortable quickly. The boat, crew, and food are appealing, but the sea gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise finish?

It returns to the same meeting point in Rethymno.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes a glass of Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, assorted sushi rolls, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are provided. Fishing gear is also available. Water activities depend on sea conditions.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel, along with sunscreen and other personal care items.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.