Rethymno Catamaran Cruise to Georgioupoli Bay with Lunch

Rethymno Venetian harbour and the Fortezza

Rethymno is one of the best-preserved old towns on Crete, a maze of Venetian mansions, Ottoman fountains and wooden balconies around a small round harbour. The stone lighthouse at the end of the harbour wall dates from the 19th century, and above the town stands the Fortezza, a huge star-shaped fortress built by the Venetians in the 1570s after pirate raids. The slender minaret of the Neratze Mosque still rises over the rooftops.

Your cruise starts at Rethymno port, where the crew welcomes you aboard with espresso, tea, detox water and a light breakfast bowl before a short safety briefing. As the catamaran leaves the harbour, you get one of the best views of the Fortezza walls and the old town from the sea, a picture that is hard to take from land. Arrive early if you want a short stroll on the harbour front first.

Cruising Crete's north coast

Between Rethymno and Chania the north coast of Crete alternates long sandy beaches with low cliffs, rocky headlands and small coves that are reachable only by sea. Behind the shore rise olive groves and, on clear days, the pale summits of the White Mountains to the west and the bulk of Mount Psiloritis to the east.

The sail out takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, enough time to settle on a sunbed or in the shade, listen to soft music and watch the coastline change. The crew points out landmarks along the way and adjusts the course to the sea conditions, keeping the ride as smooth as possible. In July and August the meltemi wind can make the sea choppier in the afternoon, which is why the captain chooses the destination on the morning of the cruise.

Georgioupoli Bay

Georgioupoli is a former fishing village at the mouth of the Almyros river, where a long sandy beach stretches for several kilometres towards Kavros. Its best-known sight is the small white chapel of Agios Nikolaos, built on a rock in the sea and reached by a narrow stone path. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on these beaches in summer, and the clear, shallow water of the bay is ideal for swimming.

The catamaran anchors in the bay for almost three hours. You can swim from the boat, snorkel along the rocks, try a stand-up paddleboard, float on a noodle or simply sunbathe on the nets. Gourmet snacks and then lunch are served during the stop. If you are wondering how to get to Georgioupoli Bay from Rethymno without a car, this cruise is one of the most relaxed ways to see it.

Skaleta: the alternative anchorage

When the wind blows from the west, the captain heads east instead, to the coast near Skaleta, a quiet stretch between Rethymno and Panormo. Here the shore breaks into rocky coves and small sandy bays with very clear water, sheltered from the prevailing wind and usually calmer than the open coast.

The programme at Skaleta is the same as at Georgioupoli: a long swim stop with paddleboards, snorkelling and lunch on board, then the sail back to Rethymno. Both destinations are known for their scenery and water quality, so the choice never takes away from the day; it simply makes sure you enjoy the calmest sea available. Our team confirms the plan with you on WhatsApp if the destination changes.

Life on board: food, activities and comfort

The menu is designed by a Greek chef to let you taste several Cretan flavours in one meal: a light brunch in the morning, snacks at anchor and a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch with salads, local dips, vegetables, rice or pasta and meat or fish. Vegetarian dishes are available; Halal meals are limited on Crete, so tell us your needs when booking and we will check what can be prepared.

The catamaran has sunbeds, shaded lounges, a toilet and an outdoor shower, plus paddleboards, masks and fins, swim vests, noodles and life jackets. Coffee, tea, water and soft drinks are included throughout. The boat takes only a small number of guests, so there is plenty of space to relax. Glass objects, pets and smoking indoors are not allowed on board.