Rethymno is a treasure for those who love crystal-clear waters, scenic coastlines, and the gentle hum of a boat engine. With its prime location on Crete’s northern coast, this charming town offers a variety of boat experiences that suit all tastes—whether you’re dreaming of a romantic sunset cruise, a family adventure, or exploring hidden beaches. Our favorite? The Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Wine and Snacks, which gets rave reviews for its combination of stunning views and relaxed vibe. Imagine sipping Prosecco as the sun dips below the horizon, all in comfort on a luxurious catamaran. It’s the perfect way to end a day in Crete.
From luxury sunset cruises to day trips exploring remote villages and beaches, Rethymno’s marine options are richly varied. If you’re after a romantic escape, a private cruise might be just the ticket. Traveling with family? Some tours include snorkeling, swimming, or fun inflatables. And for those interested in local flavors, many include onboard Cretan snacks and regional wines. All these experiences promise memorable moments, whether you’re on deck with friends or enjoying a peaceful solo outing.
Below, we’ve rounded up the 14 best boat tours and cruises in Rethymno. We’ve included options that suit different budgets, time constraints, and interests—so you can pick the one that matches your travel style.
1. Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Wine and Snacks
Set sail on a luxurious catamaran for a memorable sunset cruise. This trip includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, unlimited drinks, and light local snacks. The itinerary features stops at Geropotamos beach for photos and scenic views, plus a scenic cruise of over an hour along the coast. The boat glides smoothly, offering fantastic opportunities for photos of the sunset, with free WiFi so you can instantly share your favorite moments. The reviews are glowing, praising the crew’s helpfulness, the generous snacks, and the overall relaxing atmosphere. Perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting a special evening. Price-wise, at $96 per person, it offers good value for such a well-reviewed experience.
Bottom Line: A top pick for those seeking a relaxed, scenic evening with excellent service and unobstructed sunset views.
2. Panormo: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Snacks & Prosecco
This tour from Panormo offers a luxury experience aboard one of Crete’s newest catamarans. It’s a 3.5 to 4-hour cruise that starts with a Prosecco toast and includes unlimited local wine, beer, and light snacks. The highlight is the chance to relax as the boat gently rocks toward Geropotamos beach, with plenty of time for photos and water fun—snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even a playful inflatable flamingo! The reviews commend the boat’s comfort and the friendly staff. At $100 per person, it’s slightly pricier but justifies itself with the high-end vessel and fun water activities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a luxurious, all-inclusive sunset cruise with options for active water play.
3. From Rethymno/Chania: Loutro Day Trip by Boat
For a full-day adventure, this trip explores Loutro, a quaint village famous for its white houses and clear waters. Departing from Rethymno or Chania, the tour offers around five hours of free time to explore on your own, swim in the azure waters, and enjoy local seafood by the sea. The journey includes a scenic sail through the mountains, with stops at Chora Sfakion and Loutro itself. Past travelers praise the tour’s well-organized schedule and the chance to experience a true slice of Crete’s tranquil coast. It’s best suited for those ready for a long day out, with a comprehensive itinerary but plenty of free time to wander.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting to combine a scenic boat ride with independent exploration of a charming Greek village.
4. Rethymno: Private Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks
At number 4 on our list, the Private Catamaran Cruise offers a personalized experience. You can rent this spacious vessel for up to 10 people for around $2,146, making it a luxurious choice for special occasions or intimate groups. The cruise explores Ombros Gialos Bay, with options for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing on deck as you enjoy a fresh Cretan lunch prepared onboard. The WiFi and onboard music add to the comfort, and the itinerary includes scenic sailing past Georgioupoli. This experience is best for those valuing exclusivity and tailored service, and the reviews mention the stunning views and the delicious local cuisine.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a private, all-inclusive celebration or romantic getaway with luxury amenities.
5. Rethymno: Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Drinks
This full-day cruise combines sunset views with a light dinner, making it a flexible option for a relaxed evening. Starting from Port Rethymno, you’ll enjoy stops for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding, plus scenic coastlines. As the boat moves along the coast, you’ll savor a delicious, organic Cretan dinner accompanied by drinks. With reviews praising the organic food and the opportunity to unwind with family or friends, this cruise is perfect for those who want an all-in-one experience. It’s priced by the day, allowing you to spend a leisurely evening on the water.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a combination of water activities and a relaxed dinner cruise.
6. Crete: Elounda Boat Trip with BBQ
A longer, 10-hour trip from Elounda takes you past the island of Spinalonga, famous for its leper colony history, and offers swimming at Kolokytha Bay. The highlight is the authentic Cretan BBQ on board, paired with visits to charming spots like Agios Nikolaos. The reviews note the excellent boat and the informative commentary about local history. It’s best suited for those interested in combining a scenic cruise with cultural insights and a hearty meal. The logistics involve a full day out, perfect if your schedule allows.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking to combine history, culture, and a substantial meal on a leisurely boat trip.
7. Rethymno: Private Sunset Cruise with Wine and Snacks
This private cruise offers an ultra-exclusive experience, ideal for romantic occasions. Meeting at DanEri Yachts, you’ll enjoy scenic coastal views, wine, and light snacks, topped off with a picturesque sunset at Panormos. The cruise lasts 3.5 hours and can be tailored to your preferences, with the added bonus of onboard WiFi and your own playlist. Past reviews highlight the personalized service and breathtaking scenery. It’s a premium experience, priced accordingly, suited for couples or special celebrations.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, romantic sunset with personalized touches.
8. Sunset Boat Trip with Drinks and Swim Stop to South Rethymno
A shorter, 2.5-hour evening cruise, this trip explores Plakias Bay with a swim stop and complimentary fruits, juice, wine, and Raki. It’s an affordable way to enjoy the magic of Crete’s sunset with a relaxed vibe and a chance to cool off in the sea. The review mentions it as a “magical cruise,” making it suitable for travelers wanting an easy, scenic evening without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, memorable sunset with drinks and swimming in a peaceful bay.
9. Rethymno: Mini Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop
For something light-hearted and fun, this pirate-themed cruise offers a 2.5-hour adventure past Fortezza Castle to Gerani Bay. It includes swimming, snacks, and lively music, making it a hit with families and kids. The reviews mention the entertaining crew and the kids’ enjoyment, although some find the boat basic. It’s priced at just over $39 per person, making it an affordable family outing.
Bottom Line: A playful trip perfect for families wanting a short, fun boat ride with swimming included.
10. All Day Cruise to Ombrosgialos, Rethymno and Seitan Limania
An 8-hour trip that hits some of Crete’s most stunning spots, including Seitan Limania’s wild bays and the crystal waters of Ombrosgialos. The tour departs from Marathi Beach, combining a city tour with a scenic boat ride. This is a full-day outing suited for travelers eager to explore multiple locations, with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing time. It’s praised for its well-organized schedule and the diversity of destinations.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a comprehensive day of swimming, sightseeing, and coastal exploration.
11. Crete: Arriving by Cruise Ship at Chania – Port of Souda
If your cruise dock includes Chania, this private tour offers visits to Rethymno old town, Lake Kournas, and a local olive oil farm. It’s perfect if you want to stretch your legs after a long cruise and explore Crete’s countryside. The tour includes transport, sightseeing, and tasting. While reviews note some language and vehicle limitations, the experience is appreciated for its personalized service and local flavor.
Bottom Line: An ideal post-cruise option for a brief, yet enriching, introduction to Crete.
12. Day Boat Trip: Preveli-Triopetra-Agios Pavlos from Rethymno
This 11-hour tour takes you from Rethymno to some iconic southern coast beaches. Highlights include a walk through Kourtaliotiko Gorge, swimming at Preveli Palm Beach, and exploring the sand dunes at Agios Pavlos. The trip features a river boat ride and several swim stops, making it suitable for active travelers. The reviews commend the scenic stops and diverse landscapes, though the long day might be tiring for some.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see Crete’s wild south and enjoy multiple swimming spots.
13. Day cruise to Georgioupolis Bay from Rethymno port
A seven-hour cruise on a premium catamaran takes you to Georgioupolis Bay. It offers a relaxed day with options to swim, snorkel, and fish, plus a tasty local buffet. The reviews highlight the beautiful views and friendly crew. This trip is well-suited for families and groups wanting a comfortable day at sea without the longer excursions.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a calm, scenic day with opportunities for water activities and a good meal.
14. Rethymno-Santorini Island 1 Day Cruise
The longest on our list, this 12-hour cruise offers breathtaking views of Santorini’s caldera, with stops in Oia and Fira. It’s perfect for romantics and those wanting to see famous Mediterranean sights in a day. The ferry journey is smooth, and reviews mention the stunning scenery and the convenience of multiple pickup points. It’s a pricier option at $298 per person but provides a comprehensive experience of one of Greece’s most iconic islands.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting to combine a scenic cruise with visits to Santorini’s top spots in one day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in Rethymno
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. For a romantic sunset experience, the Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Wine and Snacks is hard to beat. For families or those wanting an active day, the Day Boat Trip to Preveli and Seitan Limania offers swimming, exploring, and scenic landscapes. If privacy and luxury are your priorities, the Private Sunset Cruise provides a personalized experience.
Think about the duration—shorter cruises like the Sunset Boat Trip with Drinks are ideal for a quick evening, while full-day trips suit those eager to explore more. Also, consider whether you want a cultural experience like the Elounda BBQ trip or a scenic island visit, like the Santorini cruise.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular sunset cruises or private charters, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
To sum it up, Rethymno offers a wide variety of boat tours that cater to different desires—romantic sunsets, family fun, cultural explorations, or luxurious private charters. Whether you want to sip wine on deck, explore remote beaches, or enjoy a full-day adventure, there’s a maritime experience waiting for you. We suggest choosing based on your interests, budget, and schedule, and remember, many of these tours fill up quickly in high season. So, plan ahead and secure your spot early to make the most of your time on Crete’s beautiful waters.
