Sailing to Marathi Bay on a modern, semi-private catamaran is one of those Crete days built for relaxing. I like that your morning starts easy, with espresso and a healthy breakfast bowl, then shifts into playtime once the boat anchors.

I’m especially sold on the nutritionist-designed lunch and the do-not-overthink-it water activities, from snorkeling gear to SUPs and the pink flamingo float. One thing to keep in mind: this trip depends on good weather, so you should be ready for a date change if conditions turn.

Key Highlights to Look For

• Small group size with a maximum of 20 people, so the day stays calm
• Open bar included with unlimited local beer and white wine, plus water and soft drinks
• Marathi Bay anchor time with a full toy setup: SUPs, sea scooter, inflatable slide, snorkeling gear
• Lunch designed for lighter eating, with vegetarian and children’s options on request
• Comfort extras like onboard WC, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and a music setup

Setting Off From Souda Port at 9:30, With Food Already in Your Hands

The day begins at Ellis 1, Souda (Souda Port) with a 9:30 am start. That early timing is a plus, because it gives you time to enjoy the sea before the day gets busy and warm. The group is kept small, up to 20, which matters when you want the vibe to stay friendly and not crowded.

Before you even settle in, the crew brings welcome drinks like espresso, tea, water, and protein cocktails. There’s also a light brunch option, served as a bowl, so you’re not starting the boat portion hungry. It’s a smart setup for Crete, because once you’re out on the water, you’ll likely want your energy steady.

The Cruise Toward Marathi Bay: Relax First, Then Play

On the water, you’ll have time to do the simple stuff well. Think soft sunbeds, calm sea views, and steady access to drinks. You can take in the coastline and open horizon without rushing from one stop to the next, because the schedule is built around one main bay experience rather than a checklist.

This is the part of the day that’s hardest to recreate on your own. Chartering just the boat is one thing, but the included setup makes it feel effortless. You’re not managing gear, food, or the timing. You can just settle, sip, and let the morning pass.

If you get motion discomfort easily, consider that you’ll be on a moving catamaran for the travel segments. The good news is that your time shifts quickly from sailing into anchored swimming and activities.

Anchor Time at Marathi Bay: SUPs, Sea Scooter, Snorkeling, and the Pink Flamingo Float

Once the catamaran drops anchor, the real fun starts. The crew sets up a whole kit of water toys: SUPs, an inflatable water slide, a sea scooter, snorkeling gear, and fishing equipment. There are also inflatable noodles and comfort items onboard, so you can stay in the fun without feeling like you need to be an athlete.

A standout is the pink flamingo float. It’s playful in a way that actually works for photos, but it’s also a quick way to signal that this is not a stiff sightseeing boat. You’ll see people getting into the bay rhythm, floating, taking turns on the equipment, and relaxing between sessions.

Snorkeling gear is included, including high-quality masks and fins. Fishing gear is included too, described as a gentle setup. If you like the idea of trying a little of everything, this is where you can do that without paying extra.

Practical tip: since towels are not included, plan to bring your own or use something small you can dry with later. And if you’re planning to do the sea scooter or snorkeling, give yourself a moment to get comfortable with the gear before you hop in.

The Cretan Lunch You’ll Actually Look Forward To

Food is often the weak link on boat trips. Not here. Lunch is designed by a certified nutritionist, and it’s positioned as light and healthy without feeling bland. The menu uses fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farms, which is a big part of why the meal lands well in a sea setting.

The sample menu shows what they aim for in style and variety:

• Greek salad and green salad
• Oven-baked chicken fillet, shrimp pasta, and mussels
• Fruits for dessert

Menus change with the seasons, so you’re not always getting the same plate. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, you can request it, as well as a children’s option. That’s an important detail for families, because it means your meal plan doesn’t have to be a compromise.

The pacing is also thoughtful. You’re fed after the bay playtime, so you’re hungry but not rushed. And because unlimited drinks are part of the experience, lunch can feel like a real meal rather than a quick snack stop.

Drinks, Music, Wi-Fi, and Onboard Comfort That Matter More Than You Think

Unlimited drinks are included throughout the entire cruise, including local beer and white wine, plus water and soft drinks. The open bar is part of the value because it removes the constant decision-making. You can stick to water, switch to wine at lunch, and keep it simple without watching your wallet.

A few comfort details also help the day run smoothly:

• Onboard WC and an outdoor shower
• Life jackets and swimming jackets included
• Music onboard and free Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is not usually a deciding factor on a boat day, but it’s a nice backup if you want to handle messages or map timing. The outdoor shower is the practical hero, especially after swimming, snorkeling, or sea activities.

Also included are personal feminine hygiene products, plus a branded memorable gift for special occasions. Those are small touches, but they signal that the day is run like a premium outing rather than a last-minute rental.

Getting the Most Out of Your Time on Board

This trip is built for a specific kind of day: a relaxed morning that turns into water play, then a nice lunch, then calm sailing back. To get the most out of it, I’d plan your mindset for that flow.

Here’s how I’d do it:

• Start by settling in early and enjoying the sailing portion. It’s calm, and you’re also burning off your appetite.
• When you anchor, try one or two activities first. With multiple options, it’s easy to spread yourself too thin.
• Save snorkeling for when you feel warmed up. You’ll enjoy it more if you are not rushing.
• Eat lunch slowly. It’s part of why this day feels like a treat.

The crew is also a major part of the experience. The overall vibe described by past guests is friendly, attentive, and accommodating, with a sense that the team knows how to keep things moving without being intrusive. That is the difference between a boat that feels organized and one that feels chaotic.

Price and Value: Why $153.78 Can Be a Smart Spend Here

At $153.78 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for more than a catamaran ride. You’re getting:

• Professional English-speaking crew
• Brunch at the start, plus a full nutritionist-designed lunch
• Unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine)
• Snorkeling gear, SUPs, sea scooter, fishing gear, and inflatables including a flamingo float and water slide
• Music and free Wi-Fi onboard, plus basic comfort items like life jackets and swimming jackets

If you try to build this day on your own, you’d have to handle boat access, meals, and the equipment setup. Even if you only value the food and the included activities, the package can feel like a good deal. The small group size also helps, because it keeps the day from feeling like a crowded ferry with a lunch box.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise to Marathi Bay

This is a great match if you want a Crete sea day that feels active but not demanding. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, because safety and comfort items are provided and the activities are optional.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a calm, premium day on the water
• Families, since children’s options and a kids’ toy box are available on request
• People who care about food, because lunch is a real meal with seasonal variety
• Anyone who wants value without worrying about adding extras, since drinks and gear are included

If you hate the idea of weather affecting plans, keep in mind the trip requires good weather. That doesn’t mean it’s risky, it just means you should stay flexible and not stack it with something that can’t change.

Should You Book This Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a day that blends relaxation, included activities, and a lunch you won’t regret. The combination of unlimited drinks, water toys, snorkeling gear, and a nutritionist-designed Cretan meal makes it feel like a complete experience rather than a simple transfer by boat.

I’d skip it if you dislike being on the water for several hours, or if you’re very strict about needing a towel or sunscreen provided (those aren’t included). And because the experience depends on weather, I’d only book it when your schedule has some breathing room.

Overall, this is the kind of trip that makes Crete feel easy, with a crew that keeps the day smooth and a bay that gives you the best excuse to stay in the water longer.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

Where do I meet for the Premium Catamaran Cruise?

You meet at Ellis 1, Souda 732 00, Greece.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included, and does it have vegetarian options?

Yes. Lunch is included and it is nutritionist-designed. Vegetarian and children’s options are available on request.

What drinks are included during the cruise?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included throughout the entire cruise.

What water activities and equipment are provided?

You get snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), fishing gear, swimming jackets, inflatables like noodles and a flamingo float, an inflatable water slide, and a sea scooter.

Do I get hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.