Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the timing. You spend the afternoon swimming and snacking in Saint George Bay, then watch the Cretan sun sink behind the sea from the deck. I like the sushi with Mediterranean finger food and the open bar, which includes local beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water.

I also like the spacious catamaran, with sunbeds, shade, an outdoor shower, and enough room to spread out. You get SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, and even fishing equipment. The main thing to consider is the sea: choppy conditions have made some passengers seasick, and the swimming stop can be busy with other boats.

Key points

• Sunset at Saint George Bay: Cruise past rugged cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris.
• Sushi and a Greek open bar: Enjoy sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, local beer, white wine, soft drinks, espresso, tea, and detox water.
• Small-group sailing: The catamaran carries no more than 20 people, with a private-group option available.
• Useful water equipment: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are provided.
• Good comfort aboard: You have sunbeds, a shaded lounge, an onboard WC, an outdoor shower, music, and free Wi-Fi.
• A real seasickness question: Take the forecast seriously, and follow the skipper’s advice about where to sit if the water is rough.

Why the Sunset Timing Makes This Cruise Special

Many boat trips around Crete are built around a daytime swim. This one saves its best view for the end. You leave Hersonissos in the afternoon, spend time on the water at Saint George Bay, and return after sunset, when the coast and sea take on softer colors.

That timing gives the outing a pleasant rhythm. The first part is active, with swimming and paddleboarding. The middle is relaxed, with food and drinks on deck. The final stretch is all about the sky, music, and views from the catamaran.

I like this better than a simple sunset sail because you get several hours on the water rather than a short evening cruise. At the same time, it is not an all-day outing that takes over your holiday. The published duration is 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the day and departure time.

The setting is Saint George Bay, also known as Agios Georgios Bay. Rugged cliffs frame the water, with the Cave of Saint George nearby and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris above the coast. The chapel gives the area a distinctly Cretan character, while the sea provides the main stage for swimming and sunset views.

Starting at Hersonissos Port

You should arrive at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. This is not a tour to arrive late for, since port rules do not allow the boat to wait for delayed passengers.

At check-in, the crew welcomes you with Prosecco and light Mediterranean finger food. There is also a short safety briefing before the catamaran leaves. The welcome is simple but useful: you get a drink in hand, a chance to settle in, and the key safety information before the boat gets moving.

Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy. Port authorities require the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality of every passenger when you book. You will receive a QR code by email, normally one day before departure, and that code serves as your ticket.

Pickup is not automatically part of every booking. It can be arranged with the appropriate option from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, or Plaka. If you are staying elsewhere, plan your own way to the port unless your booking specifically includes transport.

The Catamaran Ride Across Malia Bay

The first sailing section lasts about an hour. This is your chance to find your favorite place on the boat before the swimming stop. The catamaran has open deck space with sunbeds, plus a shaded lounge for anyone who wants a break from the sun.

The size matters. With a maximum group of 20 people, the boat should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel. You can move between the sunny deck, shaded seating, and the water without feeling confined to one small area.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Their role includes the safety briefing, serving food and drinks, setting up the water equipment, and helping with photos. Free Wi-Fi is available, which is handy if you want to send a sunset photo before returning to port.

Music plays in the background, but this is not presented as a loud party cruise. The atmosphere is aimed at easy conversation, swimming, food, and a calm evening on the sea. That makes it a better match for couples, families, and small groups than for anyone seeking a high-energy nightclub on water.

If you are prone to seasickness, make a plan before leaving. One useful tip is to sit where the skipper recommends, especially on the return journey. A passenger who became ill received attentive help from the crew, but seasickness can still cost you much of the sunset. Check the forecast, eat sensibly beforehand, and bring medication if you normally need it.

Saint George Bay: Swimming, SUP, and Snorkeling

After the cruise across Malia Bay, the catamaran anchors near Saint George Bay for roughly two hours. This is the main activity stop. You can swim from the boat, try a SUP board, use the masks and fins, or simply float with a noodle.

The water is described as clear, and the bay is surrounded by rocky coastal scenery. The Cave of Saint George and the chapel above the sea add visual interest while you are on deck. This is a place for seeing the coast from the water, not for a formal guided visit to the cave or chapel.

The equipment list is generous. High-quality masks and fins are provided, along with swimming jackets and inflatable noodles. SUP boards are available, though one practical point came up: the boards may not have fins, which can make them harder to steer. If paddleboarding is important to you, keep your expectations modest and think of it as casual fun rather than a serious paddling session.

You can also try the fishing gear provided on board. The outing describes this as a gentle fishing activity, so it is best treated as an optional extra while relaxing near the bay. The inflatable pink flamingo is another lighthearted touch, particularly useful for photos.

The swimming stop may not be perfectly quiet. Other boats can anchor in the same area, and one account described the bay as crowded with loud boats. The crew may move farther along the coast for sunset, which helps balance the busier swim stop with a calmer final view.

Snorkeling is included, but the water may not offer much marine life. One passenger found the swim best for cooling off rather than for seeing underwater sights. If your priority is colorful fish and serious snorkeling, this is not the strongest reason to book. If you want a refreshing swim with equipment provided, it fits well.

Sushi, Fruit, and the Open Bar

The food is more substantial than a drink-only boat trip, but you should still think of it as light meal service. You receive a variety of sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit.

The sushi is a welcome change from the usual sandwich or basic snack found on many boat outings. It also suits an evening cruise, since you can eat a little at a time while sitting on deck rather than stopping for a formal meal.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also listed. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra, so do not assume every drink behind the bar is included.

The food and drink setup adds real value to the $94 price. You are paying for a modern catamaran, crew, water equipment, several hours of sailing, a swim stop, sushi, fruit, and an open bar. A similar land-based sunset meal with drinks can quickly become expensive in a resort area, although the value depends on how much you eat, drink, and use the equipment.

One useful warning: the food may not carry you through the whole night if you have a large appetite. The cruise can return around 9 p.m. in late summer, so eat beforehand if your hotel does not serve late food. The snacks are enjoyable, but this is not a full dinner replacement for everyone.

Watching the Sun Set from the Deck

The final part of the outing is the reason many people will choose this cruise over a standard afternoon sail. As the sun drops, the crew positions the boat for views across the sea. You can sit on the deck, stay in the shaded area, or find a comfortable spot near the rail.

The catamaran gives you more than one way to enjoy the moment. Some people will want the open view and direct sun. Others will prefer the shaded lounge, especially after several hours outside. The boat also has an outdoor shower, useful after swimming, and an onboard WC.

The music helps set the mood without making the sunset feel like a formal performance. You are free to talk, take photos, or simply watch the light change. The crew can help capture photos, and the flamingo float offers a playful option for pictures earlier in the cruise.

Sunset conditions are never fully guaranteed. Clouds, wind, and rough water can change the feel of the evening. The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are poor. If the sea is rough, you may spend more time managing the motion than admiring the horizon.

How the $94 Price Measures Up

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Hersonissos. It is also not just a basic boat ride. The price includes the catamaran, professional crew, welcome Prosecco, sushi, fruit, open-bar drinks, water activities, safety equipment, Wi-Fi, music, and insurance.

I see the strongest value in the combination of small group size and included food and drinks. You are not paying extra each time you want a beer, glass of wine, soft drink, or bottle of water. The SUP, snorkeling gear, noodles, and swim vests are also included, so a family or couple can use the stop without renting separate equipment.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike sushi, or mainly want a quiet swim. The cruise also loses some appeal if you are very sensitive to motion or are hoping for a serious snorkeling site. In those cases, a shorter coastal trip or a land-based sunset outing may suit you better.

Private groups are available, but the supplied information does not state the private-group price. Ask for the exact cost before booking if privacy matters to you.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise

This outing suits couples looking for a polished evening on the sea, especially if sunset photos and good drinks matter as much as swimming. It also works for families, since toys can be provided for children by request, and the boat carries swim vests and noodles.

A group of friends will appreciate the flexible mix of activities. You can paddle, snorkel, fish, eat, drink, and relax without everyone having to do the same thing at once.

It may not suit pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95, as these groups are specifically excluded. Families with children under two should speak with the crew before booking. Anyone with mobility or health concerns should also check in advance.

The cruise is not a good match if you need guaranteed calm water. Several passengers have found rough conditions uncomfortable, even when the crew handled the situation carefully. I would avoid booking it on the last evening of your holiday if seasickness could spoil an important night.

Practical Details to Know Before You Go

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels and personal care items are not supplied. You should also carry the required identification or a copy.

The cruise leaves from Hersonissos Port, with check-in 15 minutes before departure. Departure times vary, so check availability when booking. The total duration is listed as 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled for bad weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

For a birthday or anniversary, tell the crew in advance. A complimentary branded gift can be arranged for special occasions. That is a small detail, but it can make the evening feel more personal without turning the whole boat into a staged celebration.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you want a polished half-day outing with a genuine swim stop, plenty of included drinks, sushi, and a strong sunset finish. The modern boat, 20-person limit, friendly crew, and useful water equipment make the $94 price reasonable for an evening that combines several activities.

Think twice if you are prone to seasickness, need a quiet uncrowded swimming bay, or expect a full dinner and serious snorkeling. For most couples, families, and small groups staying around Hersonissos, this is a well-rounded way to see the coast from the water. Bring a towel, take the weather forecast seriously, and save room for the sunset.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Exact departure times and duration depend on availability and conditions.

What food is included?

You receive welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. The food is best viewed as light meal service rather than a guaranteed full dinner.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other premium alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is also available.

Are towels provided?

No. Bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional and must be selected with the appropriate booking option. Transfer service can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, or Plaka.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Children can join, and a box of toys is available by request. If you are traveling with a child under two, check with the crew before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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