Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the combination of proper time on the water and a beautiful sunset setting. You sail along Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay, stop for swimming and snorkeling near Saint George Bay, then settle in with sushi, drinks, and the evening sky above Crete.

I like the roomy catamaran, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and a toilet onboard. I also like the range of included activities: paddleboards, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, inflatable toys, and swimming jackets. The main consideration is that the sea can be choppy, and the crew may need to spend longer sailing before finding a calm swimming spot.

Key points

• Saint George Bay scenery: Look for the Cave of Saint George and the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris above the water.
• A real sunset outing: The cruise lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you time for sailing, swimming, food, and twilight views.
• Food and drinks included: Expect Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, beer, white wine, coffee, tea, and water.
• Small-group feel: The catamaran carries no more than 20 people, so it should feel less crowded than a large party boat.
• Good for mixed ages: Families can request a box of children’s toys, while adults have paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and fishing equipment.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and sunscreen are not included, and private cabin use is only available on request and is not guaranteed.

Sailing from Hersonissos toward Saint George Bay

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Agias Paraskevis 125 in Limenas Chersonisou. The trip begins with a welcome glass of Prosecco, a few Mediterranean finger foods, and a short safety briefing before the catamaran leaves the marina.

The route takes you along Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay. Saint George Bay is the scenic target, with clear water beneath rugged cliffs. The Cave of Saint George adds a little mystery to the coast, while the small white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris gives the bay a distinctly Cretan touch.

This is not a cruise built around a long list of shore visits. You will not be jumping off at several villages or monuments. The pleasure is simpler: open sea, a comfortable boat, a swimming stop, and the changing light over Crete.

The schedule can shift with the conditions. On one outing, the boat spent roughly an hour sailing before stopping in calmer water because the sea was choppy. That is useful to know if you are expecting an immediate swim. The delay is not wasted time, but people who want a long, fixed swimming session should keep their expectations flexible.

What the 3.5-hour schedule feels like

The advertised duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. One reported sailing time was approximately 4:15 to 7:45 p.m., though the exact departure and return will depend on the date and sunset.

The rhythm usually works like this:

1. You board at the Hersonissos meeting point and receive a welcome drink.
2. The crew gives a safety briefing and begins the coastal sail.
3. The catamaran stops in a suitable area for swimming and water activities.
4. You can use the snorkeling gear, paddleboards, inflatable noodles, or fishing equipment.
5. Sushi and other refreshments are served onboard.
6. The cruise continues into sunset before returning to the marina.

That gives you a useful balance. You get enough sailing to enjoy the coast, but you are not left sitting in one place for the entire afternoon. The sunset is the final event, so the mood gradually shifts from active to quiet as the light softens.

Keep in mind that a sunset cruise is not the best choice if you want hours of serious snorkeling. The water equipment is included, and you should have time to use it, but the main attraction is the whole evening at sea rather than underwater wildlife. One outing had clear water but no fish sightings, while another included flying fish. Marine life is a bonus, not a promise.

Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboards, and fishing

The swimming stop is the most active part of the cruise. The catamaran carries high-quality masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, and inflatable noodles. There is also a complete fishing set for a gentle fishing session.

You can choose your own pace. Strong swimmers might prefer snorkeling or paddleboarding, while younger children or less confident swimmers can use a life jacket or noodle. The inflatable flamingo adds a playful touch, especially for families taking photos.

The catamaran has an outdoor shower, which matters after saltwater swimming. You can rinse off before sitting down for food or watching the sunset. Towels are not supplied, so pack one in a small beach bag along with sunscreen and any personal care items.

The crew may choose the swimming area based on sea conditions. If the water is rough, the boat could spend more time underway before stopping. That is safer and more comfortable than forcing a swim in poor conditions, but the crew should explain the plan clearly. If the water is unsettled, ask early how long the stop is expected to last.

Sushi, snacks, and the open bar

The food is more ambitious than the usual chips and sandwiches found on short boat trips. After the water activities, you receive a plate of assorted sushi rolls, followed by a seasonal fruit plate later in the cruise. The welcome spread includes Mediterranean finger foods.

Drinks include unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also listed. You get a welcome glass of Prosecco, although the serving may be modest rather than a full pour.

This is good value for an afternoon activity because the food and drinks are part of the price rather than added costs at sea. You can enjoy a glass of wine while the boat heads toward the sunset without watching a bar tab grow.

The open bar has limits. Cocktails and other alcohol beyond the listed beer, wine, and Prosecco are not included. If you want mixed drinks, plan to pay extra if they are available.

There is one practical point for families: the food is described as finger food, sushi, and fruit. A box of children’s toys can be requested, but special children’s meals are not promised. One family found that popular snacks had run out, so if your child has a narrow diet, bring a small backup snack. That is sensible on any boat trip.

A luxury catamaran without a packed-party feel

The catamaran is designed for comfort, not just transport. You have sunbeds, shaded lounges, music, free Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. The maximum group size is 20 people.

That size is important. You still share the boat, but the space should feel more relaxed than a large excursion vessel. There is room to spread out, and the sunbeds let you choose between lying back and staying in the shade.

The word luxury here refers mainly to the boat, seating, service setup, and included refreshments. It does not mean a private yacht charter. You will be sharing the catamaran with other people, and private cabins are only available on request and are not guaranteed.

The crew speaks English and handles the safety equipment, food, drinks, and activities. Thomas is one crew member specifically praised for being welcoming and organized. Rachael helped one couple arrange the cruise, and DanEri Yachts also uses WhatsApp for updates, which is useful when departure details change.

The crew’s style can vary with the day and sea conditions. Most of the time, you can expect friendly service and regular drink refills. Still, one outing felt too hands-off, with guests needing to ask for drinks and receiving little explanation about the schedule. If you want more guidance, ask the crew directly about the swimming stop and food timing rather than waiting.

The sunset is the payoff

The final part of the cruise is quiet and scenic. Once the swimming, snorkeling, and food are done, you can settle into a shaded lounge or sunbed with fruit, wine, or a soft drink.

The coastline around Saint George Bay gives the sunset a strong setting. The white chapel above the water, the cliffs, and the open horizon provide more character than a simple view from a hotel terrace. The sun does not set behind a famous monument here, but the sea gives you a broad, unobstructed view.

This is especially appealing for a last evening in Crete. You are not rushing between restaurants or trying to fit in one more archaeological site. You are simply watching the light change while the catamaran heads back toward Hersonissos.

The cruise can be exciting if there is some swell, but rough water may affect how comfortable you feel. Two people on one outing became unwell in the waves. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the center of the boat, look toward the horizon, and ask the crew where the most stable seating is. The supplied information does not mention seasickness medication, so bring anything you normally use.

Is $96.55 a fair price?

At $96.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Cretan coast. You are paying for a small-group catamaran rather than a basic sightseeing boat, and that price includes much more than transport.

The value comes from the package:

• About three and a half hours on the water
• A welcome Prosecco and finger foods
• Sushi rolls and seasonal fruit
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine
• Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, fishing equipment, and flotation aids
• English-speaking crew
• Sunbeds, shaded seating, Wi-Fi, a toilet, and an outdoor shower

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, drinks, and water equipment, the cost becomes easier to justify. It is also useful for couples and friends who want one polished evening rather than several separate activities.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not eat sushi, or mainly want a long snorkeling session. In that case, a simpler swimming excursion may suit you better. You are paying for the setting, comfort, food, and sunset atmosphere as much as for the swimming itself.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a social but not overly rowdy afternoon. The swimming jackets, noodles, paddleboards, and toy box make it adaptable for mixed groups.

It is also a good choice for a special occasion. A branded gift is available for special events, although you should arrange that in advance. The combination of Prosecco, sushi, music, and sunset gives the outing a celebratory feel without requiring a private charter.

You should think twice if you need a strict timetable, a guaranteed long swim, or a large selection of cocktails. You should also prepare for the possibility of choppy water and a longer first sailing section.

The cruise is offered in English, confirmation is sent at booking, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request. Most people can take part, although the activity still involves boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and swimming in open water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

My recommendation for booking

Book this Hersonissos sunset catamaran if you want a complete evening package: scenic sailing, a comfortable boat, included food and drinks, a chance to swim, and a strong sunset finish.

I would not book it solely for snorkeling or gourmet dining. The food is a welcome part of the experience, not the reason to choose it, and sea conditions can shape the swimming time. For most visitors, though, the combination of a 20-person maximum, friendly crew, clear bays, and an open bar makes the $96.55 price reasonable.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a light layer for the return trip, and patience if the sea is unsettled. Ask about the swimming plan when you board. Then find a good seat, enjoy the coast, and save room for the sunset.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at DanEri Yachts, Agias Paraskevis 125, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity returns to the same meeting point in Hersonissos.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What food is included?

You receive Mediterranean finger foods, a variety of sushi rolls, and a seasonal fresh fruit plate.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. You also receive a welcome glass of Prosecco, along with espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The catamaran provides masks and fins, as well as stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing equipment.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel. Sunscreen and personal care items are also not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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