Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the timing. You spend the afternoon at sea, reach Saint George Bay for a swim and a plate of sushi, then watch Crete turn gold as the sun drops behind the coast. It feels more special than a standard boat outing because the catamaran gives you room to stretch out, with sunbeds, shade, and a proper lounge area.

I like the small maximum group of 20 and the useful mix of water gear, from snorkeling masks to SUP boards and floating noodles. I also like the open bar, which covers water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine rather than charging you for every glass. The main thing to consider is the sea: rough conditions can make the sailing uncomfortable, especially if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know

• Saint George Bay is the setting: Swim beneath rugged cliffs near the Cave of Saint George and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris.
• Sushi meets Cretan hospitality: Expect a variety sushi platter, Mediterranean finger food, seasonal fruit, and local drinks.
• The catamaran has breathing room: Sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, and a maximum of 20 people make the trip more comfortable.
• Water time is part of the deal: Use SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, noodles, and fishing gear during the two-hour bay stop.
• Sunset is the finale: The return journey is timed so you can watch the sky change over the sea.
• Pack a towel and motion-sickness medicine: Towels are not included, and the ride can be choppy on windy days.

Why this sunset cruise works so well

A sunset boat trip can be little more than a crowded ride out and back. This one gives you a fuller afternoon: sailing, swimming, food, drinks, and a sunset in one package. The route leaves from Hersonissos and passes through Malia Bay toward Agios Georgios Bay, a scenic stretch of Crete’s northern coast.

The catamaran matters here. A modern sailing catamaran has more usable deck space than a small motorboat, so you can choose between sun and shade instead of being stuck in one seat. There are sunbeds for lying down, a shaded lounge area for cooling off, and soft music in the background.

You will not have the whole boat to yourself unless you book the private-group option. Still, the stated limit of 20 people keeps this from becoming a giant party boat. That makes the outing a good fit for couples, families, and small groups who want a social setting without losing the calm feel of an evening at sea.

The published price is $94 per person. I consider that fair if you plan to use the water equipment and open bar, since the cost includes the catamaran, crew, food, drinks, and roughly four hours on the water. It is less compelling if you mainly want a short sunset sail and do not care about swimming, snorkeling, or the meal.

Arriving at Hersonissos Port

You need to reach Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran, and do not cut this close. Port rules mean the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

At check-in, you will need the booking details and identification information required by the port authorities. When booking, provide every passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. A passport or ID card, or a copy, should be available.

The ticket arrives by email, with a QR code sent one day before the cruise. If you choose a pickup option, transfers can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka. Other listed areas, including Malia, Stalida, Heraklion, and Agia Pelagia, appear as possible drop-off locations, so check your exact option before booking rather than assuming every hotel has included transport.

The welcome drink and first hour at sea

Once aboard, the crew welcomes you with a glass of Prosecco and light Mediterranean finger food. There is also espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail available on board, a nice touch if you have come straight from a hot afternoon in town.

A short safety briefing comes before departure. Life jackets are provided, and the boat has an onboard toilet and outdoor shower. The crew speaks English and Greek, and the setup is designed to be easygoing rather than formal.

The first sailing section lasts about an hour. You cruise across Malia Bay toward Agios Georgios Bay, with time to settle into the rhythm of the boat. I would use this part to claim a comfortable spot, learn where the shaded seating is, and decide how much sun you want before the swim stop.

Free Wi-Fi is available, so you can send a few photos while you sail. Still, the best use of this hour is to look up from your phone. The views from the water give you a different sense of the coast, with cliffs and coves that are difficult to appreciate from shore.

Saint George Bay, cliffs, chapel, and clear water

The main stop is Agios Georgios Sarantaris, also known as Saint George Bay. The bay is framed by rugged cliffs, and the Cave of Saint George adds a small note of mystery to the setting. Above the water, the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris gives the coast its most recognizable feature.

The boat spends about two hours here. That is enough time to do something active, cool off, and still have a lazy stretch on deck. The exact feel depends on the sea and how many other boats are using the bay that evening. One useful point from recent experience on the water is that this can be a popular stop, and at times other boats may bring noise or extra activity.

The water is the star. You can use the provided masks and fins for snorkeling, try a stand-up paddleboard, float on a noodle, or simply swim. Swim vests are available for anyone who wants extra support, and the inflatable pink flamingo is ready for playful photos.

Fishing gear is also supplied for a gentle fishing session. Do not expect a serious fishing expedition. Think of it as another relaxed activity during the anchorage, alongside the SUP boards and snorkeling equipment.

One practical detail: a recent family group found the SUP boards tricky to steer because the boards had no fins. If paddleboarding is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest. The snorkeling gear, floats, and swimming time may be the more dependable pleasures.

The bay is not promoted as a major snorkeling site, and you may find little to see beneath the surface. For many people, that will not matter. The swimming is mainly about cooling off in clear water, then returning to the deck for a drink and the view.

Sushi, fruit, and the open bar

Food arrives after the water activities, with a plate of assorted sushi rolls and Mediterranean finger food. A seasonal fruit platter follows. This is light food rather than a full dinner, so plan accordingly.

That distinction matters. The cruise starts in the afternoon and can return around 9 p.m. in summer, depending on the departure time and conditions. If your hotel stops serving food early, eat before boarding or plan a late meal afterward. The snacks are useful and well suited to a boat, but they are not meant to replace a substantial dinner.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. You can also have Prosecco at the welcome, along with coffee, tea, detox water, and the protein cocktail. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra, so do not assume every alcoholic drink is included.

I like this setup because it gives you choice without making the cruise feel like a drinking event. You can sip Greek wine while watching the coast, stick to soft drinks, or keep hydrated with water after swimming. The crew also provides a farewell drink of raki on some departures, a small Cretan touch that brings the evening back to local flavor.

Finding the best sunset spot on board

The sunset is the reason to choose this sailing over a daytime cruise. As the light fades, the cliffs, chapel, and sea take on softer colors, and the catamaran becomes a floating viewing platform.

Try not to stay in one place all afternoon. The sunny deck is pleasant early on, but the shaded lounge will be welcome after swimming. As sunset approaches, move around and find an unobstructed view rather than assuming your first seat is best.

The sunset portion is peaceful, but weather decides how comfortable it feels. On one rougher outing, the waves made the return sailing difficult for a person who suffered badly from seasickness. Another family enjoyed the choppier water, which shows how much your experience will depend on your tolerance for motion.

If you get seasick, take precautions before departure. Follow the skipper’s advice and sit near the top or in the more stable area when conditions are rough. Bring medication if you normally need it. Swimming can briefly help some people, but it will not solve the problem for the full return trip.

Comfort, families, and special occasions

The catamaran is set up for comfort, not just transport. You have sunbeds, shaded seating, music, Wi-Fi, a toilet, an outdoor shower, and a crew available to help with the water equipment. There is also a box of toys for children by request.

Families can make good use of the noodles and swim vests, while older children and teenagers may prefer the SUP boards, snorkeling, or fishing gear. The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95. If you have a health or mobility concern, contact the crew before booking.

For birthdays and anniversaries, tell the operator in advance. A complimentary branded gift can be arranged for special occasions. The gift is modest, but it can add a personal touch to an evening that already feels designed for celebration.

Private groups are available. If you want a quieter outing for your own party, ask about that option before paying. The standard cruise is social, with people sharing the boat and equipment.

What to bring and what the price really covers

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels and personal care items are not included, and the need for sunscreen is easy to underestimate during the first hour of sailing.

You should also carry the required passport or ID information and keep your booking email accessible. A personal phone is useful for photos, although the crew can help take pictures and Wi-Fi is available.

At $94, the value rests on the combination of inclusions. You are paying for:

• A modern catamaran with professional English and Greek-speaking crew
• A welcome Prosecco and Mediterranean snacks
• Sushi and seasonal fruit
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine
• SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, swim vests, and fishing equipment
• Roughly two hours at Saint George Bay
• A sunset sailing experience from Hersonissos

You pay extra for cocktails, premium alcoholic drinks, hotel transfers unless selected, towels, and private cabins. Private cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed. For a simple boat ride, the price may seem high. For an afternoon package with food, drinks, equipment, and sunset views, it is reasonable.

Who should book this Hersonissos catamaran

I would choose this cruise if you want a relaxed evening with several ways to enjoy the sea. Couples get a scenic setting and a sunset without having to plan dinner, while families get floats, toys by request, and enough space to avoid feeling packed in.

It also suits small groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary. The music, open bar, sushi, and sunset give the occasion a festive feel without requiring a loud party atmosphere.

I would be cautious if you are highly prone to seasickness. The catamaran is comfortable, but no boat can remove wave motion. Check the forecast, speak with the crew before booking, and bring whatever medication you normally use.

I would also skip it if you want a serious reef-snorkeling trip or a full evening meal. The water stop is pleasant, but the underwater life may be limited, and the food is best described as generous snacks rather than dinner.

Booking decision

Book this Hersonissos sunset cruise if you want a polished half-day on the water, especially if sushi, local wine, swimming, and a golden-hour view all appeal to you. The crew’s attentive approach, clean boat, and broad set of included activities make the $94 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you dislike boat motion, need a guaranteed full meal, or want a quiet private charter without paying for the private option. For everyone else, choose a calm-weather date, bring a towel and seasickness medicine if needed, and arrive early enough to enjoy the evening from the first Prosecco to the last sunset colors.

FAQ

How long is the Hersonissos sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The schedule includes roughly 15 minutes for welcome refreshments and safety instructions, about one hour sailing to the bay, two hours at Saint George Bay, and about 15 minutes sailing back.

Where does the cruise depart?

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

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, a variety sushi platter, and seasonal fruit. Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

Yes. The boat provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swim vests, inflatable noodles, and fishing equipment. An inflatable flamingo is also available for fun photos.

Are towels included?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup can be arranged if you select the appropriate option. Included pickup areas listed for this activity are Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka. Check your selected booking option for the exact transport details.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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