Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the timing: you spend the afternoon at sea, stop at Saint George Bay for swimming, then watch the sun drop behind Crete from the catamaran. I like the well-kept, spacious boat and the fact that the crew keeps the group to a maximum of 20 people. I also like the useful mix of sushi, fruit, Greek wine, beer, and water activities.

The main thing to consider is the sea. Conditions can turn choppy, and a few people have felt seasick badly enough to miss part of the sunset. The crew can help, but bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it, and listen when the skipper suggests where to sit.

Quick points before you book

• Sunset from Saint George Bay: Cruise past rugged Cretan cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and the white Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris chapel before returning after sunset.
• A small-group catamaran: The boat takes up to 20 people, with sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, and free Wi-Fi.
• Food with a light Mediterranean feel: You receive welcome Prosecco, finger food, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, and unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine.
• Swimming equipment included: SUP boards, masks, fins, swimming jackets, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing gear are available.
• A friendly, attentive crew: English and Greek are spoken, and the crew helps with water activities, photos, and comfort on board.
• Plan for a late evening: Depending on the date and departure time, you may return to Hersonissos around 9 p.m., so eat beforehand if your hotel stops serving food early.

Leaving Hersonissos with Prosecco and sushi

You meet at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. Port rules are strict, so the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

The welcome is pleasantly simple. You receive a glass of Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, and a short safety briefing before setting off. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available, which is a useful touch if you prefer something other than alcohol.

The first hour is spent sailing along Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay. This is not a rushed transfer. You have time to settle into the rhythm of the boat, find a sunbed, or sit in the shaded lounge with soft music in the background.

The catamaran is designed for comfort rather than a party-boat feel. You can stretch out on the deck, move indoors or into shade, and keep your belongings close while the crew prepares the swimming equipment. The boat is also reported to be clean and well maintained, which matters on a trip where you spend several hours on board.

What the catamaran is like on a four-hour evening

The advertised duration is 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure time and conditions. That gives you a useful balance: enough sailing to enjoy the coast, but not so much that the trip becomes a full-day commitment.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is small enough for the crew to keep an eye on swimmers and help with equipment, while still giving the cruise a social feel. If you want the boat entirely to yourself, a private group option is available.

The vessel has life jackets, a toilet, and an outdoor shower. The shower is especially handy after swimming in the sea, though you should still bring your own towel because towels are not included.

There is free Wi-Fi on board. It lets you share a photo or message from the bay, but I would not let the phone take over. The coast, the changing light, and the quiet stretch of sea are the real entertainment.

Saint George Bay, the swimming stop, and the chapel above the water

The main stop is Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris, also known as Saint George Bay. Here, the water is clear and framed by rugged cliffs. The Cave of Saint George adds a little mystery to the setting, while the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris gives the shoreline a classic Cretan look.

The boat usually anchors for about two hours. That is plenty of time to swim, sit in the sun, eat, and return to the water without feeling hurried.

You can choose from several activities:

• Swimming from the catamaran
• Snorkeling with masks and fins
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Floating on noodles
• Taking photos with the inflatable pink flamingo
• Trying the supplied fishing gear

The crew can help you use the equipment and take photos. Swimming jackets are available, so you do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the stop, although you should follow the crew’s instructions and remain within the safe area.

The snorkeling is best approached as a pleasant swim with a mask rather than a major underwater sightseeing trip. One account found little to see below the surface, while the clear water still made a refreshing stop. If your priority is colorful marine life, this may not be the right excursion. If you want time in clean sea water with equipment included, it fits well.

The SUP boards are fun, but there is a small practical point to know. One family found the boards difficult to steer because they had no fins. They are still usable, but do not expect a serious paddleboarding session.

The bay can also be busy with other boats. On some dates, loud groups may share the swimming area. The crew may move slightly farther out for a better sunset position, but you should not expect a completely private cove.

Sushi, fruit, and an open bar that is useful rather than flashy

Food is served during the anchor stop. The main offering is a platter of assorted sushi rolls, followed by fresh seasonal fruit. Mediterranean finger food is provided at the start, and snacks are also available around the swimming stop.

This is best thought of as a substantial snack, not a full dinner. One useful tip is to eat before boarding if you have a large appetite or if you are staying at a hotel with limited late-night food. The boat may return around 9 p.m. during the summer, depending on the schedule.

The open bar includes unlimited:

• Water
• Soft drinks
• Local beer
• Greek white wine

The selection suits a relaxed sunset cruise. Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra, so do not assume every drink on the boat is part of the open bar.

The drinks are one reason the $94 price can make sense. You are paying for a small-group sailing trip, food, equipment, crew service, and several hours on the water rather than just a short boat ride. If you would not use the swimming gear or drink much, the value is less compelling. If you plan to swim, enjoy a few drinks, and spend the evening outside, the package is more reasonable.

A goodbye drink of raki may be offered at the end. That is a fitting Cretan touch, but it is still wise to tell the crew if you do not drink alcohol.

The sunset is the main event

The final part of the cruise is timed around sunset. As the sun falls, the sea reflects gold and pink light, and the cliffs around Saint George Bay take on a softer outline.

You can watch from a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, or find an open spot on deck. The music stays gentle, and the boat provides a comfortable place to enjoy the changing sky without having to fight for a view on shore.

This is also where the trip depends most on the weather. High waves can make the ride rough, especially on the return to Hersonissos. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the skipper recommends, stay where you can see the horizon, and consider taking medicine before departure. One person found that swimming helped briefly, but still became too ill to enjoy the sunset, so do not treat the calm-looking bay as a guarantee of smooth sailing.

The crew has earned strong praise for being attentive and calm. They have helped people who became seasick, kept an eye on safety, and made the boat feel welcoming without forcing a party atmosphere.

Getting there, what to bring, and the small print

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port. Optional transfers can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka if you select the correct booking option. Other listed drop-off areas include Malia, Stalida, Sisi, Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, Ligaria, Kato Gouves, and several nearby parts of Crete, but confirm your exact pickup choice when booking.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or identity card. A copy of your ID is accepted. Towels and personal care items are not supplied.

Port authorities require the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality of every passenger. You will receive a booking voucher with a QR code, usually one day before departure. That QR code is your ticket.

The tour is weather dependent. It can be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before departure. Pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, children under two, people over 95, and anyone with mobility or health concerns should check with the operator before booking.

The boat is not described as fully accessible, so ask the team directly if you need help boarding or moving around. Private cabins are available on request but are not guaranteed.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip for couples, small groups of friends, and families with older children who want swimming, food, and sunset views in one outing. The toys available for children by request are useful, though the open sea and changing conditions mean parents should stay close and follow the crew’s guidance.

It also works well for a birthday or anniversary. Tell the team ahead of time and they can provide a complimentary branded gift for a special occasion.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a serious snorkeling trip, a quiet private charter, or a long coastal sightseeing cruise. Other boats may be present at the swimming stop, and the water may offer more cooling relief than underwater scenery.

It is also not the best pick if you get seasick easily and do not want to take precautions. The crew is helpful, but they cannot control the waves.

Is the $94 price fair?

At $94 per person, this sits above a basic group boat excursion, but the inclusions are substantial. You get a modern catamaran, professional crew, Prosecco, sushi, fruit, local drinks, swimming equipment, paddleboards, Wi-Fi, and a sunset sailing experience lasting up to four and a half hours.

The small group limit improves the value. You are not being packed onto a large excursion boat, and the crew has a better chance of helping with equipment or seasickness.

The price is strongest for you if you value comfort and convenience. You do not need to rent snorkeling gear, arrange a separate swim stop, or buy drinks one at a time. It is weaker value if you do not drink, do not swim, or mainly want a quick sunset photo.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy evening on the water with excellent crew care, a clean catamaran, and a well-paced sunset stop. The combination of sushi, local drinks, swimming, and views from Saint George Bay gives you a lot in one short outing.

Think twice if rough seas would ruin your evening, or if your main goal is rich underwater life. For most people who enjoy a social but not oversized boat trip, bring a towel, motion-sickness medicine if needed, and an appetite for a relaxed Cretan sunset.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Hersonissos Port. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure for check-in. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of port regulations.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What food is included?

You receive welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. Prosecco is provided on arrival.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and premium drinks cost extra.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Yes. The boat provides masks, fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing gear.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. You should also bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional when you select the appropriate booking option. Transfers can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Children can join, and a box of toys is available by request. Children under two are listed as not suitable for this activity.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled if sea conditions are unsuitable. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.