Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Saint George Bay is the star here. Rugged cliffs, clear water, the Cave of Saint George, and a small white chapel give this evening cruise more character than a simple boat ride. You’ll swim, paddle, snack, and watch the sunset from a spacious catamaran.

I like the generous water setup, with SUP boards, masks, fins, noodles, swim vests, and even fishing gear. I also like the small group limit of 20, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating beach club. The main concern is the sea: rough water can spoil the sunset for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Saint George Bay swim stop: Clear water, steep cliffs, a sea cave, and the chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris create the cruise’s most scenic setting.
• A proper evening meal: Sushi rolls, Mediterranean snacks, seasonal fruit, and unlimited local beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Comfortable catamaran layout: Use the sunbeds, shaded lounge, outdoor shower, onboard toilet, Wi-Fi, and music during the sailing time.
• Water gear included: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim jackets, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing equipment are available.
• Sunset timing matters: The cruise is designed around the golden evening light, but the exact departure time changes by date.
• Sea conditions are the wildcard: The crew may reschedule or cancel in poor weather, and choppy water can cause serious discomfort.

Setting out from Hersonissos for an evening at sea

You meet the boat at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran, then check in with the English- and Greek-speaking crew.

The opening is relaxed rather than rushed. You receive a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food while the crew handles the safety briefing. This is a useful start, since you can find your place on deck, ask questions, and learn where the safety equipment and water gear are before the boat leaves the harbor.

The route takes you across Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay. The first sailing stretch lasts about an hour, although the full experience is listed at 3.5 to 4.5 hours. That longer window allows for check-in, anchoring, swimming, the sunset, and the return to port.

I would choose a seat based on the weather. The upper deck is best for views and fresh air, while the shaded lounge works better if you want a break from the sun. If you feel queasy on boats, stay near the center of the catamaran and follow the skipper’s advice. One practical note from the experience: when the sea gets choppy, sitting up with the skipper can help more than lying down in a corner.

Saint George Bay, the cruise’s best setting

The main stop is Saint George Bay, also called Agios Georgios Bay. This is where the cruise changes from a scenic sail into an active evening on the water.

The coast here has rugged cliffs and clear sea, with the Cave of Saint George adding a little mystery to the view. Above the water, the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris gives the bay a distinctly Cretan character. It is not just a generic swimming stop. You get a recognizable place with rock, chapel, and open sea in the same frame.

The catamaran anchors for roughly two hours. That sounds generous, and it is. You can swim, use a mask and fins, try a SUP board, float on a noodle, or simply stay on the deck with a drink. Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing session, though the outing is not presented as a serious fishing trip.

The water is the main attraction, but set your expectations correctly. Snorkeling equipment is included, yet the area may not offer a dramatic underwater world. If you are hoping for extensive marine life, this is not a dedicated snorkeling excursion. The water is better understood as a refreshing swim with the option to look around below the surface.

The stop can also be shared with other boats. At busy times, the bay may feel less private, and loud music from nearby vessels can affect the calm mood. The crew may move a little farther out for the sunset, which can give you a quieter view and better open-water scenery.

SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and the pink flamingo

The included equipment gives you several ways to use the two-hour anchorage. Masks and fins are provided, along with swimming jackets for anyone who wants extra support. Inflatable noodles make it easy to relax in the water without constantly swimming.

The SUP boards are a nice extra, especially if you enjoy trying something rather than just floating. Keep in mind that equipment can have limitations. On one outing, the SUP boards had no fins, which made them harder to steer. That does not ruin the activity, but you should expect a casual paddle, not a polished watersports session.

The inflatable pink flamingo is mostly for fun and photos. The crew can help capture pictures, and free Wi-Fi lets you share them from the boat. Families can also request a box of toys for children. The experience is not designed around young kids, but these touches make it easier for a family to enjoy the evening together.

There is an outdoor shower for rinsing off after swimming, plus an onboard toilet. These are small details, but they matter on a half-day boat trip. You are not left wet, salty, and uncomfortable for the entire ride back.

Sushi, fruit, and the open bar

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise at $94 per person. The welcome snacks begin with Mediterranean finger food and Prosecco. Later, the crew serves a variety of sushi rolls, followed by a plate of fresh seasonal fruit.

The sushi is best treated as a light meal rather than a large dinner. One useful tip is to eat something before boarding if you have a big appetite or if your hotel kitchen closes early. The boat can return around 9 p.m. during the long summer evenings, and the included food may not be enough for everyone as a full evening 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 available. Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra, so do not assume every drink on the boat is included.

I like the balance here. You can have a Greek wine while watching the cliffs, take a soft drink after swimming, or keep things simple with water and fruit. The food and drinks also reduce the need to plan a separate evening meal, which helps justify the price.

Some outings include a farewell glass of raki when the boat returns. It is a fitting Cretan touch, but the listed open bar selection is the part you should count on: water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine.

What the catamaran feels like on board

The boat is modern and spacious, with sunbeds and a shaded lounge. That layout gives you choices throughout the trip. You can sit in the sun while sailing, move into shade during the warmest part of the afternoon, and return to the open deck for sunset.

Music plays in the background, but the atmosphere is meant to remain easygoing. The small maximum group size of 20 helps. You still share the boat with other people, yet the space should feel less crowded than a large excursion vessel.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They handle the water equipment, help with photos, watch over the swimming area, and respond when someone feels unwell. This matters most when conditions change. One person became badly seasick early in the cruise and received prompt care from the crew, including an offer of motion sickness medication.

That said, do not book this as a guaranteed calm-water outing. A catamaran can be stable, but it cannot remove the movement of the sea. Several departures have had noticeable waves, and one person missed much of the sunset after becoming sick. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual medication, choose a central seat, and check the forecast before going.

Sunset from the open water

The final part is the reason many people choose this departure instead of a daytime boat trip. After swimming, food, and drinks, the boat settles into the evening light as the sun drops toward the sea.

From the deck, you get a wide view without buildings blocking the horizon. The cliffs and chapel add a sense of place, while the changing sky provides the main show. The quiet minutes after swimming are especially pleasant: dry off, find a comfortable seat, and let the crew handle the return route.

The sunset is weather-dependent. Clouds can soften or partly block it, and rough waves can make it difficult to sit comfortably. Still, the timing gives the cruise a clear rhythm. You are not simply riding around until the boat returns. The whole evening builds toward a specific moment.

The return sail takes about 15 minutes in the stated route outline, though actual timing can vary. You arrive back at Hersonissos Port with the deck lights on and the evening finished. If you have dinner plans, leave some flexibility since departure and arrival times can shift with conditions and port rules.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Hersonissos. You are paying for a more polished setup than a basic shared boat trip, plus food, an open bar, equipment, a professional crew, and the sunset setting.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the inclusions. Swim, try the SUP, take a glass of wine, eat the sushi, and stay on board for the sunset. If you only want a short sail and do not care about food or water activities, a simpler boat outing may suit you better.

The catamaran also includes practical comforts that are easy to overlook: shaded seating, sunbeds, an outdoor shower, an onboard toilet, Wi-Fi, life jackets, and liability insurance. Private cabins are not guaranteed and may be available only by request. Hotel transfers are not included unless you choose an option that provides pickup, with transfer service available from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka.

For a celebration, tell the company in advance. A complimentary branded gift is available for birthdays and anniversaries. That small detail can make the trip feel more personal without changing the basic cost.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed evening with several activities built in. It works especially well for people who want swimming and scenery but do not want to organize separate food, drinks, and equipment.

It also suits anyone looking for a social setting that is smaller than a large party boat. You can chat with other people, listen to music, and enjoy the shared experience without giving up space to sit quietly.

Families should note that children’s toys are available by request, but the cruise is still centered on swimming, sunset, and adult drinks. Pregnant people, anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95 are not considered suitable for this activity. If you are bringing a child under two, or have mobility concerns, contact the company before booking.

The cruise is not the best choice if you want a private, silent sail, serious snorkeling, or a guaranteed smooth sea. The swim area can be shared with other boats, the SUP equipment may be basic, and rough conditions can change the mood quickly.

What to bring and what to arrange

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels and personal care items are not supplied. You should also carry a passport or ID card, with a copy accepted.

When booking, provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. Port authorities require these details before issuing cruise permission. The QR code ticket is sent by email one day before departure, so check that your email address is correct.

Arrive 15 minutes early. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of port regulations. Pickup is optional and depends on the booking choice, so check the selected option carefully rather than assuming transport from your hotel is included.

The cruise can be canceled or rescheduled in poor weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book the Hersonissos sunset catamaran?

I would book this if you want an easy, well-organized evening that combines a scenic Cretan coast, a proper swim stop, sushi, local drinks, and sunset views. The crew care, the boat has useful comforts, and the 20-person limit keeps the outing manageable.

I would skip it if seasickness is a serious concern, unless you already know how to manage it. I would also choose another outing if your priority is private sailing or rich underwater viewing.

For most people, the strongest plan is simple: arrive early, bring motion sickness medication if needed, use the water gear, save room for the sushi, and claim a good seat before sunset. At $94, the cruise earns its price when you take part in the full evening rather than treating it as only a boat transfer.

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 the scheduled departure time for check-in.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What food is included?

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

Which drinks are included?

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

Is swimming equipment provided?

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

Can I arrange hotel pickup?

Pickup is optional and depends on the selected booking option. Transfer service is available from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

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