Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the setting: you spend the golden hours off Crete’s north coast, swimming beneath the cliffs of Saint George Bay and watching the sun sink behind the sea. The sunset from the catamaran gives the evening a calm, special finish that a land-based dinner cannot match.

I like the comfortable layout, with open sunbeds, a shaded lounge, an outdoor shower, and a toilet on board. I also like the easygoing mix of sushi, Cretan drinks, and water activities, so you can make the trip as active or lazy as you please.

The main caution is the sea. Wind can make the ride rough, and seasickness is possible. The SUP boards may be harder to steer because they do not always have fins, and the swim stop can attract other boats during busy periods.

At a glance

• Saint George Bay swim stop: Swim beneath rugged cliffs near the Cave of Saint George and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris.
• Small maximum group: The catamaran carries up to 20 travelers, giving the cruise a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.
• Food and drinks included: You receive welcome Prosecco, finger food, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, Greek wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and detox water.
• Useful water gear: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, fishing equipment, and an inflatable flamingo are provided.
• Flexible pace: You can paddle, snorkel, fish, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit in the shade with a drink.
• Good value at $94: The price covers the boat, crew, food, open bar, equipment, and roughly four hours on the water.

Leaving Hersonissos with a glass of Prosecco

Check-in takes place at Hersonissos Port, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because port rules control the departure time.

The crew begins with a welcome glass of Prosecco, light Mediterranean snacks, and a short safety briefing. This opening is simple but useful. You have time to settle in, learn where the life jackets are, and decide whether you want a front-row seat in the sun or a cooler place in the shaded lounge.

The exact departure time changes by date, and the full outing lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The cruise first travels across Malia Bay toward Agios Georgios Bay. That first hour is part of the experience, not just transport. You can watch the coast from the deck, listen to soft music, and let the afternoon heat ease as the boat moves offshore.

The modern catamaran gives you room to spread out. Sunbeds suit anyone who wants to work on a tan, while the covered seating is better for reading, chatting, or taking a break from the sun. Free Wi-Fi is available, which is handy if you want to send a photo home, though the view deserves more attention than your phone.

Saint George Bay and the quiet side of Crete

The main stop is Agios Georgios Sarantaris, also known as Saint George Bay. Here, the boat anchors for roughly two hours. The bay is framed by rugged cliffs, clear water, the Cave of Saint George, and the small white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris above the shore.

This is the part of the cruise that gives it a sense of place. You are not simply floating offshore with a buffet. The cliffs and chapel create a distinct Cretan setting, and the view changes as the boat turns toward the sunset.

The water stop is flexible. You can swim from the catamaran, use a noodle, try the SUP boards, or put on the provided mask and fins. Swim vests are available for anyone who is not fully confident in open water. The crew can help you with the equipment and take photos, including pictures with the large inflatable pink flamingo.

Snorkeling is included, but you should keep expectations sensible. The water is clear, yet this is not presented as a major marine-life excursion. The main pleasure is cooling off, floating, and seeing the coast from sea level. One useful detail from the equipment is that the SUP boards may lack fins, making them more difficult to control. If paddling is important to you, treat it as casual fun rather than a serious board session.

Fishing gear is also available for a gentle fishing experience. This adds variety for children and anyone who wants something quieter than swimming. Families can request a box of toys, though the cruise is not designed as a dedicated children’s program.

Sushi, fruit, and an open bar at sea

Food is a real part of the value here. After the water activities, the crew serves a selection of sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. The sushi is best viewed as a light meal or substantial snack rather than a large restaurant dinner.

That distinction matters. The cruise lasts into the evening, and the food is intended to fit the relaxed boat setting. If you have a big appetite, consider eating before departure. Some departures return around 9 p.m. in late summer, and your hotel may not offer food that late.

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

I like this arrangement because it lets you settle into the evening without keeping track of every glass of water or soft drink. Greek wine and beer make the experience feel connected to Crete, while the sushi gives the menu a lighter, contemporary touch.

The crew may also offer a farewell drink of raki at the end. Cocktails are available for an additional charge, but you do not need to order one to enjoy the open bar.

Sunset from the deck

The final hour is the strongest reason to choose this outing over a daytime boat trip. After the swim stop, the catamaran positions itself for views of the setting sun. The sea grows quieter, the cliffs take on warmer colors, and the sky shifts through gold and pink.

You can watch from a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, or stay near the edge of the deck with a drink. The music remains soft rather than turning the boat into a party vessel. That makes the cruise a good choice for couples, families, and small groups who want a social evening without loud entertainment.

The sunset is also the least predictable part of the trip. Cloud, wind, and sea conditions affect what you see. Even on a clear evening, the boat may rock as it returns to port. The crew has received praise for helping people who feel unwell, including moving them to a better position on the boat. Still, if you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication and listen carefully to the skipper.

A practical tip is to sit near the skipper when the water is choppy. The upper part of the boat may offer better airflow and a steadier view. Once the sea settles, you can move around again.

Comfort, crew, and group size

The catamaran is designed for comfort rather than speed. You get sunbeds, shaded seating, a toilet, an outdoor shower, life jackets, and storage for the included equipment. These details matter on a four-hour cruise. The shower is especially useful after salt water and sunscreen, while the shaded area gives you somewhere to cool down.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is small enough for the crew to help with masks, boards, photos, and swim vests without the boat feeling like a floating crowd. A private group option is available if you want the whole outing arranged for your own party.

The English and Greek-speaking crew handle the safety briefing and water activities. They also help with photos and keep an eye on swimmers. The strongest part of the service is the attentive tone. If someone feels seasick, needs help with equipment, or wants to mark a birthday or anniversary, the crew can assist. Special occasions should be mentioned ahead of time, and a complimentary branded gift may be arranged.

The cruise has also earned a 4.8 rating from 442 ratings, with especially strong praise for the crew, the clean boat, the sunset, and the balance between sailing and swimming. That high score fits the structure of the experience, though sea conditions can still change your day.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Hersonissos. You are paying for a smaller luxury catamaran, a four-hour outing, a professional crew, welcome Prosecco, sushi, fruit, an open bar, and a full set of water equipment.

The value improves if you plan to use the included features. Someone who swims, tries the SUP boards, drinks local wine or beer, and stays for the sunset receives much more than someone who only wants a boat ride. The package also saves you from paying separately for snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and drinks.

Hotel pickup is not included in the base price, though it can be arranged from selected areas including Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka. Other listed drop-off areas include places such as Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Kokkini Hani, depending on the selected option. Check the exact pickup choice before booking.

For a special evening, I consider the price reasonable. It is less compelling if you dislike boats, do not drink, or prefer a long restaurant meal over a light meal at sea.

Who should book this cruise?

This is a good match for couples seeking a relaxed sunset outing, families who want a mix of swimming and sightseeing, and friends who prefer a polished boat trip without a huge crowd. The inflatable flamingo, toys by request, and swim vests make it workable for families, though children must still be watched closely around the water.

It also suits anyone staying in or near Hersonissos who wants to see the coast from a different angle. The trip does not require specialist sailing skills, and the crew supplies the key water equipment.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, are over 95, or are traveling with a child under two. Anyone prone to seasickness should check the forecast and speak with the team before booking. The cruise depends on weather and may be changed or canceled in poor conditions.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. Towels and sunscreen are not supplied. The port authority also requires each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number when you book.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a well-organized evening that combines swimming, food, drinks, and sunset views in one package. The small group, comfortable catamaran, and attentive crew give it an advantage over a basic harbor cruise.

I would choose it for a couple’s evening, a family outing, or a birthday with a sea view. I would skip it if rough water is likely to ruin your day, or if you want serious snorkeling and lots of marine life. The strongest reason to go is not the sushi alone. It is the chance to spend the best light of the day off the coast of Crete, with Saint George Bay behind you and the open sea ahead.

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. The boat cannot delay departure because of port regulations.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure option and schedule.

What food is included?

You receive welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and fresh seasonal fruit. The food is designed as light fare rather than a large formal meal.

What 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.

Are cocktails included?

Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the included local beer and wine selection cost extra.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing equipment. An inflatable flamingo is also available for photos.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is optional and depends on the booking selection. Transfer service can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. Towels and sunscreen are not provided on board.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.