Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Sunset looks better from the water. This Hersonissos catamaran cruise combines a polished boat, a swim stop at Saint George Bay, sushi, and an open bar into an easy evening on the Cretan coast. I especially like the spacious deck with sunbeds and shade, plus the thoughtful mix of SUP boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, and swimming vests. The main concern is the sea itself: rough water can bring serious seasickness, and the swim area may be shared with other boats.

At $94 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride, but it includes several hours at sea, a welcome glass of Prosecco, sushi, fruit, snacks, unlimited selected drinks, and water equipment. I like that the group is limited to 20 people, though cocktails and premium drinks cost extra, and towels are not supplied.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worth considering

• Saint George Bay at sunset: Cruise toward Agios Georgios Sarantaris, with rugged cliffs, a sea cave, and a white chapel above the water.
• A proper relaxation setup: The modern catamaran has sunbeds, a shaded lounge, an onboard toilet, an outdoor shower, music, and free Wi-Fi.
• More than a swim stop: You can use SUP boards, masks, fins, noodles, swimming vests, and fishing equipment.
• Sushi with Cretan drinks: Enjoy sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger foods, seasonal fruit, Greek wine, local beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and detox water.
• A small-group feel: The maximum group size is 20 people, with a private-group option available.
• A real seasickness warning: One summer trip was choppy enough for a passenger to miss much of the sunset, so check conditions and bring suitable medication if needed.

Leaving Hersonissos Port with a glass of Prosecco

You meet near Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. That early arrival matters. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of port rules, and missed departures are not the crew’s responsibility.

The welcome is more polished than a basic harbor excursion. You receive Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods while the crew handles check-in and gives a safety briefing. English and Greek are spoken, and the crew is described as attentive and helpful throughout the trip.

The catamaran itself is a big part of the appeal. You are not confined to a few narrow seats. The boat offers open deck space with sunbeds, along with a shaded lounge where you can get out of the sun. Soft music plays in the background, and free Wi-Fi lets you share photos while you are still offshore.

The boat also has an onboard WC and an outdoor shower. Those facilities make a difference during a four-hour outing, especially if you are traveling with children or prefer not to spend the whole evening in a swimsuit.

The first hour: sailing across Malia Bay

The cruise begins with roughly an hour under sail or motor as the catamaran moves through Malia Bay toward Agios Georgios Bay. This is not simply transport to the swimming spot. You have time to settle into the boat, watch the coast from the water, and choose your preferred pace for the evening.

If you want sun, claim a place on the deck. If you burn easily or find the Cretan afternoon heat tiring, the shaded lounge is the smarter choice. A sun hat and sunscreen are essential, and you need to bring your own towel.

The sailing portion also gives you a chance to judge the sea conditions. On calm days, the trip should feel gentle and restful. On rougher days, the open upper area can be more comfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness. One family specifically found the skipper’s advice useful: sit up top when conditions are choppy, including on the return journey.

That is practical advice worth taking seriously. The boat is large and stable compared with a small motorboat, but no vessel can remove the movement of the sea. If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or often get seasick, check the forecast and speak with the operator before booking.

Agios Georgios Sarantaris: cliffs, chapel, and a swim stop

The main stop is Agios Georgios Sarantaris, also called Saint George Bay. Here, the catamaran pauses for about two hours, giving you time to swim, use the water equipment, eat, and watch the coast.

The setting has a strong sense of place. Rugged cliffs frame clear water, while the Cave of Saint George adds a small touch of mystery to the shoreline. Above the waves, the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris gives the bay a distinctly Cretan character. You are seeing a quieter coastal side of Crete that is difficult to appreciate from a road or hotel pool.

The water program is flexible. You can:

• Swim from the catamaran
• Use masks and fins for snorkeling
• Paddle with a stand-up paddleboard
• Float on an inflatable noodle
• Wear a swimming vest
• Try the available fishing equipment
• Take photos with the inflatable pink flamingo

The crew can help you use the equipment and take photographs. The flamingo is clearly designed for fun social-media pictures, but the practical gear matters more. Noodles and swimming vests are useful if you want to enjoy the sea without constantly treading water.

Do not expect a major snorkeling site based on the available information. One passenger found little to see underwater and used the stop mainly to cool off. Another noted that the SUP boards had no fins, which made them harder to steer. The water can still be lovely for swimming, but you should not book this cruise as a dedicated marine-life excursion.

The bay can also attract other boats. At one point, the swimming area was described as crowded and noisy, while the catamaran moved farther out for a better sunset position. That is a sensible compromise, but it means your swim stop may not feel completely private.

Sushi, snacks, and the open bar

Food is served during the stop, when you can eat while looking across the bay. The main offering is a platter of assorted sushi rolls, supported by Mediterranean finger foods and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit.

This is best understood as a generous light meal, not a full dinner. One useful warning is timing: the catamaran may return around 9 p.m. in late summer, so you should eat beforehand if your hotel stops serving food early. The sushi and snacks can keep you going, but the meal is not meant to replace a substantial evening dinner for everyone.

The open bar includes unlimited:

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

You also have access to espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection cost extra, so do not assume every drink on the menu is included.

A goodbye drink of raki has also been offered at the end of the trip. That small Cretan touch fits the mood, though anyone who does not drink alcohol can stick with the included nonalcoholic choices.

The food and drink package is where the $94 price begins to make sense. A simple sunset sailing might cost less, but here you are also paying for the catamaran, crew, water gear, food, drinks, and use of the deck for most of an evening. The value is strongest if you plan to swim and make use of the open bar. It is weaker if you want only a short sunset cruise and do not care about the extras.

Watching the Cretan sunset from the catamaran

The final portion is the emotional center of the trip. After the swimming, snacks, and water activities, the boat settles into a slower rhythm as the sun drops toward the sea.

The exact sunset view depends on the weather and the boat’s position, but the experience is designed around open water, changing sky colors, and the coastline behind you. The white chapel and cliffs near Saint George Bay give the evening a clear visual focus before the catamaran heads back toward Hersonissos.

This is a good time to find a comfortable seat rather than chasing the perfect photograph. The catamaran provides wide views, and the crew may help with photos, but sunset is also when seasickness can become more noticeable for some people. If you feel unwell, tell the crew early instead of waiting until the return journey.

Music remains part of the atmosphere. The tone is relaxed rather than a loud party cruise, based on the setup and the repeated praise for the calm, friendly atmosphere. That makes it a good fit for couples, friends, and families who want some fun without spending the whole evening surrounded by club music.

The return to Hersonissos and the practical details

After sunset, the catamaran spends about 15 minutes returning to port, though the total outing lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the departure time and conditions. Starting times vary, so check the exact option you select.

Hotel pickup is not automatically included. Transfers can be arranged for selected areas, including Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka. Other listed drop-off areas include Malia, Stalida, Sisi, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, Ligaria, and several other parts of the north coast.

You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number for port permission. A copy of an ID is accepted. The QR-code voucher is sent by email, usually one day before departure, and serves as your ticket.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card

The boat supplies life jackets, swimming vests, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, noodles, and fishing gear. Towels and personal-care items are not included. Private cabins may be available on request, but they are not guaranteed.

Families can request a box of toys for children. Still, the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 95. Children under two and anyone with mobility or health concerns should be discussed with the crew before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this excursion if you want several Cretan experiences in one outing: coastal scenery, a swim, a sunset, local drinks, and an easy meal. It works especially well for couples and small groups who want a comfortable boat rather than a basic day trip.

Families can also have a good time, thanks to the noodles, swimming vests, toys by request, fruit, and shaded seating. The sea conditions are the deciding factor. A child who dislikes boat movement may struggle on a choppy evening.

This is less suitable if you want serious snorkeling, a quiet private bay, or a late-night party. The swim area may have other boats, the SUP boards may be awkward to control, and the open bar is limited to selected drinks unless you pay extra.

The small maximum group of 20 is a real advantage. You get room to move around, and the crew has a better chance of helping with equipment, photographs, and comfort. A private group can also be arranged if you want more control over the atmosphere.

Should you book the $94 sunset cruise?

I would book it if the boat itself matters to you as much as the destination. The combination of a clean modern catamaran, generous deck space, sushi, Greek wine and beer, water equipment, and sunset views gives you a full evening rather than a short photo stop.

I would hesitate if you are highly sensitive to motion, expect a private swimming cove, or want a full restaurant-style dinner. Check the forecast, bring a towel and medication if appropriate, and remember that cocktails are extra.

For most people who want a comfortable, social way to see the coast near Hersonissos, this is a strong-value outing. The sunset is the headline, but the friendly crew, well-equipped boat, and relaxed pace are what make the experience worth the fare.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The total duration is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Starting times vary according to the selected option.

What food is included?

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

Which 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?

No. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the listed open-bar selection cost extra.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

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

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?

Hotel transfers are not included automatically, but pickup and drop-off can be arranged for selected options and areas, including Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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