Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Sunset tastes better from the sea. This evening cruise from Hersonissos combines a comfortable catamaran, swimming at Saint George Bay, sushi, local drinks, and a front-row view of the Cretan sunset. I especially like the small maximum group of 20 and the generous choice of water activities. The main caution is the sea itself: conditions can turn choppy, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully.

At $94 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride, but it includes several hours on a modern catamaran, unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer and white wine, food, equipment, and a professional crew. I also like that you can spend the evening doing as much or as little as you please. Swim and paddle, or simply stretch out under the shade with a drink.

Key points at a glance

• Saint George Bay setting: Cruise toward rugged cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris.
• Food and drinks included: Welcome Prosecco, Mediterranean snacks, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, and white wine.
• Comfortable boat layout: Use the sunbeds, shaded lounge, outdoor shower, onboard toilet, and spacious deck.
• Water time built in: Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, swim vests, noodles, fishing equipment, and an inflatable flamingo are available.
• Good for a relaxed evening: The cruise runs about 3.5 to 4.5 hours and returns after sunset.
• Plan for the conditions: Bring seasickness medication if needed, and remember that towels and hotel transfers are not included unless you select an appropriate transfer option.

Setting sail from Hersonissos Port

You meet the catamaran 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 of port rules, so this is one excursion where five minutes late can mean watching the departure from the pier.

The cruise begins with a welcome drink, light Mediterranean finger food, and a short safety briefing. The crew speaks English and Greek, and the maximum group size is 20 people. That limit matters. A sunset cruise is far more pleasant when you can find a seat, reach the drinks, and use the water equipment without turning the deck into a small sporting event.

The catamaran then heads across Malia Bay toward Agios Georgios Bay. The first sailing section lasts about an hour, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the coastline from the water. Soft music plays in the background, and free Wi-Fi is available if you want to send a photo before the signal disappears.

A catamaran built for comfort

This is not a bare-bones fishing boat with a few plastic chairs. The vessel has sunbeds, a shaded lounge area, a broad deck, and space to move around. You can sit in the sun, find cover when the heat becomes too much, or use the inside areas between activities.

The practical details help. There is an onboard toilet, an outdoor shower, life jackets, and swimming jackets. The crew also provides inflatable noodles, which are useful if you want to float without constantly kicking. An inflatable pink flamingo adds a playful touch, especially for family photos.

For families, a box of toys is available by request. For special occasions, the company can provide a complimentary branded gift for a birthday or anniversary if you mention it ahead of time. Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not part of the standard package.

The catamaran is designed for relaxation rather than a party scene. The atmosphere can still become lively as people chat, swim, and share the sunset, but the experience is centered on comfort, food, and scenery.

Arriving at Saint George Bay

The main stop is Agios Georgios Sarantaris, usually called Saint George Bay. Here, steep rocky cliffs frame clear water, and the Cave of Saint George adds a touch of mystery to the shoreline. Above the bay sits the small white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris, a striking feature against the darker rock.

The boat remains in the bay for roughly two hours. This is the useful part of the itinerary because you are not rushed through every activity. You can swim, use a mask and fins, paddle on a SUP, try gentle fishing, or simply remain on deck with a glass of wine.

The snorkeling equipment includes masks and fins, but keep your expectations sensible. The setting is beautiful and the water is clear, yet the main pleasure here is swimming in the sea rather than visiting a major underwater site. One family found the water enjoyable for cooling off, while spending more time sunbathing and relaxing on board.

The SUP boards are a nice extra, though they may not all have fins. That can make them harder to steer, particularly if you are new to paddleboarding. The crew can help, and the boards are best treated as a bit of fun rather than a serious paddling session.

The bay can also attract other boats, especially during the busy summer period. At times, you may hear music and find the swimming area less private than the promotional photographs suggest. The crew may move or continue toward a better position for sunset, but this is still a shared coastal outing, not a secluded private anchorage.

Sushi, Cretan drinks, and a light evening meal

The food is one of the stronger parts of the trip. You receive a variety of sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. The opening snacks are light, while the sushi arrives after the water activities, when you are likely to be ready for something more substantial.

This is best understood as a generous boat supper, not a restaurant dinner. If you have a large appetite, eat something beforehand or plan a late meal after returning to Hersonissos. The cruise can finish around 9 p.m. during the summer, and a hotel kitchen may not still be serving food.

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

A welcome glass of Prosecco gives the start a celebratory feel. Some departures may also include a farewell glass of raki, adding a distinctly Cretan note to the end of the evening. If you do not drink alcohol, the soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water keep the package useful.

At $94, the value depends on how much of the package you use. For someone who wants a sunset boat ride with only a soft drink, it may feel expensive. For someone who will swim, use the equipment, eat on board, and enjoy several drinks, the price is easier to justify. A private group option is also available if you prefer a more personal setting.

The sunset is the real finale

After the swimming and food, the boat settles into the evening. This is when the trip becomes less about the activity list and more about the setting. The sun drops toward the sea, the cliffs take on warmer tones, and the water reflects the changing sky.

The best place to watch will depend on the boat’s position and the conditions. You can remain on the open deck, find a shaded seat, or move around for photographs. The music stays soft enough to let the view do the work.

The return sail lasts about 15 minutes after the main stop, though the full outing can take 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the departure time and operating conditions. You return to Hersonissos Port after sunset, tired in the pleasant way that follows an afternoon outdoors.

This is also where the weather matters most. Calm water makes the trip easy and dreamy. Choppy conditions can be fun for confident sailors but uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to motion. One useful piece of advice from the crew is to sit near the skipper and higher on the boat if you feel sick, including during the return. Bring medication if seasickness is a concern, and check the forecast before booking.

What the crew adds

The crew’s attitude is a major part of the experience. They handle the safety briefing, prepare the SUP boards and snorkeling gear, help with photos, serve food and drinks, and keep an eye on people in the water. The service is friendly and attentive without making the evening feel formal.

The crew also looked after a passenger who became seriously seasick, offering practical help and a travel sickness tablet. That does not remove the need to prepare, but it shows why the professional crew matters on an active boat trip.

Safety equipment includes life jackets and swimming vests. The crew is there to help, but you remain responsible for telling them about health concerns before departure. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95. If you have mobility needs or are bringing a child under two, check with the company before booking.

Pickup options and the port details

The standard meeting point is Hersonissos Port. Hotel transfers are not automatically included, but they can be arranged if you choose the right option. Pickup and drop-off are available from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka through the relevant transfer option.

The activity also lists many possible drop-off areas, including Malia, Stalida, Gouves, Analipsi, Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, Ligaria, Sisi, Milatos Beach, and several other parts of the north coast. Check your exact choice at booking instead of assuming that every location includes transport.

You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number. Port authorities require these details for cruise permission. Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy, and keep your booking voucher handy. The QR code is sent by email one day before the cruise and acts as your ticket.

Pack a swimsuit, sun hat, sunscreen, and towel. Towels are not supplied, and personal care items are your responsibility. The boat has an outdoor shower, which is useful after swimming, but it does not replace bringing your own dry clothes.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this for couples, small groups of friends, and families who want a polished evening on the water without arranging food, drinks, or equipment separately. It also suits anyone who likes variety: one hour of sailing, two hours at anchor, a meal, a drink package, and a sunset in one outing.

Families should find plenty to occupy children, including noodles, swimming vests, SUP boards, the flamingo float, fishing gear, and toys by request. Parents should still consider the sea conditions and the late return time.

This is less suitable if you want complete quiet, a private cove, serious snorkeling, or a full dinner. The bay can be shared with other boats, the underwater scenery may be modest, and the food is designed as a light meal. Anyone with a strong history of seasickness should think hard before booking.

The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans depend on the forecast.

Should you book the Hersonissos sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, social evening where the practical details are already handled. The strongest reasons are the small group size, attentive English-speaking crew, good deck space, included drinks, sushi, and the chance to watch the sun go down from Saint George Bay.

I would skip it if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed calm sea, or want a secluded swim with excellent marine life. For everyone else, the $94 price is fair when you use the food, open bar, swimming gear, and several hours on the catamaran. Bring a towel, arrive early, take seasickness seriously, and save room for the sunset.

FAQ

How long does the Hersonissos catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the selected departure time and operating conditions.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is Hersonissos Port. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before departure for check-in. The boat cannot delay departure because of port regulations.

What food is included?

The cruise includes welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and a fresh seasonal fruit plate.

Which drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins are provided, along with SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing gear.

Are towels included?

No. You should bring your own towel, swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen.

Can I arrange hotel pickup?

Hotel transfers are not included by default, but pickup and drop-off can be arranged if you select the appropriate option. Listed pickup areas include Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the cruise for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.