Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the timing. You spend the afternoon sailing along Malia Bay, swim near Saint George Bay, then watch the sun sink over the Cretan coast from the deck of a modern catamaran. Sushi, local drinks, and a sunset make this more than a simple boat ride.

I like the roomy setup, with sunbeds for stretching out and a shaded lounge when the sun gets strong. I also like the useful water gear: SUP boards, snorkeling masks and fins, swim vests, noodles, and even an inflatable pink flamingo. The main caution is the sea itself. A choppy day can make the trip rough, especially on the return, so seasickness medication is sensible.

Key points at a glance

• Saint George Bay swim stop: Anchor near rugged cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris.
• Sushi with a Cretan touch: Eat prepared sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger foods, and seasonal fruit while looking out over the sea.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, and local beer are available throughout the cruise.
• Comfortable small group: The catamaran carries no more than 20 people, with sunbeds, shade, a WC, and an outdoor shower.
• Sunset from the water: The final return is timed around the changing colors over the coast, weather permitting.
• Useful planning detail: Bring your own towel and sunscreen, arrive 15 minutes early, and provide passport or ID details when booking.

From Hersonissos Port to the Open Sea

Your afternoon starts at Hersonissos Port, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. The crew checks you in, offers a glass of Prosecco, and serves light Mediterranean finger food before departure.

That welcome sets the tone. This is not a bare-bones sailing trip where you are handed a life jacket and pointed toward a bench. The boat has a social, relaxed feel, with quiet music, shaded seating, sunbeds, and room to move around.

A short safety briefing comes before sailing. Life jackets are available, and the crew speaks English and Greek. If you have concerns about the sea, ask early. The crew can advise you where to sit, and one useful tip from the experience is to stay near the skipper on a rough return journey rather than remaining low on the boat.

The first sailing section lasts about an hour. You cruise along Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay, with coastal views all around. The boat itself is part of the attraction. A catamaran gives you a broad deck and more space than a small motorboat, so you can choose between sun, shade, and a quieter place to watch the coast pass.

The Catamaran Setup and What It Means for You

The vessel is designed for comfort rather than speed. Sunbeds give you a place to read, nap, or simply watch the water. The shaded lounge matters in Crete, where an afternoon in direct sun can become tiring well before sunset.

There is also an onboard WC and an outdoor shower. The shower is especially useful after swimming, since you can rinse off salt water before sitting down for food or drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the crew can help take photographs, including photos with the inflatable pink flamingo.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That does not make the outing private, but it keeps the boat from feeling like a large excursion ferry. A private group option is available if you select it when booking.

Private cabins are not part of the standard promise. They may be available on request, but they are not guaranteed. If your priority is a private room, confirm this before paying rather than assuming it comes with the cruise.

Saint George Bay, Cliffs, and the Chapel Above the Water

After the first hour at sea, the catamaran anchors near Agios Georgios Sarantaris, also called Saint George Bay. This is the main activity stop and lasts roughly two hours, although exact timing can change with the weather and sea conditions.

The setting is one of the prettiest along this part of Crete. Rugged cliffs frame clear water, the Cave of Saint George adds a little mystery, and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris sits above the waves. The chapel and cliffs give the stop a strong sense of place, rather than making it feel like an anonymous swimming break.

Once anchored, the crew brings out the water equipment. You can use the SUP boards, snorkeling gear, swimming jackets, and inflatable noodles. Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing session. A box of toys can be requested for children.

The water is the main reason to pack swimwear. You can swim from the boat, paddle around on a SUP, or float on a noodle. Snorkeling gear is included, but keep your expectations sensible. The bay is prized for clear water and scenery, yet it is not presented as a major underwater wildlife excursion. On some days, the swim is best treated as a refreshing break rather than a serious snorkeling expedition.

One practical detail matters here: a previous trip found the SUP boards difficult to steer because they had no fins. That will not ruin a short paddle, but it may frustrate anyone hoping to cover much distance. The noodles and standard swimming equipment are easier options.

The bay can also be shared with other boats. At busy times, you may hear louder groups nearby or find the anchorage less secluded than the pictures suggest. The crew may move farther along the coast for the sunset, which can restore some calm and give you a better view.

Sushi, Fruit, and the Included Drinks

Food is served during the anchorage, when you can sit down properly and enjoy it without trying to balance a plate on a moving deck. The main offering is a variety of sushi rolls, accompanied by Mediterranean finger food and later a plate of fresh seasonal fruit.

This is a light meal, not a full dinner. That distinction matters. The sushi and snacks should keep you comfortable during the cruise, but one guest found it wise to eat before departure because the boat returned around 9 p.m. in late summer. If your hotel stops serving food early, have a proper meal before boarding or plan something for after the cruise.

The welcome Prosecco is included, as are espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. During the trip, the open bar covers water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, and local beer. At the end, you might receive a small glass of raki as a farewell, depending on the crew and occasion.

Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra. They are not part of the included bar, so ask before ordering if you want something beyond beer, wine, or soft drinks.

The food service suits the mood of the trip. You are not coming for a formal Greek meal or a specialist sushi tasting. You are getting attractive, easy-to-eat food that works well between swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.

Sunset Over Malia Bay

The final part of the cruise is the reason to choose this sailing instead of a daytime catamaran trip. As the sun lowers, the boat heads back toward Hersonissos, giving you changing views of the cliffs and open water.

The sunset depends on the weather, of course. Clear skies bring the gold and pink colors described in the tour plan, while cloud or wind can change the mood completely. Even without a perfect sky, being on the water at this hour gives the return journey a quieter, more attractive feel than a daytime transfer.

Music plays softly in the background rather than turning the boat into a loud party vessel. That makes the cruise a good match for couples, families, and small groups who want drinks and conversation along with their photos.

The return sailing lasts about 15 minutes in the stated schedule, though the full outing takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the chosen departure time and conditions. In late summer, you may reach port around 9 p.m. Plan dinner accordingly.

The Sea Can Change the Whole Experience

The biggest variable is not the food or the boat. It is the water. Several outings have been calm enough for easy swimming and relaxed sunbathing, but some days are choppy. Even people who enjoy rougher water can find the return uncomfortable after several hours at sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication and check the forecast before booking. One passenger had severe seasickness but received attentive help from the crew, including an offered travel-sickness tablet. That kind of support is useful, but it is better not to depend on it as your only plan.

Sit in the most stable part of the boat when conditions are uncertain, follow the skipper’s advice, and avoid spending the whole return below deck if you feel unwell. Pregnancy, serious medical conditions, and some mobility concerns require extra care. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95.

The cruise can also be canceled or rescheduled if the weather is unsafe. That is a normal part of a sea outing, not a flaw in this particular trip. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if the sunset cruise is one of the most important parts of your holiday.

Is $94 a Fair Price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Hersonissos. It is also not simply a transportation ticket. The price includes a modern catamaran, a professional crew, welcome Prosecco, snacks, sushi, seasonal fruit, a selection of drinks, water equipment, Wi-Fi, and the sunset sailing itself.

The value improves if you plan to use the included equipment and drinks. A couple who swims, has several drinks, eats the sushi, and spends the full afternoon aboard is getting a fairly complete half-day outing. Families also benefit from swim vests, noodles, fishing gear, and children’s toys by request.

The value is weaker if you dislike group boating, do not drink alcohol, or want a substantial Greek dinner. You are paying for the boat, setting, service, and time at sea as much as for the food.

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price. They can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka when the correct pickup option is selected. Other listed drop-off areas include Agia Pelagia, Ligaria, Analipsi, Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Malia, Milatos Beach, Sisi, Stalida, and several other points around the region. Check the exact option carefully, since not every departure includes transport.

What to Pack and What to Expect at Check-In

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun hat, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your identification is accepted. Towels and personal care items are not supplied, so do not assume the outdoor shower replaces a beach towel.

When booking, you must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. Port authorities require these details to issue cruise permission. You will receive a booking voucher by email, followed by a QR code one day before the tour. That QR code serves as your ticket.

Arrive on time. The catamaran cannot wait for late arrivals because of port rules, and the company does not accept responsibility for delays caused by passengers or unforeseen events.

The cruise has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. These policies help if your Crete schedule is still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the weather and your transport arrangements.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would choose this for couples looking for a polished sunset outing, friends who want swimming and drinks without planning the food themselves, and families who value a smaller boat with useful flotation equipment.

It also suits people who want photographs. The chapel, cliffs, sunset, sushi platter, and pink flamingo provide plenty of easy photo moments, while the crew can help capture them. Wi-Fi makes it simple to share images before returning to port.

I would think twice if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a quiet private anchorage, or a large Greek dinner. The swimming stop can be shared with other boats, the water may be rough, and the food is designed as light cruise fare. You should also skip it if you are pregnant, have a relevant medical condition, or are highly sensitive to seasickness without a plan.

Should You Book the Saint George Bay Sunset Cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable afternoon at sea with a strong mix of scenery, swimming, food, and drinks. The modern catamaran, small maximum group size, attentive crew, and sunset timing make it a well-rounded choice from Hersonissos.

Before booking, check three things: the forecast, your route back to the hotel, and whether sushi and light snacks are enough for your evening meal. Pack medication if you get seasick, bring a towel, and arrive early.

For most people who want an easy, social way to see the Cretan coast from the water, the $94 price is reasonable. Just remember that the sea sets the rules. On a calm evening, this can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a sunset in eastern Crete. On a rough one, the crew can help, but no catamaran can make the waves disappear.

FAQ

How long does the Hersonissos sunset catamaran cruise last?

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

Where does the cruise depart?

The standard meeting point is Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

What food is included?

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

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. Prosecco is served at welcome, and espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available.

Are cocktails included in the open bar?

No. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the included local beer and white wine selection cost extra.

Can I swim and use water equipment?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo. Fishing equipment is also available.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included unless you choose an appropriate pickup option. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be rescheduled or canceled in unsafe weather. Check the forecast before departure, and contact the team if you are concerned about seasickness or a health condition.