Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The sunset gets the starring role. This Hersonissos catamaran cruise pairs a polished yacht, a swim stop at Saint George Bay, sushi, and an open bar for a relaxed evening on Crete’s north coast. I especially like the generous water gear and the small group size, capped at 20 people. The main caution is the sea: rough water can spoil the ride for anyone prone to motion sickness.

I also like the balance between activity and downtime. You can paddleboard, snorkel, fish, or simply stretch out on a sunbed with a drink while the catamaran moves through Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay. At $94 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the food, drinks, equipment, and sunset setting, but it is less compelling if you only want a short boat ride.

Quick highlights of the Saint George Bay cruise

• Saint George Bay swim stop: Clear water, rugged cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris create the visual heart of the trip.
• A proper evening meal: Sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, seasonal fruit, and unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine make this more than a simple sailing outing.
• Comfortable catamaran setup: Sunbeds, shaded seating, an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, music, and Wi-Fi help you settle in for several hours at sea.
• Useful water equipment: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim jackets, noodles, fishing gear, and an inflatable flamingo are available without extra equipment hire.
• Small-group feel: With a maximum of 20 people, the boat should feel calmer and less crowded than a large excursion vessel.
• Sunset timing: The cruise is built around the evening light, so you get the best views on the return rather than spending the whole outing under the midday sun.

Setting sail from Hersonissos Port

You meet at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. That early arrival matters because the boat cannot wait for late arrivals under port rules.

The trip lasts between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, depending on the departure time and schedule. Exact timing changes with availability, so check the selected option carefully. Some bookings include pickup, but hotel transfers are not automatically part of the standard cruise. Optional pickup is available from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka, while other pickup points may appear under separate options.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Before leaving, you receive a short safety briefing, a welcome glass of Prosecco, and Mediterranean finger food. This is a pleasant start, especially if you arrive from a warm afternoon of sightseeing and want a few quiet minutes to settle in.

The boat carries no more than 20 people. That number is worth noting. It is large enough for a sociable atmosphere, but small enough that you are not wandering through a floating crowd trying to find a place to sit.

A modern catamaran made for lounging

The catamaran is arranged for comfort rather than speed or formal sightseeing. You can lie on a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, or move around the deck to watch the coast. Soft music plays in the background, and free Wi-Fi lets you send photos while you are still at sea.

The practical details help. There is an onboard WC, an outdoor shower, life jackets, and swimming jackets. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included, along with the main drinks selection.

The open bar covers unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine. Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks cost extra, so do not assume every drink on board is included. For most people, though, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks will cover the evening well.

The boat also has an inflatable pink flamingo. It is a slightly silly extra, but it gives children and photo-minded adults something fun to play with. A box of toys is available for children by request, and a branded gift can be arranged for birthdays or anniversaries.

Cruising across Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay

The first sailing section lasts about an hour. You move away from Hersonissos and cruise along the coast toward Agios Georgios Bay. From the water, Crete looks different from the road. You see cliffs, coves, and pale rock faces without the traffic and development that can interrupt a coastal drive.

This part is less about a narrated tour and more about the pleasure of being outside. You have time to enjoy a drink, listen to music, take photos, and find your preferred place on deck. If you get seasick, pay attention to the skipper’s advice. One useful tip from the experience is to sit higher up with the skipper when the water becomes choppy, both on the way out and on the return.

That advice should be taken seriously. Several departures have had rougher seas, and one passenger reported becoming so sick that she missed much of the sunset. Another family enjoyed the choppier conditions, which shows how personal this can be. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medication and check the forecast before booking.

Saint George Bay, cliffs, cave, and chapel

The main stop is Agios Georgios Sarantaris, also called Saint George Bay. The catamaran anchors for roughly two hours, giving you time to swim, snorkel, paddle, eat, and relax.

The bay is known for clear water beneath rugged cliffs. The Cave of Saint George adds a little mystery to the setting, while the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris sits above the water. You will want your camera ready as the boat approaches and anchors.

This is the most active section of the cruise. The crew brings out SUP boards, masks, fins, swimming jackets, noodles, and fishing equipment. You can paddle around the boat, use a noodle for easy floating, or try a gentle fishing session. The crew can help with photos, including the inflatable flamingo.

Do not expect a major snorkeling site filled with colorful sea life. The equipment is useful for cooling off and playing in the water, but the swimming area may not offer much to see below the surface. One practical observation is that the SUP boards may be harder to steer because they do not have fins. They still provide fun, but you should not expect a serious paddleboarding session.

The bay can also be busy with other boats, especially in high season. That may bring noise and reduce the sense of privacy. The crew can sometimes move farther along the coast for better sunset views, but the stop is not a secluded private cove guaranteed for your group alone.

Sushi, Cretan drinks, and a light dinner

Food is served during the stop, when you can eat without trying to balance a plate while the boat moves. The main dish is a variety of sushi rolls, followed by a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. Mediterranean finger food is served earlier, with local snacks available during the cruise.

The food is best understood as a light dinner rather than a large restaurant meal. One useful tip is to eat beforehand if you need a substantial evening meal, particularly in late summer when the boat may return around 9 p.m. This matters if your hotel stops serving food early.

The sushi adds a welcome change from the usual excursion menu of sandwiches and packaged snacks. It also fits the setting: you can take a few pieces, sit with a view of the sea, and let the evening unfold without rushing to a dining table.

The open bar adds real value. Unlimited local beer and white wine can quickly make a boat outing expensive elsewhere, while water and soft drinks keep the arrangement family-friendly. Cocktails are available for an additional charge, so budget for them separately if that is part of your plan.

A farewell raki may be offered at the end, adding a small Cretan touch. It is not listed as part of the standard open bar selection, so consider it a welcome extra rather than something to count on.

Watching the sunset from the water

The sunset is the reason to choose this cruise over a daytime sailing. After the swim and food, the catamaran positions you for views as the sun drops toward the sea. The cliffs and chapel take on softer color, and the water reflects the changing sky.

This is a good time to step away from the water equipment and claim a comfortable spot on deck. You may want the front sunbeds for an unobstructed view, while the shaded lounge works better if you have had enough sun.

The timing is not completely predictable. The exact return hour changes with the season and departure time, and rough water can alter the pace. Still, the evening design gives you a better chance of enjoying the sunset from the boat rather than racing back to shore.

Music is part of the mood, but this is not presented as a party cruise. The atmosphere can be social, with people chatting and making new friends, yet the format also leaves room for a quiet drink and a view. That balance suits couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip from Hersonissos. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a limited group size, food, several hours at sea, equipment, and an open bar.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim, paddle, eat on board, and enjoy several drinks. Hiring a boat with water gear and buying food and drinks separately could easily narrow the price gap. You also avoid the bother of arranging equipment or finding somewhere to watch the sunset.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike swimming, or mainly want a short coastal cruise. In that case, a simpler sailing trip may suit you better.

Private groups are available, though the standard experience is a shared cruise. If privacy matters, check the exact booking option before paying. The maximum group size of 20 keeps the regular trip relatively intimate, but it does not make the boat private.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples looking for a gentle evening outing, families with children who enjoy water play, and friends who want a social sunset experience without planning every detail.

It is also a good fit if you want a little of everything: sailing, swimming, snacks, drinks, photos, and a scenic sunset. You do not need to be an experienced paddler or snorkeler. Swim jackets and noodles make the water stop more approachable.

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. The operator also advises extra care for anyone with mobility or health concerns. The sea can be rough, and people prone to seasickness should check the forecast and speak with the team before booking.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun hat, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your identification is accepted. When booking, you must provide each passenger’s full name, birth date, nationality, and passport or ID number for port permission.

The QR code ticket arrives by email one day before the cruise. Keep it handy, and arrive early. The boat cannot delay departure for late arrivals.

Should you book the Hersonissos sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a polished evening at sea with good food, drinks, and plenty of included equipment. The crew’s friendly care is one of the strongest parts of the experience, particularly when weather or seasickness complicates the ride. The clean boat, helpful service, and memorable sunset give this outing its appeal.

Skip it if you need calm water, a full dinner, or a quiet private bay with no other boats nearby. Saint George Bay can be busy, the SUP boards may be tricky to steer, and choppy conditions are possible.

For the right passenger, this is a well-rounded Crete evening: swim before sunset, eat sushi on deck, raise a glass of Greek wine, and watch the coast turn gold on the ride home. At $94, it earns its price when you use the boat as a full experience rather than simply a way to see the sun go down.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The exact departure time and duration depend on availability and the selected booking option.

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included automatically. Optional transfer service is available from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka when the correct option is selected.

What food is included?

You receive welcome Prosecco, Mediterranean finger food, local snacks, sushi rolls, and a fresh seasonal fruit plate. The food is intended as a light meal rather than a large dinner.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the standard selection cost extra.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The boat carries snorkeling masks and fins, SUP boards, swimming jackets, and inflatable noodles for the stop at Saint George Bay.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise depends on sea conditions. It may be rescheduled or canceled if the weather is unsuitable. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.