Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

At Saint George Bay, rugged cliffs, clear water, the Cave of Saint George, and the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris give this cruise a fine setting. The real treat comes later, when the catamaran slows for swimming and the sky turns gold over Crete.

I like the spacious catamaran, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, and a toilet onboard. I also like the generous activity list: snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, floating toys, sushi, fruit, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

The main catch is the sea. Choppy conditions can delay the swimming stop, and the crew may need to sail for an hour before finding calmer water. Food is served as a help-yourself spread, so it is wise to eat early if you want the best choice.

Key points to know before booking

• Saint George Bay is the scenic focus: Expect cliffs, clear water, a sea cave, and a small white chapel above the bay.
• The cruise lasts about 3.5 hours: Departures have been reported around 4:15 pm and return near 7:45 pm, though exact times can vary.
• Swimming time depends on the sea: Rough water may mean a longer sail before the catamaran anchors.
• Sushi and drinks are included: You get sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, finger food, local beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water.
• The boat holds up to 20 people: It is small enough to feel personal, yet spacious enough to avoid a cramped ride.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: Neither is included, and hotel transfers cost extra if arranged.

Setting sail from Hersonissos toward Saint George Bay

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Agias Paraskevis 125 in Limenas Chersonisou. The catamaran returns to this same point at the end, which keeps the outing simple if you are staying in or near Hersonissos.

The cruise is offered in English and has a maximum of 20 people. That matters. You are not being loaded onto a large excursion boat with a crowd spread across several decks. The crew can keep an eye on the group, explain the safety rules, and help with the equipment.

The welcome begins with Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food. Coffee, tea, detox water, espresso, and a protein cocktail are also available onboard. The exact amount of the welcome drink may vary, so think of it as a small greeting rather than a full aperitif.

Once the safety briefing is finished, the catamaran heads across Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay. The early part of the trip is about the ride itself. Find a shaded seat if the afternoon sun is strong, or settle on one of the sunbeds if you want a more open view.

Crew member Thomas is specifically praised for his warm, organized service, and the wider crew is described as friendly and attentive. That personal service is an important part of the experience, since a small boat trip works best when staff keep the mood relaxed without letting practical details slide.

Saint George Bay and the chapel above the water

Saint George Bay is the visual heart of the outing. The water is known for its clarity, while the surrounding cliffs give the bay a more dramatic feel than a simple beach stop. The Cave of Saint George adds a point of interest, even if you only see it from the water.

Above the bay, the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris gives you a classic Cretan scene: bright stone, open sea, and bare rock meeting the water. This is the sort of setting that makes a sunset cruise worth considering even if you are not enthusiastic about water sports.

The catamaran does not promise a long shore visit or a guided walk to the chapel. You are seeing this coast from the sea, which is both the strength and the limitation of the trip. You get a calm, attractive view with no climb or land transfer, but you will not explore the cave or chapel on foot.

The route can also be affected by wind and swell. One sailing had to continue for about an hour before stopping in calmer water. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the center of the catamaran, keep your eyes on the horizon, and be realistic about the possibility of a rolling ride.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding from the catamaran

When the boat reaches a suitable anchorage, the afternoon becomes more active. High-quality masks and fins are provided, along with swimming jackets and inflatable noodles. You can swim, look for fish, or simply float beside the boat.

Snorkeling conditions depend on the day. Clear water does not guarantee a busy underwater scene, and some outings may produce few or no fish sightings. Still, the chance to enter the water straight from a comfortable catamaran is a strong reason to choose this cruise over a purely scenic boat ride.

Stand-up paddleboards are included. So is a complete fishing set for a gentle fishing experience. The inflatable flamingo adds a playful touch, while a box of toys can be requested for children.

Families should note that the boat is designed to accommodate different ages, but children still need close supervision around the water. Life jackets are onboard, and swimming jackets are available, yet the sea can turn rough and the timing of the swimming stop can change.

You are not promised an unlimited water-sports session. The schedule has to balance the sailing, food, sunset, and return to Hersonissos. If swimming is your top priority, ask the crew at the start how conditions are shaping the plan.

Sushi, fruit, and the open bar

After time in the water, sushi rolls are served onboard. This is more substantial than the usual bowl of crisps or a few olives, and it gives the cruise a slightly more polished feel. Fresh seasonal fruit is served later, fitting the relaxed end-of-day mood.

Mediterranean finger food is available near the start. Because the food is set out for people to help themselves, I would not wait until the last part of the cruise to eat. One family found that popular items had gone by the time they were ready for food, and a child-friendly substitute was not available.

That is a useful point for parents. The food offering includes snacks and sushi, but it is not described as a children’s meal. If your child is selective, bring a small backup snack if permitted, and do not assume that a particular item such as nuggets will be available.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. You also get the welcome Prosecco, but cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside this selection cost extra or are not included.

This arrangement gives you good value if you plan to enjoy several drinks during the cruise. It is less important if you do not drink alcohol. Either way, the included water and soft drinks are useful, especially after swimming in the afternoon heat.

Sunset from the shaded lounge or sunbed

The cruise is timed around the sunset, and this is when the outing feels most special. After the swimming stop and food, the crew sets a slower pace while the light fades over the Cretan coast.

You can watch from a sunbed, sit in the shaded lounge, or move around the deck for photographs. Music plays onboard, and free Wi-Fi is included, though you may find the sunset a good excuse to put your phone away for a few minutes.

The trip has been described as lasting longer than the advertised time on some occasions. One departure ran from roughly 4:15 pm to 7:45 pm, making it a substantial afternoon and evening activity. The stated duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes, but allow some flexibility.

The sunset itself cannot be guaranteed. Weather may cancel the outing, and clouds or haze can change the view. Still, the cruise is designed around the final light, so you are in the right place if the evening cooperates.

For couples, the timing works well as a relaxed last-night activity. Friends can make more use of the music, drinks, and floating equipment. Families may appreciate the short overall duration, onboard toilet, outdoor shower, and range of activities, though the sea conditions deserve attention.

What the $96.55 price really covers

At $96.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Crete. It is also not simply a three-hour boat transfer. Your fare covers a modern catamaran, professional English-speaking crew, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, fishing gear, swimming aids, sushi, fruit, snacks, and a fairly broad open bar.

The boat itself is a major part of the value. Sunbeds and shaded lounges let you choose how active or lazy the afternoon will be. The onboard WC and outdoor shower remove two common annoyances from a small-boat outing.

You also avoid separate rental fees for masks, fins, and paddleboards. If you would use several of those activities and enjoy drinks during the trip, the price becomes easier to justify. If you mainly want a short sunset sail and do not care about food or water activities, a simpler boat trip may suit your budget better.

The group size helps the value too. With no more than 20 people, the catamaran should feel less hectic than a large cruise boat. It may still be full, but the open layout means full capacity does not necessarily feel tight.

Hotel transfers are not included. They can be arranged on request, but you should factor in that extra cost if your accommodation is outside easy reach of the meeting point. Towels and sunscreen are also your responsibility.

Timing, weather, and practical comfort

This is a good-weather activity. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a summer holiday, that policy gives you a useful safety net, but you should still avoid scheduling the cruise on the final few hours of your trip if a replacement date would be impossible.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, so check your plans before the cutoff.

Wear swimwear beneath light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up. The boat has an outdoor shower, but that is for rinsing off, not for replacing a proper change of clothes.

The catamaran has life jackets, swimming jackets, an onboard toilet, and liability insurance. Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The supplied information does not promise private cabins. Cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and may cost extra.

Sea conditions are the one comfort issue you cannot control. The boat can feel lively in a swell, which some people find exciting and others find unpleasant. If motion bothers you, avoid drinking too much alcohol before the swimming stop and choose a stable seat near the middle of the vessel.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this outing to couples who want a sunset without spending an entire day at sea. The combination of a pretty bay, sushi, wine, and a long evening light show gives the experience a clear sense of occasion.

It also suits families who want several choices rather than one fixed activity. Children can swim, use noodles, try the paddleboard, fish, or play with the onboard toys. Parents should still pack familiar snacks and keep young children close around the deck and water.

Friends will find it easy to turn the cruise into a social afternoon. The open bar, music, Wi-Fi, and inflatable flamingo keep the tone casual rather than formal.

I would be more cautious if you need a carefully structured itinerary with constant commentary. Communication appears to be strongest when the crew is actively serving drinks and organizing the boat, but one outing felt too much like a help-yourself experience, with limited explanation about the swimming plan.

Should you book the Hersonissos sunset catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want more than a view from the deck. You get a comfortable catamaran, a chance to swim and snorkel in clear water, sushi and fruit, an open bar, and a sunset over Saint George Bay. The 4.8 rating from 61 reviews and 95 percent recommendation rate fit the strongest parts of the experience: friendly service, a spacious boat, good food and drinks, and memorable evening light.

Before booking, accept two limits. The sea may be choppy, and the swimming stop may be delayed. Also, food is served informally, so children with strict food preferences need a backup plan.

At $96.55, this is a good-value choice for anyone who will use the water equipment and open bar. It is a less convincing purchase for someone who wants only a short sail. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a flexible attitude, then let the crew and the Cretan sunset handle the rest.

FAQ

How long is the Hersonissos sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. One reported schedule ran from about 4:15 pm to 7:45 pm, but the exact departure and return times can vary.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The meeting point is DanEri Yachts, Agias Paraskevis 125, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the cruise offered in English?

Yes. The experience includes an English-speaking crew and is offered in English.

What food is included?

You receive Mediterranean finger food, a selection of sushi rolls, and a fresh seasonal fruit plate. The food is served onboard.

What drinks are included?

The package includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, detox water, teas, and a protein cocktail are also listed. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins are provided. Swimming jackets, life jackets, and inflatable noodles are also available.

Are paddleboards and fishing equipment included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards and a complete fishing set are included. An inflatable flamingo is also available for use onboard.

Are towels and hotel transfers included?

No. You need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged on request.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.