Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the timing. You spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in Agios Georgios Bay, then watch the coast turn gold and pink from the deck as the sun drops toward the sea. The modern catamaran gives you room to spread out, with sunbeds above and a shaded lounge below.

I like the combination of sushi and Cretan drinks, which feels more special than the usual boat-trip sandwich. I also like the useful water kit: SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, noodles, and even a pink inflatable flamingo. The main caution is the sea itself. Wind can make the ride rough, and seasickness has spoiled the sunset for some people, so bring medication if you are prone to it.

Key points at a glance

• A sunset swim at Agios Georgios Bay: Stop beneath rugged cliffs near the Cave of Saint George and the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris.
• A small group of up to 20 people: The boat should feel more relaxed than a large excursion vessel, though the bay can still be busy with other boats.
• Sushi, fruit, and an open bar: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included, while cocktails cost extra.
• Real water equipment included: Use the SUP boards, snorkeling gear, swim vests, noodles, and fishing equipment without separate rental fees.
• A polished boat with practical comforts: You get shaded seating, sunbeds, Wi-Fi, a toilet, an outdoor shower, and music.
• Good value at $94 per person: The price makes sense if you plan to swim, eat, drink, and stay aboard for the sunset rather than simply take a short cruise.

Setting sail from Hersonissos Port

You meet the crew at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. Arrive on time, since the boat cannot hold its departure for late arrivals because of port rules.

The opening is pleasant and useful. You receive a glass of Prosecco, light Mediterranean finger food, and a short safety briefing before the catamaran leaves port. There is also espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail on board, which is a nice touch for anyone who prefers something other than alcohol.

The first hour is mainly about the ride. You cruise across Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay while music plays softly in the background. Use this time to settle into the rhythm of the boat, claim a spot in the shade, or lie on a sunbed if the afternoon heat is strong.

The catamaran has two clear advantages over a small motorboat. It offers more stable footing and more usable deck space, so you are not packed shoulder to shoulder. It also gives you a choice of moods: sit in the shaded lounge, stretch out in the sun, or move around for better views.

Agios Georgios Bay and the Cave of Saint George

After roughly an hour, the boat anchors near Agios Georgios Bay, also called Saint George Bay. The setting is one of the stronger parts of the trip. Clear water sits below rugged cliffs, with the Cave of Saint George adding a little mystery to the shoreline. Above the waves, the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantaris gives the scene a distinctly Cretan character.

The stop lasts about two hours, although the exact pace can depend on sea conditions. This is your main chance to get in the water, paddle, snorkel, fish, or simply stay aboard with a drink.

The crew brings out masks and fins, SUP boards, swim vests, and inflatable noodles. The noodles are especially useful if you want to float without working hard, while the swim vests help less confident swimmers feel more secure. Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing session, though this is not presented as a serious fishing trip.

The SUP boards add variety, but they are not perfect. On at least one outing, the boards had no fins, making them harder to steer. If paddleboarding is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest. The equipment is best treated as a fun extra rather than a polished watersports program.

Snorkeling is available, but the bay should not be confused with a major underwater site. You may see clear water and coastal scenery, but the stop is mainly for swimming and cooling off. Some people spend more time floating and sunbathing than looking below the surface.

The pink flamingo is a playful extra. It is useful for photos, and the crew can help you capture them. Free Wi-Fi lets you share pictures while still on the boat, although I would keep your phone away from the water when you are paddling or swimming.

Sushi, local wine, and a sensible open bar

Food is served during the anchored portion of the cruise. You receive a selection of sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. The food is best understood as a generous light meal rather than dinner.

That distinction matters. The cruise can return to Hersonissos around 9 p.m. during the late summer season, so I would eat something before boarding if your hotel does not serve food late. The sushi gives you a proper snack, but it may not replace a full evening meal after several hours outside.

The drink package is one of the better-value elements. Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. The welcome Prosecco adds a festive start, and some departures finish with a small glass of raki.

Cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks are not included. You can order them for an extra charge, but you do not need to spend more to enjoy the basic package. I like that the included choices fit the setting: cold drinks, local wine, and beer while the boat sits in a sheltered bay.

The crew keeps the tone social without forcing it. You can chat with other people, listen to music, or retreat to a quiet corner. With a maximum group size of 20, the cruise has enough people for a friendly atmosphere without feeling like a floating party boat.

The sunset is the main event

The timing makes this different from a standard daytime sailing trip. After swimming and eating, the catamaran positions itself for the return and sunset views. The sky changes slowly, and the sea reflects the fading light as the coast becomes darker.

You can watch from the open deck or find a more protected position near the shaded seating. If you are sensitive to motion, pay attention to where the skipper suggests sitting. One practical tip from the trip experience is to stay near the upper area with the skipper if the sea is choppy, not only on the way out but also on the return.

The sunset is beautiful, but weather controls the quality of the experience. Calm conditions make it easy to sit outside with a drink and take photographs. Rougher water can make the ride exciting for some people and miserable for others. One person on a choppy departure spent much of the outing feeling ill and missed the sunset.

If you know you get seasick, bring suitable medication and check the forecast before booking. The crew has been attentive when people feel unwell, but no crew can remove the motion of the sea. Pregnant people, anyone with existing medical conditions, and people over 95 are not considered suitable for this activity.

What the $94 price includes

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast near Hersonissos. It is also more than a basic boat ride where you pay for a short swim and bring your own drinks.

The value comes from the amount bundled into the evening:

• A modern catamaran with sunbeds and shaded seating
• An English and Greek-speaking crew
• Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food on arrival
• Sushi and seasonal fruit
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine
• SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, swim vests, and noodles
• Fishing equipment and a floating flamingo
• Wi-Fi, music, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower
• Life jackets and liability insurance

I think the price works best for people who will use several parts of the package. If you plan to swim, have a few drinks, eat on board, and spend time watching the sunset, it is a fair half-day splurge. If you only want a quick photo of the sunset and do not care about the food or water activities, you may find a simpler sailing option better value.

Private groups are available, though the standard experience is already limited to 20 people. Hotel transfers are not automatically included. Optional pickup can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka, while many other nearby areas appear among the possible drop-off locations.

Practical planning before you book

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels and personal care items are not provided. The sun can remain strong even as the evening approaches, and the open deck has little protection when you are in the water.

You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality when booking. Port authorities require these details for cruise permission. Bring a passport or ID card, or a copy if accepted for your booking.

Your email voucher includes a QR code. It is sent one day before the cruise and serves as your ticket, so check your inbox before heading to the port.

The boat has an onboard toilet and an outdoor shower, which makes the long afternoon easier. A box of toys is available for children by request, and a branded gift can be arranged for birthdays or anniversaries if you tell the crew in advance.

Private cabins are not guaranteed and cost extra if available. The standard package gives you the shared deck and lounge areas, which are the heart of the experience anyway.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The cruise can be changed or canceled if weather conditions are poor, so check the forecast close to departure.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing for couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed evening with several activities built in. You can swim, paddle, eat, drink, take photos, or do very little. That flexibility is a real strength.

It suits people who prefer comfort over an intense sailing adventure. The shaded lounge, sunbeds, onboard facilities, and open bar let you enjoy the coast without having to organize every detail yourself.

Families can use the noodles, swim vests, toys, and gentle fishing equipment, though parents should still check the sea conditions and keep children close around the water. Children under two are not recommended.

This is less suitable for anyone hoping for serious snorkeling, a quiet private escape, or a guaranteed calm sea. The bay may have other boats, and one outing found the swimming area crowded and noisy. The crew may move farther along the coast for a better sunset view, but the conditions remain outside anyone’s control.

Should you book the DanEri Yachts sunset cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, polished evening on the water with food, drinks, swimming, and sunset views in one package. The crew’s friendly care is a major part of the experience, especially when sea conditions turn rough. The catamaran is clean, well maintained, and comfortable enough for several hours.

I would be more cautious if you suffer badly from seasickness or need a substantial dinner. Take medication, eat beforehand, and check the forecast. Also remember that the snorkeling is mainly for a refreshing swim, not a major underwater discovery.

For the right kind of evening, the $94 price is reasonable. You get the setting of Agios Georgios Bay, the pleasure of a small catamaran, a useful open bar, sushi, and the chance to watch the Cretan coast fade into sunset light. That is a strong package, provided you are happy to let the sea set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Hersonissos Port. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for check-in. The catamaran cannot wait for late arrivals because of port regulations.

How long does the cruise last?

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

What food is included?

You receive welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and a fresh seasonal fruit plate. Prosecco is also provided when you arrive.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. Cocktails and other premium alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The boat stops at Agios Georgios Bay, where you can swim and use the provided masks and fins. Swim vests and inflatable noodles are also available.

Are SUP boards included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are included during the water stop. The boards may be harder to steer in some conditions if they do not have fins.

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 as standard. Optional pickup can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka when the suitable booking option is selected.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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