Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Saint George Bay is the star here: clear water, rugged cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and a little white chapel above the sea. I like the generous time on the water and the mix of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing. The sushi, fruit, and open bar also make this feel like more than a basic boat trip.

I also like the spacious catamaran, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower. The main thing to consider is that sea conditions can change the plan. One cruise had a long first sailing because of choppy water, and the crew could have explained the schedule more clearly.

Key points to know before you book

• Saint George Bay swimming stop: The cruise heads toward the calmer waters around Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay for swimming and water activities.
• Sunset timing: This is an afternoon-to-evening outing, usually lasting about 3 hours and 30 minutes, with the sunset as the final event.
• Food and drinks included: You receive Prosecco, finger food, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine.
• A real activity platform: Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, swimming jackets, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and fishing equipment are supplied.
• Small-group feel: The catamaran takes no more than 20 people, giving you more room than a large excursion boat.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and sunscreen are not included, and hotel transfers need to be arranged separately.

Setting sail from Hersonissos

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

The boat carries a maximum of 20 people. That number matters. You are not being packed onto a large day boat with dozens of other passengers, and the catamaran has enough room for sunbeds and shaded seating. Even when the boat is full, the layout should give you places to spread out.

The crew speaks English and begins with a welcome glass of Prosecco, light Mediterranean finger food, and a short safety briefing. The drinks selection goes beyond the usual bottle of water: you have espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail, as well as the regular open-bar choices later in the cruise.

The welcome snack is best viewed as a light start, not a full meal. Food is served in a help-yourself style, so I would take a reasonable portion when it first appears rather than waiting until later. Families should also note that the advertised food is not designed around children’s meals, although a box of toys can be requested.

Cruising toward Saint George Bay

The route takes you across Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay. Saint George Bay has a striking setting, with pale water beneath rugged cliffs. The Cave of Saint George adds a small touch of mystery, while the chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris gives the coast a distinctly Cretan character.

The first part of the trip may be spent simply sailing. That is not wasted time. From the catamaran, you get open views of the coast and a chance to settle into the rhythm of the afternoon. Music and free Wi-Fi are available, but the best use of the journey is probably to find a shaded seat, watch the shoreline, and let the boat carry you away from the resort strip.

You should keep sea conditions in mind. One departure faced enough chop that the boat sailed for about an hour before stopping in calmer water. That may be exciting if you enjoy movement at sea, but it can be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness. The itinerary is not rigid, and the crew may need to adjust the swimming stop for safety.

Communication is important here. The crew has received praise for being friendly, attentive, and good at keeping drinks topped up, but one account described a lack of explanation about the delayed stop and the fact that it would be the only swimming break. If conditions are rough, ask the crew early about the planned route and water time.

Swimming, snorkeling, and water toys

Once the catamaran reaches a suitable stop, you can use the clear water around the bay. Snorkeling masks and fins are provided, along with swimming jackets for anyone who wants extra support. The water is also open for paddleboarding, gentle fishing, or simply floating with an inflatable noodle.

A stand-up paddleboard gives you a quiet way to look back at the catamaran and the cliffs. The fishing gear is intended for a gentle experience rather than a serious fishing trip. An inflatable flamingo adds a playful option, especially for photographs and families.

The snorkeling should be treated as a pleasant extra, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The water is described as clear, but sightings vary. Some people enjoyed the swim without seeing fish. You will get the best value from this stop if you enjoy being in the water for its own sake.

The amount of swimming time can be good, but it depends on the weather and sea state. Several departures allowed ample time for swimming and snorkeling, while rough conditions affected the timing on another. You can ask about the water stop before setting out, though the final decision belongs to the captain.

The boat has life jackets, swimming jackets, an outdoor shower, and a toilet. Those details make a difference on a longer outing. You can rinse off salt water before eating and do not need to cut your time short because basic facilities are missing.

Sushi, fruit, and the open bar

The food is a key part of the price. After the water stop, the crew serves a plate of assorted sushi rolls. This is a more interesting choice than the standard sandwiches found on many boat excursions, and it fits the relaxed evening mood.

Fresh seasonal fruit follows later, around sunset. Finger food is served earlier, and the overall offering works well as a light meal. I would not book this expecting a large restaurant-style dinner. If you have a big appetite, eat something before departure or bring any permitted personal food you may need.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. You also have the welcome Prosecco, espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the listed selection cost extra and are not part of the standard package.

This arrangement gives the cruise a social feel without forcing you to buy each drink separately. It is especially useful during the long sailing sections, when having water and soft drinks on hand keeps the afternoon comfortable. The crew has been praised for refilling glasses, though service can feel more self-directed at times.

If you want a particular cocktail, do not assume it is included. The included alcoholic choices are local beer and white wine, along with the welcome Prosecco. That is enough for many people, but it is worth knowing before you compare this cruise with a more heavily stocked bar.

Waiting for the Cretan sunset

The cruise is timed around the change from afternoon light to twilight. After swimming and eating, you settle on the catamaran while the sun drops toward the sea. This is the quietest part of the trip, and the wide views are the main reward.

Sunset conditions cannot be guaranteed. Clouds, haze, and the boat’s position all affect the view. Still, the setting around Hersonissos gives you a broad horizon and a memorable way to spend your final hours of daylight.

The timing reported for one cruise was roughly 4:15 to 7:45 p.m., which is longer than the advertised approximate duration. Exact departure times can vary, so check the details supplied for your date. The important point is that this is not a quick sail past the coast. You should plan around a substantial afternoon and evening commitment.

Bring a light layer if you tend to cool down after sunset. That advice is practical rather than glamorous: open water can feel different once the sun is gone, even after a warm afternoon.

How much value do you get for $96.55?

At $96.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Crete. You are paying for a luxury catamaran, a small group capped at 20, water equipment, food, drinks, crew service, and about three and a half hours at sea.

The value improves if you plan to use the included extras. Someone who swims, tries the SUP, snacks throughout the cruise, and has several included drinks receives more than a passenger who only wants a short sunset sail. The onboard toilet, outdoor shower, sunbeds, and shaded lounges also add comfort that basic boat trips may not provide.

The sushi and open bar are useful price comparisons. If you would otherwise pay for a meal and several drinks after a standard cruise, the package becomes easier to justify. The small group is another benefit, since you have more room and less crowding around the swimming equipment.

I would compare this with the cost of a separate sunset meal and a boat outing. The cruise combines both, plus swimming and snorkeling. It is not a bargain excursion, but it can be good value for a special evening, a couple’s outing, or a family that wants a full activity rather than a short photo ride.

What the reviews tell you about the service

The most consistent praise goes to the crew. Friendly, attentive service is mentioned repeatedly, and Thomas and the crew are specifically praised for being welcoming and organized. The staff also uses WhatsApp for updates, which can be helpful if the departure details change.

The crew’s tone appears to be warm and social. They may encourage people to join the mood rather than running the trip as a formal guided tour. That suits you if you want a relaxed evening with music, food, and conversation.

There is one fair warning. Service may not always feel equally proactive. One family had to ask for drinks after seeing them served to others, and some snacks had run out by the time they went looking for food. If you have dietary needs or a child who relies on familiar foods, ask what is available before departure and take food early when it is set out.

The high overall rating, 4.8 from 61 reviews, and 95 percent recommendation rate point to a strong experience for most people. The lower account is useful because it shows where expectations need adjusting: weather can change the route, the food is limited, and communication about the schedule may not always be perfect.

Families, couples, and first-time sailors

Families can make good use of this outing. The boat has swimming jackets, noodles, an inflatable flamingo, and a toy box available by request. The swimming stop offers more to do than sitting on deck, and the shaded areas help when children need a break from the sun.

Still, this is not a children’s meal cruise. Sushi and light snacks may not suit every child, and there is no promise of nuggets or other specific foods. Bring what your family needs, along with towels and sunscreen.

Couples get the strongest match with the sunset setting. A Prosecco welcome, sushi, fruit, wine, and open sea views create a pleasant special-occasion plan without requiring a formal restaurant. A memorable gift is available for special occasions, though you should request it rather than assume it will be ready.

Friends can use the water equipment and the social setup. The boat has music, Wi-Fi, and enough space for people to choose between conversation, swimming, or a quiet spot in the shade.

If you are new to sailing, this is an approachable introduction. The crew provides a safety briefing and life jackets, and you can choose how active to be. You do not need to use every piece of equipment to enjoy the trip.

Practical details that affect your day

The meeting point is near public transportation, but hotel transfers are not included. Transfers can be arranged on request, so ask before booking if you are staying outside easy reach of Hersonissos.

You need to bring a towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. Personal feminine hygiene products are available onboard, but do not count on the boat to supply everything you need for a beach afternoon.

Cabins may be available on request, but private cabin use is not guaranteed. The main shared spaces are the sunbeds and shaded lounges. If a private cabin matters to you, confirm its availability before paying.

Most people can participate, and the cruise includes life jackets and swimming support. Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, while changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

The cruise is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the end point is the original meeting place.

Should you book the Hersonissos sunset catamaran?

I would book this if you want a polished half-day on the sea rather than a bare-bones boat ride. The combination of Saint George Bay, swimming, snorkeling, sushi, included drinks, and sunset gives you several good reasons to leave the beach for an afternoon.

The strongest case is for couples, families with adaptable children, and friends who value comfort and a small group. You should also be happy with a flexible plan, since wind and waves can affect the route and swimming time.

Think twice if you need a large meal, a full cocktail bar, guaranteed private space, or a tightly timed itinerary. For everyone else, $96.55 is a fair price for a long, well-equipped cruise with a beautiful finish. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and realistic expectations about the food, then let the bay and sunset do most of the work.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at DanEri Yachts, Agias Paraskevis 125, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What areas does the catamaran visit?

The cruise sails around Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay, including the Saint George Bay area.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You can swim during the water stop, subject to sea and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. High-quality masks and fins are included.

What food is included?

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

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, Prosecco on arrival, espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside this selection are not included.

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.