Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Saint George Bay gives this cruise its real appeal: rugged cliffs, clear water, a quiet sea cave, and the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris above the shore. I like the small maximum group of 20 and the mix of swimming, SUP, snorkeling, sushi, and sunset time. I also like that the catamaran offers both open deck space and shade, so you can choose sun or shelter.

The main caution is the sea. A calm evening can feel wonderfully easy, but choppy water may cause seasickness, and the return to Hersonissos can be rough. The sushi and finger food are generous for a cruise snack, not a full dinner, so consider eating beforehand if you return late.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset at Saint George Bay: Watch the sky change color near cliffs, a sea cave, and the chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris.
• A maximum of 20 people: The limited group size helps the spacious catamaran feel relaxed rather than crowded.
• Swimming gear included: Use SUP boards, masks, fins, swim vests, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo at the anchorage.
• Drinks are part of the price: Water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, local beer, espresso, tea, and detox water are included.
• Sushi with a Cretan setting: You receive sushi rolls, Mediterranean snacks, and seasonal fruit while looking out over the sea.
• Plan for the weather: The trip may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

Why this Hersonissos sunset cruise works

This is less about reaching a famous sight and more about giving you a pleasant half-day at sea. The boat leaves Hersonissos, crosses Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay, anchors for swimming, then returns as the sun drops toward the horizon.

That pacing matters. You get roughly an hour of sailing before the main stop, about two hours around Saint George Bay, and a short final cruise back to port. There is enough time to swim and relax without turning the outing into an all-day commitment.

The catamaran is set up for comfort. Sunbeds give you a place to stretch out, while the shaded lounge area helps when the afternoon sun becomes too strong. Soft background music, an onboard toilet, an outdoor shower, and free Wi-Fi add useful touches, though the heart of the experience remains the water and the view.

I especially like the group limit. With no more than 20 people, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable place on deck and getting help with the water equipment. This is still a shared cruise unless you book a private group, but it should feel more personal than a large excursion boat.

From Hersonissos Port to the open sea

Arrive at Hersonissos Port 15 minutes before departure. Look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran. Punctuality matters here because port rules do not allow the crew to hold the boat for late arrivals.

The crew greets you with Prosecco and light Mediterranean finger food. You also have access to espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. After a short safety briefing, the boat begins its route toward Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay.

The first hour is a chance to settle in. You can sit in the sun, use the shaded lounge, take photographs, or simply watch the coast slide past. The catamaran itself becomes part of the attraction, with wide deck areas and enough room to change your position as the light shifts.

The English and Greek speaking crew handles the practical side of the trip. Life jackets are supplied, and a professional crew member is available to help with the boards, masks, and fins once the boat anchors.

Saint George Bay, cliffs, and the white chapel

The main stop is around Άγιος Γεώργιος Σαραντάρης, also called Saint George Bay. Here, the coast becomes more dramatic, with clear water below rugged cliffs. The Cave of Saint George adds a small note of mystery, while the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris gives the shore a distinctly Cretan character.

The stop lasts about two hours. That is the useful part of this cruise because you are not rushed through the water activities. You can try the SUP boards, snorkel with the supplied masks and fins, float on a noodle, or use the swim vest if you prefer extra support.

Fishing equipment is also available for a gentle fishing experience. The inflatable pink flamingo is supplied for fun photographs, and the crew can help you capture pictures. Free Wi-Fi lets you send them while still on the water, though I would give your phone a break for at least part of the stop.

Do not expect a major snorkeling site based on the details provided. One account describes the water as pleasant for cooling off but notes little to see below the surface. That makes the equipment useful for recreation rather than for a serious look at marine life.

The bay can also be busy with other boats. You may find more noise and less solitude at the swimming stop, particularly during the high summer season. The crew can take you a little farther for the sunset, but the swimming area itself may not feel completely private.

Sushi, Cretan snacks, and the open bar

Food is served as part of the relaxed middle section of the cruise. You receive a variety of sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger food, and a plate of fresh seasonal fruit. The combination is a nice change from the usual excursion meal of sandwiches or packaged snacks.

The sushi is best viewed as a light meal. It gives you something substantial after swimming, but the food service is not designed as a full evening dinner. One useful tip is to eat before boarding if your accommodation does not offer late food, since some departures return to Hersonissos around 9 p.m. in summer.

The included bar covers water, soft drinks, Greek white wine, and local beer. Espresso, tea, and detox water are also available. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the included selection cost extra, so do not assume every drink at the bar is part of the package.

At $94 per person, the value depends on how much you use the boat and its inclusions. A simple sunset cruise can cost less, but this price also covers the catamaran, crew, safety equipment, swimming gear, sushi, fruit, snacks, and unlimited selected drinks. If you plan to swim, use the SUP, have several drinks, and spend time on the boat, the package is easier to justify.

The sunset is the main event

The best part of the schedule comes after the swimming and food. As the sun sinks, the boat becomes a viewing platform, with the sea reflecting the changing light and the cliffs taking on darker shapes.

You can watch from the open deck or sit in the shaded lounge, depending on the temperature and your preference. The return begins after sunset, so the final 15-minute catamaran ride back to port is short and simple.

The exact mood depends heavily on the weather. On a still evening, you may get an easy ride and a glassy sea. On a windy day, the crossing can be rough, and the sunset may be harder to enjoy if you feel unwell.

Several practical points help. If you are prone to seasickness, ask the crew for advice before setting off and bring appropriate medication. One family found that moving to the upper area near the skipper helped when conditions became choppy. Sitting near the center of the boat may also feel more stable, though the crew should have the final say for safety.

What the water activities are really like

The included equipment gives this outing more variety than a cruise that only offers a swim stop. SUP boards let you move away from the catamaran, while masks and fins allow a closer look at the water. Noodles suit anyone who wants to float without effort, and swim jackets help less confident swimmers.

The SUP boards may not have fins, which can make them harder to steer. That is a small but useful point to know before you expect a polished paddleboarding session. The boards work best as a casual activity rather than a serious workout.

The water stop is also flexible. You can swim for a few minutes, spend most of the time on a sunbed, or alternate between the two. The crew prepares the equipment and can help you use it, which is particularly useful if you are not comfortable with SUP boards or snorkeling gear.

For families, a box of toys is available by request. Children can use the swimming equipment, but the activity is not suitable for children under two. Parents should also remember that the sea and boat movement require active supervision, even with flotation equipment.

Who will enjoy it most

I would choose this cruise if you want a polished evening on the water without committing to a full day. Couples get a scenic sunset setting, families get a manageable schedule and swimming equipment, and friends can combine food, drinks, music, and water activities.

It suits you best if you enjoy a social setting but do not want a large boat packed with people. The maximum of 20 helps, and private group booking is available if you want more control over the company.

This is less suitable if you need a quiet, completely private bay or a serious snorkeling location. It is also a poor match if you get strong seasickness, have a medical condition that makes boat travel difficult, or need a fully accessible activity. Pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95 are listed as unsuitable for this experience.

The cruise is weather-dependent. Strong conditions can lead to a rescheduled or canceled departure, and the crew may change how long you spend in the water for safety.

Booking details that can save you trouble

The standard experience costs $94 per person and lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure option and conditions. Optional pickup and return can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka. Hotel transfers are not included unless you select an option that specifically provides them.

Bring a towel, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. Towels and personal care items are not supplied. Private cabin use is available only on request and is not guaranteed.

At 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 also need an email address for the voucher and QR code, which arrives one day before departure.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the cruise for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the weather forecast close to departure, especially if you are prone to motion sickness.

Should you book the Saint George Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable sunset outing with a swim stop, a proper catamaran, included drinks, and more food than the usual boat snack. The strongest points are the friendly crew, tidy vessel, limited group size, and the simple pleasure of watching Crete’s coast turn gold from the sea.

Think twice if you want a quiet, untouched bay, a full dinner, or dependable calm water. The swim stop can share space with other boats, the snorkeling may be limited, and rough seas can spoil the evening for anyone prone to sickness.

For most people who enjoy a social half-day on the water, $94 is fair value. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, arrive early, eat beforehand if you need a late dinner, and take seasickness precautions. If those details suit you, this is an easy way to add a polished Cretan sunset to your Hersonissos stay.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Hersonissos Port. Arrive 15 minutes early and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability and the option you select.

What is the price?

The listed price is $94 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard experience. Optional pickup and drop-off can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka when you select the appropriate option.

What food is served?

You receive welcome finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and fresh seasonal fruit. Prosecco is served on arrival.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and Greek white wine are included. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other drinks outside the included selection cost extra.

Can I swim or use a paddleboard?

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

Do I need to bring a towel?

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

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

You should use caution if you are prone to seasickness. Conditions can become choppy, so check the forecast and consult the crew before booking. The cruise operator advises extra care for people with health or mobility issues.

What identification details are needed for booking?

You must provide each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. A passport or ID card, or a copy, should also be brought for the cruise.