Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Catch sunset from the sea. This 3.5-hour catamaran cruise combines swimming in Saint George Bay, sushi, drinks, and a polished sunset sail from Hersonissos. You get a spacious modern boat, shaded seating, sunbeds, and water toys without paying for a full-day charter.

I especially like the small maximum group of 20 and the easy mix of activity and rest. You can paddleboard, snorkel, fish, or simply stretch out with a glass of wine. The main caution is that the sea can turn choppy, and one swimming stop may be shortened or delayed. Clear crew communication matters here.

Key points to know before you book

• Saint George Bay brings the scenery: Look for the Cave of Saint George and the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris above the water.
• Sushi replaces the usual boat buffet: You get sushi rolls, Mediterranean finger foods, fresh fruit, and drinks during the cruise.
• The open bar is useful, not unlimited luxury: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included, while cocktails cost extra.
• Swimming time depends on sea conditions: Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, noodles, fishing gear, and life jackets are provided.
• The sunset is the grand finale: The boat may spend roughly an hour sailing before stopping in calmer water for swimming.
• Bring your own towel: Towels, sunscreen, hotel transfers, and private cabins are not included.

Setting out from Hersonissos for Saint George Bay

The cruise begins at DanEri Yachts, Agias Paraskevis 125, in Limenas Chersonisou. The activity returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the evening simple. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged if requested.

Once aboard, you are welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods. The crew gives a short safety briefing before the catamaran heads toward Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay.

The boat itself is a big part of the appeal. It has sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, an onboard toilet, music, and free Wi-Fi. With no more than 20 people, the space should feel far less crowded than a large sightseeing boat, even when the cruise reaches capacity.

That matters on a sunset trip. You are not spending three and a half hours trying to claim a narrow patch of deck. You can move between sun and shade, sit near the water, or find a quieter corner while the boat is under way.

The crew speaks English, and past feedback gives special praise to the friendly service. Thomas was singled out for being welcoming and organized, while Rachael helped one couple arrange the cruise. Those names may not represent every sailing, but they give you a sense of the personal tone DanEri aims for.

The route through Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay

The route takes you along the coast near Hersonissos, with the main scenery coming from the rocky shore and open Cretan water. Saint George Bay is the visual centerpiece.

Here, the Cave of Saint George sits beneath rugged cliffs, while the small chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris rises above the sea. The setting is not a long land excursion or a formal guided tour. It is simply a beautiful place to pause, swim, and take in the coast from the water.

That simplicity works well. You are not rushed through a string of stops. Instead, the experience gives you time to enjoy one attractive bay, with the boat itself serving as your base.

Keep in mind that the sea may shape the route. One cruise spent about an hour sailing before stopping in calmer water because conditions were choppy. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can surprise you if you expect an immediate swim.

I would treat the exact swimming schedule as flexible. If you are mainly booking for a long swim, ask the crew about the day’s sea conditions at the start. If you are booking for the overall evening, the sailing time becomes part of the pleasure rather than a delay.

Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and gentle fishing

When the catamaran reaches a suitable place, you can get into the water using the supplied equipment. High-quality masks and fins are included for snorkeling, along with stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and a large inflatable flamingo.

Fishing gear is also available for a relaxed fishing session. This is a nice touch for families and anyone who prefers a quieter activity. You do not have to swim continuously to enjoy the stop.

The water is described as crystal clear, and the scenery is well suited to a swim with the cliffs nearby. Still, do not promise yourself a busy underwater world. One sailing had clear water but no fish sightings during the swim. Snorkeling here is best viewed as a pleasant extra rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The crew provides life jackets, and most people can participate. Children are welcome, and a box of toys is available by request. Families should still remember that the cruise is built around open water, swimming, and a moving boat, so parents will need to supervise children as usual.

For adults, the equipment helps create a good rhythm. Swim for a while, try the SUP board, sit on a noodle, then return to the deck for food and a drink. You can be active without turning the afternoon into a strenuous sports outing.

Sushi, finger food, and the open bar

Food is one of the features that makes this cruise feel more special than a basic sunset boat ride. The welcome includes Mediterranean finger foods, followed by a plate of sushi rolls, and later a seasonal fruit plate.

This is light boat food rather than a full restaurant meal. If you arrive very hungry, eat something beforehand. One family found that some snacks had gone by the time they wanted more, so the help-yourself setup may work better for early eaters than for people who wait.

That point is worth keeping in mind if you are sailing with children. The listed food is finger food, sushi, and fruit, not a children’s menu. The available toy box can help, but you should not count on familiar child-friendly dishes.

Drinks are more generous. Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are available without an additional charge. You can also have espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail. The opening Prosecco is a pleasant start, though the welcome pour may be modest rather than a large glass.

Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection cost extra. If your idea of a luxury cruise includes a full cocktail menu, this is not that kind of package. If you are happy with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, the included drinks add good value.

The crew has been praised for keeping glasses filled, though service may vary with how busy the boat is. If you want a drink, ask rather than waiting for someone to pass by.

The sunset portion and the best place to sit

The cruise is arranged around the changing light. After time on the water and the swimming stop, the catamaran settles into the sunset portion of the evening.

This is when the trip earns its name. The open horizon, the Cretan coast, and the fading light create a setting that is difficult to match from land. One sailing was remembered mainly for an extraordinary sky, even though the rest of the service had room for improvement.

I would choose a place where you can see both the horizon and the boat’s deck activity. Sunbeds are useful earlier, but a shaded lounge may be more comfortable once the wind picks up. There is no need to remain in one spot, and moving around can help you find a better view as the sun drops.

The listed duration is about three hours and 30 minutes. One reported sailing ran from roughly 4:15 to 7:45 p.m., but exact times will depend on the booking date and season. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Towels and personal care items are not supplied, and the outdoor shower is useful after swimming but does not replace your own beach towel.

What $96.55 buys you

At $96.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Hersonissos. It is also more than a simple short boat trip. The price covers the catamaran, crew, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, food, and a useful selection of drinks.

The value improves if you plan to use the equipment and enjoy the full length of the cruise. A couple who swims, has sushi, drinks wine, and stays for the sunset is getting several separate holiday pleasures in one booking.

The value is weaker if you only want a quick sunset photograph and do not care about swimming or food. In that case, a shorter cruise may suit you better.

The maximum of 20 people also matters. This is not a private charter, but it should feel more personal than a large excursion boat. You are paying partly for room to spread out and for a crew that can, in theory, give more attention to individuals.

The strongest praise has focused on friendly staff, a spacious boat, generous drinks, clear water, and the sunset. The one notable criticism involved limited communication, a small welcome pour, and snacks running low. I would book with realistic expectations: this is a polished shared cruise, not a fully private yacht service with a dedicated waiter at your elbow.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This is a good fit for couples who want a relaxed evening with a little activity. You can swim and snorkel before settling down with wine and fruit as the light changes.

It also suits families who want more than a passive boat ride. The SUP boards, noodles, fishing gear, and toy box give children different ways to stay occupied, though parents should request the toys in advance and bring backup snacks if necessary.

Friends will appreciate the social setup, music, open bar, and spacious deck. The boat can feel lively, but it is not presented as a party cruise. The mood is closer to a laid-back afternoon that becomes a sunset outing.

You may want to reconsider if you dislike boats in choppy water. Two people on one sailing became unwell in the waves, and another cruise spent extra time sailing before finding calmer conditions. Weather can also cancel the trip. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Practical details that make the evening easier

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. It is near public transportation, and most people can take part.

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

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. You may also want a light cover-up for the return sail, especially if the wind rises after sunset.

If you have a special occasion, the company can provide a branded keepsake gift. Private cabins may be requested, but they are not guaranteed and are not part of the standard package.

Should you book the Hersonissos sunset catamaran?

I would book this cruise if you want a well-rounded half-day sea outing rather than a quick ride. The best parts are the comfortable catamaran, the small group size, the equipment for swimming and snorkeling, the included wine and beer, and the final sunset over the Cretan coast.

I would be more cautious if your priorities are a guaranteed long swim, a large meal, or polished restaurant-style service. The route and swimming stop can change with the sea, and the food is light.

For most couples, families, and friends staying near Hersonissos, the $96.55 price is fair when you use the boat’s activities and stay for the entire sunset. Bring your towel, eat a small meal beforehand, and ask the crew about the sea conditions. That preparation should help you enjoy the experience for what it is: a comfortable shared sail with good scenery, plenty of water time when conditions allow, and a memorable Cretan evening.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin and end?

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

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes. A reported sailing ran from about 4:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., but the exact schedule can vary.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, Mediterranean finger foods, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also available. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins are provided, along with SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, fishing gear, and life jackets.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel. Sunscreen and personal care items are also not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.