Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

The best part of this Hersonissos cruise is the setting: Saint George Bay, where clear water meets rugged cliffs, a quiet sea cave, and the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris. You get swimming time, a plate of sushi, and a Cretan sunset without having to plan each piece yourself.

I like the roomy modern catamaran, with sunbeds and shaded seating, and I like the useful mix of activities. You can snorkel, paddleboard, fish, or simply stretch out with a drink. The small maximum of 20 people also gives the crew a better chance to keep things friendly and personal.

The main caution is that the sea may be choppy. On one departure, the boat sailed for about an hour before finding calmer water, and communication about the timing of the swim stop could have been clearer. If you need a tightly timed itinerary or expect a full restaurant-style meal, set your expectations carefully.

Key points to know before sailing

• Saint George Bay is the scenic centerpiece: Look for the cave, cliffs, and small white chapel above the water.
• The cruise lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes: Departures commonly run through the afternoon and into sunset.
• Sushi, fruit, and an open bar are included: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are available throughout the outing.
• Water activities are part of the plan: Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, swimming jackets, and inflatable toys are supplied.
• The boat is limited to 20 people: It feels more spacious than a large excursion boat, though the experience can still vary with sea conditions.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: Hotel transfers, cocktails, and private cabin use are not included.

Setting out from Hersonissos toward Saint George Bay

You meet the DanEri Yachts crew at Agias Paraskevis 125 in Limenas Chersonisou, the port area of Hersonissos. The cruise returns to this same point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location at the end.

The afternoon begins with a welcome glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger food. A short safety briefing follows before the catamaran heads out toward Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay. The English-speaking crew handles the practical details, and some departures have included crew member Thomas, who received especially warm praise for his friendly approach.

The boat can carry up to 20 people. That number matters. You are not signing up for an enormous party vessel where every swim stop becomes a queue. The catamaran has room to spread out, with sunbeds, shaded lounges, music, Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, and an outdoor shower.

Still, a maximum of 20 is not the same as having the boat to yourself. On a popular afternoon, seating near the best viewing spots may go quickly. If you want a quiet corner, arrive ready to board rather than assuming every seat will remain open.

Swimming beneath the cliffs and chapel

The cruise usually gives you a stretch of open-water sailing before stopping for swimming. The exact timing depends on conditions. One recorded departure spent about an hour sailing because the sea was choppy, then paused in calmer water for swimming.

That flexibility is sensible from a safety point of view, but it means the stop may not happen exactly when you expect. I would not book this excursion if you need a fixed minute-by-minute schedule. The captain has to choose a comfortable and safe place to anchor, and wind can change the plan.

Saint George Bay gives the swim stop some character. The water is described as crystal clear, and the setting includes rugged cliffs, the Cave of Saint George, and the chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris perched above the sea. You get more than a generic patch of coastline. The chapel and cave provide easy visual markers, while the open water gives you the broad Cretan views that make a sunset cruise worthwhile.

Swimming is only one option. You can use the supplied masks and fins for snorkeling, take a stand-up paddleboard, try the fishing gear, or float with an inflatable noodle. An inflatable flamingo adds a playful touch, especially for children and anyone who prefers relaxing to athletic activity.

The snorkeling should be treated as a pleasant extra, not a guaranteed marine-life encounter. Clear water does not always mean abundant fish. One departure had excellent swimming conditions but no fish sightings. The real attraction here is the combination of water time, scenery, and sunset rather than a dedicated wildlife excursion.

Swimming jackets and life jackets are available, which helps families feel more comfortable. A box of toys can also be requested for children. Most people can take part, but anyone prone to seasickness should think about the boat movement and the possibility of swell.

Sushi, fruit, and drinks on the way back

After the water stop, the crew serves a plate of assorted sushi rolls. It is a more interesting offering than the usual packaged sandwich or basic snack tray, and it fits the light, social nature of the cruise.

You should think of the food as a substantial snack rather than a full dinner. The welcome finger food is served early, sushi comes later, and a seasonal fruit plate is available as the light fades. Espresso, tea, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also listed among the onboard refreshments.

The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Prosecco is offered at welcome, and fresh fruit with wine suits the final part of the trip. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks outside that selection cost extra and are not part of the package.

The food service can have a help-yourself feel. On one departure, some snacks had gone by the time a family returned for something to eat. That is worth noting if you are traveling with a child who eats only familiar foods. The advertised spread does not promise children’s meals, and specific items such as nuggets should not be expected.

For adults, the combination is well judged. You can have a light bite, a glass of wine, and plenty of water without the cruise turning into a formal dining event. If you need a large meal, eat beforehand or plan food for later.

Watching the Cretan sun drop into the sea

The sunset is the emotional payoff. The catamaran slows into the evening, and the wide view from the water gives you a clean horizon with fewer visual distractions than you get on land.

The cruise often runs from roughly 4:15 to 7:45 p.m., though the exact schedule can vary. That is a generous amount of time for a 3.5-hour outing, especially when you add swimming and the meal. Several people found the sunset especially memorable, and one departure was described as the highlight of a holiday.

The timing also gives you a useful rhythm: sail out, stop for water activities, eat, then settle in for the final light. You are not rushed from one attraction to another. The experience works best when you are happy to let the afternoon unfold rather than chasing a list of sights.

The sunset itself cannot be guaranteed. Clouds, wind, and seasonal timing all play a part. The cruise requires good weather, and if poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

How the crew shapes the experience

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The most consistent praise centers on friendliness, attentiveness, and a welcoming mood. Crew members refill glasses, explain the activities, and try to keep the group engaged without turning the boat into a loud party.

Communication has not been perfect on every departure. One passenger felt left to figure things out independently and wanted clearer notice about the swimming stop. That is useful feedback for you: ask the crew about the schedule early, especially if you are waiting for a swim or wondering when food will be served.

WhatsApp updates are used for some departures. This can be handy if there are timing changes or other notices before boarding. Keep your phone available for those messages, but remember that the cruise itself is designed as a relaxed outing, not a rigidly managed tour.

The small group helps the crew keep an eye on the deck and answer questions. It also means the mood depends somewhat on the people aboard. Some departures may feel calm and easygoing, while others may be more social and energetic.

What the $96.55 price really buys you

At $96.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the sea from Hersonissos. It is also more than a basic boat ride. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a 3.5-hour outing, crew service, water equipment, sushi, fruit, and an open selection of drinks.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the inclusions. Swim, try the SUP board, take a mask and fins, enjoy the food, and have a few drinks. The price becomes harder to justify if you simply sit aboard and drink little, especially since towels, sunscreen, transfers, and cocktails are extra.

Compared with arranging separate beach time, a meal, and sunset viewing, the package is convenient. You also avoid having to hire equipment or decide where to find a good sunset viewpoint. The catamaran turns several separate holiday activities into one afternoon.

The boat is often booked well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 26 days. If you are visiting during a busy season, reserving ahead makes sense. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure, while later cancellations and changes are not refunded.

Hotel transfers are not included, but they may be arranged on request. Confirm that option before booking if you are staying outside central Hersonissos or do not want to make your own way to the marina.

Who will enjoy this Hersonissos cruise most

This is a good fit for couples who want a sunset with some activity before the romantic part begins. You can swim, share sushi, watch the cliffs change color, and finish with wine on the water.

Families can also enjoy it because the boat has room, swimming jackets, inflatable toys, and a children’s toy box by request. The main family issue is food. Children who need a familiar full meal may find the finger food and sushi selection limited.

Friends will appreciate the easy social setup and open bar. The experience gives you enough structure to avoid a dull afternoon, but enough free time to choose your own pace.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a serious snorkeling trip, a private yacht charter, or an elaborate dinner cruise. It is also not the best choice if choppy water causes problems for you. The crew can choose calmer water, but the journey out may still move with the sea.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, swimming jackets, noodles, and fishing gear, but not towels or sunscreen. Private cabins are available only on request and are not guaranteed, so do not book expecting private cabin access.

My verdict: book it for the full afternoon, not just the sunset

I would book this cruise if I wanted a comfortable, social afternoon on the water with a strong sunset finish. The combination of Saint George Bay, clear swimming water, sushi, drinks, and a roomy catamaran offers more than a simple sightseeing sail.

I would also go in with realistic expectations. Sea conditions control the timing, the food is snack-style rather than a banquet, and crew communication may vary. Ask early about the swim stop, eat something before boarding if you need a large meal, and bring your own towel.

For couples, families with flexible children, and friends who want several easy activities in one outing, the $96.55 price is reasonable. If your priority is privacy, guaranteed fish sightings, or a formal dinner, choose something else. For a relaxed Cretan sunset with plenty to do before the sky turns gold, this is a solid Hersonissos choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. One listed departure ran from about 4:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., but exact times may vary.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. The welcome includes a glass of Prosecco. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks outside the listed selection are not included.

Is food included on the catamaran?

Yes. The cruise includes Mediterranean finger food, a variety of sushi rolls, and a seasonal fruit plate. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also listed among the refreshments.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins are provided, along with stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing equipment. Life jackets are also available.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.