Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

Sunset looks better from the water. This 3.5-hour catamaran cruise from Hersonissos combines swimming, snorkeling, sushi, and an open bar with a slow sail past Saint George Bay and Malia Bay. I especially like the spacious luxury catamaran and the friendly crew, who keep the mood easy and social without turning the trip into a loud party boat.

The included food and drinks also make the $96.55 price easier to justify, especially if you plan to use the swimming gear, paddleboards, and open bar. One point to consider is communication: most outings appear well managed, but one experience included too little explanation about the swimming stop and when food would be available.

Key Details Before You Sail

• Saint George Bay brings the best scenery: Rugged cliffs, clear water, the Cave of Saint George, and the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris create a memorable setting.
• The cruise lasts about three and a half hours: Recent departures have run from roughly 4:15 to 7:45 p.m., giving you swimming time before the sunset.
• The menu is more than basic boat snacks: You receive welcome finger foods, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, and drinks including local beer and white wine.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, fishing gear, swimming jackets, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are available.
• The group is limited to 20 people: That is small enough to keep the boat from feeling packed, even when it reaches capacity.
• The crew communicates in English: Updates may be sent through WhatsApp, and the cruise begins and ends at DanEri Yachts in Hersonissos.

Setting Out From Hersonissos

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

You begin with a welcome glass of Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods. The wording says a glass, but one person found the serving smaller than expected, so I would treat it as a pleasant greeting rather than a full drink before departure. Coffee, tea, detox water, espresso, and a protein cocktail are also available on board.

A short safety briefing comes before sailing. The catamaran has sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, an onboard toilet, music, and free Wi-Fi. Those practical comforts matter more than they may sound. A three-hour-plus boat trip can feel long if you have nowhere to sit out of the sun or rinse off after swimming.

The boat accommodates a maximum of 20 people. Several comments point out that even a full boat did not feel cramped, thanks to the open layout and plenty of seating. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper, larger excursion boat.

Sailing Across Malia Bay and Agios Georgios Bay

The first stretch takes you across Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay. The sailing itself is part of the experience, not simply transport to a swimming stop. You get time to settle into the rhythm of the sea, find a shaded seat or sunbed, and watch the Cretan coast change from the water.

The route includes Saint George Bay, a particularly attractive area near Hersonissos. Rugged cliffs rise around crystal-clear water, while the Cave of Saint George adds a touch of mystery to the shoreline. Above the waves, the white chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris gives the bay a distinct landmark.

Conditions can affect this part of the trip. One outing had a noticeable swell, which made the sailing exciting for some people but uncomfortable for two passengers. Another had choppy water early on, so the crew spent about an hour sailing before stopping in a calmer place.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully. The boat carries swimming jackets and life jackets, but those are safety items, not a cure for motion sickness. A calm-weather forecast will improve your chances of a comfortable ride, and the company can reschedule or refund the cruise if poor weather forces cancellation.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Paddleboarding

The main water stop is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to play. You can swim in the clear water, use the high-quality masks and fins, paddle a stand-up board, try the fishing equipment, or simply float with an inflatable noodle.

The water activities are included, so you do not need to rent equipment separately. Swimming jackets are available for anyone who wants extra support, and the inflatable flamingo adds a lighthearted touch, particularly for families and groups of friends.

Snorkeling conditions depend on the day. Clear water does not guarantee a busy underwater scene, and one person saw no fish at all. I would treat snorkeling as an enjoyable extra rather than the main reason to book. If you want a serious marine-life excursion, this is probably not the right product.

The swimming stop may be the only full water break, depending on sea conditions and the schedule. That is worth knowing before you board. The cruise is not built around several coves and repeated stops. You are more likely to get one substantial swimming period, followed by food and sunset sailing.

Families can make good use of the onboard equipment. A box of toys is available for children by request, and the crew provides swimming jackets and noodles. Still, the food setup may not suit every child. The snacks are described as Mediterranean finger foods, sushi, and fruit, not a dedicated children’s meal. If your child has a narrow diet, bring a backup snack.

Sushi, Fruit, and the Open Bar

After the water activities, the crew serves a plate of assorted sushi rolls. This gives the cruise a more polished feel than the usual excursion built around sandwiches or packaged snacks. The sushi is also well timed, since swimming and paddleboarding can make you hungry quickly.

Fresh seasonal fruit arrives later, around the sunset portion of the outing. That light finish works well after the sushi and drinks. Finger foods are served near the beginning, but they may be help-yourself items rather than individually portioned plates.

You receive unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail are also included. Cocktails and alcoholic drinks beyond the listed selection cost extra, so do not book this expecting a full cocktail menu.

The open bar is one of the better value points. If you would normally buy several drinks during a long afternoon on the water, the included selection can quickly narrow the price gap between this cruise and a basic sailing trip. Just pace yourself. The boat moves, the sun can be strong, and the cruise includes swimming.

One practical tip: do not wait until you are hungry to look for food. Most of the setup sounds informal, and one family found that some snacks had gone by the time they wanted them. If you are particular about timing or traveling with children, ask the crew early about when the food will be placed out.

Watching the Cretan Sunset

The final part of the cruise is the reason many people choose the evening departure. As the light fades, the boat becomes a floating viewpoint, with open sea in front of you and the coast behind. The sunset has been described as spectacular, and even a less polished outing still delivered a memorable sky.

The cruise schedule often leaves enough time for a proper sunset rather than a quick photo stop. One departure ran from about 4:15 to 7:45 p.m., though exact times can change. You may spend roughly an hour sailing before the swim, then return to the open water as twilight arrives.

This is a good moment to use the shaded lounge if you want a cooler seat, or a sunbed if you prefer an unobstructed view. The catamaran’s width helps here. You are not forced to crowd along one rail to see the horizon.

The crew also appears to keep the atmosphere relaxed and friendly. Thomas was singled out for making people feel welcome, and Rachael helped one couple arrange the cruise. The team may encourage people to join the mood, but the overall character is more chilled and easygoing than a nightclub-style boat party.

What the Crew Does Well

The crew receives the strongest praise overall. People repeatedly describe the staff as attentive, kind, welcoming, and willing to help. That matters on a small cruise because the crew shapes the whole evening. Friendly service can make a simple swim stop feel special.

Updates through WhatsApp are another useful touch. If there is a schedule change or a practical update before departure, that gives you a direct way to stay informed. Save the contact details and check your messages on the day.

Still, the service may not be perfectly consistent. One person felt the crew left everyone to themselves and had to ask for drinks after noticing other people being served. The same experience included limited communication about the swimming stop.

I would set expectations at the right level. This is a hosted cruise with food and drinks, not a private yacht charter with a dedicated attendant for every person. You should have access to the advertised facilities, but you may need to ask when you want a drink, food clarification, or help with an activity.

Is $96.55 Good Value?

At $96.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Hersonissos. The value comes from what is bundled into the three-and-a-half-hour outing.

You receive:

• A luxury catamaran with sunbeds and shaded seating
• An English-speaking crew
• Prosecco and finger foods
• Sushi rolls and seasonal fruit
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine
• Snorkeling gear and paddleboards
• Fishing equipment and flotation aids
• A toilet, outdoor shower, music, and Wi-Fi

If you would use the swimming equipment, eat the sushi, and enjoy several included drinks, the price is reasonable. It is especially attractive for couples or friends who want one organized evening rather than paying separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike sushi, or mainly want a short swim. In that case, a simpler sailing may suit you better. The cruise earns its price through the combination of time, space, catering, and sunset views, not through a long list of separate coastal stops.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends. Couples get a calm sunset setting, while families have room to spread out and several safe ways to enjoy the water. Friends can share the sushi, use the paddleboards, and settle into the open-bar format without planning every detail.

It also suits you if you want a polished boat experience but not a formal one. You can sunbathe, swim, snack, and watch the sunset in whatever order feels right.

Think twice if you need a tightly scheduled itinerary, several swimming locations, a children’s menu, or a full cocktail service. You should also check the weather forecast if seasickness is a concern. A rolling sea can make the sailing exciting, but it can also take the shine off a long afternoon.

The cruise has a 4.8 rating from 61 ratings, with 95 percent of people recommending it. Those numbers match the main strengths: friendly staff, a comfortable boat, clear water, generous drinks, and a beautiful sunset. The weaker points are less about the concept and more about occasional gaps in communication and food service.

Final Booking Advice

I would book this cruise if you want an easy, attractive evening on the Cretan coast with swimming before sunset and food already arranged. The small group size, roomy boat, and included equipment make it more comfortable than a standard mass-market excursion.

Book early if your dates are fixed. It is commonly reserved about 26 days ahead, which suggests that popular summer departures can fill up. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, while bad weather brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. Hotel transport is not included, so check the route to Agias Paraskevis 125 before departure. If you want a pleasant mix of sea time, light adventure, sushi, and sunset scenery, this is a strong choice from Hersonissos.

FAQ

How long is the Hersonissos sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. One departure ran from about 4:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., though the exact schedule can vary.

Where does the cruise begin and end?

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

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome Prosecco, Mediterranean finger foods, sushi rolls, and a seasonal fruit plate. Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included, along with espresso, teas, detox water, and a protein cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing equipment. Life jackets are also provided.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged upon request.

Can I cancel the cruise for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.