Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar

A sushi and open bar sunset cruise sounds like a luxury marketing pitch, but the setting around Agios Georgios Sarantáris and Saint George Bay is what makes it feel real, not cheesy. I love the modern catamaran comfort, with sunbeds plus a shaded lounge where you can actually stay comfortable for hours. I also like that the drinks are built in, not treated like an add-on.

One key consideration: this is still a sea ride. If the wind and waves rise, the cruise can feel choppy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead and listen to the crew’s advice on where to sit.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Saint George Bay photo moments with views of the white chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantáris
• Space and shade on board, not just crowded seating
• Sushi plus light Mediterranean snacks, paired with welcome Prosecco
• Unlimited Greek wine and beer along with water and soft drinks
• Real water activities included, like SUP, snorkeling gear, swim vests, and noodles
• A crew that stays on top of safety, including extra care if seasickness hits

Why Saint George Bay turns a simple sunset into the main event

The whole cruise is timed around the coastline between Hersonissos and Saint George Bay, where the cliffs frame clear water and small coves. That is where the chapel of Agios Georgios Sarantáris sits above the waves, and it is the kind of spot you notice instantly from the water, not just in photos later.

You also get that sense of quiet scale that Crete does so well. The bay area is described as having the Cave of Saint George tucked into the cliffs nearby, so even when you are not swimming directly there, the scenery feels layered. It turns the sunset from a generic sky show into something you are watching with specific landmarks in view.

The practical win is that this is an evening plan without a long bus route. You get moving time by boat, then you settle into one beautiful swim and sunset stop, instead of hopping from place to place.

The DanEri Yachts catamaran comfort: sunbeds, shade, and useful extras

This is a modern luxury catamaran, built for lounging. You can spread out on sunbeds when the weather is calm and warm. When you want a break from the sun, there is a shaded lounge area where you can stay relaxed while the boat cruises.

A few on-board touches matter more than you think on a half day outing:

• There is an onboard WC and an outdoor shower, so you can cool off and reset after swimming.
• Music plays in a low, easy way, which helps the vibe without turning it into a club.
• Wi-Fi is available, which is handy if you want to send photos in real time.

With a maximum group size of 20, the boat usually feels like a small group outing rather than a stampede. That helps a lot when you want to move between sunbeds, the shade, and the swim areas.

Welcome Prosecco, sushi rolls, and the open bar you actually use

Food and drinks are a big part of the value here, but what matters is how well they are integrated into the sailing time.

You start with a welcome drink, Prosecco, plus finger foods. Then, once you reach the main stop, you are not just waiting for a photo. You have snacks and a steady rhythm of cruising, swimming, and eating.

On the included food side, you get:

• A variety sushi roll platter served on board
• Mediterranean finger food with the welcome
• A fresh seasonal fruit plate later

Drinks are where this cruise gets especially practical. The open bar includes unlimited:

• water
• soft drinks
• Greek wine
• Greek beer

That means you are not doing mental math every time you want another glass. You can also order cocktails and other alcohol beyond the open bar selection, but those are not included.

One detail I like from the experience reports is that there is often a farewell drink of raki. It is a small tradition-like touch that makes the ending feel intentional, not abrupt.

From Hersonissos to Malia and Saint George Bay: how the timing works

This is a 3.5 to 4.5 hour cruise, and the schedule keeps it from dragging. You get a short start, a proper sailing section, then a longer anchor time where the best views and water time happen.

Here is how the flow feels:

1. Check-in and welcome in Hersonissos

You arrive at Hersonissos Port about 15 minutes before departure. There is an aperitif and local snacks, plus a safety briefing.

1. Cruise time by catamaran

You sail for about an hour, including time cruising by Malia Bay and toward Agios Georgios Bay.

1. Main stop at Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris area (about 2 hours)

This is the big block for swimming, snorkeling, a photo stop, and sunset viewing. Drinks keep flowing here too.

1. Return sail and drop-off

There is a short sail back (about 15 minutes). Then you return to the port and head to drop-off points.

The drop-offs cover a wide list of resort areas around the north coast, including places like Agia Pelagia, Malia, Elounda, Sissi, and others. If you are staying near Hersonissos, that convenience matters. It keeps the day from turning into one more transfer puzzle.

If you are staying outside Hersonissos, pickup is optional from areas including Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka. That option can turn the cruise into a smooth door-to-water plan.

Agios Georgios Sarantáris: the photo stop you will remember, even if you skip the shore view

The main highlight of the bay stop is the area around Agios Georgios Sarantáris. From the boat, the white chapel appears right above the waterline, and it gives you that classic sense of Crete from the sea: cliffs, light rock, and a landmark that feels built for postcards.

You get a photo stop timing built into the anchor period. That means you do not have to rush your photos during swimming time. You can do the practical stuff first, like sunblock, a swim, and getting your gear ready, then come back for pictures when the boat is positioned well.

One more tip: if the swim area feels busy, you can shift your attention. A couple of reports mention that other boats can congregate around the same swim spot. Staying flexible and moving a little with the crew’s guidance can help you find a calmer patch for swimming, then return to the boat for sunset from the best angle.

Water time that is included: SUP, snorkeling gear, noodles, and gentle fishing

If you only wanted a sunset, you could probably find cheaper options. But the point of this cruise is that you get a whole stack of water activities for the same price.

Here is what you can count on having access to:

• SUP boards (stand-up paddleboards)
• snorkeling gear, including masks and fins
• swim vests and inflatable noodles
• an inflatable pink flamingo for fun photos
• fishing gear for a gentle fishing experience

A few practical realities to keep in mind:

SUP can be trickier than it looks. One experience report notes the SUP boards lacked fins, which makes steering harder. So go slow. If you are new, treat it like a float-and-glide activity, not a race. The noodles can also help if you want an easy, low-effort water break.

Snorkeling is more about the swim than a guaranteed show. Some spots can be calm and clear, but not every stop has dramatic visibility or fish. Plan for a refreshing swim and cool water time, not only for wildlife.

Noodles and vests make the stop more social. They lower the barrier for people who are not confident swimmers. That matters on a mixed-age group cruise.

Fishing gear is a fun extra. Even if you do not catch much, it is another way to pass time during the anchor stop without feeling stuck on deck.

Crew care and the motion sickness reality check

A lot of sunset cruises sell calm seas. This one does not promise that. The sea can turn choppy, especially with wind.

If that happens, your best move is to follow the skipper’s guidance on where to sit. One tip that stands out is that if you might feel sea sick, you should sit up top with the skipper, especially on the way back. It is a simple change that can make a noticeable difference.

The crew also shows up as genuinely attentive. Reports mention that when someone felt very seasick, the team checked in and offered travel sickness help, even suggesting tablets. That is reassuring, but I still recommend you bring your own medication if you are sensitive, since you never want to gamble on having the exact thing you need at the exact moment.

Also, pack for sun and salt. Even if the ride feels short, you can get sunburn quickly on a boat deck.

What to pack, and the small things that prevent a bad evening

This is one of those trips where what you bring can change how enjoyable it feels.

Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel (towels are not provided)
• sunscreen
• a sun hat
• ID card or passport (a copy is accepted)

If you have a sensitive stomach or motion sickness risk, bring your own solution. The cruise is weather dependent and can be rescheduled if conditions are not safe, but once it goes, you still need a plan for your own comfort.

Also, plan for the timing of food. One report notes that the return can be late in summer, around 9 pm. If your hotel kitchen shuts down early, eat before you head to the port so you are not hungry when you get back.

Who this cruise suits best, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want a Cretan evening that mixes views with active water time. It is ideal for people who like:

• sunset photography from the water
• swimming and a little gear-based fun like SUP and snorkeling
• a comfortable boat with space to lounge
• sushi and Greek drinks without planning your own meal

It can work for families too. One example involved two adults, a teenager, and a 10 year old who all enjoyed the trip, with the included kids items and water toys helping keep things fun.

But it is not for everyone. It is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with pre-existing medical conditions
• people over 95

If you are in any of those categories, do not try to force it. A sea cruise with variable conditions can be the wrong kind of risk.

Price and value: what $94 per person buys you

At $94 per person for a half day cruise, you are paying for more than just a pretty sunset. You are buying a whole package of included entertainment and comfort.

You get:

• a modern luxury catamaran with sunbeds and shaded space
• a professional English-speaking crew
• welcome Prosecco and finger foods
• a sushi roll platter plus light snacks and fruit
• unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek wine, and beer
• snorkeling gear and SUP
• swim vests, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo
• Wi-Fi, music, onboard WC, and an outdoor shower
• fishing gear for gentle fishing

What makes this feel like decent value is that the included items are not random. They are exactly the things you would otherwise pay for separately on many island tours, especially the open bar and the water gear.

If you know you will want drinks and you will actually use the water activities, this price makes more sense than a basic sunset boat where you end up buying snacks and renting gear.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point, and how do I find the right boat?

You meet at Hersonissos Port, arrive about 15 minutes early, and look for the DanEri Yachts flag on a white sailing catamaran.

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

What food is included?

You get a welcome with finger food, a variety of sushi rolls served on board, local snacks during the cruise, and a fresh seasonal fruit plate.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The open bar includes unlimited water, soft drinks, Greek wine, and Greek beer.

What water activities and gear are included?

You have access to SUP boards, snorkeling gear (masks and fins), swim vests, inflatable noodles, and fishing gear. There is also an inflatable pink flamingo.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available during the cruise.

Do you provide towels and sunscreen?

No. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so bring your own.

Is pickup available from outside Hersonissos?

Pickup is optional from Agios Nikolaos city, Elounda, and Plaka, depending on the option you choose.

Who is this cruise not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise is weather dependent. If conditions are poor, it may be rescheduled or canceled. You also get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book this Hersonissos luxury sunset cruise with sushi?

Yes, if you want a true sunset evening in Crete that mixes swimming time, a comfortable catamaran, and included food plus an open bar. It is especially worth it if you plan to use the water toys and you like the idea of watching the sky change while you are not stuck in a bus schedule.

Skip it, or at least rethink it, if you are very sensitive to motion or fall into one of the stated not-suitable categories. And if you already know your stomach reacts to waves, pack your own seasickness plan, not just hope.

If you get the timing right, this is the kind of easy luxury that feels like money well spent, not a splurge for the sake of splurging.