REVIEW · CRETE
Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar
Book on Viator →Operated by DanEri Yachts - Luxury Catamaran Cruises on Crete & Milos, Greece · Bookable on Viator
A late-afternoon cruise can change the whole day. This one pairs luxury catamaran comfort with unlimited drinks and an honest-to-goodness seafood meal at sea, plus real water time in clear bays near Hersonissos. It’s a small-group trip, so you’re not stuck shouting at strangers to get a refill.
I love two things most: the mix of swimming and snorkeling gear (masks and fins included) and the way food and drinks roll out across the sail—starting with a welcome Prosecco and finger foods, then sushi later. The boat itself also feels built for hanging out, with shaded lounges, sunbeds, and even onboard Wi‑Fi and music.
One thing to consider: if conditions turn choppy, you may spend less time exactly where you expected, and communication can vary. The sunset is still the goal, but you’ll want a flexible attitude about the timing of the water stop.
In This Review
- Key things I’d circle before you book
- Entering Hersonissos Sunset Mode on a Luxury Catamaran
- Quick reality check on timing and group size
- Meeting at DanEri Yachts: Where You Start and How the Trip Ends
- What’s Actually Included: Food, Drinks, and On-Board Comfort
- The welcome and meal flow
- The open bar (and what it covers)
- Comfort extras you’ll notice more than you think
- Saint George Bay Swim Time: Snorkeling, SUP, and Fishing Gear
- What you can do in the water (gear is included)
- A practical tip: ask early where you’re going next
- Lunch Without Cooking: Sushi Rolls and Open Bar Mid-Cruise
- Why sushi at sea works here
- From Sailing to Sunset: How This Cruise Actually Feels
- Expect a “relaxed and chilled” pace
- Family-Friendly by Design (Not Just Marketing)
- Price and Value: Is $96.55 Worth It?
- What to remember about exclusives and extras
- The Small Potential Hiccups to Plan For
- Choppy seas can shift the swim plan
- Snack timing can be uneven on busy days
- Quick Booking Guidance: Who This Cruise Fits Best
- Should You Book This Hersonissos Sunset Catamaran Cruise?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the cruise?
- What’s included in the price?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Do I need to bring towels or sunscreen?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- What happens if the weather isn’t good?
Key things I’d circle before you book
- Max 20 people on board, which usually means easier attention when you need gear, a drink, or a quick question
- Saint George Bay area for swim time, with famous nearby spots like the Cave of Saint George and the chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris
- Snorkeling + SUP + fishing gear included, so you’re not paying extra just to try one activity
- Sushi rolls onboard plus fruit at the end, with an open bar that covers water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine
- Family-friendly extras like inflatable loungers and a kids toy box available by request
Entering Hersonissos Sunset Mode on a Luxury Catamaran

This cruise is the kind of plan that turns a “maybe we’ll do something” afternoon into a clear yes. You sail from the Hersonissos area, spend time in the water near Saint George Bay, then finish with the light shifting into Crete’s classic sunset hour.
The best part is that it’s not just sightseeing. You’re actually using the boat: sunbeds and shaded areas for relaxing, snorkeling gear for the water stop, and paddleboards if you want a calmer way to feel the sea under you. For a 3.5-hour experience, it packs in a lot without turning into a frantic checklist.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Crete
Quick reality check on timing and group size
The cruise runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. It’s also capped at 20 travelers, which matters. On a larger boat, you’d lose time waiting in lines or chasing attention. Here, the smaller crowd usually makes it easier to get set up for snorkeling or to find a drink without feeling like you’re interrupting someone.
Meeting at DanEri Yachts: Where You Start and How the Trip Ends

Your pickup point is straightforward: DanEri Yachts, Agias Paraskevis 125, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece. You start there and the tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about a long back-and-forth after sunset.
It’s also listed as being near public transportation, which is useful if you’d rather not taxi every time. If you’re staying in Hersonissos, plan to arrive a bit early so you can get settled before the welcome drinks and safety briefing.
What’s Actually Included: Food, Drinks, and On-Board Comfort

This is where the value gets real. For around $96.55 per person, you’re not just paying for a seat. You’re paying for the boat, the time on the water, the activities, and most of what you’d normally buy separately.
The welcome and meal flow
The experience starts with a glass of welcome Prosecco and Mediterranean finger foods. After a safety briefing, you’re on your way, and the day keeps moving with included refreshment options.
Later, you get a plate of sushi rolls onboard, plus a fresh seasonal fruit plate near the end of the cruise. There’s also mention of extra drink-style items like espresso, detox water, teas, and a protein cocktail—small details, but they help the cruise feel more like a planned outing than a simple snack stop.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Crete
The open bar (and what it covers)
The open bar includes water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. That’s a solid baseline. You’ll usually find this is enough for a relaxed sunset sail without anyone needing to calculate costs mid-cruise.
If you’re the type who wants cocktails beyond the basic selection, those aren’t included. You can also note that the tour lists music onboard and free Wi‑Fi, which can be handy if you want to share photos while the light is still good.
Comfort extras you’ll notice more than you think
On a catamaran, comfort matters because you’re sitting out in the open and moving between shaded and sun spots. This boat includes:
- Sunbeds and shaded lounges
- An outdoor shower plus an onboard WC
- Life jackets (always there for safety, even if you’re a strong swimmer)
And yes, they even list personal feminine hygiene products onboard. It’s the kind of “why didn’t anyone do this before?” inclusion that makes a trip feel cared for.
Saint George Bay Swim Time: Snorkeling, SUP, and Fishing Gear

The highlight location is the swim area near Saint George Bay, in waters known for clear visibility and dramatic cliff scenery. The description also points you toward the nearby Cave of Saint George and the chapel of Ágios Geórgios Sarantáris, so when you’re looking up from the water, you’re not just seeing generic coastline.
What you can do in the water (gear is included)
This isn’t a stop where you arrive, stand around, then leave. It’s structured for water time with included equipment:
- Snorkeling gear: high-quality masks and fins
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
- Swimming jackets
- Inflatable noodles and an inflatable flamingo for floating around without stress
- Fishing gear for a gentle attempt, where conditions allow
- Inflatable support items that make it easier for less confident swimmers
Even if you don’t snorkel, the clear water and the calm floating options make it feel like a “use the day” kind of cruise. If you love activity but don’t want to fight for time in a crowded tour, this setup is ideal.
A practical tip: ask early where you’re going next
One downside that shows up when seas get rough is that water time can get repositioned. If the sea turns a bit choppy, the boat may shift to a calmer spot. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but you’ll waste less time if you ask a quick question early—where is the swim spot, and how long will you have there?
Lunch Without Cooking: Sushi Rolls and Open Bar Mid-Cruise

The sushi moment hits right when you start craving something more substantial than snacks. The cruise provides a variety of sushi rolls onboard, so you’re not stuck with plain chips and hoping for the best.
This is also where the open bar makes the experience feel smoother. The staff keep drinks coming (including beer and white wine), and you can stay seated for a while, enjoy the sea views, and let the meal become part of the sunset build-up instead of a separate event.
Why sushi at sea works here
Sushi can sound like a gimmick. On a boat trip like this, though, it makes sense. It’s easy to serve, simple to eat without a lot of fuss, and it pairs well with the sea-air appetite you get after swimming or snorkeling.
If you’re traveling as a family, it’s also a safer bet than a meal that requires a lot of explanation. And you’ll still have fruit at the end, so there’s something lighter before the sky changes.
From Sailing to Sunset: How This Cruise Actually Feels

The mood is the selling point in plain terms. You get moving time on the water, then real time in the water, then a slow finish as the sun drops.
Some cruises on this route can run late afternoon into early evening. In practice, that means you’ll likely be on the water long enough for the kind of sunset sky people remember after they’ve unpacked at home.
Expect a “relaxed and chilled” pace
This is not a speed tour. It’s built for hanging out:
- Swim and snorkeling are done with included gear
- SUP and fishing are optional, not required
- Food and drinks roll out as you go
- The overall rhythm stays easy, so the boat time doesn’t feel rushed
The best part: even if you’re not the strongest swimmer, you can still participate with the safety equipment and float options. You might not see fish on every snorkeling attempt (water conditions matter), but you still get the main deal—time in clear water and a sunset sky.
Family-Friendly by Design (Not Just Marketing)

If you’re bringing kids, this cruise has multiple built-in supports. That toy-and-float approach is what makes a boat outing easier on everyone.
You’ll find:
- Inflatables like noodles and the flamingo
- A box of toys for kids available by request
- Swimming jackets and life jackets
- A stop style that includes time for play, not just observation
For families, the payoff is simple: kids get water time without you micromanaging every moment on land. Meanwhile, adults can bounce between shaded areas, snacks, and the sunset without having to keep the whole group busy with constant instructions.
Price and Value: Is $96.55 Worth It?

Let’s talk value without fluff.
At $96.55 per person, you’re buying a package that includes:
- Catamaran cruise for about 3.5 hours
- Open bar basics (water, soft drinks, beer, white wine)
- Prosecco + finger foods
- Sushi rolls
- Fruit plate
- Snorkeling gear (masks and fins)
- SUP boards
- Fishing gear
- Onboard comfort (WC, outdoor shower, music, free Wi‑Fi)
If you were to price these out separately—boat rental or paid cruise, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboard time, and a full food spread—you’d usually lose the savings fast. The cruise isn’t the cheapest thing you could do in Crete. But it is one of the more straightforward ways to buy a complete “afternoon to sunset” experience without hidden add-ons.
What to remember about exclusives and extras
- Towels and sunscreen aren’t included, so plan to bring them.
- Private cabins are listed as available on request but not guaranteed.
- Cocktails beyond the open bar selection aren’t included.
The Small Potential Hiccups to Plan For

No cruise is perfect every day. Here are the real considerations that could affect your experience.
Choppy seas can shift the swim plan
If the sea gets rough, the crew may adjust where you stop for swimming. That’s normal. What matters is how quickly you get clarity. If you want a smoother day, ask early questions and don’t assume the original stop stays fixed if conditions change.
Snack timing can be uneven on busy days
The cruise includes finger foods and sushi plus fruit. Still, the way snacks are laid out can mean you’ll want to eat earlier rather than later if you have specific needs for kids. If your child is picky and you care a lot about small snack options, keep expectations realistic: the main meal is sushi and fruit, not a full kids menu.
Quick Booking Guidance: Who This Cruise Fits Best
This cruise fits best if you want:
- A sunset-focused outing that still includes real water time
- Included activities so you don’t have to rent gear
- A small group experience with more attention from the crew
- A mix of comfort and fun for couples and families
It also suits solo travelers who want an easy plan and don’t mind being part of a group schedule. If you dislike boats, rough water, or you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to think twice. The cruise does provide safety equipment and jackets, but you’ll still be out on the sea.
Should You Book This Hersonissos Sunset Catamaran Cruise?
I’d book it if you want a simple, high-value day on the water: clear-sea swim time, snorkeling and SUP included, sushi onboard, and an open bar that covers the basics for a relaxed evening.
I wouldn’t book it if you’re extremely strict about timing down to the minute or you need a very structured snack service for kids. The cruise is designed to be chill, not military precise—and if conditions turn choppy, you’ll need to be flexible.
If you’re booking soon, a smart move is to be ready for last-minute updates. People have noted that the operator sends changes through WhatsApp, which helps you stay on track when sailing times shift slightly with the sea.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.
What’s included in the price?
You get the catamaran ride, a welcome Prosecco and finger foods, sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, an open bar with water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine, plus snorkeling gear (masks and fins), SUP boards, swimming jackets, inflatables, music, and free Wi‑Fi. Fishing gear and a kids toy box (by request) are also included.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at DanEri Yachts, Agias Paraskevis 125, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece and ends back at the same meeting point.
Do I need to bring towels or sunscreen?
Towels and sunscreen are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own personal items.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What happens if the weather isn’t good?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






























