Heraklion: Sunset Luxury Cruise with Sushi and Open Bar

The Heraklion: Sunset Luxury Cruise with Sushi and Open Bar offers a sophisticated way to enjoy Crete’s stunning coastline and unspoiled Dia Island. Priced at an inclusive rate that covers around 3.5 to 5.5 hours, this tour combines elegance with fun, featuring a modern, spacious catamaran equipped with sunbeds and shaded lounging areas. Starting from Heraklion, the cruise takes you on a scenic journey across turquoise waters, with a focus on relaxation, water activities, and a vibrant sunset.

This tour is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate comfort, quality food, and drinks, along with a touch of luxury. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, and families who want a laid-back yet memorable experience. Keep in mind, the cruise is weather-dependent and can be canceled if conditions are unsuitable. Also, it appeals most to those who enjoy water-based activities and a relaxed pace, with no accommodation or strenuous activity involved.

Key Points

• Luxury catamaran experience with spacious sunbeds and shaded lounge areas
• Includes a welcome glass of Prosecco and finger foods on board
• Unlimited drinks: wine, beer, and soft drinks from the open bar during the cruise
• Water activities such as SUP, snorkeling gear, swim vests, and inflatable noodles are available
• Visit Dia Island, a protected natural area with pristine waters and scenic beauty
• Highlights include a breathtaking sunset over the water, with ample time for swimming and relaxing

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The Modern Catamaran Designed for Comfort and Style

The catamaran used for this cruise combines elegance and practicality. Its spacious deck features luxurious sunbeds for soaking up the sun and a shaded lounge area for those who prefer to stay in the shade. The design ensures every guest finds a comfortable spot, whether lounging, enjoying drinks, or taking in the views. The crew’s professionalism and friendly approach enhance the experience, making everyone feel well cared for from start to finish.

The vessel has already hosted thousands of satisfied travelers, with over 54,000 miles sailed and nearly 2,800 cruises organized. Its reputation for safety, cleanliness, and style earns high marks from previous guests.

Departure Point and Easy Access

The tour departs from the Marina Café in Heraklion, where you should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start. The meeting point is easy to find, with crew members wearing DanEri t-shirts. There’s a municipal parking lot nearby, costing approximately 5 EUR per day, making logistics straightforward.

Guests can choose to include a transfer service if available, which picks up and drops off from several key locations around Heraklion, including Hersonissos, Malia, and Agia Pelagia. This flexibility helps accommodate different travel plans.

The Scenic Route from Heraklion to Dia Island

The cruise begins with a 15-minute briefing and a glass of Prosecco, paired with Mediterranean finger foods. After setting sail, the vessel glides past Rocca a Mare Fortress—a quick photo stop and sightseeing point—before heading toward Dia Island.

The enchanting Dia Island is a protected natural reserve with minimal development, offering crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes. The journey across the sparkling sea takes approximately an hour, with scenic views and the chance to spot local marine life along the way.

Water Activities at Dia Island’s Calm Bay

Once at Dia Island, the focus shifts to water-based fun. The bay’s calm, inviting waters are perfect for snorkeling, thanks to the provided gear. Guests can also try stand-up paddleboarding or simply float on inflatable noodles, with inflatable flamingo floats available for the perfect photo moment.

The water activities last about 70 minutes, giving ample time to swim and relax in the sea’s tranquility. The shallow bay and warm water temperatures make this a delightful stop, especially in early September when conditions are pleasant and inviting.

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Delicious Sushi and Refreshing Drinks on Deck

Back on the luxury catamaran, a plate of sushi rolls awaits, offering a fresh and satisfying snack with each bite. The sushi selection includes a variety of rolls, perfectly complemented by the unlimited drinks from the open bar. Guests can enjoy wine, beer, soft drinks, and premium cocktails if ordered.

Onboard, a fresh platter of seasonal fruit is served later, providing a sweet and healthy refreshment. The friendly crew ensures drinks are topped up regularly, creating a relaxed and indulgent atmosphere as the sun begins to set.

Witnessing a Breathtaking Crete Sunset

The highlight of the cruise is the sunset view as the vessel sails back toward Heraklion. The sky fills with vibrant colors—oranges, pinks, and purples—reflected on the tranquil sea surface. The calm environment, combined with the natural beauty, creates a peaceful ambiance that is hard to match.

Guests enjoy this moment with a glass of Prosecco in hand, soaking in the serene scenery. It’s a perfect time for photos and simply appreciating the beauty of Crete’s coastline.

The Return Journey and Drop-Off Options

After the sunset, the cruise sails back towards Heraklion, with the option to be dropped off at one of 22 locations around the island. These include popular destinations like Stalida, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and others. The flexible drop-off plan helps tailor the experience for different travel plans or accommodation locations.

The entire experience typically lasts between 3.5 and 5.5 hours, depending on the selected options and weather conditions, providing a leisurely pace that balances relaxation and sightseeing.

The Experience of Water and Sunset Combined

This cruise merges water activities, fine food, and spectacular scenery into a smooth, well-organized journey. The water stops are long enough to enjoy swimming and snorkeling, while the sailing offers a chance to unwind with soft music and a gentle ocean breeze.

The sunset provides a truly special visual backdrop, making the entire cruise feel like a memorable escape. The crew’s professionalism and attentiveness are evident throughout, ensuring safety and comfort even if the sea gets a bit choppy.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This luxury cruise appeals most to those seeking a relaxed, high-quality experience with scenic views and water activities. It’s suitable for couples looking for romance, small groups of friends, or families with children over 2 years old. The limited group size of up to 20 guests ensures an intimate atmosphere.

However, it’s not ideal for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with severe medical conditions. The tour may be canceled in bad weather, so checking the forecast before booking is advisable.

Final Thoughts on This Sunset Cruise from Heraklion

The Heraklion sunset cruise provides an elegant way to enjoy Crete’s coastline, combining luxury amenities, delicious sushi, and unlimited drinks with the natural beauty of Dia Island. The friendly, professional crew and well-maintained vessel elevate the experience, which is especially memorable during the golden hour of sunset.

While the price might seem high for some, the all-inclusive nature, combined with the quality of food and drinks, offers good value for those seeking a relaxed, scenic escape. It’s a delightful choice for travelers who appreciate comfort, beautiful scenery, and a touch of indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cruise price?
The price includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, finger foods, sushi rolls, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, water activities, and a beautiful sunset experience.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise duration ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.

Where does the tour depart from?
The departure point is the Marina Café in Heraklion, with a 15-minute prior arrival recommended.

Can I include transfer services?
Yes, transfer options are available, with pickups from several locations including Hersonissos, Malia, and Agia Pelagia.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 2 years old are generally permitted; however, the tour is not recommended for unaccompanied minors or those with significant mobility or health issues.

What water activities are offered?
Guests can enjoy snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and floating on inflatable noodles or a pink flamingo float.

Is the cruise weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled in case of bad weather, so it’s advisable to check the forecast.

What should I bring?
Guests are advised to bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and ID or passport.

How many people are on each cruise?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Can I celebrate a special occasion?
Yes, special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries can be arranged, and the crew will be happy to add a personalized touch.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The scenic route to Dia Island, water activities, sushi and drinks onboard, and the sunset over the sea are the main attractions of this cruise.

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