Sunset cruise at St. George Bay from Hersonissos port

A sunset cruise makes time slow down fast. This one from Hersonissos port to Saint George Bay pairs sunset sailing with a wine tasting and food served right on the water.

What I like most is the combo of a view you can’t get from shore plus a meal that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. You get BBQ with both meat and vegetarian options, and the whole evening has an easy, relaxed rhythm.

One drawback to plan around: it’s not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, and there’s also a swimming stop only if conditions allow.

Key things to know before you go

• Sunset from the boat: you’re watching the light shift as you sail, not just standing on land.
• Wine tasting + one included drink: a wine-focused evening with an easy set-up for ordering/serving.
• BBQ on board: BBQ mix meat and vegetarian option (upon request), plus classic sides.
• North coast of Crete views: the cruise is built around seeing the coast as the day turns to night.
• Swimming depends on weather: if the sea is calm enough, you may get a dip.

Sunset Wine Tasting at Saint George Bay in plain terms

This is a simple idea done well: hop on a boat, head out from Hersonissos, and spend about 2.5 hours cruising while the sunset does its thing over Saint George Bay. The setting is made for “slow down” mode—warm breeze, gentle waves, and the sky changing color from day-to-night.

I especially like that the experience isn’t only about pretty photos. You’ll have food and a drink built into the timing, so you’re not stuck deciding between sightseeing and hunger. And because it’s a wine tasting setup, the evening feels intentional rather than random.

The key consideration is that you should only do it if you’re comfortable on a boat. If you know you get sick on water, skip this one. The outing is specifically marked as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

From Hersonissos port to St. George Bay: why the timing works

The cruise runs 2.5 hours, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like an actual outing, short enough that you still end the night without it swallowing your whole day.

You’ll sail from Hersonissos port with the goal of watching the sunset over Saint George Bay. That timing matters because sunset views are the whole point here. Start time can vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the exact departure window before you plan dinner or other activities.

There’s also a “watch the coastline” element. One of the highlights is admiration of the north coast of Crete, which means you’re not only looking at the sky—you’re seeing a broader slice of scenery as the boat moves.

A practical note: transportation to and from your hotel isn’t included. If you’re staying in Hersonissos or nearby, that’s easier. If you’re farther out, factor in how you’ll get to the port and back so you’re not stressed right before sunset.

Wine tasting on a boat: what you can expect from the drink side

This isn’t just “one glass and go.” The tone is a wine tasting experience, with a selection of wines designed to match the relaxed evening atmosphere. You can expect a straightforward format that doesn’t require wine expertise—just enough structure to make it feel like tasting, not drinking.

On top of that, you get one included drink. The choice is:

• 1 glass of wine, or
• a soft drink, or
• water

That’s a nice value detail. Even if you’re not aiming to drink wine the whole time, the included option keeps things easy and predictable.

I like that this makes the cruise feel flexible. If you want to sip wine for the sunset and then switch to something non-alcoholic, you’re already covered by what’s included. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers non-wine options, you won’t have to juggle awkward extras just to keep everyone comfortable.

BBQ on board: what’s included (and what to request)

Food is a big part of why this cruise works. You’re not paying just for views—you’re getting an actual meal service.

Included in the BBQ:

• BBQ mix meat
• Vegetarian option available upon request
• salad
• bread
• tzatziki
• seasonal fruit
• and your one included drink (wine/soft drink/water)

The vegetarian detail matters. Lots of tours say vegetarian is possible but make it unclear. Here, it’s explicitly available if you request it, so you can plan meals for different diets without guessing.

I also like the mix of items. BBQ mix meat plus familiar Greek sides like salad, bread, and tzatziki gives you something filling that still feels light enough to eat while you’re on the water. Seasonal fruit at the end is the kind of finish that feels “holiday,” not heavy.

One more real-world angle: because it’s served as part of the cruise rhythm, you don’t have to coordinate a restaurant, timing, or a late-night search. It’s meal + sunset in one package.

The sunset view: seeing the sky change from Saint George Bay

The main event is the breathtaking sunset view from the boat. Expect the sky to shift through the evening in front of you as you sail. It’s not just a glance. The cruise format gives you enough time to actually watch day fade and night take over.

You’ll also see the north coast of Crete, which helps the scenery feel layered. A land-only sunset can be nice, but being on the water adds depth—horizon lines, reflections, and that sense of motion.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is a good time for them. If you’re not, it’s still a great chance to sit back and do nothing. The cruise is built around calm: warm breeze, gentle waves, and that “everything slows down” feeling you only get when you’re not rushing.

Swimming stop: a nice bonus, not a guarantee

You might get a swimming stop, but it’s weather dependent. That matters because sea conditions change. If the water isn’t calm enough, you won’t be relying on a guaranteed swim window.

How to think about this: treat swimming as optional. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, you’re still getting the core experience—sunset sailing, views, and food.

If you do plan to swim, bring what you’d normally need for a quick dip (swimwear and a way to dry off). Since conditions can vary, don’t plan your entire evening around a specific swim duration. Think of it as a bonus if conditions allow.

Who should book this sunset cruise?

This outing fits best with a certain travel style: people who want relaxation without turning the evening into a checklist.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• you’re a fan of wine tasting and want a structured, low-stress way to try it
• you want a romantic-feeling evening with food included
• you like scenic sailing and coastal views from the water
• you’ll appreciate a BBQ meal with Greek sides like tzatziki

You should skip it if:

• you’re prone to seasickness
• you need hotel pickup or guaranteed transport (since it’s not included)
• you’re expecting a long, active day with multiple major stops (this is mainly about the cruise and sunset)

On the vibe side, I’d describe it as easygoing. One thing I’d call out from what’s been shared is that the captain and crew can add a friendly tone to the evening, including humor and genuine attention to passenger comfort. That kind of atmosphere can make a short cruise feel warmer and more personal.

Price and value: does $58 make sense?

At $58 per person, this isn’t a budget snack. But it also isn’t overpriced for what’s included.

Here’s how I’d judge value:

• You get 2.5 hours on the water in a sunset-focused experience.
• You get an included meal: BBQ mix meat plus salad, bread, tzatziki, and fruit.
• You get an included drink, with options that cover wine, soft drinks, or water.
• You get the main “product”: boat-based sunset views with sightlines to the north coast of Crete.

If you were to recreate this yourself, you’d likely spend more once you factor in boat time, food, and drinks. The price becomes easier to justify when you compare it to a dinner out plus a separate sunset activity.

Still, it’s worth being honest about what you’re buying: you’re paying for sunset time plus food and a drink. If you don’t care about wine, or if you’re expecting a big sightseeing day with lots of stops, you may not get your money’s worth.

Practical tips so your evening stays stress-free

A few small things make a big difference on any boat tour, especially one timed around sunset.

• Bring your ID or passport. It’s explicitly listed as needed.
• Plan your route to the port. Transportation from/to the hotel isn’t included, so you’ll want a clear plan for getting there and back.
• Dress for a sea breeze. Even when the day is warm, the water air can feel cooler.
• If you think you might get motion sickness, don’t “wait and see.” This cruise is marked as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.
• If you want the vegetarian option, make sure you request it ahead of time, since it’s noted as available upon request.

Should you book this sunset wine cruise?

I’d book it if you want an evening that mixes sunset sailing, a proper meal, and a wine-focused experience without turning your day upside down. It’s a good fit for couples, friends, and anyone who wants their vacation to include a calm moment with the coast of Crete in view.

Skip it if water movement makes you miserable, if you need hotel pickup, or if you prefer active sightseeing over long scenic time.

If you’re deciding, my advice is simple: this is a “views + BBQ + wine” outing. As long as that matches your mood, it’s a solid value.

FAQ

How long is the Sunset Wine Tasting cruise?

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours.

What does the ticket price include?

You get BBQ mix meat with a vegetarian option available upon request, salad, bread, tzatziki, seasonal fruit, and one drink (choice of 1 glass of wine, soft drink, or water).

Is there a swimming stop?

A swimming stop is available depending on weather conditions.

What is included vs. not included for transportation?

Transportation from/to the hotel is not included. You’ll need to handle getting to and from the port on your own.

Are people prone to seasickness allowed?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Do I need ID or a passport?

Yes. Don’t forget your ID/Passport.

How do I choose what drink I get?

Your included drink can be 1 glass of wine, a soft drink, or water.

Are there different starting times?

Yes. Starting times can vary, so you’ll need to check availability to see the departure options.