CATAMARAN CRUISES
Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Chania
A private 3-4 hour sunset cruise on our sailing catamaran — wide decks for taking in the golden Cretan light, the stability of twin hulls, and the lit-up Old Venetian Harbour on the return. Romantic by design, spacious by nature.
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Private Sailing
Duration
3 to 4 hours
Departure
Late afternoon, timed to sunset
Group Size
2 to 10 Guests
Boat
Sailing Catamaran
From
Old Venetian Harbour, Chania
THE CRUISE
The Catamaran at Golden Hour
Sunset cruises are popular for a reason. On a catamaran, they are something else entirely — the kind of evening that feels designed for the boat itself.
The Sunset Catamaran Cruise is built around the simplest of pleasures: being out on the water at the most beautiful hour of the day, with a boat that gives you all the room to enjoy it. We set sail from the Old Venetian Harbour as the heat of the day begins to soften. The route is shaped around the wind and your preferences — usually a gentle sail along the Bay of Chania, with an anchor stop in a sheltered bay so you can swim in water still warm from the sun.
What makes a catamaran particularly right for sunset is the deck. The wide bow mattresses give you the best seat in the house for the light show — lying back, drink in hand, watching the White Mountains turn gold and the sea reflecting every shade of orange and pink. The shaded cockpit is set up for sharing wine and a light snack at the level surface a catamaran provides. No tilting, no spilled drinks, no awkwardly bracing yourself against the boat’s lean.
Most often booked by couples for romantic evenings, the sunset catamaran cruise also works beautifully for small groups of friends and special occasions — anniversaries, proposals, milestone birthdays. The catamaran’s space gives you the privacy of a private deck while still being out on the open sea. As night settles in, we sail back into the lit-up Venetian Harbour — one of the most beautiful approaches in the Mediterranean.
How the Cruise Flows
What to Expect on the Evening
A typical flow of the sunset catamaran cruise — shaped around the wind, the light, and what you most want to see.
Embark at the Old Venetian Harbour
Meet the captain at the wooden pier in the heart of Chania’s historic harbour. Step onto the catamaran’s wide deck, settle into the bow mattresses or the shaded cockpit, and we cast off.
Sail along the Bay of Chania
Glide out past the lighthouse and along the coast. The direction depends on the wind on the day — we choose the route that gives you the best light and the calmest sailing.
Anchor for a swim
Drop anchor in a sheltered bay — Maherida, near Thodorou, or another quiet spot. The catamaran’s swim platform makes getting in and out easy. The captain prepares a light snack on board while you swim.
The sunset itself
We position the catamaran for the best view as the sun descends. Wine or beer in hand, lying back on the bow mattresses, the White Mountains turning gold behind you — this is the moment the cruise is built for.
Sail back into the lit harbour
As night settles in, we turn back toward Chania. The Old Venetian Harbour, lit up against the dark water, is one of the most beautiful approaches in the Mediterranean — and the perfect close to the evening.
Note — The exact route and stops adapt to the weather and to your preferences. Departure time shifts with the season so that you are out on the water as the sun sets — the captain confirms the time when you book.
GOOD TO KNOW
What's Included
Included in the price
- Private sailboat for your group
- Experienced skipper
- Fuel
- Light snack on board
- Wine or beer
- Water & soft drinks
- Fresh fruit
- Towels
- Life jackets & safety equipment
Not included
- Transport to the Old Venetian Harbour
- Sunscreen and personal items
- Extra alcohol beyond the included drinks
- Gratuities (always optional)
Tailored Evenings
Sunset Catamaran for Special Occasions
The catamaran’s space and stability make it our most-booked boat for evenings that need to feel particular. We can arrange the cruise around your occasion — flowers, a chilled bottle of champagne, a small surprise on board.
- Proposals & engagements
- Honeymoons
- Romantic evenings
- Wedding anniversaries
- Milestone birthdays
- Intimate celebrations
Your Boat
The Catamaran at Evening
Our sailing catamaran is exceptionally well-suited to sunset cruises. The wide bows with sun mattresses become the perfect viewing platform as the light softens. The shaded cockpit gives you a calm, level space for wine and a light snack. And the catamaran’s stability means you can move freely, take photographs, and simply enjoy the evening without bracing against the boat.
Like all our cruises, the sunset catamaran departs directly from the Old Venetian Harbour — in the heart of Chania, not from one of the surrounding ports.
Type
Sailing catamaran
Capacity
Up to 10 guests
Length
-
Departure
Old Venetian Harbour
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the sunset catamaran cruise last?
The Sunset Catamaran Cruise lasts 3 to 4 hours. The departure time is set to the sunset on your chosen date — earlier in spring and autumn, later in high summer. We aim to have you out on the water as the light softens, and back at the harbour after dark.
Why choose a catamaran for the sunset cruise?
A catamaran is the most comfortable boat for an evening on the water. The wide deck and bow mattresses give you the best position to take in the sunset, the twin hulls keep the boat level so drinks and food sit easily, and the generous space makes it ideal for small groups and special occasions.
Is the sunset catamaran cruise only for couples?
The sunset catamaran cruise is often booked by couples for romantic evenings, but the catamaran’s space makes it equally well-suited to small groups of friends, family celebrations, and special occasions like anniversaries or proposals. Up to 10 guests on board.
What time does the sunset catamaran cruise depart?
Departure time depends on the sunset on your chosen date. In high summer we set sail around 6:00 PM, in spring and autumn earlier. The captain confirms the exact time when you book, so that you are out on the water at the right moment.
Can we swim during the sunset catamaran cruise?
Yes. The cruise typically includes one anchor stop in a sheltered bay where you can swim before sunset. The water is still warm from the day, and the catamaran’s wide swim platform makes getting in and out easy.
What is included in the sunset catamaran cruise?
Every cruise includes the private catamaran with experienced skipper, fuel, and a light snack on board served with wine or beer. Water, soft drinks and fresh fruit are always provided. Towels and safety equipment are on board as standard.
GUEST STORIES
What Our Guests Say
The captain of the day, Alex, was professional and very welcoming.
The trip to Krikri Island was a great time, enjoying the view and swimming.
The boat was impeccable, with nothing to complain about in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
I definitely recommend it for a sea trip.
Myself along with three friends took a private hire with Notos and it was a fantastic day out. We chose the catamaran. It was beautiful, spacious and very stable and smooth for anyone who is uncertain on sailing boats. Our captain Nikos, was the perfect host, attentive, informative and very kind. He also introduced us all to a sup which he has and is free to use. We had such fun, it was hilarious! We spent more time falling off it than standing on it which is more difficult than it looks until you find your balance. Sit on it! It's much easier! Our friend Alison was the most successful, she mastered it!
I highly recommend Notos. Personal service and a beautiful boat, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you captain from all of us.
Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
The captain of the day, Alex, was professional and very welcoming.
The trip to Krikri Island was a great time, enjoying the view and swimming.
The boat was impeccable, with nothing to complain about in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
I definitely recommend it for a sea trip.
Myself along with three friends took a private hire with Notos and it was a fantastic day out. We chose the catamaran. It was beautiful, spacious and very stable and smooth for anyone who is uncertain on sailing boats. Our captain Nikos, was the perfect host, attentive, informative and very kind. He also introduced us all to a sup which he has and is free to use. We had such fun, it was hilarious! We spent more time falling off it than standing on it which is more difficult than it looks until you find your balance. Sit on it! It's much easier! Our friend Alison was the most successful, she mastered it!
I highly recommend Notos. Personal service and a beautiful boat, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you captain from all of us.
Ahead of time, I truly thought I would get tired of swimming at each spot - but I didn't!
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Book Your Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Get in touch to plan a private sunset catamaran cruise around your dates. We’ll set the departure to the sunset on the day, and shape the evening around what you want.