Heraklion: Sunrise Balloon Flight & Sunset Catamaran Cruise
This package pairs two experiences at opposite ends of one day: a hot-air balloon flight over the Lasithi Plateau at sunrise, and a semi-private catamaran cruise at sunset from Heraklion or Hersonissos. The balloon lifts off before dawn and lands to a Greek breakfast; the catamaran sails in the afternoon with swimming, snorkelling, paddleboards, sushi and an open bar. DanEri Yachts runs it over 8 hours from €300, with a 4.84 rating across 63 reviews.
What this experience actually does
The day is two separate trips with a long gap between them. Four stages fill it.
First, you arrive at the Lasithi Plateau in the dark and watch the balloon inflate, guests are welcome to help. Second is the flight itself, rising over the plateau’s fields and windmills with the sea in the distance, ending with a glass of sparkling wine, a flight certificate and a traditional light Greek breakfast. Third, after the middle of the day free, you board the catamaran at Heraklion or Hersonissos port, with espresso and light snacks on arrival. Fourth is the cruise: a swim and snorkel stop with paddleboards and fishing gear, a plate of sushi rolls, seasonal fruit, and the sunset from the deck.
The catamaran is capped as semi-private, with sunbeds and shaded lounges rather than rows of seats.
Places this tour visits
The day runs between the Lasithi mountains and the Heraklion coast.
- Heraklion, the catamaran sails from the port at Heraklion or from Hersonissos, depending on the option you book.
What’s included and what isn’t
The €300 is unusually all-in for Crete, covering both activities and everything consumed on both.
Included on the balloon:
- Transfer to the launch site
- Pilot and balloon basket
- A glass of sparkling wine on landing
- Flight certificate and a small gift
- Light Greek breakfast
- Liability insurance
Included on the catamaran:
- Catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges, plus crew
- Welcome glass of prosecco
- Espresso, teas, detox water and a protein cocktail
- Sushi rolls and a seasonal fruit plate
- Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer and white wine
- Snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards and fishing gear
- Swimming jackets, inflatables and a box of toys for children on request
- Music, free Wi-Fi, WC and an outdoor shower
Not included:
- Sunscreen and personal care items
- Cocktails and spirits beyond the open bar selection
- Private cabin use, on request and not guaranteed
- Branded towel, €10 on board
Why we recommend this experience
We recommend this as the one splurge day worth planning a Crete trip around, and the pairing is the reason. A balloon over the Lasithi Plateau at first light and a catamaran at sunset are the two best views this island offers from an unusual angle, and doing both in a day means you see Crete from the air and from the water between one sunrise and one sunset.
At 4.84 across 63 reviews with 5.0 for both guiding and transport, the delivery matches the ambition. What reviewers write about most is the people. The balloon pilot, George, is named, as is Philipp on the catamaran, and a Danish guest who was nervous about flying described the crew talking them through it. An American guest wrote simply that the company should find a way to keep all of them.
Two practical details from the reviews worth knowing. A Polish reviewer got up at 03:30 for the flight and said it was worth it, and noted there is a lot of free time between the balloon and the catamaran, one Dutch group filled theirs with a museum and a pottery class. Plan that gap rather than waiting it out.
Three things to weigh before booking.
It is €300, and value for money is the lowest dimension at 4.9 out of 5, still exceptional, but this is by some distance the most expensive experience we cover. What you are buying is two high-end activities with almost everything included, not a budget day trip.
Only English is spoken. Italian and Argentinian reviewers both praised the crew while asking for their own language; the operator runs in English.
Both halves depend on weather. The balloon is rescheduled or refunded in bad conditions and the cruise can be cancelled, so book early in your trip rather than on your last day.
CreteLocals insider tips
Book it early in your holiday, send your passenger details on time, and plan the middle of the day.
- Book this for your first few days, since bad weather reschedules the balloon and you want a second chance at it.
- Send each passenger’s weight, name, date of birth, passport number and nationality at booking, because port authorities require it before the cruise can sail.
- Set an alarm for around 03:30, as reviewers report that start time for the sunrise slot.
- Plan the gap between the two halves, given the balloon lands mid-morning and the catamaran sails in the afternoon.
- Pack a jacket for the balloon and swimwear for the boat, which is two different sets of clothing in one bag.
- Tell the operator about any birthday or anniversary in advance, since they add a complimentary gift for special occasions.
What to know before you go
When booking, provide each passenger’s weight, full name, date of birth, passport or ID number and nationality, this is a port authority requirement, not a formality. Arrive on time, as departure cannot be delayed under port regulations.
Bring sunglasses, a passport copy, a sun hat, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, a jacket, swimwear and sunscreen. Consult the operator before booking if you are pregnant, travelling with a child under 2, prone to seasickness or have mobility concerns.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the balloon and catamaran day?
The full experience runs 8 hours, split between a sunrise balloon flight and an afternoon-to-sunset catamaran cruise.
What time does the balloon flight start?
Reviewers report getting up around 03:30 for the sunrise slot, since the balloon inflates before first light on the Lasithi Plateau.
Is food included?
Both meals are included, a light Greek breakfast after the flight, then sushi rolls, snacks and seasonal fruit on the catamaran with an open bar.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The flight is rescheduled or refunded, and the cruise may also be postponed, so book early in your trip rather than on your final day.
Is the catamaran private?
The cruise is semi-private, with sunbeds and shaded lounges rather than fixed seating, and a capped guest count.
What languages does the crew speak?
The crew operates in English. Reviewers from Italy and Argentina praised the team while noting their own languages were not available.
Check dates and prices for the sunrise balloon flight and sunset catamaran cruise.
Location
Sunrise Balloon Flight & Sunset Catamaran Cruise is located at Agios Georgios bay. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
