Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar

Discover the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and an open bar offered by Vista Yachting for just $136 per person. This half-day tour lasts around 5 hours, starting from Vlychada Marina in the Cyclades, Greece. It promises an exciting mix of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing in some of Santorini’s most iconic spots, with the opportunity to explore Red Beach and White Beach, soak in therapeutic hot springs, and enjoy unlimited white wine along with delicious Greek food.

This experience is highly rated with a 4.9-star average from 2,209 reviews, reflecting consistent praise for the friendly crew, breathtaking views, and excellent food and drinks. While the tour involves multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling, it’s important to note that not all stops may be warm, and accessibility is limited for wheelchair users. This cruise offers a balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and spectacular scenery, making it an ideal choice for those eager to see Santorini from the water.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $136 per person for a 5-hour cruise with multiple stops.
• Highlights: Swimming at Red Beach and White Beach, snorkeling, soaking in hot springs, and enjoying spectacular caldera views.
• Food and Drinks: BBQ meal with unlimited white wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and Greek meze.
• Included amenities: Snorkeling gear, restrooms, life jackets, pool noodles, towels, and blankets.
• Pickup and Drop-off: Hotel transportation included, with nearby pickup points if your accommodation isn’t accessible by minibus.
• Highly Rated: The tour maintains an impressive 4.9-star rating based on over 2,200 reviews, emphasizing friendly staff and breathtaking scenery.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users; some stops may involve walking or swimming.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Vlychada Marina

The Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise departs from Vlychada Marina, a scenic port on the island. Guests are welcomed aboard with a glass of wine or soft drink and settle into a luxurious catamaran designed for comfort and style.

The embarkation process involves a hotel pickup where available. The driver will meet you at the front of your hotel, but the boat’s departure location is specific to Vlychada Marina, making it convenient for many travelers. Addresses are rarely used in Santorini, so providing nearby landmarks or hotel names helps ensure smooth pickup arrangements.

Exploring Santorini’s Colorful Beaches and Rock Formations

The cruise begins with a stop at Red Beach, famous for its vivid red cliffs and swimming opportunities. Here, snorkelers can marvel at crystal-clear waters and explore underwater life, with snorkeling equipment provided. The Red Beach offers a chance to relax amid dramatic scenery, making it a favorite for many.

Next, the boat sails to White Beach, where Indian Rocks and the Venetian Lighthouse at Akrotiri provide memorable photo opportunities. While swimming at White Beach, visitors can enjoy the unique geological formations and stunning coastlines. The guides often share insights about the geology and history of these spots, adding context to the visual splendor.

Hot Springs and the Volcanic Caldera

A highlight of this cruise is the visit to Santorini’s volcanic hot springs. Known for their therapeutic properties, these sulfur-rich waters are a relaxing stop, though some guests note that the water temperature may be cooler than expected. The hot springs are a unique feature of the caldera, offering a chance to soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the volcano.

The imposing volcano itself features prominently on this tour. The guide onboard shares history and facts about its eruptions and geological significance, enriching the experience. Visitors get a close-up view of the volcano from the water, which is a focal point of Santorini’s landscape.

Scenic Views of Cliffside Villages and the Caldera

As the boat navigates the caldera, guests are treated to panoramic views of Santorini’s cliff-side villages. From the water, the whitewashed buildings and narrow streets perched above the sea create a picture-perfect scene. The changing colors of the water and sky at sunset add to the visual magic.

Many reviews praise the quality of the scenery and expert narration by the crew, which enhances the appreciation of the island’s geology and history. The relaxed atmosphere allows guests to fully enjoy the calm beauty of the caldera environment.

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Delicious Greek BBQ and Open Bar on Deck

The BBQ lunch, prepared onboard, features options like chicken, Neapolitan pasta, Greek salad, and Greek Ratatouille. The portion sizes are generally sufficient, with some guests noting they could enjoy more food. The traditional Greek dessert caps off the meal.

Throughout the cruise, guests enjoy unlimited white wine and soft drinks, with bottled water available. The music and friendly crew contribute to a lively, relaxed atmosphere. Vegetarian and vegan options are available—just ensure to specify dietary preferences at check-out.

Final Stop at Mesa Pigadia for More Swimming

The last stop at Mesa Pigadia offers additional opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. This site is ideal for relaxing in the water, spotting fish around the snorkel gear, and appreciating the underwater scenery. During this time, guests often take advantage of the onboard towels and pool noodles to enhance their experience.

This stop wraps up the water-based activities, and many guests use this moment to capture final photos or simply unwind on the deck. It’s a fitting close to a day filled with natural beauty and fun.

The Crew and Overall Service Experience

Numerous reviews emphasize the friendly, attentive crew and professional guides who share interesting information about the sights. Crew members are praised for taking photos and cooking delicious meals, often going above and beyond.

The safety briefing is clear, and the boat’s facilities like restrooms, life jackets, towels, and blankets are well-maintained. The atmosphere onboard is described as relaxed and inclusive, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers.

Practical Tips and Considerations for the Cruise

Guests are advised to bring passport or ID, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, and sunscreen. Comfortable footwear and a towel are recommended for swimming stops.

While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, the hotel pickup and nearby drop-off options make it accessible for many travelers. Weather conditions can influence the experience, especially hot springs and snorkeling, so checking the forecast is advised.

Why This Tour Is a Strong Choice for Santorini Visitors

The Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise offers a balanced experience of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing. The unlimited wine, delicious food, and breathtaking views create a memorable day. Many reviews highlight excellent service and spectacular scenery as key strengths.

While some stops may involve cooler waters or moderate walking, the overall comfort and value make this tour a top recommendation for those seeking a comprehensive water-based excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off where accessible. If your accommodation isn’t reachable by minibus, a nearby pickup point is suggested.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, and sunscreen. Towels, blankets, and life jackets are provided onboard.

Can I accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available. It’s advisable to specify dietary preferences at check-out.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, with multiple swimming stops, sightseeing, and a meal.

Are there enough facilities onboard?
Yes, the boat is equipped with restrooms, snorkeling gear, life jackets, pool noodles, towels, and blankets.

Is this cruise suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves swimming and walking at stops, so consider this before booking.

What makes this tour stand out?
The friendly crew, stunning caldera views, delicious Greek food, and the hot springs experience are frequently praised.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited white wine and soft drinks are included. Additional beverages like beer are not listed but could be available onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in travel planning.

Is the hot springs swim worth it despite the water temperature?
Many find the hot springs a unique experience, though some note they are not very warm. The scenery and mineral benefits still make it worthwhile.

Would you recommend this cruise?
Based on high ratings, positive reviews, and comprehensive amenities, this cruise offers excellent value for those wanting to see Santorini from the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

This Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise from Vista Yachting combines scenic beauty, friendly service, and delicious Greek cuisine into a memorable half-day adventure. Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed yet activity-filled way to explore the island’s coastlines and volcanic wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby