Santorini All-inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Thirassia Stop

Explore Santorini’s Caldera on an All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise

This Santorini All-inclusive Catamaran Cruise offers a memorable way to see the island’s iconic caldera and surrounding islands. Priced at $185.37 per person, this 5-hour journey is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. The tour departs from the old port of Amoudi with convenient pickup service, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

Aboard a deluxe catamaran, guests enjoy unlimited Santorini wine, beer, and soda, paired with a freshly prepared onboard meal. Whether you choose the morning or sunset cruise, the experience combines sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. The small group size and attentive crew contribute to a peaceful, personalized atmosphere, praised in reviews for their friendliness and knowledge.

While this cruise delivers stunning scenery and top-notch service, it does not include volcano hiking, so those eager for an active volcano tour should consider other options. Still, for a relaxed day on the water with excellent food and drinks, this cruise is an outstanding choice for couples, families, or friends wanting a taste of Santorini’s beauty from the sea.

Key Points

• Limited to 16 travelers for a personal experience
• Includes pickup, drop-off, and an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks
• 5 hours long, with stops at Thirassia, the volcano, and beaches
• Onboard meals feature seafood, chicken, salads, and desserts
• Optional sunset viewing on the later cruise
• Free snorkeling gear and towels provided

Pickup and Departure from Amoudi Port

The tour begins with complimentary pickup from your hotel, leading to the old port of Amoudi in Oia. After meeting your skipper and crew, guests receive a safety briefing before stepping onto the modern, deluxe catamaran. The small group size makes for a comfortable boarding process and a more relaxed atmosphere.

From the port, the boat sails across the caldera, offering panoramic views of whitewashed towns and volcanic formations. The cruise starts early or at sunset, giving flexibility depending on your preferred experience. This setup ensures everyone has a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery without feeling crowded.

Cruising the Caldera’s Iconic Islands and Bays

Once underway, the boat cruises past Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, the volcanic islands. Guests get to drop anchor at Thirasia, a charming fishermen’s island, where swimming or snorkeling is available. The mineral-rich hot springs of Nea Kameni tempt those eager for a therapeutic dip, with minerals that may stain white and pastel swimsuits, so caution is advised.

The cruise continues past Black Mountain, Indian Rock, and the White Beach, which is only accessible by boat and boasts turquoise waters and white rocks. A stop at Red Beach provides excellent photo opportunities, thanks to its colorful mineral-rich soil. The boat lingers at each location for around 30 minutes, enough to swim, snorkel, or simply take in the scenery.

Discovering Santorini’s Most Photogenic Spots

Sailing around Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni offers views of the smoldering volcano, an impressive natural feature. The lighthouse in Akrotiri, dating from the 19th century, provides another photo-worthy stop on the cruise. The journey showcases Santorini’s rugged coastline, including Black Mountain and the White Beach, both known for their distinctive volcanic landscapes.

The Red Beach, with its vivid mineral hues, is one of the most iconic beaches in Santorini. The cruise’s timing allows for spectacular photo opportunities from the water. The calm pace and limited group size make it easy to capture the island’s beauty without feeling rushed.

Savor a Gourmet Onboard Meal

A highlight of this cruise is the delicious onboard meal, prepared fresh on the boat. The menu typically features seafood, grilled sausages, chicken fillet, and fresh salads. Guests also enjoy dessert and can indulge in free-flow Santorini wine, beer, and soda throughout the meal.

The quality of the food frequently earns praise in reviews, with many noting it surpasses expectations for a boat lunch. The relaxed dining atmosphere allows guests to enjoy their meal while taking in caldera views and chatting with fellow travelers.

Snorkeling and Swimming Experience

Guests have access to snorkeling gear, towels, and swimming aids, making it easy to participate in water activities at all stops. Swimming in the warm springs near Nea Kameni offers a therapeutic experience, with mineral waters known for their benefits. However, white or pastel swimsuits are discouraged as they may stain from minerals.

Swimmers can enjoy up to 30 minutes at each stop, with some locations perfect for exploring underwater life, taking photos, or simply relaxing in the natural surroundings. Even if swimming is not the main goal, the calm, clear waters provide a soothing backdrop during the cruise.

Watching the Sunset from the Water (Optional)

For those on the later cruise, the sunset becomes the show-stopping moment. As the sky changes colors over the caldera, guests witness one of Santorini’s most famous spectacles. Many reviews highlight the breathtaking beauty of the sunset from the water, with a tranquil atmosphere perfect for romantic moments.

The cruise concludes at the Vlychada port, at the opposite end of the island from where the cruise began. Disembarking is followed by transfer back to your hotel, completing a day filled with stunning scenery and memorable experiences.

The Stunning Setting of Santorini’s Red and White Beaches

The tour’s stops include some of Santorini’s most scenic beaches, each with unique features. Red Beach, with its mineral-rich crimson soil, provides excellent photo opportunities and a sense of seclusion. The White Beach, only accessible by boat, impresses with its white rocks and blue waters, offering a peaceful retreat.

These beaches showcase the island’s volcanic origins and add a visual dimension that many travelers find captivating. The boat’s vantage point makes it easy to admire their colors and formations without the crowds typically found on land.

The Convenience and Comfort of Small-Group Travel

With a maximum of 16 guests, this cruise ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The crew led by expert skipper and staff are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness. Many reviews note the crew’s effort to share interesting facts about the island’s geology and history, enriching the experience.

Comfortable snorkeling equipment, towels, and safety instructions are provided, and the air-conditioned pickup makes the entire process smooth. The small group size allows for more flexible stops and easier socializing amidst the scenic backdrop.

Value and Overall Experience

Priced at $185.37, this all-inclusive cruise offers excellent value when considering the meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and stops included. The reviews consistently highlight the high quality of food, the friendly crew, and stunning views as key strengths. The flexible timing options—morning or sunset—allow travelers to customize their experience.

The 5-hour duration strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation, with careful pacing at each stop. The small-group format, combined with the delicious onboard meal and free drinks, makes this cruise a standout choice for those seeking a laid-back yet memorable day in Santorini.

The Sum Up: An Elegant and Intimate Waterway Adventure

This Santorini All-inclusive Catamaran Cruise delivers a well-rounded experience that combines stunning scenery, excellent food, and personalized service. The limited group size and professional crew create a friendly and relaxed environment, perfect for couples, families, or friends.

While it does not include volcano hiking, the cruise compensates with beautiful stops, hot springs, and spectacular views of the caldera. The sunset cruise option especially offers a captivating farewell to the day, making it a great addition to any Santorini itinerary.

This cruise stands out for its value, comfort, and scenic diversity, making it a recommended choice for those looking for a private, hassle-free way to explore Santorini’s natural wonders from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the cruise?
The ticket includes pickup and drop-off, a guided cruise with stops, onboard meals, unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soda), snorkeling gear, towels, and safety instructions.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise is approximately 5 hours, with each stop lasting around 30 minutes.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available at several stops, including the island of Thirasia and the hot springs of Nea Kameni. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided.

Is the sunset viewing included in the tour?
Sunset viewing is available on the later cruise option. It’s considered one of the highlights, with many reviews praising the spectacular views from the water.

Are food and drinks really unlimited?
Yes, free-flowing Santorini wine, beer, and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise, along with a fresh onboard meal.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities is recommended. Avoid white or pastel swimsuits if you plan to swim in the hot springs, as the minerals can stain.

Can children participate?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers of all ages can join the tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is dependent on good weather. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

How do I book?
Most bookings are made 27 days in advance on the Viator platform, with easy cancellation up to 24 hours before the cruise.

Who operates the tour?
The experience is provided by Caldera Yachting Santorini, known for its friendly crew and well-maintained boats.