Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

A day on the Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini offers an engaging way to enjoy the island’s stunning waters and scenic coastlines. Priced at $91.53 per person, this 5-hour tour departs from Ammoudi or Athinios port and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The experience is highly rated with 4.5/5 from 466 reviews, highlighting its popularity and quality.

This cruise appeals to those seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water, with unlimited Santorinian wine, soft drinks, and water to enjoy along the way. The tour features multiple stops at natural hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach, combined with an onboard barbecue lunch. The snorkeling equipment included invites guests to explore the vibrant marine life in the Aegean Sea, making it ideal for water lovers.

For visitors looking for a well-organized, lively day with friendly crew and picturesque views, this tour offers both comfort and adventure. While it doesn’t include towel rentals or beers, the abundant drinks, tasty food, and scenic stops make it a worthwhile experience, especially for those wanting a taste of Santorini’s marine beauty.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $91.53 per person for about 5 hours of sailing.
• Departure and Return: Starts with hotel pickup and finishes with hotel drop-off.
• Highlights: Multiple stops at hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food and Drinks: Barbecue onboard with unlimited Santorinian wine, soft drinks, and water.
• Includes: Snorkeling gear, restroom, floating devices, safety instructions, and music.
• Limited Baggage: Towel rental is not included; bring your own if needed.

Starting at Ammoudi or Athinios Port for a Scenic Departure

The tour begins early at 9:30 am, with convenient pickups from your hotel in Santorini. The meeting point is either Ammoudi or Athinios port, where the crew welcomes you aboard the luxurious catamaran. The boat has a maximum capacity of 55 passengers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

This departure point allows for unobstructed views as the vessel sets sail along the island’s coast, heading toward notable landmarks and natural features. The safety briefing and map provided by the crew help orient guests about the upcoming stops and the route.

Cruising Along Santorini’s Iconic Coastline

Once underway, expect breathtaking views of the beaches, bays, and volcanoes lining the island’s rugged coast. The crew guides guests past the Ancient Lighthouse, a notable landmark seen from the sea, giving a unique perspective of Santorini’s maritime history.

As the vessel glides along the west coast of Santorini, the scenery is dominated by stunning volcanic formations and crystal-clear waters. The boat’s gentle movement and the lively atmosphere make for a relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the sea breeze.

Snorkeling at the Hot Springs and Red Beach

One of the most appreciated features of this cruise is the opportunity to swim in the Hot Springs, located about 50 meters from the volcano’s yellowish waters. The hot springs’ temperature is up to 4 degrees warmer than the surrounding waters, providing a comfortably warm experience.

Guests then head to Red Beach, famed for its striking red cliffs and inviting waters. Here, snorkelers can explore the colorful marine life and enjoy approximately 30 minutes at each stop. The cruise offers free snorkeling equipment, making it easy to explore the vibrant underwater scenery.

Relaxing at White Beach with a Barbecue Feast

The final swimming stop occurs at White Beach, where the boat anchors for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The crew prepares a delicious barbecue meal onboard, often praised for its flavor and variety. This is the perfect time to relax, eat, and take in the sweeping views of the white cliffs that characterize the beach.

Guests can also enjoy unlimited Santorinian wine, soft drinks, and water during the lunch, with additional floating devices and a restroom onboard enhancing comfort during the day.

The Hot Springs and the Volcano from the Sea

A key highlight is the chance to swim near the Hot Springs while staying at a safe distance of around 50 meters, avoiding the hottest waters but still enjoying the mineral-rich environment. The tour also offers views of the volcano and the Ancient Lighthouse from the water, providing photo opportunities and a sense of connection to Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

Onboard Comforts and Entertainment

The catamaran boasts music, a restroom, and blankets (which are to be returned after use). The crew, speaking English, is praised for their friendly and attentive service, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The boat is equipped with floating devices to assist swimmers, and safety instructions are provided in multiple languages.

The timing of the tour allows guests to enjoy a leisurely pace between stops, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing onboard.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour is most popular when booked about 19 days in advance, indicating high demand. It is cancelable for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Guests should remove shoes before embarkation and bring their own towels, as these are not included in the package.

The maximum group size of 55 ensures a personalized experience, and the service animals are allowed onboard, accommodating a variety of needs. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with most participants able to enjoy the day’s activities.

The Lively Crew and Rave Reviews

Feedback consistently highlights the friendly, attentive crew, with many reviews mentioning the crew’s informative and warm attitude. The scenic views, delicious food, and lively atmosphere are frequently praised.

Some reviews mention minor issues, such as choppy waters or limited onboard information about the landmarks, but overall, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives. The cost and value for money are also highly regarded, with many calling it a “must-do” activity in Santorini.

Final Thoughts: A Relaxing Water Adventure with Great Food and Views

This sailing cruise offers an excellent way to see Santorini from the water, combining spectacular scenery, a delicious BBQ, and unlimited drinks. It suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and social experience with friendly crew and comfortable amenities.

While it doesn’t include towels or beers, the hot springs, snorkeling, and lunch make for a full day of enjoyment. The early morning start and hotel pickup make logistics straightforward, and the free cancellation policy adds flexibility.

Overall, this cruise provides a lively, scenic, and comfortable day at sea, perfect for those wanting a balance of adventure and relaxation amid Santorini’s iconic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $91.53 per person, including transfers, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

Where does the tour depart from?
Departures occur from Ammoudi or Athinios port in Santorini.

Is food included?
Yes, a barbecue lunch is served onboard, with unlimited Santorinian wine, soft drinks, and water.

Are snorkeling masks provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

What stops are part of the cruise?
Stops include hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach, with scenic views of the volcano and Ancient Lighthouse.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is there any age or physical requirement?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s advisable to be comfortable swimming and to remove shoes before boarding.

Is there a limit to group size?
Yes, the maximum number of passengers is 55, ensuring a more personal experience.

What should I bring?
Bring towels, as they are not provided, and consider a sweatshirt or cardigan for windier, choppier moments.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.