Shared Catamaran Half Day Cruise in Santorini

A shared half-day catamaran cruise in Santorini offers a fantastic way to explore the island’s most iconic spots while enjoying a relaxed, scenic journey. Priced at $149.03 per person, this 5-hour tour is popular, with most bookings made about 18 days in advance. It boasts an impressive 5-star rating from 30 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, highlighting its appeal for those seeking a blend of sightseeing, leisure, and great food.

The tour includes round-trip transfers, snorkeling gear, towels, and a freshly prepared BBQ meal onboard—plus a selection of unlimited drinks, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. This makes the experience both convenient and enjoyable, especially with the small group size of up to 16 participants ensuring a more intimate atmosphere. While it’s ideal for most travelers, it’s especially suited for those who enjoy water activities, scenic beaches, and volcanic landscapes.

Key Points

• 5-hour shared catamaran cruise around Santorini’s south coast
• Stops at Red Beach, White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, volcano, and hot springs
• Includes round-trip transfers, snorkeling gear, towels, and BBQ meal
• Unlimited drinks: wine, beer, soft drinks, water
• Small group size (max 16 travelers) promotes a comfortable experience
• Most bookings are made about 18 days in advance
• Highly rated with a 5.0/5 score from 30 reviews

Starting Point at Athinios Port and Pickup Details

The tour begins at Athinios Port, a key gateway for visiting Santorini’s most scenic spots. The company contacts each guest to arrange the exact pickup time and location, ensuring a smooth start. The transfer service is included, making it easy to access the boat without hassle. Emergency contact numbers are provided for peace of mind in case of any delays or issues.

This setup suits travelers who prefer convenient door-to-boat transfers, especially when arriving from different parts of the island. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience from the very beginning.

Exploring Santorini’s Most Scenic Beaches: White Beach and Red Beach

White Beach is the first highlight after departing from Athinios Port. Surrounded by white pumice stone cliffs, it offers a unique contrast to the more famous Red Beach nearby. Accessible by boat, this small beach is a 10-minute stop that provides a quick opportunity for photos and a refreshing dip.

Next, the Red Beach near Akrotiri village is renowned for its vivid red sand and cliffs that create striking scenery. This 10-minute stop allows visitors to admire the natural red hues and take in the spectacular views. Both beaches are appreciated for their photo-worthy landscapes and calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

Relaxing at Mesa Pigadia Beach: Peaceful and Less Crowded

The Mesa Pigadia Beach offers a 30-minute stop in a quieter part of the island’s southwest coast. Known for its secluded atmosphere, this beach appeals to those seeking tranquility away from busier tourist spots. Its relaxed vibe makes it an ideal spot for swimming, lounging, or simply soaking in the sunshine.

Guests often comment on the peaceful environment and the opportunity to unwind, making it a highlight for those who prefer less crowded beaches. The tour’s timing allows travelers to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed, with plenty of time to swim and relax.

Visiting the Iconic Akrotiri Lighthouse on Volcanic Cliffs

The Akrotiri Lighthouse, built in 1892, stands at the most southwestern tip of Santorini. The tour includes a photo stop at this historic lighthouse, which offers views over the Aegean Sea and volcanic landscape. The lighthouse’s volcanic rock construction provides a distinctive backdrop for memorable pictures.

This stop is especially appreciated for its spectacular scenery and the opportunity to learn about the island’s maritime history. Its elevation and location make it a prime spot for taking in panoramic views of the caldera and the surrounding waters.

Discovering the Thermal Springs near Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

A major highlight is visiting the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. The tour features stops at warm, sulphur-tinted waters with a yellow hue—a result of the sulphur compounds. These waters are known for their healing properties.

The boat approaches the springs, and guests can swim from the boat to the springs to experience the warm thermal waters firsthand. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, allowing ample time for relaxation and swimming in the natural hot springs. These volcanic thermal waters are a unique feature of the tour, making it a must-do experience for visitors interested in geothermal activity.

Enjoying the Scenic and Unique Features of the Volcano

The volcano, part of the Santorini caldera, is a central feature of the tour. The boat stops near the volcanic islands, providing close-up views of the craters and volcanic terrain. This offers a rare opportunity to observe the geological features of an active volcanic region.

Travelers find the volcanic scenery both impressive and informative, especially when combined with the visit to hot springs and the lighthouse. The tour allows for photo opportunities and the chance to learn about the island’s volcanic history.

The BBQ Meal and Unlimited Drinks: Culinary Highlights on Board

On this shared catamaran, a freshly prepared BBQ meal is served, with options including a vegetarian menu. The food quality receives praise, often described as delicious and a highlight of the cruise. The dining experience is complemented by unlimited drinks, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, providing a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Guests particularly enjoy the variety of drinks and the fresh, tasty barbecue, which makes the cruise feel like a luxurious summer feast. The meal and drinks are an integral part of the experience, ensuring guests are well-fed and refreshed while enjoying spectacular views.

The Small Group Advantage and Onboard Facilities

Limited to maximum 16 guests, this tour offers a more private and comfortable experience compared to larger group cruises. The boat features spotless bathrooms and ample lounge space for relaxing during stops or cruising.

The small group size also facilitates more personalized attention from the crew, enhancing the overall experience. This setup suits travelers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded atmosphere and value space to move around.

Flexibility and Booking Considerations

Most bookings are made around 18 days in advance, which indicates high popularity and the need for early planning. The tour includes round-trip transfers, so guests can enjoy a hassle-free experience from arrival to departure.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours before, with a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent, and in case of poor weather, an alternative date or full refund is offered. This makes it a reliable choice for travelers who want peace of mind.

Who Will Appreciate This Santorini Catamaran Cruise?

This shared cruise appeals most to those who value scenic water-based exploration, enjoy easy water activities like swimming and snorkeling, and want a well-rounded tour with great food and drinks. The small group size enhances the experience for travelers seeking a more personal and relaxed environment.

It’s ideal for visitors interested in volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and historic sights like the lighthouse. While it offers a leisure pace, guests should be comfortable with short stops and water activities.

The Value of a Small-Group Santorini Catamaran Experience

At $149.03, this tour offers excellent value for a well-organized, scenic, and food-inclusive experience. The unlimited drinks, BBQ meal, and snorkeling gear are included, adding to the overall value. The high guest ratings reflect consistent quality and satisfied customers.

The limited availability and advance booking requirement suggest this cruise is a popular choice for travelers wanting a comfortable and scenic water tour with plenty of memorable stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included with this tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers are provided, making it easy to access the departure point at Athinios Port.

What meals are served during the cruise?
A freshly prepared BBQ meal is served onboard, with a vegetarian option available. The meal is enjoyed in a relaxed, scenic setting.

Can I swim at the hot springs?
Yes, guests swim from the boat to the warm, sulphur-tinted springs near Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, with each stop lasting about 20 minutes.

How many people are on the boat?
The tour is limited to 16 participants, offering a more intimate experience compared to larger tours.

What is the best time to book?
Most reservations are made around 18 days in advance, so early booking is recommended, especially during peak season.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, travelers are offered a full refund or alternative date.