Half Day Premium Catamaran Cruise in Santorini including Oia

Sail Santorini’s Coastline in Comfort on a Premium Catamaran

For just $185.37 per person, this half-day luxury catamaran cruise offers an immersive way to explore Santorini’s stunning coastline. Departing from Ammoudi Bay, the tour’s 5-hour duration provides ample time for enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing in some of the island’s most iconic spots. With a small group of up to 18 travelers, the experience feels intimate and relaxed, ideal for those seeking a personal touch amid breathtaking scenery.

This well-rated tour, with a perfect 5.0-star rating from 627 reviews, consistently earns praise for great hospitality, delicious food, and memorable views. An added perk is its flexible pickup service and mobile ticketing, making it easy to join. While the stops are brief—particularly at some locations—the highlight of watching the sunset with a glass of Prosecco makes this cruise a truly enchanting way to spend half a day on Santorini.

Key Points

• Luxury catamaran cruise around Santorini with small-group intimacy
• Includes stops at Red Beach, Thirassia, the Volcano, and Oia
• Swim and snorkel in warm, clear waters and at the volcanic hot springs
• Delicious BBQ dinner with an open bar and refreshing drinks
• Gorgeous sunset views, with many reviewers emphasizing the spectacular scenery
• Flexible pickup and mobile tickets for easy planning

Setting out on a Premium Catamaran Journey in Santorini

This half-day cruise offers a luxurious experience aboard a premium catamaran operated by Santorini Star Sailing. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 18 guests, ensuring a comfortable environment that emphasizes personalized service. The tour begins with a pickup option, making logistics straightforward, and the mobile ticket system simplifies check-in.

Priced at $185.37 per person, the tour is considered a good value given the extensive stops and inclusions. The 5-hour duration fits well into a day of sightseeing or relaxation, especially when combined with other activities. The experience is suited to those who appreciate beautiful scenery, swimming, and gourmet food in a small-group setting.

Exploring Red Beach and Its Crystal-Clear Waters

The tour’s first stop is the famous Red Beach, known for its vivid red volcanic cliffs and unique landscape. Here, travelers have about 25 minutes to swim and enjoy the scenery. The beach’s natural beauty makes it a favorite photo spot, although the short stop means you’ll want to be ready to make the most of your time.

The admission to Red Beach is free, and the short duration encourages a quick swim rather than extended lounging. The striking red volcanic formations create a vivid backdrop that enhances the entire experience. This stop offers a perfect balance of nature and water activity without feeling rushed.

Swimming and Snorkeling at the Santorini Volcano Hot Springs

Next, the cruise visits the warm waters of the Santorini Volcano, where you can swim and feel the healing thermal waters. The 30-minute stop provides a chance to relax in the geothermal waters while taking in views of the active volcano nearby.

Many appreciate this stop for the therapeutic waters, which offer a refreshing break from the boat. The accessibility of the free admission makes this stop both enjoyable and convenient. It’s a highlight that combines adventure and relaxation in a setting that’s hard to match elsewhere.

Discovering Thirassia’s Scenic Charm

The island of Thirassia offers a peaceful escape with its crystal-clear waters and quaint vibe. The 45-minute stop allows guests to swim, snorkel, and soak in the beautiful surroundings. The crew prepares a delicious meal during this period, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

Thirassia’s laid-back charm and spectacular waters make it a standout stop. Many reviews mention the quality of the swimming experience and the freshness of the food, which enhances the overall value. It’s an ideal spot for genuine relaxation before heading to the next adventure.

Viewing the Venetian Lighthouse and Sunset

A key feature of this tour is the sailing near the Venetian lighthouse, where the mystical scenery and historic structures create a memorable backdrop. The catamaran glides close to the lighthouse, giving passengers a chance to admire its ancient charm.

The most praised aspect of the cruise is the sunset at Oia. The boat either starts or ends in Ammoudi Bay, depending on the schedule, with the sun setting over the caldera providing a spectacular view. Many reviews highlight the gorgeous sunset paired with Prosecco in hand, making it a picture-perfect moment.

Gourmet BBQ Dinner and Open Bar on Board

The tour’s culinary highlight is the BBQ dinner, served during the cruise. The food is plentiful and tasty, with many reviews praising the quality and freshness of the meal. This is complemented by an open bar, offering a variety of refreshing drinks including wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Guests can enjoy their meal while taking in the scenery, making the dining experience both delicious and scenic. The friendly crew, including guides like Maria, Alex, Nefeli, and Captain Giomnis, ensures everyone’s needs are attended to, adding to the overall warm atmosphere.

The Intimate Experience with Small Group Size

Limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, this cruise prioritizes personalized service and a relaxed environment. Many reviews mention the friendly, accommodating crew who go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable time.

This small-group setting allows for more interaction with the crew, better access to scenic spots, and a less crowded experience compared to larger boats. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer an up-close and comfortable way of exploring Santorini’s coast.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour offers a confirmation at the time of booking and allows free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible policy adds peace of mind, especially considering weather-dependent conditions. The experience is weather-sensitive, and if canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered a reschedule or full refund.

Booking usually occurs about 40 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The pickup service and mobile ticketing streamline the process, making it easy to join without hassle.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This half-day cruise is perfect for those seeking a luxurious, scenic, and relaxing experience. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, delicious food, and spectacular sunsets. The stops for swimming and snorkeling allow for active relaxation in beautiful waters.

While the short stops might not satisfy those wanting extended beach time, the gourmet dinner, warm waters, and stunning views easily compensate. It’s an excellent choice for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a scenic boat ride with a touch of luxury.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Catamaran Cruise

This premium catamaran cruise offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, excellent food, and intimate service. The gorgeous stops at Red Beach, the volcanic waters, Thirassia, and the iconic Oia sunset make it a comprehensive mini-adventure.

Many reviewers highlight the friendly crew, quality meals, and unforgettable sunset views as the tour’s major strengths. The small group size adds a sense of exclusivity, making this cruise a great option for those wanting a personal, scenic, and relaxing day in Santorini.

The only potential limitation is the short duration of some stops, so travelers should plan to maximize their time at each location. This tour provides excellent value and a memorable way to experience Santorini from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it easy to join the cruise without worrying about logistics.

How long is the cruise?
The total experience lasts approximately 5 hours.

What’s included in the meal?
A delicious BBQ dinner with plentiful portions and an open bar with drinks, including Prosecco.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What are the stops?
The tour includes stops at Red Beach, the Santorini Volcano, Thirassia, and sailing near the Venetian lighthouse, ending at Oia for the sunset.

Is swimming and snorkeling available?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available at the Red Beach, Volcano waters, and Thirassia.

How many people are on this tour?
A maximum of 18 travelers ensures an intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Accessibility details are not specified.

What is the weather policy?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, guests are offered an alternative date or full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Bookings are typically made about 40 days in advance due to its popularity.