Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Key Points

• 5-hour sailing adventure around Santorini’s caldera, with options for Day or Sunset Tours
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics seamless
• Visit iconic spots like Red Beach, White Beach, and the Old Venetian Lighthouse
• Enjoy a barbecue seafood lunch with unlimited soft drinks, beer, and Greek wine
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities at volcanic hot springs and beaches
• Tours are highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 233 reviews, recommended by 97%

Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks: Overview

This 5-hour sailing tour offers an ideal way to explore the dramatic Santorini caldera, famous for its volcanic islands, colorful beaches, and stunning vistas. Priced at $220.13 per person, it appeals to travelers seeking a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and authentic Greek cuisine. The tour is available as either a Day Tour starting at 10am or a Sunset Tour beginning at 3pm.

What sets this experience apart is the comprehensive package: hotel pickup and drop-off are included, easing logistical worries, and the tour features a luxurious catamaran that comfortably carries up to 18 guests. The all-inclusive drinks and a barbecue lunch—featuring fresh seafood and steak—add to the value, making it a popular choice among visitors.

While the tour’s duration is just about 5 hours, it packs in multiple stops and activities, ensuring guests get a well-rounded experience of Santorini’s highlights from the water, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery.

From the Vlychada Marina to the Iconic Beaches

The tour departs from Vlychada Marina on Santorini’s southern tip, a scenic starting point that offers views of Indian Head Mountain and the Old Venetian Lighthouse. Guests are transferred from their hotels in a comfortable vehicle, setting the tone for a smooth day at sea.

The first stops include Red Beach and White Beach, both accessible only by boat. Red Beach is famed for its vibrant red cliffs, while White Beach is known for its pristine, multicolored sands. These beaches provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and swimming, with the tour typically stopping for about 20-30 minutes at each location.

Weather conditions influence the exact stops, so flexibility is built into the itinerary. If weather permits, travelers may enjoy snorkeling at White Beach or swimming at Red Beach, both offering memorable water experiences.

Exploring Santorini’s Volcanic Islands and Hot Springs

The tour’s highlight is the visit to Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, volcanic islands within the caldera. Palea Kameni is known as the Old Burnt Island, while Nea Kameni is called the New Burnt Island. These sites reveal the island’s volcanic origins, and at Nea Kameni, hot springs provide warm water for bathing.

Guests spend roughly 20 minutes at Palea Kameni and 30 minutes at Nea Kameni, where the volcanic activity continues to shape the landscape. The opportunity to soak in natural hot springs offers a unique, relaxing experience amid the volcanic scenery.

The views of these islands from the catamaran are spectacular, with the opportunity to learn about the volcanic history from knowledgeable crew members. The water temperature at the springs, combined with swimming in the caldera, keeps the activity engaging and refreshing.

Savoring Authentic Greek Cuisine on the Water

A barbecue lunch is a true highlight, featuring fresh seafood, steak, and other grilled favorites. The meal is complemented by unlimited soft drinks, beer, and Greek wine, creating a laid-back, convivial atmosphere.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the food, with reviews highlighting that the meals are delicious and one of the best in their trip. The cooked dishes are served in a convivial setting, making the meal a social highlight of the tour.

The crew’s friendly service ensures everyone has enough food and drinks, with many reviews emphasizing the outstanding nature of the meal. Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking, catering to different dietary needs.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Water Activities

Swimming and snorkeling are core parts of this tour, with stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and the volcanic hot springs. Snorkels and masks are provided, making it easy to explore the underwater scenery.

The tour’s stops are well-paced, giving travelers plenty of time to float in the caldera waters, explore volcanic springs, or simply relax on the boat. The calm waters of the caldera and the breathtaking scenery make these water activities particularly enjoyable.

Reviewers highlight the excellent water conditions and the helpful crew, who assist with equipment and safety. While snorkeling gear is provided, some feedback points out the absence of snorkeling equipment for some, so travelers should prepare accordingly.

The Crew and Tour Guides: Friendly, Knowledgeable, and Attentive

Many reviews praise the crew members, especially Panos, George, Maria, Joe, and Christina, for their kindness, professionalism, and knowledge. They serve drinks throughout the trip, share interesting details about the sites, and ensure guests are comfortable and well taken care of.

The captain, Chris, earns praise for his cooking skills and handling of rough waters, making sure everyone feels safe and relaxed. The crew’s attentiveness is a key reason why the tour receives such high ratings.

Guests especially appreciate the crew’s friendly demeanor and willingness to assist, creating a welcoming, personal atmosphere onboard.

The Scenic Highlights from the Water

From the deck of the catamaran, travelers get uninterrupted views of Indian Head Mountain, the Old Venetian Lighthouse, and the colorful sands of Red Beach and White Beach. These landmarks are easily seen from the water, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Sailing along the caldera, guests enjoy sweeping views of Santorini’s cliffs and volcanic islands. The scenery combined with the peaceful rhythm of the boat creates a relaxing yet impressive experience.

The breathtaking vistas make this tour a standout for scenic beauty, especially during the sunset option, when the skies turn stunning shades of gold and pink.

Practical Details and Tips for Participants

This tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 18 guests. It’s important to note that towels are not included, despite some descriptions stating otherwise, so travelers should bring their own if desired.

The tour is most suitable for those comfortable with water activities, but physical effort is minimal, and crew assistance is readily available. Children are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult. For cruise ship passengers, specific details like ship name, docking, and re-boarding times are required at booking.

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, offering full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Good weather is essential, and if canceled due to weather, a different date or full refund is offered.

Who Would Love This Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour

This luxurious sailing experience appeals to travelers wanting to see Santorini from a unique water perspective, combined with excellent food and drinks. Its well-paced stops and friendly crew make it perfect for small groups or families looking for a relaxing yet engaging day on the water.

Thanks to the spectacular scenery, swimming stops, and delicious barbecue, this tour is especially suited for those who want a memorable, comfortable, and scenic adventure. It’s a particularly good choice for visitors seeking a high-quality, all-inclusive experience with both sightseeing and leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the package, making transportation convenient.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, with either a Day or Sunset option.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Red Beach, White Beach, Palea Kameni (Old Burnt Island), and Nea Kameni (New Burnt Island), along with views of the Old Venetian Lighthouse and Indian Head Mountain.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkels and masks are provided for water activities.

What food is served during the barbecue lunch?
The meal features fresh seafood, steak, and other grilled items, served with Greek wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be requested at the time of booking.

How many people can the boat accommodate?
The maximum group size is 18 guests, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring towels (despite some descriptions indicating they are provided), sun protection, and swimwear.

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, but you must provide details such as ship name, docking, and re-boarding times at booking.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of luxury catamaran, scenic stops, delicious BBQ lunch, and friendly crew makes this experience a top choice for enjoying Santorini’s natural beauty and local flavors.