Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Fresh Meal and Open Bar

The Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Fresh Meal and Open Bar offers a captivating way to see the island’s stunning coast from the water. Priced at $148.30 per person and lasting about 5 hours, this tour is highly recommended and bookable 28 days in advance. It is operated by Caldera Yachting Santorini and boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating from 180 reviews, with 93% of guests recommending it. This tour is ideal for those looking to combine scenic beauty, excellent food, and a relaxed atmosphere, all while enjoying unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.

While the tour includes pickups from your hotel, airport, or port, it’s designed for a small group of up to 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. With both daytime and sunset options, you get flexible scheduling to match your preferences. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate beautiful scenery, swimming, and a delicious onboard meal, but should be considered by those comfortable with boat activity and who are interested in a leisurely, guided water-based exploration of Santorini.

Key Points

• Small-group cruise with a maximum of 16 guests for personalized attention
• Five-hour tour covering key sights around Santorini, including beaches and volcano
• Includes pickup and transfer from your hotel, airport, or port
• Swim in volcanic hot springs and snorkel at Palea Kameni
• Enjoy a fresh onboard meal with seafood, chicken, and dessert
• Unlimited drinks such as local wine, beer, and soft beverages throughout the cruise

Starting Point and Pickup Arrangements

This cruise departs from Vlychada port, located in the southern part of Santorini, a popular starting point for boat trips. Guests can opt for pickup from their hotel, airport, cable-car station, or Vlychada port, with transportation provided in an air-conditioned minibus or van. The flexible pickup timings make it easy to fit into various travel plans, whether arriving in the morning or later in the afternoon. The tour’s maximum group size of 16 helps maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of space for sunbathing and socializing.

Visiting the Iconic Red Beach and White Beach by Sea

The cruise’s first stop is the famous Red Beach, just near the village of Akrotiri. Here, mineral deposits create a vivid rust-colored landscape that contrasts strikingly with the turquoise waters. Visitors can swim offshore for about 30 minutes, taking photos or relaxing on the sand. The admission is free, but the scenery is what makes this stop unforgettable.

Next, the boat sails to White Beach, accessible solely by boat. Its crystal-clear waters and white rocks offer a more private setting for swimming and snorkelling. The 20-minute stay is enough to enjoy the tranquility and snap some photos of the beautiful surroundings. This stop highlights Santorini’s volcanic history and natural beauty.

Exploring the 19th-Century Venetian Lighthouse and Indian Rock

After visiting the beaches, the vessel passes the 19th-century Venetian lighthouse perched on a cliff near Akrotiri. As one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, it offers an impressive maritime history backdrop. The tour also sails past Indian Rock, a jagged formation resembling a face in profile, which adds a dramatic touch to the scenery. These landmarks are visible from the water and serve as a reminder of Santorini’s volcanic origins.

Bathing in the Volcanic Hot Springs at Palea Kameni

One of the tour’s main highlights is the stop at Palea Kameni, an islet featuring volcanic hot springs. The waters are sulfurous and warm, providing both a relaxing soak and potential health benefits. Guests have about 30 minutes here to swim and snorkel, enjoying the therapeutic qualities of the thermal waters. The bubbling springs tint the sea with a sulfur hue, creating a unique environment that’s both scenic and soothing.

Circumnavigating the Santorini Volcano

The tour also offers a 30-minute cruise around the active Santorini Volcano, giving guests an up-close view of the volcanic landscape. You’ll see the still-active crater and the rugged terrain that shaped the island. The guide shares insights about the volcano’s history and ongoing activity, making this a fascinating stop for those interested in the island’s geological features.

Gourmet Meal and Unlimited Drinks Onboard

A major perk of this cruise is the fresh-cooked onboard meal, served with a scenic volcano view. The menu features seafood, chicken fillet, grilled sausages, salad, and dessert, satisfying a variety of tastes. Reviewers especially praise the quality of the food, noting it exceeds typical expectations for a boat meal.

Throughout the 5 hours, guests can enjoy unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks, with no worries about driving afterwards. The crew regularly refreshes glasses, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. This combination of good food, drinks, and scenic sailing creates a relaxed, party-like vibe that many reviews highlight as a major strength.

The Crew and Captain’s Expertise

The crew is consistently praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and knowledge. Many reviews mention Captain Ilias, a fifth-generation Santorini native, as being particularly engaging, sharing stories and insights about the island. The crew’s professionalism and warmth contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of the tour, with guests feeling well cared for and informed.

The Food and Drink Experience

One of the most celebrated aspects of this cruise is the delicious onboard meal, prepared by the fleet’s chef. Guests mention the Greek family recipes and the quality of the ingredients, often comparing the food favorably to restaurant standards. The unlimited drinks—including local white wine, beer, and soft drinks—add to the social, festive atmosphere and are a key part of the experience.

Scenic Sailing and Sunset Views

The scenic sailing around Nea Kameni and the volcanic islets allows ample time for sunbathing and taking photos. If booked as a sunset cruise, guests enjoy the spectacular sunset over the caldera, creating a romantic ambiance. The boat’s design provides plenty of sunbathing space and top deck views, ensuring a comfortable experience whether relaxing in the sun or enjoying the cooling sea breeze.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join. However, hiking on the volcano is not included, and some stops involve swimming or snorkeling, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. Safety instructions are provided in 7 languages, and snorkeling gear and towels are available for use onboard.

Cancellation and Weather Policies

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, guests are offered an alternative date or a full refund. This policy offers peace of mind for travelers planning around potential weather disruptions.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Catamaran Cruise

This small-group cruise stands out for its beautiful stops, gourmet onboard meal, and unlimited drinks. The friendly crew and expert captain enhance the experience, making it feel personalized and relaxed. The combination of scenic sailing, volcanic hot springs, and iconic beaches makes this tour a top choice for those wanting to enjoy Santorini from the water.

While not designed for vigorous hiking or extensive land exploration, it provides a well-rounded water-based tour filled with photo opportunities, swimming, and delicious food. It is especially suited for travelers who appreciate scenic views, good company, and a leisurely pace. The 5-hour duration strikes a balance between seeing key sights and enjoying a relaxing cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup and transfer from your hotel, airport, or port are included, with an air-conditioned minibus or van.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Red Beach, White Beach, a sail past the Venetian lighthouse, Palea Kameni hot springs, and the Santorini volcano. Each offers unique scenery, swimming, or photo opportunities.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment and swimming aids are provided, and you can swim at the hot springs and other stops.

What is the food like onboard?
Guests enjoy a fresh, onboard meal with seafood, chicken, sausages, and dessert, often praised for its quality.

Are drinks unlimited during the cruise?
Yes, unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks are included throughout the 5-hour experience.

What should I consider before booking?
Participants should be comfortable with boat activity and swimming. The tour is not suitable for those who wish to hike on the volcano, as that activity is not included.

This Santorini Catamaran Cruise promises a beautiful, relaxing day on the water—a true highlight for anyone wanting to see the island’s volcanic landscapes, beaches, and caldera from a comfortable, scenic vantage point.