Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks, & Oia Visit

Setting sail on a Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks, & Oia Visit offers an engaging way to explore this stunning Greek island. Priced at $145 per person, this 5-hour boat trip combines scenic cruising, crystal-clear waters, delicious onboard meals, and visits to some of Santorini’s most famous spots. With a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 14 reviews, it’s clear that this tour appeals to those seeking a well-rounded day on the water. The tour departs from Oia or Thera, with convenient hotel pickup included, making logistics simple for travelers. The experience is suited for those who enjoy sightseeing, swimming, and good food in a small-group setting, capped at 18 passengers for a more intimate atmosphere.

While this cruise offers a variety of must-see locations and activities, it does not moor directly on beaches, which could be a consideration for beach lovers. Still, the combination of sightseeing, snorkeling, and a tasty onboard meal makes this tour a practical choice for visitors wanting to maximize their time on Santorini’s caldera and coastlines.

Key Points

• High rating of 4.9/5 with positive feedback about crew, food, and sightseeing.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a luxury air-conditioned minibus.
• Many stops: Oia, Thirassia, hot springs, volcano, beaches, and caldera.
• All meals are onboard, with seafood, vegetarian, and meat options, plus an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Limited to 18 participants for a personalized experience.
• No beach mooring, but swimming and snorkeling are available at designated spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Santorini from the Water: An Overview of the Catamaran Tour

This 5-hour cruise takes you around the entire island, starting with a pickup from either Oia or Thera. The journey is designed to showcase the most popular and scenic locations on Santorini, making it perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day on the water. The tour includes multiple stops with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and photo sessions.

The experience begins with a guided tour and safety briefing at Oia, giving you context about the island’s history and geography. The boat then heads toward Thirassia, where a photo stop allows capturing images of the charming island. The crew prepares a delicious onboard meal, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, served alongside local snacks and fresh fruit.

Discovering Ammoudi Bay and the Iconic Oia

A major highlight is the visit to Ammoudi Bay, located right below Oia. Here, you can enjoy the views of the whitewashed buildings and colorful fishing boats, perfect for sightseeing and photos. Although the boat cannot moor directly on beaches, you can swim safely nearby, making the most of the crystal-clear waters.

The guided tour at this stop provides additional insight into Oia’s history and charm. This area’s beauty is often described as mesmerizing, especially as the sun begins to set later in the day, adding a spectacular glow to the scenery.

Snorkeling and Hot Springs Adventures

The tour offers snorkeling and swimming at Red Beach and Thirasia, giving you chance to explore the transparent waters of the Aegean Sea. The hot springs at Palea Kameni are a particular favorite, where you can feel the healing waters and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the volcanic surroundings.

The 45-minute stop at the hot springs allows ample time to bathe and take photos of the rugged volcanic landscape. These springs are known for their warm waters, offering a relaxing break during the cruise.

Approaching the Santorini Volcano and Caldera Cliffs

Cruising along the Caldera provides stunning views of the Indian Rocks and the famous Lighthouse of Santorini. The boat passes by the Santorini Volcano, giving a brief 30-minute overview of this significant natural feature. While the boat doesn’t dock here, the panoramic vistas from the water are impressive.

The guided commentary helps you understand the volcanic history and significance of this area, making the scenic views even more meaningful.

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Visiting the White and Red Beaches

The tour features stops at White Beach and Red Beach, two of the most distinctive beaches in Santorini. Both are accessible for swimming and sightseeing, and their unique colors and formations make for great photos. The 30-minute time at each beach allows enough opportunity to relax or snorkel in the clear waters.

The Red Beach is particularly popular for its striking red cliffs and volcanic sand, while White Beach offers a more secluded spot for a quick dip and stunning scenery.

Sunset at Vlichada Port

The trip culminates at Vlichada, where a brief 15-minute stop offers a chance to witness the sunset casting vibrant colors over the horizon. Here, a glass of Prosecco accompanies the views, making for a memorable and picturesque ending to the cruise.

This moment is often praised for the beautiful sunset experience, rounding out the day in a relaxing and scenic way.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Amenities

Every meal is prepared onboard, with options spanning seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. The inclusion of tasteful appetizers, fresh fruit, and a handmade dessert ensures a satisfying dining experience in the middle of the sea. The open bar features local white wine, beer, soft drinks, and a glass of Prosecco, adding a celebratory touch to the cruise.

Snorkeling gear and towels are provided, allowing travelers to easily enjoy water activities. Safety equipment is on hand, and the small group size ensures attentive service from the experienced crew and skipper.

The Route and Stops in Detail

The tour’s itinerary includes two pickup locations—Oia and Thera—with a 1-hour van transfer in between. The guided tour and safety briefing at Oia set the tone, followed by a 75-minute stop at Thirassia for sightseeing, swimming, and eating.

The 45-minute stop at the Hot Springs provides a chance to relax in the volcanic thermal waters. A 30-minute pass by the Santorini Volcano presents a scenic photo opportunity, with an additional hour sailing along the Caldera.

Stops at Akrotiri Lighthouse, White Beach, and Red Beach each last around 30 minutes or less, offering both sightseeing and water activities. The Vlichada port, with its sunset view, caps the tour before a 1-hour van transfer back to the original pickup points.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, making transportation seamless. The small group size enhances comfort and personal attention. The tour features live commentary from the crew in English and Greek, enriching your understanding of the sites.

Booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility. The maximum of 18 passengers ensures an intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more personalized trip.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This cruise’s combination of scenic cruising, diverse stops, and onboard meals makes it stand out. The expert crew receives glowing reviews for their friendliness and knowledge, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. The delicious onboard food and open bar are highly praised, adding to the overall value.

The focus on water activities like snorkeling and swimming, combined with visits to iconic spots like Oia, Thira, and the hot springs, provides a well-rounded day on the water. While it doesn’t dock directly on beaches, the close proximity for swimming is a plus for water lovers.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This small-group cruise is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day of sightseeing and water activities with excellent food and drinks. It suits those interested in photo opportunities, learning about volcanic sites, and enjoying scenic views from the caldera. The limited group size is ideal for guests who prefer a more personal experience with attentive service.

Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks, & Oia Visit: Final Thoughts

This 5-hour cruise delivers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, water activities, and excellent cuisine. The experienced crew, beautiful stops, and onboard meals make it a standout choice for travelers seeking a full-day adventure. The high ratings and positive reviews reflect its reliability and quality.

While the tour doesn’t include beach mooring, the opportunity to swim and snorkel at select locations compensates for this limitation. The small group size and luxurious amenities ensure comfort and a personal touch.

This cruise offers great value for those wanting to explore Santorini from the water without sacrificing comfort or quality. It’s especially suited for visitors who appreciate delicious food, scenic views, and a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $145?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, meals onboard, an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and safety equipment.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts 5 hours, with a detailed itinerary covering multiple stops and sightseeing points around Santorini.

Can I swim at any stops?
Yes, you can swim and snorkel at Red Beach, Thirasia, and the hot springs at Palea Kameni. The boat cannot moor directly on beaches but offers safe swimming nearby.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Ammoudi Bay, Thirassia, hot springs, Santorini Volcano, the Caldera, White Beach, Red Beach, and Vlichada port for sunset views.

Is this tour suitable for children or anyone with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking at stops and water activities, so it’s best suited for those who are able to handle these comfortably.

What should I do if I have food allergies?
Please specify any food allergies during booking. The crew can prepare meals accordingly, especially since they cater to dietary restrictions like gluten and dairy-free options.

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

What languages are spoken on this tour?
The crew speaks English and Greek, ensuring clear communication during the trip.

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