Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Open Bar

A 5-hour Santorini catamaran cruise offers an engaging way to explore the island’s stunning coastline, volcanic sights, and crystal-clear waters. For $124 per person, this tour from SANTORINI STAR combines multiple scenic stops, a freshly prepared onboard meal, and an open bar, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The tour begins at the old marina of Vlychada and features a carefully curated itinerary that includes visits to iconic beaches, hot springs, and the charming island of Thirassia.

What sets this experience apart is its small group setting, with a maximum of 18 passengers. This smaller size fosters a more personalized atmosphere, where attention from the crew and skipper is more direct. Its high rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on 166 reviews, speaks to its consistent quality and positive feedback, especially regarding the crew’s hospitality, delicious food, and scenic variety.

While the tour offers many highlights, it’s worth noting that the catamaran cannot moor directly on beaches—swimmers must stay close to shore for a safe swim. Still, the plentiful stops for snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing ensure plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. This tour appeals most to those who want a well-organized, scenic, and sociable day on the water with excellent food and drinks included.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This 5-hour cruise costs $124 per person and departs from Vlychada.
• Multiple Stops: It features stops at Red Beach, White Beach, Mésa Pigádia, Black Beach, hot springs, and Thirassia.
• Food and Drinks: Onboard, a freshly prepared meal—including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options—is served, complemented by an open bar with wine, beers, and Prosecco.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 18 passengers, ensuring attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Crew: The crew, including guides like Ellie, Natalia, Giannis, and others, are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and knowledge.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.9/5 rating based on 166 reviews, this tour garners strong approval for its organization, food quality, and scenery.

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Starting Point at the Old Marina of Vlychada

The cruise begins and ends at Vlychada, a notable marina on Santorini’s southern coast. Hotel pickups are available from Kamari, Perissa, Thera, Oia, and Athens Protasis, with transfers in luxurious air-conditioned minibuses. This logistical detail makes the experience accessible and comfortable, especially after a day of exploring or arriving by ferry.

The initial boarding process is straightforward, with a safety briefing and guided tour led by the crew. This helps guests settle in and prepare for the scenic journey ahead. The small group size maximizes comfort and intimacy during the cruise.

Exploring the Scenic Stops: Red Beach and White Beach

The first major stop is at Red Beach, known for its volcanic red cliffs and striking landscape. Here, guests can snap photos, swim, and snorkel, enjoying 10 minutes of scenic sightseeing. The crew often provides guided insights about the volcanic origins, making this a highlight for those interested in natural beauty.

Next, the boat moves to White Beach, famous for its white cliffs and crystal waters. This 15-minute stop includes sightseeing, a guided tour, and the chance to enjoy a drink—either beer or wine—while taking in the views. Considering the short duration, it’s enough to get a sense of this picturesque spot.

Mésa Pigádia: A Relaxing Scenic and Water Stop

The journey continues to Mésa Pigádia, a charming area where guests can swim, snorkel, and enjoy local snacks. This 35-minute stop is often praised for its scenic views and the opportunity to dive into clear waters. The crew prepares delicious finger foods, fresh fruit, and homemade desserts, making this segment a flavorful highlight.

This stop also offers a chance to see local scenery while relaxing on the boat or in the water. The crew’s attentiveness ensures everyone feels comfortable, whether swimming or simply enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Visiting Black Beach and the Volcano Hot Springs

The next stops are Black Beach for a photo stop and sightseeing, and the volcano hot springs, where guests can swim and feel the healing waters. The hot springs are a major draw, with 30 minutes allocated for swimming and snorkeling, giving a chance to experience the warm, mineral-rich waters that are famous for their supposed healing properties.

The boat then passes by the Santorini Volcano, providing scenic views and photo opportunities in about 10 minutes of passing by. This allows guests to appreciate the island’s volcanic landscape from the water.

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Thirassia Island: Regional Food and Scenic Relaxation

The cruise’s main stop is at Thirassia, where guests can swim, snorkel, and enjoy regional food. This one-hour stop is often praised for its delicious onboard BBQ featuring seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Guests also get to take photos and enjoy scenic views, making it a well-rounded experience.

This segment tends to be the most social, with guides providing commentary and plenty of time to relax and explore. The crew often offers local snacks and regional dishes, adding an authentic flavor to the experience.

Sunset Views and Final Sailing to Vlychada

Later in the afternoon, the cruise includes a one-hour stop for sunset viewing, where guests can capture scenic photos and enjoy the magical sunset over Santorini. The passage back to Vlychada takes approximately 15 minutes, closing the day with a peaceful sail.

The return journey is a chance to reflect and enjoy the remaining drinks from the open bar, with crew members maintaining a friendly and attentive atmosphere throughout.

The Food and Drink Experience Onboard

A key highlight of this cruise is the meal served onboard, which includes finger foods, fresh fruit, homemade desserts, and regional dishes like shrimp, mussels, Greek salads, and pasta with Mediterranean sauce. The open bar offers local white wine, beers, and beverages, with a glass of Prosecco included. Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and the flow of drinks, making the experience both tasty and relaxing.

The crew’s attentiveness ensures drinks are always available, and the delicious food contributes to a feeling of indulgence, especially during the main meal at Thirassia.

Practicalities and Logistics: Pickup, Safety, and Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup in a luxurious minibus, making the start and end seamless. The maximum group size of 18 passengers offers a more intimate experience compared to larger vessels. The safety equipment, snorkeling gear, and towels are all provided, ensuring comfort and security during water activities.

Guests are advised to bring passport or ID, sunscreen, swimwear, and a windbreaker for variable weather. The tour is conducted in English, with informative commentary from the crew. It’s worth noting that the catamaran cannot moor directly on beaches, so swimming is in shallow waters nearby.

Highly Praised Crew and Service

The crew members—including Ellie, Natalia, Giannis, and others—are repeatedly praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Reviews frequently highlight their attention to detail, storytelling, and ability to create a friendly atmosphere. For special occasions like birthdays, the crew is known to add personal touches, such as cakes or surprises.

Guests consistently feel well cared for, with many mentioning the excellent service and knowledgeable guides as reasons they would recommend this cruise.

The Overall Value and Experience

This cruise offers excellent value for money, especially considering the all-inclusive food, drinks, transfers, and the small group setting. The high 4.9/5 rating reflects strong satisfaction across aspects such as scenic stops, quality of food, and crew service.

While the boat cannot dock directly on beaches, the multiple swimming and snorkeling opportunities compensate. The scenic views, friendly crew, and delicious onboard meals make this a standout activity for those looking to enjoy Santorini from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip hotel transfer in a luxurious air-conditioned minibus from several pickup locations.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring passport or ID, sunscreen, swimwear, and a windbreaker.

Is there a limit on the number of passengers?
Yes, the catamaran accommodates a maximum of 18 guests, ensuring a more personal experience.

What kind of food is served onboard?
Guests enjoy finger foods, fresh fruit, homemade desserts, and regional dishes like shrimp, mussels, Greek salads, and pasta.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the open bar features local white wine, beers, beverages, and a glass of Prosecco.

This Santorini catamaran cruise combines scenic beauty, delicious food, and attentive service, making it a top pick for travelers wanting a relaxing yet exciting day on the water. With excellent reviews, a small-group setting, and a diverse itinerary, it promises a memorable experience for those seeking to explore Santorini’s coast from a unique vantage point.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby