Santorini Cruise on Catamaran with BBQ & Open Bar

A Santorini Cruise on a Catamaran with BBQ & Open Bar offers a relaxing way to explore the island’s stunning coastline away from crowds. Priced at $126.76 per person, this 5-hour tour departs from Ammoudi or Athinios port and includes round-trip transfers from your hotel or Airbnb. With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, this cruise combines scenic stops, swimming, snorkeling, and delicious food in a comfortable setting. The tour’s popularity, booked typically 27 days in advance, makes it a well-organized choice for travelers seeking a balanced mix of leisure and sightseeing.

While the tour offers many highlights such as hot springs, beaches, and a Greek barbecue, it has some limitations, like no included beers or towels. Nonetheless, this cruise is especially suited for those wanting a leisurely day on the water, enjoying 360º views and delicious local cuisine. The open bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice among visitors looking for a memorable day in Santorini.

Key Points

• Full-day cruise lasting approximately 5 hours with round-trip hotel transfers.
• Stops at hot springs, Red Beach, White Beach, and Mesa Pigadia for swimming and snorkeling with provided gear.
• Includes a Greek barbecue lunch with vegetarian options, plus soft drinks and Santorini wine from the open bar.
• Sail inside the Caldera to capture photos of iconic volcanic landscapes.
• Comfortable open-style catamaran with 360º views, sunbathing space, and shaded deck areas.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Your Day with Convenient Hotel Transfers

This cruise begins with pickups from your hotel or nearby accessible points, making the experience smooth from the start. The minibus ride takes you to either Ammoudi or Athinios port, where the crew welcomes guests aboard. Once on board, you can settle into the spacious deck area—either under the canopy for shade or out in the open for sunbathing—while enjoying your first drinks from the open bar. The boat’s 360º viewing style guarantees excellent visibility from any part of the vessel.

The friendly and informative crew enhances the experience by offering safety instructions, maps, and insights into the landmarks you’ll see. The round-trip transfer ensures a hassle-free start and end to your day, with transportation back to your accommodation after disembarking at the port.

Exploring Santorini’s Volcanic Hot Springs and Lava Formations

The first stop takes you near the famous Santorini volcano, where you can observe the lava formations and the characteristic black rocks of the Hot Springs. The waters here are about 4°C warmer than the surrounding open water, providing a comfortable swim for most. It’s important to note that the yacht keeps a safe distance of 50 meters from the sulfuric water, ensuring gentle proximity to the volcano.

Swimmers can enjoy the thermal waters while admiring the dark volcanic landscape. The area is free of admission fees, offering an accessible start to your aquatic adventures. The guide explains the geological features of the lava, adding an educational touch to the stop.

Unique Photos and Snorkeling at Red Beach

The second stop is at Red Beach, famous for its striking red volcanic sand and cliffs. Visitors get the chance to snap photos of the vivid landscape that’s inaccessible by car, giving a sense of exclusivity. Here, snorkeling is available, and equipment is provided, allowing you to explore beneath the surface and discover marine life in these protected waters.

The 30-minute window at Red Beach offers enough time to swim, take pictures, or simply relax on the boat. The scenery here is vibrant and dramatic, making it a highlight of the tour, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and BBQ at White Beach

The third stop is at White Beach, characterized by its limestone cliffs. Similar to the previous stops, swimming and snorkeling are available with equipment provided, giving plenty of opportunities to cool off. The 1 hour and 30 minutes spent here is also dedicated to enjoying a Greek barbecue meal prepared on board.

Theres some good pork or chicken skewers, grilled vegetables, and local appetizers like stuffed vine leaves, tzatziki, salads, and pita bread. The friendly crew ensures the food is freshly prepared, making this meal a true highlight of the experience. The relaxing setting offers a perfect mix of culinary delights and scenic views.

Sailing Inside the Caldera for Iconic Views

After the beach stops, the cruise proceeds to inside the Caldera, where travelers can capture photos of Santorini’s volcanic cliffs and the famous caldera. This part of the journey offers panoramic vistas and a chance to appreciate the island’s unique volcanic landscape from the water. The sailing inside the Caldera is a calm, scenic moment that leaves a lasting impression.

The cruise’s open style allows guests to enjoy unobstructed views from multiple angles, making it great for photo opportunities. This final segment wraps up the tour on a high note, showcasing the natural beauty of Santorini’s volcanic formation.

Onboard Amenities and Practical Details

The catamaran boasts comfortable seating areas, including shade and open deck options. The open bar features soft drinks, water, and Santorini wine, perfect for relaxing during the sail. Snorkeling gear is available for use during stops and must be returned to the crew afterward. Toilets and washing facilities are on board for guests’ convenience.

While beers and towels are not included**, the tour supplies floating devices and safety instructions in multiple languages. It’s recommended to bring towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat, especially for sunbathing or swimming.

Practical Tips and Booking Insights

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation provided at booking. Since the itinerary may be altered due to weather conditions, flexibility is advised. Guests are required to remove shoes before embarkation and to bring a photo ID or passport. The tour can accommodate service animals and is near public transportation.

Most bookings are made about 27 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The maximum group size is 55 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere. The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

Who Will Appreciate This Santorini Catamaran Tour?

This cruise suits those who want to enjoy a relaxed day of swimming, snorkeling, and scenic sailing. The delicious BBQ meal and open bar create a festive environment, perfect for groups or couples celebrating a special occasion. The stunning views of volcanoes and caldera make it ideal for photography lovers.

However, travelers seeking beach mooring or beers in their package might find some limitations, as beers are not included and the yacht cannot moor directly on beaches. Still, the proximity to the beaches for swimming compensates for this, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive water tour with great amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides round-trip transfers, snorkeling equipment, a Greek barbecue lunch, soft drinks, Santorini wine, and access to facilities on board.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the barbecue lunch offers vegetarian options such as grilled vegetables and stuffed vine leaves.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat, and dry clothes. Towels are not included.

Does the tour visit the volcano?
The hot springs near the volcano are part of the first stop, allowing you to swim in thermal waters while observing volcanic lava formations.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 55 travelers, ensuring a lively but organized experience.

Are drinks other than soft drinks and wine available?
Beers are not included in the package, although soft drinks and wine are available from the open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, mask and snorkel are included and must be returned to the crew after use.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including stops and onboard meals.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted. Guests should check for specific needs or restrictions beforehand.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Ammoudi or Athinios port, with pickup offered from your hotel or nearby points.

What makes this cruise different from others in Santorini?
This cruise’s all-inclusive BBQ and open bar, combined with multiple swimming stops at iconic beaches and hot springs, offers a balanced, scenic, and relaxing day on the water, with amazing views and comfortable amenities.