Santorini: Luxury Morning Cruise from Oia Town

Discover the Luxurious Morning Cruise from Oia to Santorini’s Best Spots

This luxury morning cruise from Oia Town’s Ammoudi Bay offers an elegant way to explore Santorini’s stunning waters and volcanic scenery. Priced at $169 per person, this 5-hour experience promises a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and gourmet Greek cuisine. The trip includes hotel transfers from all major Santorini hotels and Airbnbs, making it a convenient and stress-free outing.

Aboard a luxury catamaran yacht, the cruise takes you past some of Santorini’s most picturesque beaches, including the Red and White Beaches. Highlights include swimming at volcanic springs, lunch served family-style, and small-group intimacy with a limit of 20 guests. While the tour isn’t suited for cruise ship travelers due to its flexible timing, it offers a personalized sailing experience ideal for those seeking comfort and authentic Greek hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $169 per person for 5 hours, this cruise delivers a comprehensive experience of Santorini’s waters.
• Luxury Catamaran Experience: Travel on a well-appointed yacht with limited group sizes for a cozy, intimate vibe.
• Multiple Swimming Spots: Enjoy swims at Red Beach, White Beach, and the warm springs at the volcano, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Greek Cuisine on Board: Indulge in a family-style meal featuring pan-fried fish, BBQ chicken, shrimp, pasta, and salads.
• Convenient Transfers: Complimentary hotel pickups and drop-offs from all Santorini accommodations make logistics effortless.
• Best for: Those looking for a relaxed, comfortable sailing adventure with gourmet food and scenic stops.

Starting from Ammoudi Bay in Oia

The tour begins at Ammoudi Bay, located beneath the cliffs of Oia Town. The pick-up service from various hotels and Airbnbs across Santorini ensures a smooth start. Once on board, the yacht departs heading south to explore the coastline, with sightseeing around the Red and White Beaches.

This initial leg offers a chance for swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters. These beaches are notable for their distinctive red and white volcanic formations, making them a highlight for photography and quiet relaxation. The small group size of 20 guests guarantees a relaxed atmosphere, avoiding the crowds typical of larger tours.

Cruising Through the Santorini Caldera and Lagoon

After the beaches, the yacht moves into the Santorini Caldera, the flooded volcanic crater that forms the island’s dramatic landscape. Sailing through the Santorini Lagoon, passengers get impressive views of the volcanic islands, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni.

The warm springs at Palea Kameni are a key feature of this cruise. Known for sulfurous waters and higher temperatures due to volcanic activity, they provide a unique volcanic bathing experience. Visitors can swim in the springs, which are often praised for their therapeutic qualities, and snorkel in the pristine waters surrounding the islands.

The Family-Style Greek Meal on Board

Midway through the cruise, the crew anchors at a secluded bay within the Santorini lagoon to serve a generous Greek meal. The family-style dishes include pan-fried fish fillets, BBQ chicken, grilled shrimp, and traditional Greek pasta. Accompanying these are spreads and salads such as Greek salad, adding variety and freshness.

The meal is complemented by complimentary drinks, including white wine, Greek beer, sodas, and mineral water, enhancing the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. The crew is attentive, and the limited group size helps foster a warm, personalized dining experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sightseeing and Snorkeling at Iconic Spots

Throughout the cruise, the itinerary includes pass bys of Ammoudi Bay, Red Beach, White Beach, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni. These stops combine sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, with snorkeling equipment provided for those wanting to explore beneath the water’s surface.

The itinerary is designed for timing flexibility so you can enjoy each location without feeling rushed. The stops at Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni offer additional scuba diving options, although specific details about scuba are limited.

Experience the Comfort of a Small Group

With only 20 guests, the tour emphasizes a personalized experience. The modern, air-conditioned shuttle transportation from all Santorini hotels and Airbnbs ensures easy access to Ammoudi Bay. The professional Greek skipper and crew lead the tour, providing insightful commentary and ensuring safety at all times.

The luxury catamaran is equipped with restrooms, changing rooms, and beach towels, adding to your comfort during the voyage. This attention to detail makes the cruise ideal for travelers who value both luxury and intimacy.

Practical Details and Helpful Tips

Booking this tour is flexible; cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers should bring passport or ID and swimwear, as swimming at volcanic springs and beaches is a key part of the experience. The tour does not cater to pregnant women, and timing may not suit cruise ship travelers due to its flexible schedule and potential departure from different ports.

The check-in process is straightforward, with multiple pickup locations including Kamari, Akrotiri, Oia, Perissa, Imerovigli, and Thera. If accommodations are inaccessible by car, a nearby pickup point is arranged, ensuring no guest misses out.

The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

This luxury cruise excels in small-group intimacy, gourmet Greek cuisine, and spectacular scenery. Many guests praise the knowledgeable crew and the personalized service, including celebrations like a birthday with cake and singing.

One consideration is that this tour is not suitable for cruise ship travelers due to its flexible timing and departure points. Plus, the 5-hour duration means no extended visits to specific islands, but the stops are well-chosen for a balanced experience of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Morning Luxury Cruise

This cruise offers a relaxed yet luxurious way to explore Santorini’s waters and volcanic landscapes. The small group size along with gourmet food and drinks creates a comfortable environment. The scenic stops at beaches and springs, combined with personalized service, make it particularly appealing for travelers seeking comfort and intimacy.

While it may not suit all travelers, especially those on tight cruise schedules, it is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a memorable, well-rounded sailing experience with a touch of Greek hospitality. The $169 price reflects a premium experience that balances luxury, sightseeing, and authentic cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship travelers?
This tour is not designed for cruise ship travelers due to its flexible departure and return times, which may not align with cruise schedules. For a similar experience, consider booking the private version with flexible timing.

What should I bring for the cruise?
Travelers should bring passport or ID and swimwear for swimming in the volcanic springs and beaches. Beach towels and snorkeling equipment are provided onboard.

How long is the cruise, and what does it include?
The cruise lasts around 5 hours and includes sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, a family-style Greek meal, complimentary drinks, hotel transfers, and luxury amenities aboard the yacht.

What stops are included during the cruise?
Stops include Ammoudi Bay, the Red and White Beaches, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, and a secluded bay for lunch and swimming. The stops are designed for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant women due to the nature of swimming and volcanic activity at the springs.

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

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