Santorini: Platinum Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Meal & Open Bar

Santorini: Platinum Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Meal & Open Bar offers a luxurious 5-hour journey along the stunning coastlines of Greece’s iconic island. For $124 per person, this tour provides a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and gourmet dining, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both comfort and adventure. The cruise departs from Vlychada and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a smooth start and finish. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 339 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience memorable and well worth the price.

This cruise is especially appealing to visitors who want to enjoy Santorini’s famous sunset, indulge in authentic Greek cuisine, and explore the island’s top sights from the water. The tour’s small-group size, limited to 18 guests, promises a more intimate experience with personalized attention from the crew. While the trip offers many highlights, it’s worth noting that catamarans cannot moor directly on beaches, so stops are made close to shore for swimming and snorkeling.

Key Points

• Luxurious 5-hour catamaran cruise along Santorini’s coastline, departing from Vlychada
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with a focus on comfort and convenience
• Gourmet BBQ meal served onboard, complemented by an open bar with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, including Red Beach, White Beach, and volcanic hot springs
• Enjoy the breathtaking sunset with a glass of Moschato D’asti sparkling wine
• Limited to 18 guests, ensuring a relaxed and personal atmosphere

You can check availability for your dates here:

Santorini’s Most Luxurious Coastal Sailing Experience

This Platinum Catamaran Cruise combines sophistication with fun in a five-hour adventure on Santorini’s waters. The departure includes hotel pickup and drop-off from three convenient locations—Thera, Imerovigli, and Fira—making logistics straightforward. The cruise begins at Vlychada, where the crew welcomes guests aboard a well-maintained, spacious catamaran designed for comfort and ease of movement.

The tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate luxury, scenic views, and relaxed pacing. The small group size guarantees attentive service, and the professional crew is praised for their friendliness and safety focus. The live English-speaking guide enhances the experience with local insights, while an optional audio guide is available for those wanting to learn more during the stops.

Exploring Santorini’s Unique Beach Stops and Hot Springs

The cruise’s itinerary features several notable stops that highlight Santorini’s volcanic landscape and beautiful beaches. The journey begins at Red Beach, famous for its vivid red cliffs and striking colors. Here, visitors can take photos, swim, or snorkel in the crystal waters.

Next, the boat visits White Beach, where limestone formations create a picturesque setting. The crew offers photo opportunities and scenic views along the way. The tour also includes a stop at the volcanic hot springs of Palea Kameni, where guests can soak in therapeutic waters and enjoy the caves and volcanic beaches.

A highlight is Thirasia Island, often called one of Santorini’s best-kept secrets. The boat anchors near Thirasia, allowing time for swimming, snorkeling, and a delicious onboard lunch. The BBQ meal includes options like chicken, pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad, and vegetarian dishes, all complemented by refreshing drinks.

The Marine and Landmarks Around Santorini

The cruise takes in some of the most iconic scenic spots around the island. Guests pass by the 18th-century Venetian lighthouse of Akrotiri, a historic maritime beacon, and enjoy breathtaking views of the White Beach limestone formations. The boat also sails through the Santorini Caldera, offering panoramic vistas of towering cliffs and volcanic islands.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse is a notable point during the voyage, where guests can take photos and appreciate the island’s maritime history. The scenic views along the caldera are perfect for capturing memorable images, especially during the sunset, when the sky fills with hues of orange and pink.

Dining and Drinks on Board: Greek Food and Open Bar

One of the tour’s standout features is the authentic Greek meal served during the cruise. The BBQ onboard is praised for its quality, with dishes such as Q chicken, pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad, Greek anchovy meze, Greek ratatouille (vegetarian), and a Greek fruit salad. Guests also enjoy snacks throughout the trip.

The open bar includes white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, with the option to purchase extra drinks with cash. The special sunset wine—Moschato D’asti—adds a celebratory touch as the boat watches the sun set over the caldera. The complimentary towels ensure comfort during swimming, and the food is frequently highlighted as a trip highlight in reviews.

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The Experience at Thirasia Island and the Hot Springs

The stop at Thirasia lasts about one hour, giving ample time to swim, snorkel, or relax. The onboard lunch or dinner is served during this time, making the most of the scenic setting. Guests appreciate the delicious food and relaxed atmosphere.

The volcanic hot springs of Palea Kameni are another key part of the trip, with about 20 minutes allocated for swimming and soaking. The waters are described as therapeutic, providing a unique opportunity to cool off in volcanic waters. Visitors are advised to bring swimwear and an old bathing suit if they want to swim in the hot springs.

Sunset Views and Champagne Tasting on the Return Journey

As the cruise nears its end, guests head towards Akrotiri Lighthouse for sunset viewing. The crew prepares to make this moment special, with many reviews praising the spectacular sunset and the champagne tasting included in the experience.

The scenic passage back to Vlychada is smooth, with many passengers enjoying the relaxed environment, drinks, and views. The cruise concludes with a drop-off at the original pickup points, ensuring travelers return with plenty of beautiful photos and memories.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Santorini

This Vista Yachting cruise is praised for its well-maintained vessel, friendly crew, and delicious food. Many reviewers mention the small group size (limited to 18), which creates a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. The professional guides and informative commentary enrich the journey without feeling overwhelming.

The combination of sightseeing, swimming, and gourmet food makes this tour a value-packed experience. While the catamaran cannot dock directly on beaches, the stops are close enough to shore for enjoyable swimming and photos. The sunset viewing and luxurious setting are particularly memorable.

Who Should Book This Santorini Catamaran Tour

This cruise appeals to adventurous travelers who enjoy comfort and good food. It’s ideal for those looking for a relaxed pace, small-group intimacy, and scenic views. Families with children aged 2 and above find the environment friendly and accommodating, especially with the crew’s helpful attitude.

It suits those who value high-quality service, authentic Greek cuisine, and spectacular sunset views. The all-inclusive drinks and delicious BBQ onboard ensure a stress-free experience. Travelers who want to avoid crowded boat tours or prefer a more personalized adventure** will find this cruise particularly appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts 5 hours, with check-in times based on availability.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Vlychada after pickup from selected hotel locations.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a BBQ onboard lunch is included, with a variety of Greek dishes and snacks.

Are drinks included?
The open bar features wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Additional drinks can be purchased with cash.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included for swimming in the waters.

Can I swim in the hot springs?
Yes, about 20 minutes are allocated for swimming and soaking in the volcanic hot springs.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the small group size and friendly crew make it appropriate for families, including children over 2 years old.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 18 guests for a more personalized experience.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

This Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise combines luxury, stunning views, and authentic Greek hospitality, making it a top choice for those seeking a memorable day on the water. Its combination of scenic stops, gourmet food, and sunset magic ensures a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Santorini.

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