Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks

Make the most of your time in Santorini with the Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks. Priced at $91.73 per person, this 5-hour floating adventure offers a relaxing way to see the island’s highlights, including incredible sunset views over Oia if you opt for the later sunset option. The tour departs from Ammoudi or Athinios port and features hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics smooth and seamless.

What sets this tour apart is its balance of scenic sailing, engaging stops for swimming and snorkeling, and a delicious onboard barbecue. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 966 reviews, travelers consistently praise the stunning views, friendly crew, and good value. Keep in mind, the tour is popular and is usually booked about 19 days in advance, so planning early is recommended.

This cruise is ideal for those seeking a laid-back yet scenic experience with plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy Greek cuisine, and soak in the island’s beauty from the water. It’s suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 55 people, and includes complimentary drinks and snorkeling equipment. However, it’s worth noting that towels and beers are not included, and life jackets are not provided for swimming, which may be a consideration for some.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation hassle-free.
• Enjoy a BBQ meal onboard with vegetarian options and unlimited Greek wine and water.
• Multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and thermal springs—though the hot springs stop may be canceled due to weather.
• Sunset viewing over Oia is optional but highly praised for its unforgettable scenery.
• The tour departs from Ammoudi or Athinios port and lasts roughly 5 hours.
• Limited to 55 guests, ensuring a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

Starting from Ammoudi or Athinios Port for Scenic Sailing

This tour begins at either Ammoudi or Athinios port, the main departure points for boats heading out around Santorini. The crew leads you onto a spacious catamaran, where safety and comfort are priorities. Most travelers find the boarding process straightforward, especially with hotel pickup included. The small group size helps maintain an intimate atmosphere, yet the vessel remains large enough to avoid overcrowding.

Once underway, the sail provides sweeping views of Santorini’s caldera, with some describing the scenery as spectacular. The friendly crew and cheerful music set a relaxed tone as the boat heads toward the first stop.

Visiting the Hot Springs and Palea Kameni Volcano

The journey includes a 30-minute swim in the Hot Springs, located near the volcanic island of Palea Kameni. The crew keeps the catamaran about 50 meters away from the warm yellowish waters, which are typically up to 4 degrees warmer than the surrounding sea. The hot springs’ temperature is pleasantly warm, making a swim here a true highlight, despite the limited time.

Because the boat cannot moor directly on the beach, the crew selects accessible spots for swimming close to the volcanic area. The stops are designed for easy access, but guests should be prepared for a brief swim from the boat.

Scenic Sail Past Palea Kameni and the Ancient Lighthouse

Afterward, the vessel sails past Palea Kameni, giving guests an opportunity to admire the volcanic landscape from the sea. You’ll get a good view of the sea-facing lighthouse, which is visible from the water. This part of the cruise offers plenty of chances for photos, especially as the sunlight hits the volcanic formations.

The crew shares informative commentary about the area’s geology and history, adding depth to the experience.

Swimming and Snorkeling at Red Beach

Next, the boat stops for 30 minutes at Red Beach, famous for its vivid red cliffs and unique landscape. Many travelers enjoy swimming or snorkeling here, with free snorkeling equipment provided. The scenery is striking, and the clear waters offer some good underwater visibility.

While the stop is relatively brief, it’s an excellent chance to cool off and take memorable photos of the dramatic surroundings.

Longest Stop at White Beach with BBQ on Board

The 1 hour and 30 minutes stop at White Beach is the longest and most relaxing part of the trip. The crew prepares a barbecue meal onboard, which often includes options like fish, souvlaki, grapes, and salad. Vegetarian choices are available, and complimentary Greek wine and water keep the atmosphere lively.

Guests can enjoy their meal while anchored in the bay or swim and snorkel in the crystal waters. The landscape here features white cliffs and a serene bay, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the views.

Sunset Over Oia (Optional) and the Return Journey

Depending on the option selected, the cruise may include a sunset viewing over Oia. This moment often impresses guests with its breathtaking colors as the sun dips behind the iconic village. The crew ensures guests have plenty of opportunities for photos and soaking in the scenery.

On the return, the boat sails back towards Ammoudi or Athinios port, passing by the caldera and other scenic landmarks. The cheerful onboard music and drinks help extend the enjoyment of this relaxing journey.

Onboard Amenities and Practical Tips

The vessel features restrooms, floating devices, blankets, and a map with detailed info about the landmarks. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but towels and beers are not included, so packing a towel and bringing your own drinks if desired is wise. Guests are advised to wear sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, and bring dry clothes and a light jacket for the evening.

Hot springs are a popular highlight, but note that the hot springs stop may be canceled if weather conditions are poor. The crew communicates any changes, and most travelers find the stops well-paced and enjoyable.

The Crew and Atmosphere Aboard

The crew is widely praised for being friendly, attentive, and cheerful. They provide safety instructions in multiple languages, and their helpfulness contributes significantly to the positive experience. The music onboard is upbeat, creating a lively yet relaxed environment.

Reviewers often mention that the boat feels not too crowded, despite a maximum of 55 passengers, which keeps the atmosphere enjoyable.

Food, Drinks, and Quality of the BBQ

The onboard BBQ meal receives high marks for flavor and variety. Many describe the food as delicious, with some noting it as a highlight of the cruise. The Greek wine selection, Nychteru, along with water and soft drinks, is available free of charge. Beers are not included, and some mention that the food could be more fresh, but overall, the meal adds value to the experience.

The cheerful staff serve the food and drinks efficiently, helping maintain a friendly vibe throughout the trip.

Considerations and Limitations

While many praise the cruise, some reviews highlight disappointments. A few mention the lack of life jackets for swimming, which could be a concern for safety-conscious travelers. Others note that the hot springs stop may be canceled without prior notice, and towels are not provided, so packing your own is recommended.

Timing can feel rushed at stops, especially if weather conditions prevent certain stops from happening. Nevertheless, the overall experience tends to be positive, with most guests valuing the scenic sailing, food, and sunset.

Who Will Love This Santorini Sunset Cruise

This tour suits travelers looking for a scenic, relaxing day at sea with the chance to enjoy good food, drinks, and beautiful views. It’s perfect for those interested in swimming and snorkeling at volcanic and beach stops, and who want to witness Oia’s sunset from the water.

The moderate pace, friendly crew, and inclusive amenities make it a good choice for families, couples, and groups of friends. But those seeking a high-energy party atmosphere might find the vibe a little subdued, as some reviews describe a more laid-back and scenic experience.

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini: The Final Word

This cruise offers excellent value for the price, with a well-organized itinerary, beautiful scenery, and delicious Greek cuisine. The hot springs, beaches, and sunset over Oia stand out as memorable highlights. While not perfect—thanks to occasional weather-related cancellations or lack of towels—the overall experience remains highly recommended.

Most guests will find it a relaxing and picturesque way to enjoy Santorini from the water. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a mix of adventure, comfort, and breathtaking views in one trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included to make the experience more convenient.

What should I bring for swimming and snorkeling?
Bring your own towels if desired, and sunscreen, sunglasses, and dry clothes are recommended. The tour provides snorkeling equipment.

Can I see the sunset over Oia?
Yes, if the later sunset option is selected, you’ll enjoy beautiful sunset views over Oia from the water.

Are there vegetarian meal options onboard?
Yes, the BBQ meal includes vegetarian options.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are on this cruise?
The maximum group size is 55 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.