Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Greek BBQ and Drinks

Imagine spending a beautiful day sailing around Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic islands, on a sleek, comfortable catamaran. For about $81 per person and lasting around 5 hours, this tour takes you to some of the most famous beaches and volcanic hot springs, all while enjoying an authentic Greek BBQ and unlimited drinks. The itinerary promises stunning views, plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel, and a relaxing experience that balances adventure with leisure.

What we love about this cruise is the chance to explore Red Beach and White Beach, two of Santorini’s signature geological wonders, and then soak in the therapeutic hot springs. The gourmet barbecue is also a big highlight—imagine grilled chicken, pasta, salads, and sweet Greek desserts, all complemented by an open bar featuring wine and soft drinks. The setting at Vlychada Marina adds a touch of elegance and exclusivity that makes this feel like a special occasion.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves several stops and can be quite active, so it’s better suited for those who enjoy water activities and a bit of movement. Also, while the group size is usually small and intimate, weather conditions like strong winds might cause some fluctuations in the schedule or experience.

This cruise suits travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural flavor, and leisure—perfect if you’re seeking a memorable day with friends or family, especially if you love water-based adventures and good food with a view.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal stops including Red and White Beaches for swimming and snorkeling.
• Relaxing volcanic hot springs with therapeutic and mineral-rich waters.
• Authentic Greek BBQ with grilled meats, pasta, salads, and desserts.
• Unlimited drinks including wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee.
• Small group atmosphere for personalized service and better interaction.
• Flexible options including hotel transfers or meeting at Vlychada Marina.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Setting Off from Vlychada Marina

Your adventure begins at the Vlychada Marina, a scenic departure point with calm waters and spectacular volcanic scenery. Depending on your choice, your transfer might be arranged from your hotel—adding convenience—or you can meet directly at the marina. The boat itself is a luxury catamaran, modern and well-maintained, ensuring comfort from the moment you step aboard.

The First Stop: Red Beach

The Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most striking sites, characterized by its vivid red cliffs and dramatic landscape. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to swim or snorkel among the colorful rocks. Many review comments highlight how spectacular and unique this spot is—”swimming among the red rocks felt like being on another planet,” one traveler noted.

The White Beach and Sea Caves

Next, the cruise takes you to White Beach, famous for its white cliffs and proximity to sea caves. The snorkel gear provided allows you to explore these caves from the water, and the photos taken here are often described as stunning—a perfect spot for capturing memories. Reviewers mentioned how this part of the trip was “very beautiful and very informative,” with plenty of opportunities to dive into clear waters and admire the landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Akrotiri and the Volcanic Landscape

Sailing past Indian Rocks and the Venetian Lighthouse at Akrotiri, you’ll get excellent photo opportunities and learn about these historic and geological features. The photo stops at Nea Kameni and other volcanic sites give you a chance to capture Santorini’s famous caldera views and volcanic terrain.

Rejuvenating in the Hot Springs

The highlight for many is the hot springs at Palea Kameni. These mineral-rich waters are believed to provide therapeutic benefits, and soaking here is a relaxing way to spend about 30 minutes. Several reviews mention feeling rejuvenated after the dip, and the experience is often described as memorable—”the hot springs felt like a natural spa,” one guest said.

The Final Stop: Mesa Pigadia

The last stop is Mesa Pigadia, a peaceful beach where you can swim, relax, or just enjoy the views. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “beautiful, tranquil spot perfect for more water activities or just unwinding.”

The Food and Drink

Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy a gourmet BBQ. Expect grilled chicken, Neapolitan pasta, Greek salad, and ratatouille, plus a delicious Greek dessert. The quality of the food impresses many, with several reviewers pointing out how tasty and freshly prepared it was. The open bar is quite generous, offering wine, soft drinks, and water—many guests say it’s more than enough to keep everyone refreshed and in good spirits. As one traveler explained, “the crew kept the drinks flowing, and the food was cooked on-site, adding to the authentic experience.”

The Crew and Atmosphere

From numerous reviews, it’s clear that the friendly, knowledgeable guides and crew are a big part of what makes this tour special. They’re praised for their hospitality, attention to detail, and informative commentary. The small group size often results in a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and well taken care of.

Practical Considerations

While this trip offers amazing scenery and excellent value, it’s worth noting that weather conditions can influence the experience. Some reviews mention rocky waters or windy days, which might cause some discomfort or schedule adjustments. The duration is about five hours, so it’s suitable for those who enjoy water activities without feeling rushed. Also, bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera is recommended.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Water Experience – Unlike land-based tours, this cruise provides multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, giving you a true feel of the Aegean waters. Several travelers mentioned how beautiful and crystal-clear the waters are, making the water activities highly enjoyable.

Gourmet Food and Open Bar – The quality of the food, freshly grilled and served onboard, combined with unlimited drinks, creates a luxurious yet affordable experience that balances indulgence with excellent value.

Stunning Geological Sites – The stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and volcanic hot springs are highlights, offering unforgettable scenery and photo opportunities that define Santorini’s unique landscape.

Excellent Guides and Small Groups – Many reviews praise the knowledgeable crew and the small group setting, which make the day more engaging, informative, and relaxing.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal for water lovers and those eager to explore Santorini’s natural beauty from the sea. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a luxurious day out with delicious food and drinks in a setting that’s both scenic and comfortable. If you enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on a boat with breathtaking views, this cruise will meet your expectations. However, travelers prone to seasickness or looking for a more leisurely land-based sightseeing tour might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel transfers? Yes, depending on the option you select, transfers from your hotel are included, making pickup and drop-off convenient.

How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately five hours, with specific starting times available based on the date.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear. Don’t forget your camera and passport or ID. A change of clothes is recommended after swimming.

Is alcohol included? Yes, the open bar includes wines and soft drinks, with water and coffee also available.

Can I snorkel? Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is provided, and several stops are perfect for exploring underwater.

What if the weather is bad? The cruise operates in most weather conditions; however, in extreme weather, it could be canceled or rescheduled. You will be notified in advance.

This Santorini catamaran cruise offers a stellar combination of scenic beauty, cultural flavor, and relaxation in a luxurious setting. The stops at iconic beaches and volcanic springs provide fantastic photo ops and water fun, while the Greek BBQ and unlimited drinks make for a truly enjoyable day.

If you’re looking for a memorable way to experience Santorini’s coastlines, especially if you love snorkeling, good food, and a friendly atmosphere, this tour is a great pick. It balances value and quality and seems to delight most travelers, given the glowing reviews and high rating.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a beautiful day on the water, this cruise will leave you with lasting memories of Santorini’s natural wonders and warm hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: