Santorini: Private Day Cruise with Barbeque and Drinks

Imagine sailing around Santorini’s dramatic caldera in a private boat, with the sun warming your face and the Aegean breeze gently ruffling your hair. For about five hours, you can explore some of the most striking spots on this volcanic island—volcanic beaches, hot springs, and charming villages—while enjoying a delicious Greek BBQ and unlimited drinks. This tour, offered by Pelagos Cruises, costs $847 for a group of up to four people, making it a perfect private escape for couples or small groups seeking an authentic, flexible experience.

What we especially love about this tour are the personalized itinerary options—your crew’s suggestions help tailor the day to suit your interests—and the quality of the onboard meal. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and relax in less crowded spots (like White Beach) adds a sense of exclusivity.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a five-hour cruise, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with being on the water for a considerable stretch. Also, since it involves some swimming and hot springs that might not be suitable for everyone, packing appropriate gear and choosing your stops wisely can make all the difference.

This experience is ideal for travelers craving a mix of adventure, relaxation, and insider access, especially those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and tasty local food. If you want a flexible, private day on the water away from the crowds, this cruise fits the bill perfectly.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Customizable stops based on your preferences and crew recommendations.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy a Greek BBQ with local products and unlimited drinks.
• Unique Sights: Volcanic beaches, hot springs, and picturesque towns like Oia.
• Flexibility & Privacy: Private group tour with a dedicated crew for a tailored day.
• Value for Price: Includes transfers, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and taxes.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings and praise for guides and food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Private Day Cruise

Setting Out from Vlychada and the Initial Voyage

Your day begins with a hotel pickup (included), easing the logistics so you can relax and focus on the experience ahead. Departing from the port of Vlychada around 10:00 am, you’re greeted by a crew eager to make your day special. The five-hour cruise offers a perfect balance—long enough to explore several key sights without feeling rushed.

The boat itself is designed for comfort and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the views in comfort while having space to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge. The captain and guide will suggest stops based on weather conditions and your interests, ensuring this isn’t a cookie-cutter tour but a truly personalized adventure.

The Volcanic Beaches: Red and White

One of the highlights is visiting Red Beach, famous for its vivid red and black volcanic sands. This beach is often depicted in travel photos of Santorini, thanks to its striking colors and dramatic cliffs. It’s a fantastic spot for a swim or photos, and the reviews praise how well the crew manages to balance allowing free time with the overall schedule.

For those seeking a more secluded experience, White Beach offers a quieter alternative. Backed by white cliffs, it’s less touristy and perfect for a peaceful swim or a moment of solitude. Its lack of facilities might make it less convenient for some, but the natural beauty compensates for that.

The Hot Springs and the Volcano

A stop at the Nea Kameni hot springs provides a unique experience. The sulfur springs, known for their therapeutic qualities, are a favorite among guests—though, as noted in the tour info, it’s wise not to wear white swimsuits here due to the mineral deposits. You can also walk around the crater of the volcano, gaining a tangible sense of the island’s fiery past.

Guests often comment on how knowledgeable and friendly the crew are, sharing insights about the volcanic activity and local geology. As one review mentions, “Our captain Tony was wonderful,” highlighting the importance of a professional and personable guide.

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Exploring Oia and Nearby Islands

The cruise also offers a chance to see Oia, the postcard-perfect village famous for its whitewashed houses and stunning caldera views. While the tour doesn’t necessarily include a long stop here, the crew’s suggestions might involve a quick visit or simply enjoying the splendid scenery from the boat.

Sailing along Therasia, the nearby island, provides additional panoramic vistas and a sense of island life away from the tourist throngs.

The Culinary Experience: BBQ and Unlimited Drinks

What sets this tour apart is the onboard Greek BBQ featuring local products—think fresh meats, cheeses, and Mediterranean flavors—paired with unlimited drinks including water, beers, wine, and ouzo. Guests consistently praise the quality and generosity, with reviews mentioning “delicious lunch with local products” and “great explanations from the guide about everything around.”

The meal is served with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for conversation and enjoying the view. Towels and snorkeling gear are also included, adding value and convenience.

The Return and Relaxed Afterglow

As you sail back towards Vlychada, the view along the coast is often described as breathtaking. The cruise ends with a transfer back to your hotel, leaving you with a sense of having experienced Santorini’s highlights in a private, intimate setting.

Why This Cruise Works Well

This tour is especially valued by travelers who want to avoid crowded group excursions and prefer a tailored experience. The private setting ensures you can choose your stops and pace while still benefiting from the crew’s local knowledge. The reviews consistently praise the guides and the quality of the food, making it clear that customer service and authentic culinary experiences are priorities here.

The inclusion of snorkeling equipment allows for a bit of aquatic adventure, and the hot springs offer a memorable natural spa experience. The flexibility to customize the day means you can focus on your favorite aspects—be it relaxing at a beach, exploring volcanic sites, or enjoying the scenery with a glass of wine.

Who Should Book This Tour?

• Couples seeking a romantic, private outing.
• Small groups or families wanting a flexible day on the water.
• Travelers who appreciate authentic local food and drinks.
• Those interested in volcanic geology or scenic villages like Oia.
• Guests comfortable with some swimming and outdoor activity.

The Sum Up

This private cruise around Santorini is a wonderful way to experience the island’s natural beauty and cultural highlights in a relaxed, intimate setting. It offers a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and culinary delight—all tailored to your preferences. The knowledgeable guides and high-quality food make this a memorable day, especially for those who value personalized service over crowds.

While the price tag might seem steep at $847, the inclusion of private transport, a gourmet BBQ, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, and the flexibility to craft your day adds genuine value. It’s perfect for travelers who want a curated, authentic experience and are happy to spend a few hours on the water exploring Santorini’s volcanic wonders and scenic villages.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, customizable way to enjoy Santorini’s stunning coast and enjoy excellent local flavors, this cruise is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, starting around 10:00 am. You’ll want to plan for a full morning or early afternoon adventure.

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip hotel transfers, a Greek BBQ meal, unlimited drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, the crew, fuel, and all taxes.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the crew will suggest stops based on weather and your preferences. You can choose to visit volcanic beaches like Red and White Beach, hot springs, and scenic towns.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, masks, snorkels, and fins are included, allowing you to enjoy the clear waters at your own pace.

Are there vegetarian options?
A vegetarian meal option is available, so be sure to specify your preference when booking.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the experience is flexible, it involves some swimming and outdoor activity, so it’s best suited for guests comfortable on a boat and in the water.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, and possibly a white swimsuit if you plan to visit the hot springs (not recommended for the sulfur springs, as per advice).

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans shift.

Who is this tour ideal for?
It’s perfect for couples, small groups, and travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed day on the water with authentic local food and scenic stops.

This private day cruise around Santorini offers a well-rounded mix of adventure, comfort, and local flavor, making it a standout choice for those wanting to make the most of their time on this iconic island.

You can check availability for your dates here: