Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Taking a Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks means you’re signing up for a half-day adventure that combines the best of the island’s scenery, gastronomy, and relaxing waters. For around $220 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours on a comfortable catamaran or sailboat, choosing between a Day Tour starting at 10 am or a Sunset Tour kicking off at 3 pm. Both options include hotel pickup and drop-off, making your day hassle-free.

What we love about this experience is how it beautifully balances sightseeing with relaxation. The chance to float in natural hot springs, snorkel in crystalline waters, and enjoy a hearty barbecue seafood meal with Greek wine makes the trip truly memorable. Plus, the reviews highlight a crew that’s not only professional but genuinely friendly and attentive.

One thing to consider is that towels are not provided despite some tour descriptions suggesting so—something to keep in mind if you plan to swim or relax in the hot springs. This tour caters best to travelers who appreciate intimate small groups, authentic local scenery, and good value for a well-organized day on the water. It’s especially suited for those wanting a mix of sightseeing, leisure, and excellent food, all delivered in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Sail around Santorini’s caldera, past iconic landmarks like Indian Head Mountain and the Old Venetian Lighthouse.
• Varied Stops: Visit Red Beach, White Beach (weather permitting), Palea Kameni (Old Burnt Island), and Nea Kameni with its hot springs.
• Gourmet Meal: Enjoy a barbecue seafood lunch with unlimited drinks—beer, wine, and soft drinks—prepared fresh by the crew.
• Inclusive Experience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkels and masks, towels, and food included, making it a one-stop adventure.
• Small Group Feel: With a maximum of 18 travelers, the trip feels personal, with crew members like Chris and Maria earning rave reviews for their hospitality.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Real reviews mention the friendly crew, excellent food, and breathtaking scenery—key ingredients for a memorable trip.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Timing

Your journey begins with hotel pickup, which is a real convenience given that the Vlychada Marina is on Santorini’s southern tip and not close to the main towns of Fira or Oia. Whether you opt for the Day Tour or Sunset Tour, your departure is seamless. Day travelers set sail at 10 am, catching the island’s morning light, while sunset seekers board at 3 pm, ready to watch the sky turn hues of orange and pink.

The Journey to the Caldera

Once aboard your boat—often a luxurious catamaran—you’ll immediately appreciate the crew’s professionalism and friendliness. From the deck, the views are spectacular. As you glide past Indian Head Mountain and the Old Venetian Lighthouse, your camera should be ready. Reviewers love the way these landmarks look even more impressive from the water, where you can really appreciate the island’s volcanic origins.

Stops for Swimming and Snorkeling

The itinerary includes stops at Red Beach and White Beach—both accessible only by boat, which adds to their allure. Red Beach’s striking red cliffs contrast vividly with the blue sea, while White Beach offers a quieter, more secluded spot for swimming and snorkeling. If the weather allows, you might also venture into the hot springs of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, volcanic islands with warm waters perfect for a soak.

Reviews emphasize how much travelers enjoy these moments. One reviewer described swimming in the caldera as “wonderful”, and many appreciated the opportunity for a refreshing dip while surrounded by volcanic scenery. Snorkels and masks are provided, making it easy to explore underwater life without extra fuss. Keep in mind, however, that towels aren’t supplied, so pack your own if you plan to stay wet and warm afterwards.

The Food and Drinks

A standout feature is the barbecue lunch, which features fresh seafood and steak, cooked on board by skilled crew members like Joe. The meal is served with Greek wine, beer, and unlimited soft drinks, creating a laid-back, convivial atmosphere. Many reviews highlight how delicious and plentiful the food is, with some calling it one of the best meals they had during their stay.

The inclusion of towels, snorkels, masks, and drinks makes this a value-packed experience. Travelers often mention the crew’s attentiveness—serving drinks throughout the trip and making sure everyone is comfortable.

The Final Highlight: Sunset or Water

If you choose the Sunset Tour, you’ll experience the caldera as the sky shifts color, adding a magical backdrop to your swim or relaxation time. For the daytime option, the focus is on sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling under bright sunlight, perfect for capturing vibrant photos.

Returning and Convenience

After the final swim or sunset experience, you’ll head back to the marina, where your transportation awaits to take you back to your hotel. Many mention how smooth and well-organized the whole process is, thanks to attentive crew and clear schedules.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Multiple reviews echo the same sentiments: the crew is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. One reviewer named Maria especially praised the outstanding meal, calling it “one of the best” she had on the island, while others appreciated the breathtaking scenery and generous hospitality.

A recurring theme is the small group size—limited to 18 passengers—which helps create a cozy, relaxed vibe. Reviewers also mention the beautiful views, excellent service, and the high quality of the food and drinks.

Some minor concerns include the lack of towels despite some tour descriptions that mention them, but this didn’t seem to detract much from overall enjoyment. Others pointed out that snorkeling equipment isn’t specifically highlighted in the description, which might be a point to clarify before booking.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This experience shines for anyone wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and delicious Greek cuisine. It’s especially good for those who value small groups and friendly guides. If you’re a fan of breathtaking views from the water and enjoy relaxed, well-organized trips, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your Santorini visit.

The all-inclusive nature—hotel transfers, food, drinks, snorkeling gear—means you can focus on enjoying yourself without worrying about logistics or extra costs. Plus, the reviews highlight that many travelers found it to be their best or one of the top experiences during their trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, making the experience very convenient, especially since the marina is on the island’s southern tip.

What should I bring?
While towels are not provided, you might want to bring your own if you plan to swim or relax in the hot springs. Sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear are also recommended for comfort and sun protection.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and reviews indicate it’s a family-friendly experience.

What’s the difference between the Day and Sunset tours?
The Day Tour departs at 10 am and focuses on sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling during daylight hours. The Sunset Tour departs at 3 pm, allowing you to enjoy the caldera with the stunning sunset as the backdrop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkels and masks are included, although the description doesn’t specify if wetsuits are available. You might find it helpful to bring your own if you prefer.

What’s the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day on the water. It’s ideal for those looking for breathtaking scenery, delicious local food, and a relaxing atmosphere with a friendly crew. The small group size enhances the personal touch, and the itinerary covers some of the most iconic sights of Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

You’ll love the way the tour mixes scenic stops with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, all topped off with a hearty barbecue lunch and Greek wine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see a different side of Santorini, this tour delivers a genuine, memorable experience.

If you appreciate good organization, authentic hospitality, and spectacular views, this will likely become one of your favorite parts of your trip. Just remember to pack a towel and bring your camera—you’re in for some truly breathtaking moments.

This tour is a great choice for travelers seeking an intimate, scenic, and delicious sailing adventure that captures the essence of Santorini’s volcanic beauty. It’s especially perfect for those who want a relaxing day filled with visual delights, tasty food, and friendly service.