Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Meal and Unlimited Drinks

Imagine cruising the sparkling waters of the Santorini Caldera aboard a modern Lagoon 450 catamaran, with the Aegean breeze in your hair and spectacular views all around. This 5-hour tour offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Greek hospitality for around $147 per person. You’ll visit Red Beach and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling, indulge in a hearty barbecue, and enjoy unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks — all wrapped up with the chance to see the iconic sunset from Oia if you opt for the sunset trip.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the small group size (max 15 guests) creates a more intimate experience, often likened to a private yacht. Second, the knowledgeable crew and delicious food elevate the experience from simply scenic to truly memorable. It’s perfect for those who crave a day on the water with all the comforts and a touch of local flavor.

One thing to keep in mind: hotel transfers are included, but they can take up to 1.5 hours before the cruise departs, so early mornings or late evenings might feel a bit longer. Also, since the boat cannot moor directly on the beaches, your swim stops are at carefully selected points close to the coast — not right on the sand.

This tour suits travelers eager for a luxurious, yet authentic way to enjoy Santorini’s stunning scenery, especially if you appreciate good company, great food, and a relaxed pace.

This experience made our article of 9 Best BBQ Experiences In Santorini (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Max 15 guests ensures a more personalized, less crowded feel.
• Multiple swimming stops: Red Beach and White Beach offer excellent snorkeling and swimming.
• All-inclusive drinks: Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water keep you refreshed.
• Authentic Greek cuisine: BBQ with pork, chicken, vegetarian options, and traditional sides.
• Spectacular vistas: See the caldera, volcanic hot springs, and sunset views from Oia.
• Expert crew: Friendly guides who provide local insights and attentive service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Santorini Catamaran Experience

When we think about the best ways to see Santorini, sailing ranks high. It’s not just about transportation; it’s a chance to relax, see the landscape from a different perspective, and enjoy some of the best local food and drinks. This tour offers a compact, well-rounded package that balances all of those.

The Itinerary: A Perfect Mix of Adventure and Relaxation

The day kicks off with hotel pickup, a thoughtful touch that spares you the hassle of finding your way to the port. Once on board, you’ll immediately notice the luxury of the Lagoon 450 catamaran — modern, spacious, with plenty of seating options to soak in the views.

The first stop is Red Beach, famous for its bright red sand and striking cliffs. Here, you can jump into the crystal-clear waters for a swim or put on your snorkel gear to see what’s below the surface. The reviews highlight that the crew is attentive, providing snorkeling equipment and towels so you’re ready for a splash. You’ll get about 30 minutes here — enough time to relax without feeling rushed.

Next up is White Beach, which offers a similar mix of breathtaking rock formations and inviting waters. Guests often mention how well the crew manages the stops to avoid choppy conditions or crowds, with some noting that the selected spots are close to the beaches but not directly on them due to boat mooring limitations.

The BBQ Feast: A Greek Culinary Highlight

After swimming, it’s time for the barbecue meal — a highlight for many. The menu is diverse, with pork or chicken skewers, vegetarian options, seafood, and traditional sides like Greek salad, dolmadakia, and pasta with red sauce. The chef is praised for making the meal flavorful and satisfying, transforming the onboard meal into a true taste of Greece.

Reviewers frequently mention how the food quality exceeds expectations for a boat tour, with some saying it’s the best part of the trip. The unlimited drinks—white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water—keep everyone happily refreshed during the meal and afterward.

Sights, Springs, and Sunset

The crew then takes you past uninhabited islands like Aspronissi and Akrotiri, offering fantastic photo opportunities. The hot springs are the final stop, about 30 minutes of soaking in the natural thermal waters, which many find a soothing conclusion to the water-based adventure. While swimming in the springs isn’t always guaranteed (sometimes weather or schedules change), the opportunity to relax in volcanic waters is a real treat.

For those on the sunset option, the final act is a sail to Oia. As the sun dips behind the horizon, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and probably a few well-placed camera shots, as per the many glowing reviews praising the spectacular sunset and the peaceful ambiance on the water.

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Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other options, this experience combines luxury, authenticity, and value. The inclusion of hotel transfers removes logistics worries, and the small group size guarantees a quieter, more personalized feel. The food and drinks are unlimited, making the overall cost seem more reasonable when you consider what you’re enjoying — a well-cooked Greek meal, premium drinks, and scenic cruising.

The reviews reveal that guests appreciate the crew’s friendliness and knowledge — often more memorable than the scenery itself. The boat’s modern amenities and the laid-back atmosphere mean you can truly unwind, and the curated stops avoid the chaos of larger, crowded tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a luxurious yet authentic experience without the hassle of organizing their own boat. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small groups, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. If you’re a fan of sunset views or like the idea of snorkeling in volcanic waters, you’ll find this tour a highlight of your trip.

It’s also great for couples, small groups, or families who appreciate attentive service, as the crew is highly praised in reviews for their friendliness and professionalism. However, if you’re seeking a more adventurous or longer excursion, you might consider other options, as this is a more relaxed, half-day experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including transfers, swimming, and meals. Check availability for specific start times.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, round-trip minibus transfers from your hotel or the nearest accessible pickup point are part of the package, with pickups possibly up to 1.5 hours before departure.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, warm clothing for the evening, and a jacket if you opt for the sunset trip.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it is not explicitly designed for non-swimmers or wheelchair users. Always check with the operator if you have specific needs.

Can I join the sunset cruise if I don’t want to swim?
Yes, the sunset option is primarily about viewing, and swimming in the springs is optional. You can enjoy the scenery and the sunset from the boat.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 15 guests ensures a relaxed atmosphere, often described as a more intimate experience.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, guests consistently mention unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water during the trip.

What food is served onboard?
A barbecue meal with options like pork or chicken skewers, vegetarian choices, seafood, and traditional sides. The food is praised for its quality and flavor.

Is the itinerary fixed?
The stops and schedule may change due to weather conditions or other factors, but the operator aims to keep the core experience consistent.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini catamaran tour offers a well-balanced afternoon of scenic cruising, swimming, and gourmet Greek food, all in a relaxed, small-group setting. It’s especially good for those who want to combine luxury, authenticity, and unbeatable views without breaking the bank. The crew’s warmth and attentiveness shine through in reviews, making it clear this is more than just a boat ride — it’s a memorable part of your Santorini adventure.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic escape with plenty of opportunities to swim, snack, and watch the sunset, this tour will satisfy. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value personalized service and want to experience Santorini from the water in style.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a day on the sea, this cruise hits all the right notes — stunning scenery, good food, and a welcoming crew.

You can check availability for your dates here: