Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, and Transfer offers a leisurely way to experience some of the island’s most iconic sights from the comfort of a well-equipped vessel. For just over $127 per person, you get around five hours of sailing, swimming, and feasting, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included. This tour has earned a strong reputation, with a 4.5-star average from hundreds of reviews, and a 92% recommendation rate, making it clear that many travelers find it worthwhile.

What we particularly like about this experience? First, the comfortable and stylish catamaran makes for a luxurious but relaxed vibe, perfect for lounging while taking in the scenery. Second, the food and drinks on board are genuine highlights — a Greek barbecue with vegetarian options, plus an open bar, really elevate the experience beyond simple sightseeing.

A possible consideration is that swimming is not on a pristine beach, but rather close to the boat, which can be a plus or a drawback depending on your expectations. If you’re craving actual beach lounging, this tour might not be your best fit. This cruise suits travelers who want scenic views, good food, and a laid-back day on the water—ideal for those who prefer comfort and convenience over rugged adventure.

Key Points

• Luxurious Comfort: The catamaran is well-maintained, offering a smooth and stylish environment.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and transfers are included, simplifying your day.
• Scenic Highlights: Pass by ancient lighthouses, hot springs, and stunning beaches with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Relaxed Pace: The itinerary balances sightseeing with ample time for swimming and relaxing.
• Authentic Flavors: The Greek barbecue is cooked fresh on board, with vegetarian options, making it a true taste of Greece.
• Authentic Experiences: Many reviews highlight the friendly crew, great food, and incomparable views.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting with Comfort and Convenience

The tour kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup, which means no fuss about finding your way to the port. This service makes the experience especially attractive if you’re staying in a central hotel or villa—no need to navigate or coordinate transfers yourself. Once at Amoudi port, your vessel awaits — a sleek, modern catamaran that fits a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring an intimate yet social atmosphere.

We loved the way the crew makes everyone feel welcome right from the start, and the onboard amenities like restrooms, towels, floating devices, and music help create a relaxing vibe. The boat’s interior and exterior are clearly maintained with pride, which adds to the sense of luxury.

Navigating Santorini’s Stunning Coastline

Once underway, you’ll quickly settle into a comfortable spot on deck to enjoy the views. The captain steers the vessel past Indian Rock, a striking limestone formation that’s a favorite backdrop for photos, and past the Palea Kameni volcano, giving a real sense of the volcanic landscape that shapes Santorini.

One of the key highlights is the passage next to the Aspronissi Lighthouse, Greece’s oldest lighthouse. From the sea, it’s a striking sight that you might not get from land, and the crew often offers commentary or background, adding context to the scenery.

Hot Springs and the Volcano

One of the most popular stops is the volcanic hot springs, where you can take a dip in waters that are heated naturally — up to 4° warmer than the surrounding sea. The vessel stays about 50 meters away from the springs, so you can enjoy swimming near the volcano safely. Many reviewers comment on how close and accessible it is, with one noting: “Guests swim securely very close to the volcano.” You’ll also have the chance to try a mud bath, depending on the day’s conditions.

Exploring the Beaches

The tour then proceeds to White Beach, famous for its dramatic white cliffs, and the Red Beach, with its distinctive crimson sands and cliffs. You’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes at White Beach, which is enough time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the scenery. The beach stops are more about exploring the water and immediate surroundings rather than lounging on the sand, since the boat cannot moor directly on the beaches.

As one guest noted, “the crew are very prideful on how they take care of the catamaran and their guests,” which is evident in how smoothly these stops are managed. Snorkel equipment and towels are provided, making it easy to jump into the water without fuss.

Gourmet Greek BBQ and Drinks

Back on the boat, a freshly cooked Greek barbecue awaits. The menu is quite extensive, including Greek salad, shrimp saganaki, grilled chicken, pork skewers, roasted vegetables, pasta with red sauce, stuffed vine leaves, and vegetarian options. The food is praised by many for its authenticity and flavor — “the food was amazing even for vegetarians,” said one reviewer.

The open bar includes soft drinks, bottled water, local Greek wine, beer, and juice. Many reviews emphasize how generous the food and drink portions are, making this more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s a culinary experience on the water.

Final Stop and Return

The last stop is at Vlychada Port, where you’ll disembark and be transferred back to your hotel. The entire day wraps up around 2:30 pm, giving you plenty of daylight left to explore on your own or relax.

The Practicalities and Value

This tour’s price of around $127.44 per person may seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the included hotel transfers, gourmet food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and intimate vessel, it’s quite reasonable. The reviews highlight how well-organized and friendly the crew are, helping you feel well cared for throughout.

The limited group size (maximum 20) makes for a more personal experience. Plus, the extra touches like music, safety instructions, and a detailed map with landmarks enhance the overall value.

Timing and Booking

Booking on average 19 days in advance suggests this is popular, especially during peak season. Starting at 9:30 am, the cruise fits well into a day of sightseeing. Keep in mind that cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, which provides flexibility in case of weather concerns.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that the combination of scenic stops, friendly crew, and excellent food makes this a favorite. Travelers love the breathtaking views of the caldera and the authentic Greek barbecue. Several reviewers mention how relaxing and enjoyable the day is, with some saying their expectations were exceeded.

Potential Downsides

Some notes from reviews point out that swimming is limited to near the boat, not on the beach itself, which could disappoint those hoping for a true beach day. Also, the boat cannot moor directly on the beaches, so the experience is more about water activities close to sea rather than land-based lounging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a luxurious, relaxed day on the water with minimal hassle. It suits those who appreciate good food, friendly service, and scenic views. If you’re looking for a rugged, adventure-focused trip with hours of sunbathing on sandy beaches, this might not be your best choice. But if you value comfort, convenience, and authentic Greek cuisine, this cruise offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini luxury sailing cruise balances scenic beauty, comfort, and culinary delights in a way that appeals to many travelers. The boat’s modern amenities, the friendly crew, and the thoughtfully planned stops let you enjoy Santorini’s volcanic landscape without the crowds or hassle of land-based tours.

While swimming spots are near the boat rather than on secluded beaches, the experience of gliding past the lighthouse, hot springs, and colorful cliffs is unforgettable. The gourmet barbecue and open bar elevate the experience from simple sightseeing to a genuine taste of Greece on the water.

For those who want a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and good food in a small group setting, this cruise stands out as a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience that emphasizes comfort and authentic flavors over rugged adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the start and end of your day very convenient.

Can I swim at the hot springs and beaches?
Yes, swimming is included at the hot springs, White Beach, and Red Beach, but the boat cannot moor directly on the beaches, so swims are close to the vessel.

What food and drinks are provided?
A Greek barbecue is prepared on board, with options for vegetarians. The open bar includes soft drinks, wine, beer, and juice.

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 20, ensuring a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and towels are supplied for your water activities.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Less notice means no refund.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Shoes must be removed before embarkation; the boat provides towels and blankets for comfort.

This tour offers a fine balance of scenic relaxation and culinary enjoyment, perfect for those wanting a memorable, hassle-free day in Santorini’s spectacular setting.