Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Hotel Pickup

Introduction

Thinking about a memorable way to explore Santorini? The Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, and Hotel Pickup promises a luxurious day at sea, combining scenic beauty, refreshing swimming spots, and a tasty onboard meal. This tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0/5 from over 270 reviews, and is recommended by 97% of travelers — making it a popular choice.

What we particularly love about this cruise is the flexibility of departure times — offering both morning and afternoon options — and the all-inclusive nature, which covers food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers. One thing to keep in mind: the group size is limited to 18, ensuring a more intimate experience, but that also means booking early is advisable.

This tour suits those who enjoy a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of time for swimming and sightseeing, along with a taste of local cuisine and wine. If you’re seeking a combination of comfort, authentic experiences, and stunning views, this cruise might just be your perfect day out in Santorini.

Key Points

• Comfortable, small-group experience with personalized service
• All-inclusive: food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, towels, and transfers
• Multiple departure times to suit your schedule
• Multiple scenic stops: Red Beach, White Beach, volcanic hot springs, and Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Delicious BBQ lunch or dinner with vegetarian options
• Excellent reviews highlight friendly crew, safety, and memorable scenery

In-Depth Review of the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This cruise is packed with highlights that cater to travelers wanting a relaxed yet engaging day on the water. The fact that transfers from your hotel are included removes the hassle of logistics, and the flexible departure times mean you can pick a slot that best fits your plans.

The vessel itself is described as comfortable and well-equipped, with amenities like an air-conditioned cabin, bathrooms, towels, and snorkel gear. The small group size, capped at 18 guests, enhances the intimacy, making it feel more like a private boat outing than a large tour. Several reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and knowledge, which significantly enhances the experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Red Beach

The first stop at Red Beach is a sight to behold. Its vivid red cliffs and wild, rugged landscape make it one of Santorini’s most iconic vistas. The tour encourages sightseeing and swimming, and reviewers mention that snorkeling here is highly recommended. Asheesh, a reviewer, called it “so worth it” and praised the crew for their amazing service. The only downside? The 20-minute stop is brief, but it’s enough to snap photos and dip your toes in the water.

Stop 2: White Beach and Venetian Lighthouse

After Red Beach, you’ll sail past White Beach, distinguished by its limestone walls, creating a striking contrast to the red cliffs. The 125-year-old Venetian Lighthouse provides a fantastic photo backdrop. Reviewers note that this sailing segment is picturesque, with ample opportunities for photos and relaxation.

Stop 3: Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs

Next, you’ll visit the volcano’s hot springs, where the water is said to have healing properties. The 30-minute swim here is often highlighted as a highlight, especially because of the caves, volcanic beaches, and the natural warmth of the springs. Marisa loved this stop, describing it as “one of the highlights of the trip” with “astonishing caves and volcanic beaches.” Some guests mention the waters can still be cool depending on the season, so pack accordingly.

Stop 4: Mesa Pigadia Beach

The final stop at Mesa Pigadia Beach is often called a “well-kept secret.” It’s perfect for swimming, and the onboard lunch or dinner is served here. The food gets high praise — with a variety of Greek dishes, including vegetarian options like ratatouille, fresh Greek salad, and finger foods. Reviewers like Gilda appreciated the delicious barbecue and the friendly, attentive crew, especially Ari, who is singled out as an incredible hostess.

The Food and Drinks

The included meal is not just an afterthought. It features a variety of tasty options, from Napolitana pasta and chicken to vegetarian dishes, with plenty of fresh fruit salad and finger foods. The unlimited bar offers white wine, soft drinks, and water, and many mention how the drinks flow freely, adding to the laid-back, celebratory atmosphere. The quality of the food and drink is generally praised as “great,” with some reviewers noting they found it better than expected for a cruise.

The Snorkeling and Water Experiences

Guests have described snorkeling as a highlight, with equipment provided and plenty of fish and marine life at the coral reefs. The crew’s care and safety are consistently noted, making the water activities feel relaxed and enjoyable even for first-timers. Towels are available, so no need to bring your own if you prefer.

Crew and Service

Multiple reviews emphasize the friendly, knowledgeable crew, who go out of their way to ensure everyone feels comfortable and cared for. Asheesh called the crew “absolutely amazing,” while Gilda mentioned how the crew shared their knowledge and made everyone feel special. The crew’s attentiveness extends from the hotel pickup to onboard hospitality, safety, and even surprises like birthday cakes — a small touch that reviewers appreciated.

Timing, Group Size, and Value

The tour lasts about five hours, which strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation. The small group size makes it less crowded than larger tours, ensuring a more personalized experience. The price point of around $106 per person offers excellent value, considering the inclusions of meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, hotel pickup, and multiple scenic stops.

Considerations

While the experience is almost universally praised, some guests noted that sailing is usually by motor rather than actual sailing, which might be a disappointment for sailing purists. Also, the stops are relatively brief, so if you’re seeking hours at each site, this might feel rushed. But for most, the variety of sights and the comfort of the vessel offset this.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for anyone who wants a relaxed, scenic, and well-rounded day in Santorini. It suits couples, families, and small groups looking for a mix of sightseeing, water fun, and good food. If you’re after a more intimate experience with friendly hosts and stunning views, this tour is a winner. It’s also perfect for those who prefer not to worry about logistics, as hotel pickup and transfers are included.

However, if you’re a sailing enthusiast eager for true wind-powered sailing or prefer longer stops at each location, you might want to look for more specialized options. But for most travelers seeking a comfortable, all-inclusive day on the water, this cruise hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, and Hotel Pickup offers a fantastic way to enjoy the island’s coast. The combination of breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and friendly service creates a memorable experience without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The inclusions, such as snorkeling gear, towels, and unlimited drinks, mean you can relax and focus on soaking up the views and good company.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a luxurious yet authentic way to see Santorini’s highlights in comfort. The small-group setting ensures a more personalized feel, which many reviewers appreciated. The overall value, considering the itinerary, food, drinks, and transfers, makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

If you love stunning vistas, warm waters, tasty Greek cuisine, and the chance to unwind in style, this cruise will likely be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to book early, since space is limited, and prepare for a day filled with scenic beauty, good food, and new memories.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup is included, making it convenient and stress-free to start your day.

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience is approximately 5 hours, giving you ample time to explore, swim, and enjoy the onboard meal.

Are vegetarian options available?
Absolutely. The included meal offers vegetarian options, such as Greek ratatouille, along with other dishes like pasta and finger foods.

What stops are included on this cruise?
You’ll visit Red Beach, White Beach, the Venetian Lighthouse, the volcanic hot springs, and Mesa Pigadia Beach, each offering unique scenery and water experiences.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and towels are supplied, so you can enjoy the underwater sights without bringing your own.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?
Yes, the tour offers both morning and afternoon departure times to fit your schedule.

This comprehensive review highlights what makes the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise a top choice for many travelers. With its mix of scenic stops, delicious food, and attentive crew, it’s set up for a memorable day on the water in Santorini.