Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer

Imagine sailing across the sparkling waters of Santorini’s caldera aboard a sleek, modern vessel, with the Aegean sun casting a golden glow as you indulge in Greek barbecue and sip on local wines. That’s precisely what this Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise offers. With a rating of 5.0 from 250 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers see this as a highlight of their trip to Greece’s most iconic island.

What makes this experience stand out? The Ipanema 58 catamaran is the only vessel of its kind on Santorini, offering spacious comfort and a sense of exclusivity. The crew, often praised for their friendliness and professionalism, takes care of everything from snorkeling gear to tasty food. While most reviewers adored the trip, some noted that the drinks selection could be more varied or that the sunset wasn’t always guaranteed depending on timing.

This tour works best for those seeking a luxurious, relaxing day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy stunning views. If you’re after an authentic and memorable way to see Santorini’s volcanic landscape, this cruise could be just the ticket—especially if you love good food, laid-back vibes, and scenic photo ops.

Key Points

• Unique vessel: Only Ipanema 58 catamaran on Santorini, offering ample space and comfort.
• Varied stops: Includes volcanic hot springs, Red Beach, White Beach, and the ancient lighthouse—each offering unique scenery and swimming opportunities.
• All-inclusive experience: Greek BBQ lunch, drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, juice), snorkeling gear, towels, and a restroom onboard.
• Professional crew and atmosphere: Friendly, attentive service with music and safety instructions in multiple languages.
• Great value for money: For around $150, you get a 5-hour luxury experience with multiple stops and a delicious meal.
• Recommended booking: Most travelers book about 69 days in advance, indicating high demand for this sought-after experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Booking and Practicalities

Booking the tour costs approximately $150.61 per person. Given the rave reviews, especially noting it as a favorite activity in Santorini, securing your spot in advance—often about 69 days ahead—is a smart move. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics in a place where transportation can sometimes be tricky.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket confirmation, and a day before the experience, the operator will contact you to confirm your pick-up time and location. Expect small groups (max 20 people), which helps keep the atmosphere intimate and less crowded.

Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise begins at either Ammoudi or Athinios port, both convenient departure points depending on where you’re staying. From there, the vessel sets sail, giving you the chance to marvel at the island’s volcanic landscape.

Sailing next to the volcano and Palea Kameni offers dramatic views of the volcanic formations, perfect for photography and understanding Santorini’s fiery past. The crew stays about 50 meters away from the hot springs, allowing you to swim in mineral-rich waters heated by volcanic activity—up to 4°C warmer than the surrounding waters, according to reviews, which makes for a soothing dip.

Next, the boat cruises along the coast to Red Beach, where you can snorkel and admire the striking red cliffs. It’s a great spot to get in the water and explore the underwater world, thanks to snorkeling equipment provided on board.

The largest stop is at White Beach, where you stay for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here, you can snorkel again and enjoy a Greek BBQ meal onboard, which many reviewers describe as delicious and authentic, complete with a variety of grilled meats and fresh salads. Some travelers, like one reviewer, praise the range of drinks, though others wish there was more in terms of wine variety, suggesting champagne could enhance the experience.

The Sunset and Scenic Vistas

One of the key highlights is watching the famous Santorini sunset from the water (if you pick the later departure). Several reviews mention how breathtaking the view is, with Suzanne describing it as “gorgeous” and Farhana calling the sunset “just perfect.” However, a few noted that the sunset isn’t always guaranteed—this depends on weather conditions and timing, so don’t expect a guaranteed golden show every evening.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The onboard Greek BBQ is a big hit among travelers, with many describing it as tasty, homemade, and satisfying after a day in the sun. The drinks selection includes unlimited beer, white wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and juice, which is more than enough to keep everyone refreshed. Some reviews mention the drinks being okay but suggest that more variety, especially champagne, would make it even better.

The crew, often praised for their friendliness and responsiveness, creates a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Many reviewers, like JoseNoris_M and Guadalupe_R, emphasize how attentive and hard-working the staff are, with some mentioning special moments like putting up sails or offering extra snacks.

Additional Comforts and Safety

The tour provides towels, blankets (to be returned), and snorkeling equipment. Restrooms aboard the vessel are easily accessible, and multilingual safety instructions ensure everyone feels secure.

The Small Group Experience

Most reviews emphasize the intimacy and relaxed atmosphere of smaller groups. Debbie mentions she booked the diamond package—a smaller group that felt more personal, allowing for plenty of space and conversations with fellow travelers. This setup makes the tour ideal for couples, friends, or anyone who prefers a more exclusive feel.

The Value and Who It Suits

At around $150, this cruise offers excellent value for money considering the length, variety of stops, and quality of experience. Compared to other tours, the inclusion of a full BBQ meal, unlimited drinks, and hotel transfers minimizes additional costs and effort.

Travelers who love scenic views, good food, and a touch of luxury will find this cruise a perfect fit. It’s especially well-suited for couples celebrating special occasions, honeymooners, or anyone who wants a comfortable, scenic cruise without feeling cramped or rushed.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews point out the occasional disruption by loud, party-style guests—so if you’re seeking a serene, romantic experience, you might want to inquire about the typical group composition.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise truly offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and authentic Greek flavors. The vessel’s spacious design and attentive crew provide a comfortable environment for both relaxing and exploring. The stops at volcanic hot springs and iconic beaches deliver unforgettable scenery and the chance to swim in mineral-rich waters, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

The delicious BBQ and drinks included make the experience feel indulgent, while the sunset views provide that postcard-perfect moment everyone hopes for. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see Santorini from a fresh perspective, this cruise ticks many boxes.

In essence, it’s a well-rounded, high-value experience—a bit more luxurious than a standard boat tour, but still accessible and packed with memorable moments.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes the experience seamless and convenient.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, allowing time for snorkeling, swimming, lunch, and sightseeing.

What is included in the meal?
A full Greek BBQ meal with grilled meats and salads is served onboard, and it’s generally praised for its authenticity and flavor.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, beer, white wine, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water are all unlimited during the cruise.

Can I snorkel at the beaches?
Absolutely, snorkeling gear is provided, and many guests enjoy exploring the underwater scenery at Red and White Beaches.

What about the sunset?
If you choose the later departure, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the stunning sunset from the water, though weather conditions can affect visibility.

How many people are on the boat?
The boat caps at 20 travelers, making for an intimate and personalized experience.

Is the experience suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most travelers, including non-swimmers, find it enjoyable provided they’re comfortable with water activities. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided, but supervision is recommended for children.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, dry clothes, and a camera are recommended. Towels, blankets, and snorkeling gear are provided and should be returned after use.

Is there a dress code?
Casual beachwear is fine—just remember to wear comfortable clothes for the transfers and appropriate attire for swimming and sunbathing.

This Santorini catamaran cruise combines comfort, scenic beauty, and authentic Greek hospitality, making it an experience worth considering when planning your Aegean adventure.