Santorini: Luxurious Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Open Bar

Planning a trip to Santorini and want to see the island from a different perspective? A luxury catamaran cruise offers a relaxed, scenic way to explore the caldera, swim in hot springs, and enjoy a delicious onboard meal—all while sipping unlimited drinks. This tour, rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 87 reviews, promises a balanced mix of sightseeing, comfort, and authentic Greek flavors.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines small-group intimacy with the chance to see areas unreachable by car. Plus, the inclusive barbecue and open bar make it feel like a special treat rather than just another tour. On the flip side, some travelers mention that weather conditions, such as wind or choppy seas, can affect the experience—something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to rough waters.

This cruise is ideally suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water, those who love good food and drinks, and anyone wanting to explore Santorini’s coastline from a unique vantage point. If you’re after a more active or adventure-filled trip, this might feel a little more laid-back than other options. But for a memorable, comfortable day with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and unwind, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Up to 20 guests on the newest vessels for a more personalized feel.
• All-inclusive dining: Barbecue with vegetarian options, seafood, Greek salad, and more.
• Unlimited drinks: White wine, beers, soft drinks, and water keep everyone refreshed.
• Multiple swim stops: Hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling.
• Stunning caldera views: Sail below and along Santorini’s iconic cliffs and islands.
• Expert crew: Friendly staff, including knowledgeable guides, ensure smooth sailing and memorable moments.

The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do

The cruise kicks off with hotel pickup, so expect to be collected early, about 1.5 hours before departure, depending on your accommodation’s location. Once at the port, you’ll meet your host, who will help you board one of the newest, well-maintained catamarans. With a maximum of 20 guests, the atmosphere is intimate without feeling crowded.

The Itinerary in Detail

Sailing below the Caldera offers some of the most breathtaking views of Santorini’s cliffs and charming villages. The guide (usually in English) will point out notable spots and share interesting tidbits along the way—something reviewers have appreciated, noting guides like “the three staff on board” as welcoming and knowledgeable.

First stop: Hot Springs. You’ll sail directly to the volcanic springs, where you can swim for around half an hour. Reviewers like Margaret mentioned that “cruising around the caldera and experiencing the sunset was awesome,” highlighting how peaceful and scenic this part is. Be aware that the boat can’t moor directly on the springs, but you’ll get close enough to enjoy the sulfur-rich waters—if you plan to swim in them, avoid white swimsuits to prevent staining.

Next, the cruise proceeds past Aspronisi Island, Akrotiri, and the Indian Rock, offering fantastic photo ops and a chance to admire the island’s geological features. Then it’s time for the Red Beach, known for its striking red cliffs and volcanic sands. You’ll have half an hour here for swimming or snorkeling, discovering underwater surprises at the reefs.

Afterward, the vessel heads toward White Beach, a more relaxed, scenic stop. Here, the cruise includes about 1.5 hours—ample time for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the views. Reviewers like Yelena called the boat “beautiful, clean,” and the crew “friendly and professional,” making the experience pleasant and stress-free.

Lunch or dinner on board is a highlight. The barbecue can be pork, chicken, or vegetarian dishes, complemented by traditional Greek sides like salad, pasta, and tzatziki. The food is described as “delicious,” with many noting the quality and generous portions. In addition, unlimited drinks, including white wine and local beers, help keep everyone refreshed during the cruise.

The final leg takes you around the island, past Ancient Lighthouse and Ammoudi Bay. During sunset tours, you can enjoy the spectacular colors from the sea—a truly magical sight. Many reviews mention how special it is to see Santorini’s skyline light up as the sun dips below the horizon.

What Makes It Special

The combination of scenic sailing, quality food, and relaxing swim stops ensures this cruise appeals to travelers who want a balanced, memorable day. The small group size fosters a cozy atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy personalized attention from the crew. Plus, the snorkeling gear and towels are provided, so you don’t need to bring much along.

Value for Money

At $147 per person, this cruise offers significant value considering the inclusions: a full barbecue meal, open bar, snorkeling equipment, towels, and hotel transfers. Many reviews emphasize that the quality of the boat, the food, and the crew make it worth the price. The fact that it’s a small-group tour also enhances the experience, avoiding the crowded, impersonal boat trips common elsewhere.

It’s a flexible activity too—free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and the option to reserve now and pay later offers peace of mind when planning your trip.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Cruise

• Timing: Check the available start times, usually around 5 hours in duration, which can vary based on the season.
• Clothing: Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the evening, especially if you opt for the sunset cruise.
• Weather considerations: Windy days might mean choppier seas, as some reviewers noted, so be prepared for potential movement.
• Hot springs: Remember, sulfur can stain white swimsuits, so choose darker swimwear if you plan to swim there.
• Hotel pickups: Allow about 1.5 hours for pickup, and be sure to provide your full name and hotel info at booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for those who want a relaxed and scenic day on the water, combining sightseeing, swimming, and good food. If you’re traveling with friends or family who appreciate comfort, good service, and stunning vistas, this is a top pick. It’s especially appealing to travelers who love small-group intimacy and an authentic Greek experience on the open sea.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness, the choppy waters some reviewers mentioned might be a concern. Also, those needing disability accommodations will want to check accessibility, as the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts

This luxury catamaran cruise in Santorini provides a well-rounded day of beauty, relaxation, and delicious food. The combination of stunning caldera views, small-group intimacy, and all-inclusive dining and drinks makes it a fantastic value proposition. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset, a fun day with friends, or a family-friendly adventure, this tour delivers memorable moments from the sea.

The positive reviews and high rating reflect its consistent quality, especially the friendly, professional crew and the scenic stops. While weather conditions can influence the experience, most travelers find it a worthwhile addition to their Santorini trip. If you’re looking for a comfortable, scenic cruise with great food and drinks, this tour is an excellent choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is included, with pickup starting about 1.5 hours before the tour departs, depending on your location.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the evening or cooler weather.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy unlimited drinks, including white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water throughout the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, so you can explore underwater at the designated stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and children should be old enough to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Always check the specific needs of your group before booking.

In all, this Santorini catamaran cruise offers an enjoyable, scenic, and well-priced way to experience the island’s beauty from the water—ideal for those seeking comfort, great food, and memorable views.