Fira: Private Day Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, & Hot Springs

Exploring Santorini from the Water: A Private Day Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, & Hot Springs

This private day cruise in Santorini offers a luxurious way to see the island’s best sights while enjoying the comfort and intimacy of a small group or your own party. With the entire boat to yourselves, you’ll cruise past iconic beaches, explore volcanic hot springs, and take in breathtaking caldera views—all topped off with a delicious Greek BBQ and unlimited drinks. It’s a fantastic option for those who want a customized, relaxing day away from crowded tours and busy boat parties.

One of our favorite features? The privacy and flexibility that come with a fully private experience. You can set your own pace—whether that’s swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the sun with a glass of local wine. However, keep in mind that this tour is on the pricier side, especially for a group of four, but the exclusivity and tailored experience often justify the cost.

This tour is particularly suited for couples, friends, or small families seeking a luxurious, hassle-free way to explore Santorini’s coastline with personalized service. Those who love a good scenic photo op, authentic local food, and a relaxing day on the water will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: Enjoy a tailored cruise just for your group, avoiding crowds and noisy boat parties.
• Iconic Sights & Unique Stops: Visit Red Beach, White Beach, volcanic hot springs, and scenic caldera cliffs with stunning views of Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia.
• Authentic Greek Meal: Savor a fresh BBQ with local products, complemented by Santorinian wines and unlimited soft drinks.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes round-trip hotel transfers, towels, snorkeling gear, WiFi, and a knowledgeable crew.
• Flexible & Transparent Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, pay later, and enjoy a personalized experience with live guides in English and Greek.
• Ideal for Special Occasions: Perfect for celebrating a romantic getaway or a small group adventure with exclusive privacy.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point & Timing
Your day begins at Vlychada Marina at 10:00 am, where a sleek motor boat awaits. The cruise lasts about five hours, wrapping up around 3 pm, making it a perfect half-day escape from the island’s busy towns. The timing allows for maximum daylight, so you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

First Stops: Red Beach & White Beach
The first stops are at Red Beach—famous for its stark volcanic red cliffs—and White Beach, known for its pristine white sands. Both beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, and their crystal-clear waters make for excellent swimming and snorkeling. One reviewer noted, “The water was so clear, and snorkeling gear was a plus—it really felt like a private lagoon.” These stops are excellent for unwinding, with stunning scenery that’s perfect for photos.

Cruising Past Akrotiri & the Volcano
Next, the boat cruises past Akrotiri village, where you can enjoy views of the Indian rock formation and the lighthouse—both iconic landmarks. The highlight here is a visit to the hot springs of the volcano for a warm swim. One guest mentioned that “the sulfur springs had a unique smell, but the experience of floating in warm waters with the caldera in the background was unforgettable.” Keep in mind that white swimsuits aren’t recommended at the sulfur springs due to the mineral deposits.

Caldera & Villages Panorama
After the springs, you’ll cruise along the caldera cliffs, with panoramic views of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and the charming village of Oia. This part of the cruise offers some of the most breathtaking photo opportunities—think dramatic cliffs, colorful houses, and the vast Aegean stretching out endlessly. Many reviewers rave about the spectacular scenery and the chance to snap iconic photos from the boat.

Stop at Oia or Thirasia
The tour makes a stop at either Oia or Thirasia Island—whichever fits your schedule. Here, you can relax, swim, or simply soak in the views. Meanwhile, the crew prepares the Greek BBQ meal onboard. As one reviewer put it, “The food was fantastic, with local delicacies and plenty of Santorinian wine to go around.” Unlimited soft drinks are included, and the wine selection was specifically highlighted as being excellent by some guests, elevating the entire experience.

Final Leg & Return
After lunch, the cruise continues around Asponisi Island, offering more scenic vistas before returning to the marina at Vlychada port. The entire experience balances sightseeing, relaxation, and gourmet dining in a way that feels both indulgent and authentic.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Private, Tailored Experience
Unlike crowded group tours or party boats, this private cruise provides a calm, personalized environment. You can relax knowing your schedule is flexible—stop where you want, swim when you like, and enjoy the trip with your chosen company. According to reviews, “We loved the way the crew was attentive without being overwhelming, making us feel pampered.”

Authentic Local Flavors & Excellent Wine
The onboard BBQ features local products and is a real highlight—fresh ingredients, expertly grilled, with a selection of Santorinian wines. Guests consistently mention the quality of the wine as a memorable part of the experience. Soft drinks and water are unlimited, so hydration is never a concern.

Unbeatable Views & Photo Opportunities
From the caldera cliffs to the volcanic hot springs, every stop offers stunning vistas. Many travelers appreciated having the ability to capture postcard-perfect images from the boat, which is often difficult from land given the crowds.

Comfort & Convenience
Included extras like round-trip hotel transfers, towels, WiFi, snorkeling gear, and an experienced crew make this a seamless experience. The vessel’s modern amenities and professional staff, including an English and Greek-speaking guide, enhance the overall feeling of luxury.

Cost & Value
At $1,129 for up to 4 people, this tour isn’t cheap, but it delivers privacy, flexibility, and exclusivity that are hard to match with other options. When you consider the private transportation, gourmet meal, unlimited drinks, and access to iconic sights, many find it offers good value—especially for special occasions or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Practical Considerations & Tips

• Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—great for flexible planning.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, camera, and sunscreen are essentials.
• Dress Code: Casual, swimsuit-friendly attire; avoid white swimsuits at sulfur springs.
• Group Size & Privacy: Limited to your private group, making it ideal for intimate celebrations or romantic escapes.
• Timing: Tours start at 10 am; check availability for your preferred date.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise appeals most to travelers wanting a luxurious, private experience with the freedom to enjoy Santorini’s coastline at their own pace. Ideal for couples celebrating a honeymoon, small groups of friends, or families seeking a relaxed, intimate day on the water. If you value authentic local food, excellent views, and personalized service, this tour will meet your expectations.

It’s less suitable for solo travelers or those on a tight budget, given the cost, but for those seeking a premium experience with all logistics taken care of, it’s a memorable way to see Santorini from a different perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the onboard meal.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private boat cruise, round-trip transfer from your hotel, a BBQ meal with local products, unlimited drinks (water, beers, wine, soft drinks), towels, snorkeling equipment, crew, fuel, and taxes.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.

How long does the cruise last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 10 am and ending around 3 pm.

Are there any restrictions at the hot springs?
White swimsuits are not recommended at the sulfur hot springs due to mineral deposits.

Will I get good photo opportunities?
Absolutely. The cruise offers stunning views of the caldera, villages, and volcanic sights, ideal for photography.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the private, relaxed nature suggests it could be family-friendly, especially if your children enjoy swimming and boat rides, but check with the operator for age restrictions.

In The Sum Up

This private day cruise in Santorini offers an elegant, personalized way to explore the island’s most iconic sights. With a focus on comfort, authentic local flavors, and stunning scenery, it’s perfect for those who want a memorable, stress-free experience away from the crowds. The inclusion of a gourmet BBQ, unlimited drinks, and the chance to swim in volcanic hot springs makes it a well-rounded choice for a special occasion or a luxurious treat, especially if privacy ranks high on your list.

While the cost is on the higher side, the exclusivity and quality of the experience can justify the price, making it worth considering if you’re after a truly unique way to see Santorini. Whether celebrating a honeymoon or simply seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure, this cruise ticks many boxes for a memorable Greek getaway.