Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks, & Oia Visit

A day on a Santorini catamaran cruise promises an unbeatable perspective on this stunning island—combining breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and a delicious onboard meal. While we haven’t personally set sail, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this experience offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic Greek hospitality.

One standout feature is the expertly guided stops, especially at Ammoudi Bay and the volcanic hot springs, which promise both scenic beauty and a touch of adventure. The onboard meal, highlighted by fresh seafood and local wines, further elevates the day. On the flip side, keep in mind that the boat cannot moor directly on beaches—so if you’re dreaming of lounging on the sand, this cruise offers more of a visual and swimming experience.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of active exploration and relaxation, prefer small group settings for a more personal touch, and enjoy having drinks and tasty food included. It’s ideal for those wanting to see the best of Santorini from the water while avoiding the crowds often found on land-based tours.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: With only 18 passengers maximum, you’ll enjoy a more intimate, less crowded atmosphere.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: The cruise covers major sights like Oia, Thira, volcanic springs, and iconic beaches, all in just five hours.
• All-Inclusive Value: From hotel transfers and a guided commentary to a delicious meal, wine, beer, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear—most essentials are included.
• Beautiful Scenery & Authentic Stops: The route offers stunning views of the Caldera, lighthouse, and the colorful beaches, plus time at hot springs and volcanic sites.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.9/5 from 14 reviews, travelers consistently praise the crew’s friendliness, the quality of food and drinks, and the scenic routes.
• Flexible Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the cruise.

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Catamaran Cruise

The Experience: A Day on the Water with a Mix of Sightseeing and Relaxation

This cruise, operated by MAGIC STAR, offers a 5-hour journey packed with memorable moments. It begins with pick-up from two convenient locations—Oia or Thera—making it accessible whether you’re staying in the popular cliffside village or the main town. The transfer is in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, setting the tone for a comfortable day.

Once aboard, the crew, including knowledgeable guides like Alexandra, Fedra, and Tzuis, provides insights and safety briefings. We love that the onboard commentary is both informative and engaging—adding context to the stunning vistas you’ll see. The small group size (max 18 passengers) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, which frequent reviewers appreciate.

The Itinerary: An Action-Packed Day with Iconic Stops

The cruise hits a variety of iconic sights, with each stop offering something unique. Here’s what to expect:

Ammoudi Bay & Oia
The journey starts with a visit to Ammoudi Bay, located directly beneath the charming village of Oia. This is where the landscape really captures the imagination—cliffs, colorful houses, and rocky waters. Reviewers like Ally mention, “The pickup process was smooth, and the crew super friendly,” setting a positive tone from the start. You won’t dock here, but you’ll have time to admire the views and potentially snap photos of the famous blue-domed churches.

Thirassia Island & Snorkeling
Next, the boat heads to Thirassia, a quieter island compared to Santorini, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. Many guests rave about the clarity of the waters, with Rachel noting, “The boat, food, and experience were fantastic.” You’ll have time for swimming, enjoying the Aegean’s calm waters, and taking in the serene atmosphere away from the crowded main island.

Hot Springs at Palea Kameni
The volcanic hot springs are a highlight for many. You’ll pass by the volcanic island, with a chance to swim in the thermal waters believed to have healing properties. Katherine mentions, “Captain Vasilis took us through a fantastic route,” and the hot springs experience is often described as both fun and mildly mystical.

Volcano & Caldera Views
Passing by the active volcano, you’ll get spectacular views of the caldera cliffs, with photo stops at the lighthouse, White Beach, and Red Beach. The boat’s route offers plenty of opportunities to marvel at the rugged landscape, with Steven highlighting the “best crew and food” as part of his overall appreciation.

Beaches & Sunset
The White Beach and Red Beach stops provide chances for quick swims and sightseeing, with soft sands and striking colors. Lastly, the cruise concludes at Vlichada with a sweet dessert and a stunning sunset, often seen as the perfect end to a day of exploration. Kathleen calls it “a must-do when visiting Santorini,” and many travelers agree.

The Food & Drinks: An Onboard Feast

One of the major perks is the meal onboard. Expect a seafood-heavy menu, with options for meat and vegetarians, prepared fresh and served with local wines, beers, and soft drinks from the open bar. Reviewers like Nefeli appreciate the attentive service and delicious flavors, noting that the staff cooked meals tailored to dietary restrictions like gluten or dairy allergies.

Finger foods, fresh fruit, and a handmade dessert round out the feast, making the meal more than just sustenance—it’s a highlight of the trip. The inclusion of Prosecco at sunset, as described in the reviews, adds a festive touch to the ending.

The Logistics: Easy, Practical, and Well-Organized

The tour’s duration of five hours makes it manageable for most travelers—long enough to see a variety of sights but not so long as to tire you out. The pickup and drop-off services are smooth, with additional details provided after booking. The crew’s live commentary enhances the experience without feeling overwhelming, and snorkeling gear and towels are provided, so you’re ready to jump in.

It’s worth mentioning that the boat cannot moor directly on beaches, which might be a consideration if you’re hoping for a full beach day. However, the stops at the volcanic springs and the beaches are designed to maximize swimming and sightseeing without the need to step ashore.

The Reviews: Authentic Insights from Fellow Travelers

Readers consistently praise the crew for their friendliness and knowledge, with many mentioning specific team members like Alexandra and Fedra. Katherine emphasizes the attentive service, noting her dietary restrictions were well-managed. Steven’s review highlights the “best crew ever,” and Ally mentions how smooth the pickup process was, reflecting a well-organized experience.

The food and drinks also receive high marks, with many describing the onboard meal as tasty and satisfying, and the wine and Prosecco adding a celebratory touch. The scenery, especially around the caldera, is often described as breathtaking—perfect for photography and creating lasting memories.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This cruise is ideal for those wanting a rundown of Santorini from the water, with highlights at key spots like Oia, Thirassia, and the volcanic springs. If you love a small group setting, personalized attention, and a delicious onboard meal paired with local drinks, this experience hits all the right notes.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation. If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty with cultural highlights, this tour offers remarkable value—particularly given the included transfers, food, and drinks.

However, if your main goal is lounging on a beach all day or you prefer mooring directly on beaches, you might find this cruise less suited to your style. Still, for those who enjoy spectacular views, engaging guides, and authentic experiences, this trip delivers.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, the cruise with stops, a guided commentary, snorkeling gear, towels, safety equipment, and a delicious onboard meal with drinks from the open bar.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options?
Yes, the crew prepares meals according to dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options if specified during booking.

How many people are on each boat?
The boat accommodates a maximum of 18 passengers, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.

Does the tour include beach stops?
Not directly. The boat cannot moor on beaches, but you can swim near beaches like Red Beach and White Beach or in the volcanic springs.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided onboard.

When does the cruise typically depart?
Check availability for specific starting times; the tour lasts about 5 hours, and afternoon cruises often conclude with sunset views.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, the crew provides live commentary in English and Greek, sharing insights about the sights and safety instructions.

Wrapping Up

This Santorini catamaran cruise offers an engaging way to experience the island’s highlights from the water. Expect stunning views, a friendly team, and a well-curated itinerary that balances sightseeing and leisure. The inclusion of a delicious meal, local drinks, and snorkeling gear makes it a fantastic value for travelers wanting an all-in-one day trip.

Perfect for those who enjoy small-group adventures and want to see Santorini’s most photogenic locations without the hassle of land-based tours, this experience earns high marks for its organization, scenic stops, and authentic touches. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, traveling with friends, or seeking a peaceful day on the water, this cruise delivers a memorable slice of Santorini life.

If you’re looking to combine stunning scenery, cultural stops, and great food into a compact, well-organized package, this cruise could be one of the best days you spend on the island.