Santorini: Private All-In Catamaran Cruise, with Food|Drinks

A Detailed Look at the Santorini Private All-In Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Sailing around Santorini on a private, fully customizable catamaran—sounds like a postcard, right? This experience, offered by Ippokampos Sailing, promises a personalized journey through some of the island’s most scenic spots, complete with swimming, snorkeling, and a delicious onboard meal. As a travel writer who’s seen more than a few boat tours, I can tell you that this one stands out for its flexibility, quality food, and the intimate feel of a private voyage.

One of the things we love about this cruise is how much control you have over the itinerary. Want to spend more time in the volcanic hot springs or explore secluded bays? Your captain will craft the route based on your preferences. Plus, the reviews highlight how friendly, knowledgeable staff make all the difference. A possible consideration: the cruise lasts five hours, which might feel long for some, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. Still, if you enjoy sailing and want a tailored experience, this tour is an excellent choice for couples, small groups, or families looking for a memorable day on the water.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who appreciate getting off the beaten path, enjoying authentic local flavors, and valuing exclusivity over crowded boat excursions. If you’re after a flexible, scenic adventure with personalized touches, this cruise could be one of the highlights of your Santorini trip.

Key Points

• Private and Customizable: The route and stops are tailored to your preferences, giving you freedom and privacy.
• Stunning Scenery: From cliffs and sea caves to volcanic caldera views, the landscape is breathtaking.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling gear and hot springs offer opportunities to explore underwater life and relax.
• Gourmet Meal Included: A freshly prepared BBQ with local flavors, wines, and desserts make the experience complete.
• Expert Crew: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to adapt to your desires.
• Value for Money: The reviews consistently mention the excellent quality of food, service, and scenery relative to the cost.

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

The Departure and Pickup

The cruise departs from Vlychada Port, with pickup included from your hotel or a preferred location in Thera. The transportation is in a ventilated mini-van, ensuring a comfortable start to your day. To ensure smooth coordination, you’ll need to provide your contact details, including WhatsApp if possible, so the driver can contact you directly. Many reviewers, like Lorraine Megan, appreciated how seamless and well-organized the pickup process was, even noting the driver’s punctuality and friendly manner.

Safety and Preparation

Before boarding, you’ll receive a safety briefing—lasting about 15 minutes—and a safety leaflet available in multiple languages. Shoes must be removed before stepping onto the boat, and you’ll be asked to dry off after swimming to prevent slipping on the deck. While onboard, you can use the restroom and freshen up with provided water to rinse off salt.

Packing tips: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, a light jacket for sea breezes, and your personal medication. The crew recommends avoiding oily sunscreens to keep the deck safe and slippery-free.

The Itinerary: A Day in Paradise

The cruise itinerary is flexible, but typically includes several key stops. Here’s a breakdown based on the reviews and provided details:

• Stop 1: Red Beach – Known for its striking red cliffs, this is a popular swimming spot. Passengers are usually given around 15 minutes here for a quick dip in the clear waters. Reviewers like ANG Swee praised the safety briefing and the privacy they experienced, allowing for a relaxed swim in a beautiful setting.

• Stop 2: White Beach – A quick photo stop of Santorini’s iconic white cliffs, perfect for snapping memorable photos. The roughly 10-minute stop is enough to take in the landscape and capture some shots.

• Stop 3: Santorini Caldera – The main event. The cruise offers about 40 minutes of sightseeing through the caldera, giving you breathtaking views of volcanic formations and towering cliffs. Expect to see the Akrotiri Lighthouse and other dramatic landmarks. Many guests, like Helen, enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the geography from knowledgeable guides.

• Stop 4: Nea Kameni Hot Springs – Here, you can swim near volcanic hot springs, snorkel, or simply relax onboard while enjoying a freshly prepared Greek meal. The review from Raymond detailed how the staff helped with decorations for a proposal, highlighting the versatility of this stop. The hot springs offer a unique chance to experience both volcanic activity and a soothing soak.

The Dining Experience

The highlight for many is the onboard meal, included in the cruise. It’s a genuine focus of the tour, with a variety of Greek flavors: grilled chicken, seafood, pasta with Mediterranean sauce, fresh salads, dips, and bread. Desserts like baklava or other sweets are also served. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are unlimited, and many reviewers, including Rachel, raved about the quality and generous portions.

The food is prepared fresh on board, and the crew is flexible—some guests have requested vegetarian options, which were happily accommodated. The reviews also point out how the crew takes care to ensure everyone feels attended to, and the presentation of the meal adds a special touch to the experience.

Water Activities and Relaxation

Snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew will advise on the best spots. Participants should be confident swimmers, as the crew doesn’t offer assistance during water activities. The hot springs are a popular swim spot, offering a relaxing experience while surrounded by volcanic scenery. Many reviewers mention how memorable it was to snorkel in such clear waters, with ANG Swee noting how the crew gave a thorough safety briefing.

The Return Journey

After about five hours on the water, the cruise heads back to Vlychada Port, sailing past the caldera, cliffs, and rock formations one last time. Guests can relax and soak in the views, often sharing photos and conversations. The transfer back to your hotel wraps up a well-rounded day, with many reviewers expressing satisfaction with the entire process.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Personalization: Unlike standard group tours, this cruise allows you to decide how much time to spend at each stop. As Rachel noted, the crew “adapted the schedule to what we wanted to do,” making it ideal for those seeking a tailored experience.

Quality Food and Drinks: The onboard BBQ includes local seafood, grilled meats, fresh salads, and desserts—delivered with generous pours of local wine and beer. This culinary aspect elevates the cruise from a simple sightseeing trip to a full-fledged Greek feast.

Expert Crew and Guides: Many reviews mentioned how friendly and knowledgeable the staff were. Captain George and Helen, in particular, received praise for their attentiveness and storytelling, enhancing the overall experience.

Beautiful Scenery: From the iconic caldera views to the volcanic hot springs, the visuals are as spectacular as you’d hope. The flexibility to choose swimming spots means you can avoid crowded areas if you prefer seclusion.

Value for Money: Considering the private nature, personalized service, and the quality of food, the cost of $1,514 for up to 6 people is quite reasonable, especially given consistent praise for the quality of experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers who want privacy, flexibility, and a personalized experience. It’s perfect for couples celebrating special occasions, small groups of friends, or families seeking a memorable day on the water. If you love authentic Greek cuisine, scenic sailing, and water activities, you’ll find this cruise well worth the investment.

However, those who prefer a fast-paced, action-packed schedule or are sensitive to seasickness should consider the duration and water-based stops. The experience is more relaxed and scenic than adrenaline-fueled.

The Sum Up

In the world of Santorini boat tours, this private catamaran cruise from Ippokampos Sailing offers real value through its customizability, quality food, and intimate atmosphere. The flexibility to craft your route means you’re not stuck with a scripted itinerary—your day can focus on what interests you most, be it swimming, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the sun and views.

The crew’s friendliness, combined with the stunning landscape and delicious onboard meal, makes this experience particularly appealing for those seeking a luxurious yet authentic day on the water. The reviews consistently highlight excellent service, memorable scenery, and great value, making it a top choice for those wanting a more exclusive, personal way to explore Santorini.

This tour is best for travelers who crave tailored experiences, beautiful scenery, and good food—perfect for celebrating special moments or just indulging in a serene escape. Book ahead, prepare for a memorable day, and let the beauty of Santorini unfold from your private vessel.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, giving ample time for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying the onboard meal.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a freshly prepared Greek meal, drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks), snorkeling gear, towels, safety briefing, and Wi-Fi on board.

Are there specific stops for swimming?
Yes. Typical stops include Red Beach and the hot springs near Nea Kameni, with time allocated for swimming and snorkeling. Guests can decide where they want to spend their time.

Can I customize the route and stops?
Absolutely. The captain works with you to tailor the route based on your preferences, whether you want more swimming, sightseeing, or relaxation.

Is the crew knowledgeable?
Yes. Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and expertise, with some guests mentioning how well they explained the sites and geography.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, change of clothes, a light jacket, personal medication, and cash. Shoes must be removed before boarding.

Is this experience suitable for kids?
Children can participate but must be supervised by parents, and swimming depends on their ability and comfort in the water.

Are there any physical considerations?
Elderly guests should assess their physical condition before swimming. Pregnant women are advised against swimming in the hot springs.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your planning.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is included, allowing you to share your experience or coordinate with friends and family.

This private Santorini catamaran cruise combines scenic beauty, personalized service, and authentic cuisine—making it an experience that’s as memorable as the island itself.