Santorini: Cruise Catamaran with BBQ & Drinks Day or Sunset

Taking a boat cruise around Santorini offers a different way to see one of Greece’s most iconic islands. This 5-hour catamaran experience combines sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing with a tasty Greek BBQ and unlimited drinks — all in a small group setting that keeps things intimate and personal. Whether you choose the daytime sail or the breathtaking sunset option, this tour promises memorable views and authentic touches that make it a worthwhile addition to any Santorini itinerary.

One of the things we particularly like about this experience is its balance of activities and relaxation. You get to see the island’s best sights, enjoy a delicious local meal, and unwind in the open sea, all without feeling rushed. The fact that the tour is limited to 50 guests means you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the scenery and ask questions.

That said, one thing to consider is the lack of towels included, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want to dry off after swimming. Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility challenges might need to look for alternative options.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience with great food, lovely views, and a chance to swim in Santorini’s famous beaches. Couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a laid-back day or sunset with quality service will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Authentic experience with local flavors: Enjoy a freshly prepared Greek menu and unlimited Santorini wine.
• Beautiful sightseeing: Sail past volcanoes, the caldera, and iconic landmarks like Akrotiri lighthouse and Indian Rock.
• Swim and snorkel stops: Red Beach and White Beach offer clear waters, snorkeling, and photo opportunities.
• Scenic sunset views: The sunset stop in Oia provides stunning photo ops and a memorable end to the cruise.
• Inclusive features: Hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, and drinks are included, offering good value.
• Limited mobility considerations: Not wheelchair accessible; towels are not provided.

An In-Depth Review of the Santorini Catamaran Experience

When you’re visiting Santorini, seeing the caldera and volcano from the water is almost a must-do. This catamaran cruise with BBQ and drinks offers a well-rounded experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and tasty local cuisine. We found that it’s designed to be both relaxing and engaging, perfect for those who want to enjoy Santorini from a different perspective without the fuss of larger tour groups.

How the Tour Begins and What to Expect

The tour kicks off with pickup from your hotel or a nearby accessible location in Thera, making it hassle-free to start your day or evening. From there, you’ll be transported to the port, where a maximum of 50 guests await. This size strikes a good balance — small enough for intimacy, but large enough to feel lively.

The crew, part of NST Santorini Tours, is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, with Ian describing his experience as “fantastic afternoon and the friendliest of staff.” Expect them to guide you through the itinerary, share insights into the landmarks, and assist with snorkeling gear, which is provided.

Key Stops and What Makes Them Special

One of the main highlights is the variety of stops along the route:

• Nea Kameni Hot Springs: Here, swimmers can take a dip — the water is invigorating and a fun way to break up the cruise. The photo stop offers a chance to capture the volcanic landscape, which is truly dramatic.

• Aspronisi Island: Sailing past this small island provides a scenic view, perfect for photos and appreciating the volcanic landscape that surrounds Santorini. The crew often shares interesting facts about the volcanic activity and history here.

• Akrotiri Lighthouse: As the cruise passes by this iconic lighthouse, you’ll notice the way the light plays off the rocks, making it a popular photo spot. It also signals the approach to the caldera.

• Red Beach: Known for its vivid red cliffs, this beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Guests have praised the opportunity to enjoy the clear waters and take photographs of the striking terrain.

• White Beach: Smaller and less crowded, White Beach offers excellent snorkeling and a chance to relax with some wine and a barbecue onboard. The reviews mention that the BBQ is delicious, with fresh ingredients and local flavors.

• Oia Village: The cruise ends with a breathtaking sunset below Oia, arguably the most famous sunset spot in Greece. Watching the sun set over the caldera from the water is truly a picture-perfect moment.

The Dining Experience

The onboard Greek menu is a standout feature. It’s prepared fresh on the boat, offering local flavors that complement the wine and soft drinks included. The emphasis on authentic, homemade dishes adds a special touch, making the meal feel like a shared gathering among friends.

Guests consistently mention the quality of the food — from grilled meats to traditional sides — noting that it exceeds expectations for a tour meal. The unlimited Santorinian wine, in particular, adds to the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.

Comfort, Convenience, and Extras

The inclusion of hotel transfers makes the experience smooth from start to finish. Pack a towel, sun protection, and some comfortable clothes — the tour provides blankets if it gets breezy. Wi-Fi is available onboard, so you can share your stunning photos on social media or check in with friends.

While the tour is a great value at $107 per person, it’s worth noting that towels are not included, so bringing one along is advised. Also, the tour’s duration of 5 hours means you’ll have plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

Authenticity and Customer Feedback

The reviews paint a picture of a well-organized operation with attentive staff. Ian’s comment about the staff being “the friendliest” is echoed across other reviews, underscoring the welcoming vibe. Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, who share insights about the volcanic islands, the caldera, and local history.

On top of that, the scenic stops and sunset views receive high praise, with multiple reviews mentioning how unforgettable the Oia sunset is from the water. The snorkeling stops at Red Beach and White Beach are also highlighted as enjoyable, with some guests noting the clear waters and good equipment.

Who Is This Tour For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want to see Santorini from the water while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere. It suits couples, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate good food, scenic views, and engaging guides. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users due to the tour’s physical requirements and accessibility limitations.

The Sum Up

This Santorini catamaran cruise offers a fantastic combination of natural beauty, authentic cuisine, and relaxing fun. You’ll love the way it showcases the island’s most iconic sights from the calm waters of the caldera, combined with the chance to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the local wine. The friendly crew and well-organized itinerary make it a worry-free way to experience Santorini’s best features.

For travelers seeking an authentic, scenic, and delicious day or sunset experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially great if you want to avoid overly commercialized options and prefer a more intimate, guided adventure that highlights the island’s stunning landscapes and flavors.

If you’re after a memorable, picture-perfect moment with great food and friendly service, this cruise is a solid choice that balances value and quality.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfers near or from your hotel or the nearest accessible point in Thera, making pickup hassle-free.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with starting times available to check depending on the day.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and sportswear. Towels are not included.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour features unlimited Santorinian white wine and soft drinks, perfect for relaxing on deck.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund with no penalties.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, masks and snorkels are available for use during swimming stops at Red and White Beaches.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour is family-friendly, it’s best for those comfortable with boat trips and outdoor activities. Not suitable for wheelchair users.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its intimate group size, authentic Greek cuisine, and the opportunity to enjoy the sunset over Oia from the water set it apart from larger, more commercial options.