Santorini:Private Catamaran Tour with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

If you’re dreaming of cruising along Santorini’s iconic coast on a luxurious private catamaran, complete with a delicious BBQ and unlimited drinks, this tour might just tick all the boxes. Offered by Sunset Oia, it promises a personalized sailing adventure tailored to your group’s preferences, whether you’re after a morning escape or a stunning sunset experience. With a focus on comfort, scenic stops, and authentic Greek flavors, this tour appeals to travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure in one package.

One of the standout features we love is the customizable itinerary—you can stick with the suggested route or work with the captain to see the spots that excite you most. Plus, the inclusion of hotel transfers makes the entire experience seamless from start to finish. However, this experience isn’t perfect for everyone; the price point is relatively high, and it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges or looking for a more active or budget-friendly day. Still, if you’re after a private, intimate way to explore Santorini’s famed coastlines and enjoy top-tier amenities, this tour offers great value for the experience it provides.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: Perfect for small groups up to 4, ensuring intimacy and personalized service.
• Flexible Itinerary: Options for morning or sunset cruises, with the ability to customize the route.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: BBQ meal, unlimited drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and transport included.
• Unique Stops: Swim and snorkel at lesser-crowded beaches like Red Beach and White Beach, with opportunities to enjoy sulfur springs.
• Beautiful Views: Watch the sunset from Oia or the Vlychada port, depending on your chosen timing.
• High-Quality Vessel: Modern, luxury catamaran equipped with comfort amenities, music, and floating devices.

The Experience: A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

When booking this tour, you’re signing up for a five-hour journey that showcases some of Santorini’s most breathtaking spots, all on a sleek, private vessel. Whether you opt for the morning cruise or the sunset alternative, the core experience is tailored to maximize comfort and scenic beauty.

Starting Point and Transfers

The tour begins with hotel pickup, usually up to 1.5 hours before departure. This early start is a bonus for those who prefer avoiding the midday crowds or want to enjoy the calm of the Aegean Sea with fewer boats around. The transfers are by minibus, making it straightforward regardless of your accommodation’s location, though you’ll want to be prepared for an early pickup if you’re staying outside Fira or Oia.

The Route and Stops

The captain will navigate a suggested route, but the real perk here is the ability to customize based on your interests. We loved the flexibility, especially since weather or sea conditions can alter plans. The itinerary includes:

• Ammoudi Port: the departure point, with a charming harbor setting.
• Hot Springs: a roughly 30-minute stop where sulfur-rich waters warm the area, perfect for a relaxing swim and to soak away travel fatigue.
• Passing Aspronissi Island, Akrotiri, and Indian Rock: these scenic landmarks offer great photo ops and a sense of the island’s volcanic origins.
• White Beach: a highlight for many, this beach’s stunning white cliffs and clear waters lend themselves to snorkeling and relaxing on deck.
• Red Beach: known for its dramatic red cliffs, this spot provides incredible photo opportunities and another chance to swim in less crowded waters.

The Culinary Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is the on-board BBQ. The crew prepares this fresh on-site, serving a variety of options including pork, chicken, vegetarian dishes, shrimp saganaki, vine leaves stuffed with rice, Greek salad, pasta, bread, and tzatziki. We appreciated the variety, which caters to different dietary preferences, and the fact that it’s cooked fresh on the boat adds a special touch.

Drinks and Atmosphere

Unlimited drinks keep the mood lively and relaxed throughout the cruise. Expect a selection of white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water—perfect for cooling off after swimming or simply enjoying while taking in the scenery. Music plays during the trip, contributing to a festive, yet intimate, atmosphere.

Sunset and Views

If you opt for the sunset cruise, the final stop is at Ammoudi Port to witness the sun setting behind the iconic Oia village. Watching the sun dip below the caldera with the glow reflecting on the sea is truly magical. Alternatively, the tour can start from Vlychada and finish at Ammoudi, giving a different perspective on the island’s landscape and sunset views.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This private catamaran experience is all about creating personalized, memorable moments. The vessel itself is equipped with modern technology, comfort amenities, and safety features like towels, snorkeling gear, and floating devices. Passengers consistently mention the high quality of the boat, with reviews highlighting its luxurious feel and clean facilities.

The staff, including the local host who greets you at the port, receives praise for their professionalism and friendly attitude. They’re attentive, ensuring everyone is comfortable and informed about safety and the day’s plan.

Value for Money

At $1,412 for a group of up to four, this experience offers a lot of bang for your buck—especially considering the inclusiveness of the meals, drinks, transfers, and equipment. For travelers looking for an intimate, flexible, and luxurious way to see Santorini from the water, this is a compelling option. It’s particularly suited for honeymooners, small families, or close friends who want privacy without sacrificing comfort.

Potential Drawbacks

The price tag might be steep for budget travelers, and with a maximum group size of four, it’s not ideal for larger parties. Also, since the itinerary can shift due to weather, some stops might be shorter or altered unexpectedly. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Book early and confirm details: the experience is popular, and availability varies.
• Bring essentials: sunscreen, hat, swimwear, warm clothing, and a light jacket—especially for sunset cruises when it can get cool.
• Arrive prepared: bring your ID, and note that alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the boat.
• Expect early mornings: hotel pickups are up to 1.5 hours before departure, so plan accordingly.
• Consider your comfort: the boat has modern amenities, but space is limited; bring your favorite playlist or a camera to capture the scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This private cruise is ideal for small groups seeking a luxurious, customizable, and stress-free way to explore Santorini’s coastline. It’s perfect for couples on a honeymoon, friends celebrating together, or families with small children (who are able to participate in swimming and snorkeling). Those wanting a more intimate experience away from the crowds will find this especially appealing.

However, if you’re traveling solo or in a larger group, you might find other options more suitable or cost-effective. Also, travelers with mobility limitations should consider alternate tours, as this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Final Words

This private catamaran tour offers a blend of comfort, stunning scenery, and authentic Greek flavors that’s hard to beat for a special day in Santorini. The flexibility of the itinerary, coupled with top-tier amenities and personalized service, makes it a standout choice for those wanting a memorable, intimate sailing adventure. While it comes at a premium price, the inclusive nature of the experience—meals, drinks, transfers—adds considerable value.

For anyone craving a relaxed, scenic day on the water with a touch of luxury and local charm, this tour delivers. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or indulge in a unique perspective of Santorini’s famed coastlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel transfers by minibus are included, with pickup times up to 1.5 hours before the tour starts, depending on your accommodation location.

Can I choose between a morning or sunset cruise?
Absolutely. You can select a morning cruise or a sunset experience, with the sunset option ending at Ammoudi to view the sunset behind Oia.

What is included in the meal?
The BBQ features pork, chicken, or vegetarian options, along with shrimp saganaki, vine leaves stuffed with rice, Greek salad, pasta with red sauce, bread, and tzatziki.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, unlimited white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water are provided throughout the cruise.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with the exact timetable depending on your chosen start time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and you can enjoy swimming at designated stops like White Beach and Red Beach.

Can I customize the route?
You can suggest changes or preferences to the captain, who will try to accommodate them based on weather and sea conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is family-friendly, children must be able to participate in swimming and snorkeling. The boat’s facilities are modern but not specifically designed for mobility-impaired guests.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, warm clothing, and a light jacket for the evening.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
It’s designed for private groups of up to four, so solo travelers might want to look for other options unless they can join with friends or family.

In summary, this private catamaran cruise offers an elegant, personalized way to explore Santorini’s waters, combining scenic stops, a delicious meal, and unlimited drinks—all in a luxurious setting. It’s best for small groups seeking privacy, comfort, and authentic Greek sailing charm.