Santorini Caldera Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Drinks

Summary

Sail past the volcano swim in hot springs taste greek bbq on deck

You’ll board a catamaran at Amoudi Bay for a relaxed cruise around Santorini’s caldera—swimming at volcanic beaches, soaking in hot springs, sharing laughs over Greek BBQ on deck with local wine flowing freely. End your day watching golden light spill across ancient cliffs—there’s something quietly unforgettable about seeing Santorini from this side.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the catamaran at Amoudi Bay, still brushing sea spray off my arm from the little tender boat. The morning felt lazy and bright, with that salty air you only get near volcanic islands. Our guide, Nikos, greeted us with a grin and a joke about sunscreen — I definitely should’ve listened better. As we pulled away from the port, red cliffs slid past on one side and the caldera opened up wide on the other. Someone pointed out Oia’s white houses clinging to the rim; they looked almost painted on.

The engine quieted as we drifted near Santorini’s volcano, and Nikos told us stories about eruptions — he made it sound like the island was still alive under our feet. We stopped at the hot springs (they really do smell faintly of eggs), and I jumped in before I could overthink it. The water was warm but not bathwater-warm, more like a hug if that makes sense. My friend tried to rub some of that orange mud on her arms — she’s convinced it’s magic for your skin. There were laughs from a German couple when she came back looking like she’d lost a fight with a pumpkin.

Lunch was already sizzling by the time we reached White Beach — grilled pork skewers, tzatziki so garlicky it nearly cleared my sinuses, cold dolmadakia. I sat cross-legged on deck with a plate balanced on my knees and a glass of Santorinian wine in hand (it tasted sharp and mineral, nothing like what I’m used to). The crew kept topping up drinks and someone put music on low; it felt like everyone loosened up then. We swam again at Red Beach — water clear enough to see every pebble below — and honestly I lost track of time after that.

I still think about how quiet it got as we sailed past the lighthouse toward Vlychada Port, just wind and soft voices over the waves. The sun hit everything gold for maybe ten minutes before slipping behind the cliffs. It wasn’t perfect — my shoulders burned, I probably ate too much bread — but something about seeing Santorini from the water just sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise and Swimming

• Start sailing from Ammoudi port
• Sail past Santorini Volcano
• Swim at Hot Springs for 30 minutes
• Stop at White Beach and Mesa Pigadia
• Relax, swim, or snorkel for 60 minutes
• Enjoy Greek BBQ on board
• Sail past Indian Rock and Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach for 30 minutes
• Disembark at Vlychada Port

Top questions

How long does the Santorini Caldera catamaran cruise last?

The cruise typically lasts several hours, including multiple swimming stops and lunch onboard.

Is hotel pickup included in this catamaran tour?

Yes, complimentary round trip transfer is available if selected during booking.

Are meals and drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, you’ll have Greek BBQ lunch onboard plus an open bar with wine, ouzo, beer, juice and soft drinks.

Do you stop at Santorini Volcano or just sail past?

The cruise sails past the volcano with a stop at the hot springs for swimming.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available upon request when booking.

Where does this catamaran cruise start and end?

The tour starts at Amoudi Bay and ends at Vlychada Port in Santorini.

Is swimming at Red Beach included in this day trip?

Yes, there is a swimming stop at Red Beach as part of the itinerary.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary round-trip transfers if you choose them when booking, bottled water throughout the trip, all your meals—think freshly grilled BBQ meats or vegetarian options plus classic Greek sides—and an open bar stocked with local wine, ouzo, beer and juices. You’ll also have snorkel gear ready for each swim stop before returning to shore in comfort by air-conditioned vehicle.