Santorini Caldera Cruise: Private Catamaran, BBQ & Drinks

Private catamaran cruise Santorini caldera with BBQ lunch and drinks

You’ll sail from Ammoudi Bay with a local captain who knows every hidden cove around Santorini’s caldera. Swim at Thirassia and Red Beach, soak in volcanic hot springs, then share a Greek BBQ lunch on deck with Santorinian wine as waves slap gently below you. The day feels both relaxed and quietly magical—you’ll probably remember those colors long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Caldera Cruise with Swimming

• Start cruise at Ammoudi Bay
• Visit Thirassia island for swimming
• Sail to Hot Springs and swim
• Admire white cliffs at Aspronissi
• Pass by Fira Old Port
• See and swim at White Beach
• See and swim at Red Beach
• Enjoy meal and drinks on sun deck
• Return to Ammoudi Bay

The Experience

We stepped onto the catamaran at Ammoudi Bay—still salty air, a bit of diesel from the fishing boats, and that bright blue you only see in postcards. Our captain, Yannis, just grinned and asked if we wanted to pick the route or trust him. We shrugged—he winked, “I know some good spots.” So we let him take over. The boat felt roomy but not fancy-fancy; I liked that. There was music playing quietly somewhere behind us, and someone handed me a glass of Santorinian wine before I’d even found my seat.

First stop was Thirassia—never heard of it before. It’s this little island across from Oia where fishermen still mend nets by hand. The water was cold at first but after a minute I didn’t care. I floated on my back watching Manolas village up on the hill—white cubes stacked like sugar. Yannis told us stories about how time moves slower here (he wasn’t wrong). Then we headed for the volcano’s hot springs. You could smell sulfur before you saw anything orange in the water. Jumping in was weirdly thrilling—the heat comes in pockets and your skin tingles, but it’s not gross like I thought it’d be.

After that we drifted past these wild white cliffs at Aspronissi—no beachgoers, just wind and gulls. Lunch happened while we were anchored off White Beach: grilled chicken skewers (they had veggie stuff too), tomatoes so sweet they tasted like fruit, ouzo if you wanted it (I tried one sip and coughed; Yannis laughed). There was a moment when everyone went quiet except for forks clinking and waves slapping the hull—I still think about that silence sometimes.

Red Beach came last—the rocks really are red, not just Instagram filters—and some of us jumped in again even though we were already drying off. On the way back to Ammoudi Bay I sat up front with my feet over the edge while salt spray hit my face. It all felt sort of dreamlike by then—maybe because of the sun or maybe just the wine kicking in. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a private caldera cruise in Santorini… well, I’d do it again without changing a thing.

Top questions

How long is the private Santorini caldera cruise?

You can choose between 3, 4 or 5-hour options for your private cruise departing from Ammoudi Bay.

Is food included during the catamaran cruise?

Yes, a Greek BBQ meal with appetizers is served on board along with drinks like local wine, ouzo, beer and soft drinks.

Can I swim during the Santorini caldera cruise?

Yes, there are stops for swimming at places like Thirassia island, Hot Springs, White Beach and Red Beach depending on your chosen route length.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested when booking your cruise.

Where does the private catamaran cruise start?

The tour begins and ends at picturesque Ammoudi Bay beneath Oia village in Santorini.

Is pickup included for this Santorini catamaran tour?

Private transportation to and from your accommodation is included in your booking.

What drinks are offered during the cruise?

The open bar includes Santorinian wine, Greek ouzo, beer, juice, water and other refreshments throughout your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation to Ammoudi Bay where you’ll board a power catamaran with free Wi-Fi access. Enjoy traditional Greek appetizers followed by a BBQ main course (with vegetarian or vegan options), an open bar featuring local wine and ouzo plus beer or soft drinks as you sail past Red Beach and White Beach. Snorkeling equipment and standup paddleboards are available too before returning to port in the afternoon or evening.