Snorkeling in Santorini: Sailing cruise with Greek BBQ

Snorkel three volcanic beaches and eat on the boat

A five-hour sailing cruise from Vlychada marina in Santorini visits Red Beach, White Beach, a secluded black sand beach and Nea Kameni Island, with snorkeling equipment, a Greek BBQ dinner made from seasonal ingredients, and unlimited local wine and refreshments included. Choose the day cruise to maximize swimming time or the sunset departure for the light; add transfer from your hotel or arrange your own way to the marina.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Swimming

• Depart from Vlychada marina
• Snorkel and sightsee at Red Beach
• Pass by White Beach
• Swim and snorkel at secluded black beach
• Pass by Santorini Lighthouse
• Visit Santorini volcano and Sulfur Springs
• Stop at Nea Kameni Island for swimming
• Enjoy Greek BBQ meal and drinks onboard

The Experience

The boat leaves Vlychada marina and heads first to Red Beach, where the volcanic scarlet rocks rise straight from turquoise water. You snorkel in the shallows here, then cruise past White Beach—accessible only by boat—where the sand shifts to pale cream against the same clear water. A third stop brings you to a black sand beach ringed by rocks, calm enough for swimming and snorkeling without the crowds of the main island beaches.

The route then swings south to the Lighthouse of Santorini before crossing to the volcano itself—the caldera rim where the 1600 BC eruption reshaped the island. You can swim in the sulfur springs if you choose, though most people snorkel instead. The long final stop is Nea Kameni Island, where the crew prepares dinner on deck: Greek salads, appetizers and main courses built from organic seasonal ingredients, paired with dry white wine from a local winery or other drinks. Snorkeling equipment is yours for the whole day.

The cruise runs five hours total. Day and sunset options depart on different schedules; both include the same stops and the same meal. Transfer from your hotel is available as an add-on, or you can meet the boat at the marina yourself. Minimum age is 18.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment for the full five hours.
• Greek BBQ dinner with salads, appetizers, mains and desserts prepared fresh aboard.
• unlimited local dry white wine, sparkling water and refreshments.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Renieris Santorini Sailing Center

Is this one for you?The day cruise maximizes time in the water across three beaches and the volcanic springs; the sunset option trades daylight swimming for the light show over the caldera at the end. Both include the same meal and snorkeling gear, so pick the departure time that matches when you want to be in the water.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the day cruise and the sunset cruise in Santorini?

Both follow the same route to Red Beach, White Beach, the black sand beach, the volcano and Nea Kameni, with the same snorkeling and meal included. The day cruise departs in the morning and maximizes daylight for swimming; the sunset cruise leaves later and ends as the light fades over the caldera.

Can I snorkel at all the stops on this Santorini sailing cruise?

Snorkeling happens at Red Beach, White Beach, the secluded black sand beach and Nea Kameni Island. The stops at the lighthouse and the volcano are for sightseeing and swimming; snorkeling gear is provided for the whole day, so you choose where to use it.

What food and drinks are included on the cruise?

The Greek BBQ dinner aboard includes Greek salads, appetizers and main courses made with organic seasonal ingredients, plus desserts. Unlimited local dry white wine, sparkling water and other refreshments are served throughout the five hours.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the marina, or is pickup included?

Transfer from your hotel to Vlychada marina is available as an add-on option at checkout. If you prefer to drive or take a taxi, you can meet the boat at the marina instead.

Is this cruise suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you control how much time you spend in the water at each stop; swimming and snorkeling are optional, not mandatory.