Santorini Caldera Cruise: Swim, BBQ Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Sail past red cliffs swim in hot springs enjoy bbq lunch on board

You’ll sail Santorini’s caldera with local guides, swim by Red Beach and volcanic hot springs, enjoy a barbecue lunch on deck with open bar drinks, and end beneath Oia’s famous cliffs at Ammoudi Bay. Expect laughter, sea air, quiet moments—and maybe a little sunburn—on this relaxed day trip from Vlychada port.

What’s the experience like?

We were already out on the water before I really realized how blue everything was — that almost fake-looking Aegean color. The boat left Vlychada port with a handful of us clutching coffee and squinting at the Red Beach cliffs. Our guide, Maria, pointed out how the iron in the soil made everything look like rusted velvet (her words, not mine). I tried to take a photo but it never quite caught that weird shimmer you get when the sun bounces off those rocks. There was this salty wind, too — you could taste it if you licked your lips.

We drifted past White Beach, which honestly just looked like something from a postcard except there were no crowds — just us and some gulls circling above. The Venetian lighthouse at Akrotiri showed up next, all craggy and stubborn on its cliff. Someone asked Maria about the volcano and she grinned, saying “it’s still alive — just sleeping.” That stuck with me for some reason. When we stopped near Black Mountain for a swim, I hesitated because I’m not exactly brave with cold water, but it wasn’t bad at all. The snorkeling gear they handed out actually fit my giant head (small victories). And then there was this moment where everyone went quiet except for the slap of water against the hull.

The hot springs around Nea Kameni had this sulphur smell — not terrible, just kind of earthy and strange. We floated there for a bit while some folks smeared mud on their arms (I skipped that part). Lunch happened at Thirasia island: grilled chicken and seafood straight off the boat’s tiny BBQ, plus Greek salad and fruit. Wine too — maybe too much wine if I’m honest, but it felt right with the sun overhead and everyone laughing about who’d gotten sunburned already. On the way to Ammoudi Bay near Oia, someone started singing quietly in Greek. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by then; maybe it was the wine or maybe just Santorini doing its thing.

I still think about that first glimpse of Oia’s white houses stacked above Ammoudi Bay as we pulled in — like little sugar cubes melting into pink rock. We said goodbye to Maria (she hugged everyone), and then clambered onto dry land feeling salty-skinned and kind of dazed in a good way. If you’re looking for a Santorini caldera cruise that doesn’t rush or shout at you, this is probably it… though now I can’t stop craving grilled octopus.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Caldera Day Cruise Highlights

• Start cruise from Vlychada port
• Swim and photo stop at Red Beach
• Visit White Beach by boat
• Sail past Venetian Lighthouse in Akrotiri
• Sail past Black Mountain and Indian Rock
• Sail around Santorini Volcano
• Swim and snorkel at Volcano hot springs
• Sail past Plea Kameni island
• Swim, snorkel, and lunch at Thirassia island
• End cruise at Ammoudi Bay in Oia

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Santorini caldera cruise?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are included.

Where does the day cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Vlychada port in southern Santorini and ends at Ammoudi Bay below Oia.

Are meals or drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch is served onboard including seafood, chicken fillet, salads, fruits plus an open bar with wine, beer and soft drinks.

Will there be swimming stops on this Santorini caldera cruise?

Yes—there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling including Red Beach, Black Mountain area, hot springs near Nea Kameni volcano and Thirasia island.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes—snorkeling gear is provided along with towels and swimming aids if needed.

Can infants or children join this tour?

Yes—the tour is suitable for all ages; infant seats are available upon request.

Are vegetarian or special diets accommodated?

You can request specific dietary requirements when booking; let them know in advance.

How long does the cruise last?

The full day trip typically lasts several hours from morning until arrival at Ammoudi Bay in Oia.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Santorini, use of snorkeling equipment plus towels and swimming aids if you need them. There’s a freshly prepared lunch onboard—grilled seafood or chicken fillet with salads and fruit—and an open bar serving white wine, beer or soft drinks throughout your caldera cruise before arriving under Oia’s cliffs.