5-Hour Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Volcano, Snorkeling & BBQ

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/41

Duration5h

GroupUp to 22

LanguagesEN · EL

PickupAt your hotel

Sail past the volcano, snorkel in sulfurous hot springs, and eat grilled chicken on the water.

A 5-hour catamaran cruise from Vlychada Marina around Santorini that includes snorkeling stops, a swim at natural hot springs, views of the active volcano and caldera, and a Greek BBQ lunch or dinner with wine on board. The itinerary passes the Red and White Beaches and Indian Rocks, though you stay on the boat at those photo stops. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on option; if you book without transfers, you arrange your own way to the marina.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

Depart from Vlychada marina
Sail past Red Beach and take photos
Pass by White Beach
Swim and snorkel at Mesa Pigadia bay
Sail below Indian Rocks
Swim at hot springs natural spa
Sail towards Santorini volcano
Swim and enjoy BBQ meal with drinks
Return to Vlychada port

The Experience

The cruise departs Vlychada Marina and sails past the island's most recognizable formations—the Red Beach with its mineral-rich red soil, the White Beach accessible only by boat, and the Indian Rocks with their cave formations. You stay aboard at these stops to photograph them, then the boat heads to Mesa Pigadia bay for the first swimming and snorkeling session. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and you can stay in the water or rest on the sundeck while they prepare the meal.

A second swim stop takes you to the natural hot springs, where sulfurous water offers a natural spa experience; you swim out to reach them rather than being dropped at a beach. The boat then sails close to the Santorini Volcano so the crew can explain the eruption and geology. Throughout the 5 hours, you get views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The BBQ meal—grilled chicken fillet, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki, bread and vine leaf rolls—is served on board with white wine and soft drinks included. The cruise ends back at Vlychada Marina.

Transfers from your hotel are optional; if you choose them, an air-conditioned minibus picks you up and drops you off. If you book without transfers, you'll need to reach the marina on your own. Cruise ship passengers should note that tender boats drop at the Old Port of Fira, and you'll need to take the cable car to the office in Fira at least an hour before departure. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided; bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses and windbreaker. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them at booking.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment and towels.
Greek BBQ buffet with chicken fillet, pasta, salad, tzatziki, bread and vine leaf rolls.
white wine and soft drinks.
hotel pickup and drop-off by minibus (available as an option at checkout, not included in the no-transfers booking).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose the daytime cruise if you want the full 5 hours of sailing and swimming in daylight; the sunset option compresses the experience into the same timeframe but ends as the sun drops. If you're staying in a hotel on the island, add transfers at checkout to skip arranging transport to Vlychada Marina—the minibus picks you up and drops you back after the cruise.