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

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).

Options for this experience

4 options

Day cruise, transfers not includedGuide in English or Greek · 09:30The Classic Day Cruise: Pick this option to board in the morning and see the Santorini caldera from the water. Greek BBQ and drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded: transport from your hotel to the port is not included in the price of this booking option.

Sunset cruise, transfers not includedGuide in English or Greek · 13:30The Classic Sunset Cruise: Pick this option to board in the afternoon and see the Santorini caldera from the water. Greek BBQ and drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded: transport from your hotel to the port is not included in the price of this booking option.

Daytime cruise including transfersGuide in English or Greek · 09:30The Classic Daytime Cruise: Pick this option to board in the morning and see the Santorini caldera from the water. Greek BBQ and drinks. Pickup is included.

Sunset cruise including transfersGuide in English or Greek · 13:30The Classic Sunset Cruise: Pick this option to board in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the catamaran. Greek BBQ and drinks. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

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.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens at the hot springs stop on this Santorini cruise?

The hot springs are a natural spa with sulfurous water where you swim out to reach them rather than being dropped at a beach. It's a designated swim stop where you can experience the warm, mineral-rich water as part of the cruise itinerary.

Do I get dropped off at the Red Beach or White Beach during the cruise?

No, the boat does not stop for swimming or drop you off at either beach. You stay on board to photograph the Red Beach's distinctive red coloration and the White Beach, which is only reachable by boat, then move on to the snorkeling stops at Mesa Pigadia and the hot springs.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to get to Vlychada Marina myself?

Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus are available as an add-on option at checkout. If you book the cruise without transfers, you arrange your own transportation to Vlychada Marina.

What's included in the BBQ meal on board?

The meal includes grilled chicken fillet, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki dips, bread, and vine leaf rolls, served with white wine and soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when you book.

How close does the boat get to the Santorini Volcano?

The catamaran sails toward the volcano so the crew can explain the eruption and show you the active volcano and caldera up close from the water. You view it from the boat rather than landing on it.

What should I bring, and what's provided for snorkeling?

The cruise provides towels and snorkeling equipment. You should bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a windbreaker for sun and wind protection on the water.