Santorini: Catamaran Cruise, BBQ Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Sail past red cliffs swim in volcanic springs taste greek bbq with local wine

You’ll sail along Santorini’s dramatic coastline by catamaran, passing Red Beach and White Beach before swimming near volcanic springs. Enjoy a fresh Greek BBQ lunch with wine onboard as your guide shares stories about the island’s history. Expect hotel pickup and drop-off included—plus plenty of moments where time seems to slow down out on the Aegean.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color — that wild, rusty-red cliff of Red Beach just shot up out of the sea as we drifted by. Our guide, Eleni, pointed out how the iron in the rocks stains everything here. The boat slowed so we could snap photos (I fumbled my phone but caught it — barely). You can’t actually get off at Red or White Beach on this cruise, but honestly, seeing them from the water is kind of better. There’s this hush when everyone’s just looking at those weird layers of rock and you realize how old this island is.

We stopped for our first swim at a quiet bay near Mesa Pigadia. The water was colder than I expected — sharp at first, then perfect once you got moving. Someone handed me a snorkel mask and I tried to follow a silvery fish for a minute before giving up and floating on my back instead. You get towels onboard so you don’t have to worry about packing one. The sun kept shifting behind thin clouds; it made everything look softer somehow.

Sailing past Indian Rocks felt almost surreal — these jagged shapes poking out like sculptures nobody planned. Eleni told us stories about pirates hiding here (she swears it’s true). We got close to the volcano too; she explained how Santorini’s whole shape comes from that explosion ages ago. At the hot springs stop, you have to actually swim out if you want that sulfur spa thing — I hesitated but went for it anyway. The smell is… well, let’s say memorable. My skin felt weirdly smooth after though.

Lunch was simple but good: grilled chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad heavy on oregano. They poured local white wine into plastic cups and everyone loosened up a bit more — someone tried to teach me “Yamas!” (cheers) and I probably butchered it. There was laughter echoing over the water while the crew grilled and passed around bread and tzatziki. I still think about that salty air mixed with barbecue smoke sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Vlychada Marina
• Pass Red Beach for photos
• Pass White Beach by boat
• Swim and snorkel at Mesa Pigadia bay
• Sail below Indian Rocks formations
• Swim at hot springs natural spa
• Sail near Santorini Volcano and learn
• Swim and enjoy BBQ meal with drinks
• Return to Vlychada Port

Top questions

How long does the Santorini catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini catamaran tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned minibus.

Do we stop for swimming at Red Beach or White Beach?

No, there are no swimming stops at Red or White Beach; you view them from the boat only.

What food is served during the cruise?

A Greek BBQ buffet is served onboard with chicken fillet, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki dips, bread, vine leaf rolls, and white wine.

Are drinks included on this Santorini cruise?

Yes, soft drinks and local white wine are included during your cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for use during swim stops.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour departs from Vlychada Marina and ends at Vlychada Port in southern Santorini.

Do I need to bring anything special?

You should bring sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a windbreaker; towels are provided onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by minibus, all taxes and entry fees covered, use of snorkeling equipment and towels onboard, soft drinks plus local white wine throughout the cruise—and a Greek BBQ lunch served fresh as you relax on deck before returning to port in southern Santorini.