Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling: Sunset & Meal

Five hours: Red Beach cliffs, snorkeling in the clearest water, volcanic hot springs, a full meal and open bar at anchor.

A 5-hour catamaran cruise from Santorini visits Red Beach, White Beach, volcanic hot springs and Thirasia island, with snorkeling equipment provided, a BBQ and seafood meal on board, and an open bar throughout. You choose between a morning departure and a sunset departure at checkout; the sunset option adds sparkling wine and times the meal to catch the light over the Aegean.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Visit Red Beach and learn history
• Sail past White Beach
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Enjoy appetizers on sundeck
• Photo stop at Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at Volcano Hot Springs
• Stop at Thirasia island for swimming
• Enjoy BBQ meal and open bar
• Toast to sunset over Aegean Sea

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Santorini and heads straight for Red Beach, where the limestone cliffs rise wild above the water and the crew shares the geology and history as you photograph the colors. White Beach comes next—limestone-covered and bright—before the boat anchors in some of Santorini's clearest water for your first swim and snorkel. The sea life is rich enough to hold your attention, but if you'd rather stay on deck with a glass of wine or beer, the appetizers are already out.

The route then passes the 125-year-old Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri before reaching the volcanic hot springs. The water here carries mineral warmth and healing properties; caves and volcanic beaches line the shore, and you swim in water that feels nothing like the open sea. After that stop, the catamaran sails to Thirasia, Santorini's quieter neighboring island, where the meal begins. The menu runs to BBQ chicken and pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad with feta, a vegetarian ratatouille, and Greek yogurt with cherry. The bar stays open throughout—white wine, beers, soft drinks, water, and on the sunset cruise, sparkling wine Moschato d'Asti as the light turns gold.

Snorkeling gear is provided and towels are on board. The catamaran is air-conditioned, and the crew speaks English. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Pick the morning cruise if you want the full day of swimming and sightseeing, or the sunset cruise if you want the meal timed to the light.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and towels.
• a full meal of BBQ, seafood pasta, Greek salad and vegetarian options on Thirasia island.
• an open bar with wine, beer, soft drinks and water throughout the day.
• special sparkling wine on the sunset cruise.
• appetizers during the first snorkeling stop.
• a live English-speaking crew.
• air-conditioned seating on the catamaran.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ViSta Yachting

Is this one for you?The sunset cruise anchors the meal and the open bar to the hour when the light is best, so the day builds toward a single moment instead of spreading the experience thin. The morning cruise gives you five full hours of swimming, snorkeling and sightseeing without waiting for dusk.

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling on this Santorini cruise?

The first snorkeling stop is in Santorini's clearest waters, where sea life is visible and rich. The second stop is at the volcanic hot springs, where the water is warm and mineral-rich but the focus shifts to swimming and exploring the volcanic beaches and caves rather than snorkeling.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on the catamaran, and towels are on board as well.

What does the meal include?

The meal on Thirasia island includes BBQ chicken and pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad with feta, a vegetarian Greek ratatouille, and Greek yogurt with cherry. The open bar runs throughout the cruise with white wine, beers, soft drinks and water; the sunset cruise adds sparkling wine Moschato d'Asti.

How long is the cruise and what time does it depart?

The cruise runs 5 hours total. You choose between a morning departure and a sunset departure when you book; the sunset option times the meal and the final hours to catch the light over the Aegean.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is included in at least one of the two departure options; confirm which one applies to your hotel location at checkout.