Santorini Snorkeling Catamaran with Red Beach & Hot Springs

The hot springs are actually swimmable, and they're the second stop of the day.

A five-hour catamaran cruise from Santorini's Vlychada port with three snorkeling stops: Red Beach, the caldera's thermal hot springs, and Thirasia island. The boat carries snorkeling gear, towels, lunch and drinks. A guide leads the day in English and hotel pickup is included. You swim at each stop and return to port by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Start at Vlychada Port
• Sail past Red Beach, White Beach, Indian Rocks, Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach or Mesa Pigadia
• Swim at Hot Springs of the volcano
• Visit and swim at Thirasia Island
• Enjoy onboard lunch with sea views
• Return sailing with Caldera views

The experience

You start at Vlychada Port on Santorini's southern coast, where the catamaran departs for Red Beach: the first swim stop. The water here is clear enough to snorkel the rocky shallows, and the beach itself is a rust-colored wall of volcanic stone rising from the sea. After thirty minutes in the water, the boat moves to the second stop: the hot springs in the caldera. These aren't a spa experience. They're a natural thermal pool where the sulfur-rich water sits warmer than the surrounding sea. You swim in it, then rinse off in the fresh seawater alongside the boat.

Thirasia island is the third stop, and it's where the day slows down. You swim off the boat again, then climb aboard for the elaborate lunch: a spread that stays on deck with views back toward Santorini's caldera wall. Drinks, both soft and alcoholic, flow throughout the afternoon. The boat carries all the snorkeling equipment you need, so you arrive with nothing but a towel and a swimsuit.

The return sail to Vlychada gives you the caldera from the water, the lighthouse and white cliffs framed against the open Aegean. A guide in English narrates the route and the stops, and your hotel pickup means you don't arrange transport to or from the port. The whole day runs five hours.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• towels.
• lunch with views of the caldera.
• soft drinks, water and alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• English-speaking guide for the full cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Santorini Yachting Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel three distinct spots (Red Beach, the volcanic Hot Springs, and Indian Rocks) all in one afternoon without splitting your time between multiple operators or return trips.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): 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's the water temperature like when you snorkel at Red Beach and Thirasia?

Red Beach and Thirasia offer clear seawater typical of the Aegean in summer: cool enough to want a wetsuit if you're sensitive to cold, but swimmable for most people for the thirty to forty minutes you spend at each stop. The hot springs are noticeably warmer, which is why they're a separate experience.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included on the cruise: mask, fins and snorkel are supplied. You bring a swimsuit and a towel. Towels are also provided on board.

Is the catamaran suitable if I've never snorkeled before?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels and the guide can show you how to use the equipment. The stops are in shallow water where you can stand, so you're not required to be a confident swimmer to participate.

What happens if the weather is bad or the sea is rough?

The itinerary can change depending on sea and weather conditions. If Red Beach isn't accessible, Mesa Pigadia is offered as an alternative swimming spot. The guide will adjust the route to keep you safe and comfortable.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

The cruise departs from Vlychada Port and runs for five hours total. Hotel pickup is included, so confirm your hotel location and preferred pickup time when you book.