Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Caldera, Hot Springs & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Sail from vlychada past red beach to caldera hot springs lunch on board

You’ll sail from Santorini’s southern port with a small group and local crew, stopping to swim at Red Beach and Mesa Pigadia before soaking in volcanic hot springs. Enjoy fresh BBQ lunch with wine on deck near Thirasia Island as you watch cliffs drift by. Expect laughter, salty air, and those rare moments of real stillness out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — ropes thumping softly against the mast while we waited at Vlychada Port. There was this faint smell of salt and grilled something already drifting from the boat’s tiny kitchen. Our captain, Yannis, had a sunburned grin and kept calling everyone “my friend,” which made me feel like maybe I’d known him longer than five minutes. I fumbled with my snorkel mask as we set off, not really thinking about the Red Beach or White Beach yet — just watching the cliffs change color as the sun moved behind us.

We stopped at Mesa Pigadia first. The water was colder than I expected (I yelped — nobody else did), but it was so clear you could see every ripple of sand below. A couple from Athens dove in right away; I hesitated, then followed. Yannis pointed out some caves along the rocks and told us a story about pirates hiding there, though he winked like he wasn’t sure if it was true. The catamaran drifted quietly for a while before heading toward the caldera — that’s when everything got kind of quiet except for some gulls overhead and people laughing softly over drinks.

The hot springs were next. You could actually smell sulfur before you saw anything — not gross, just sort of earthy and sharp. Swimming there felt weirdly heavy but good, like all your muscles remembered how to float. There was this moment where everyone just bobbed in silence, looking up at the cliffs and the old Akrotiri lighthouse perched way above us. Afterward we sailed to Thirasia Island for lunch: grilled fish, tomatoes that tasted like sunshine, and local wine that went down too fast (maybe because Yannis kept topping up our glasses). Someone played Greek music on their phone and suddenly it all felt a bit like a family picnic you’d stumbled into by accident.

I didn’t take many photos on the way back to Vlychada — honestly, I just sat there watching how the light hit the caldera rim one last time. It’s strange how quickly you get used to being surrounded by nothing but sea and wind and people you barely know. Even now I think about that quiet part after lunch, when nobody talked for a minute or two — just waves slapping against fiberglass and someone snoring gently in the sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

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

Top questions

Where does the Santorini catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts from Vlychada Port in southern Santorini.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, an onboard BBQ lunch with drinks is included.

Do you stop at Santorini’s hot springs?

Yes, there is a swimming stop at the volcanic hot springs inside the caldera.

Are transfers provided for this cruise?

Private transportation is included with your booking.

Can you snorkel during this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for swimming stops like Mesa Pigadia Beach.

How long do you spend at each stop?

The exact time varies but there are relaxed stops for swimming and lunch along the route.

Is this cruise suitable for families with children?

Yes, infant seats are available and all fitness levels are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or nearby point in Santorini, all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water plus soft drinks or local wine onboard, use of towels and snorkeling gear for swimming stops at beaches or hot springs, WiFi on board if you want it (though honestly I barely checked my phone), plus a fresh BBQ lunch served right on deck before heading back to port in late afternoon.