Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Red Beach, Warm Springs & Greek Meal

Swim in warm volcanic waters, then anchor off red cliffs while the crew cooks lunch

A 5-hour catamaran cruise around Santorini's caldera takes you to the volcanic hot springs for a 20-minute swim, past the White and Red beaches with a 30-minute stop at Red Beach, and includes a full Greek meal with wine and beer served on board. Groups stay under 20 passengers, and hotel pickup is included. The boat departs from either Vlychada marina or Amoudi Bay depending on weather and conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each6 stops

1. Santorini Volcanopassing by
2. Nea Kamenipassing by
3. Santorini Hot Springs30m
4. White Beachpassing by
5. Red Beach30m
6. Amoudi Baypassing by

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Experience

• Board luxury catamaran yacht
• Sail towards Palea and Nea Kameni volcanoes
• Pass by Santorini Volcano and Nea Kameni
• Swim at Palea Kameni hot springs
• Sail past Santorini lighthouse and caldera cliffs
• Pass White and Mesa Pigadia Beaches
• Swim stop at Red Beach
• Enjoy full Greek meal with drinks onboard
• Sail under Oia town (view only)
• View Amoudi Bay fishing village

The experience

The catamaran leaves from either Vlychada marina or Amoudi Bay and heads toward the volcanic islands of Palea and Nea Kameni, the oldest active volcano complex in the region. You'll sail past the caldera cliffs and the lighthouse at the south end of the island, watching the rim of white buildings cling to the rock face from the water. The boat is motor and wind-powered (the sails may or may not open depending on weather and the captain's call), and carries a maximum of 20 passengers plus crew, which means the deck doesn't crowd and you're not jostled between strangers.

The first swim stop is a 20-minute soak in the warm sulfurous waters of the Palea Kameni hot springs, where volcanic activity has heated the water for centuries. The second stop is a 30-minute swim at the Red Beach, where the vessel anchors in deep water off the rust-colored cliffs. Snorkel masks are available if you want them. Between swims, the crew prepares a full Greek meal on board: grilled chicken, pan-fried fish fillets, shrimp, Greek pasta with tomato and basil, Greek dips, and bread. Complimentary white wine, Greek beer, and soft drinks flow throughout the afternoon (or morning, depending on which departure you choose). Vegetarian options are built into the menu (the pasta, salad, spreads and bread are all available), and the food menu is fixed, so you eat from what's prepared rather than ordering.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though depending on where you're staying, the shuttle van may take 30 to 60 minutes to reach the marina, and it stops at other hotels along the way. The catamaran has restrooms and changing facilities on board, and you get one beach towel per person. If weather shifts the itinerary, a real possibility on the water, the operator adjusts the route and stops to keep everyone safe, which means the day you experience may not match the advertised one exactly. Cruise passengers can join, but you'll meet at McDonald's in Fira Town rather than the cruise port, and you'll need to account for tender and cable car time to get there.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• full Greek meal on board with grilled chicken, pan-fried fish fillets, shrimp, pasta, Greek dips and bread.
• complimentary white wine, Greek beer, soft drinks and bottled water.
• professional Greek skipper and crew.
• one beach towel per person.
• restroom and changing facilities on the catamaran.
• snorkel mask (optional use).
• live guide in English.

Options for this experience

2 options

Luxury sunset cruise lasting 5 hoursGuide in English · 11:30A shared Luxury Sunset Cruise lasting 5 hours, taking up to 20 passengers and sailing to the famous Ammoudi Pier in Oia Town. The cruise typically departs from Vlychada Port and finishes at Ammoudi Pier in Oia, though it occasionally begins at Ammoudi Pier. Pickups start at 1 PM, and the boat leaves port between 2:00 and 2:30 PM, depending on the season and daylight saving time. The service runs about 5 hours plus transfer times, depending on the season and daylight saving time. The return happens after sunset. The cruise includes a full Greek dinner buffet with a choice of chicken, meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Itinerary and swim spots: Red Beach, sailing next to the Santorini Volcano, the Warm Springs, Greek dinner, and a sunset sail to the famous Ammoudi Pier in Oia. This is a hotel-to-hotel service, including Airbnb stays. Cruise passengers are collected from the McDonald's in Fira Town. Please read the Disclaimer before booking. Pickup is included.

Five-hour luxury cruise in the morningGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027A 5-hour shared Luxury Morning Cruise setting off from Ammoudi Bay in Oia Town. Pickup from hotels and Airbnb accommodations is included, and it is a hotel-to-hotel service. Along the way you will see the Santorini Volcano from the water, the Warm Springs of the Santorini Volcano, Red Beach, and the cliff-top towns of Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira. Cruise passengers are collected from the McDonald's in Fira Town. Please read the Disclaimer before booking. The cruise lasts 5 hours. Swim stops: the Warm Springs of the Santorini Volcano, Red Beach, and Mesa Pigadia (Black Beach). The cruise includes a full Greek lunch buffet with a choice of chicken, meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 11:30, from € 150 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Santorini Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book the morning cruise if you want the caldera and beaches in strong daylight and prefer an earlier start. Choose the sunset option if you'd rather sail into the afternoon and see Oia from the water as the light softens. Either way, the fixed meal and small group size mean you're not hunting for lunch or navigating a crowded boat. The day is arranged and the swimming stops are built in.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 4 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 are the warm springs where we swim on this Santorini catamaran tour?

The Palea Kameni hot springs are part of the volcanic islands in Santorini's caldera. Volcanic activity beneath the water has warmed it for centuries, and you get a 20-minute swim stop there. Wear a dark or black swimming suit, as the sulfurous water can alter lighter colors.

Is lunch included on the catamaran cruise?

Yes. The crew prepares a full Greek meal on board with grilled chicken, pan-fried fish fillets, shrimp, Greek pasta with tomato and basil, Greek dips, and bread. Complimentary white wine, Greek beer, and soft drinks are served throughout the cruise. Sodas and water have unlimited refills.

How many people sail on this catamaran?

The boat holds a maximum of 20 passengers plus crew, keeping the group small and the deck comfortable. If you're traveling with friends or family and want to stay on the same boat, contact the operator at least 24 hours before departure.

Does the catamaran have restrooms and changing facilities?

Yes. The catamaran has a WC that serves as both a restroom and changing room, and you get one beach towel per person on board.

What's the difference between the morning and sunset cruise options?

Both are 5 hours and visit the same swim stops and beaches. The Luxury Sunset Cruise departs in the afternoon and includes views of Oia and Amoudi Bay as the light changes. The Luxury Morning Cruise runs earlier in the day. Both include the full meal and drinks.

How far is the pickup from my hotel?

The shuttle van may take 30 to 60 minutes to reach the marina from your hotel, depending on where you're staying, and it stops at other hotels to pick up and drop off other guests. Parts of Santorini are on slopes that vehicles can't access, so pickups happen at the closest accessible areas.