Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Greek Meal, Open Bar & Sunset

Summary

Sunset sailing in Santorini with volcanic swims and fresh Greek food

You’ll sail along Santorini’s caldera on a small-group catamaran cruise with stops for swimming at volcanic hot springs and deep blue beaches. Enjoy a full Greek BBQ meal with fresh seafood and local wine served onboard as you watch Oia’s whitewashed houses light up at sunset. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus all drinks—just bring your swimsuit (preferably dark colored!).

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway out from Amoudi Bay before I realized how salty the wind actually tastes here. Our skipper, Nikos, had this way of pointing out the cliffs — not just “there’s Oia,” but telling us about his grandmother who used to walk those zigzag paths. I tried to picture it while we sailed past the red rocks near Red Beach. The water looked cold but wasn’t, not really — more like a shock that wakes you up when you jump in. Someone’s laughter echoed off the hull when they realized their swimsuit was turning a bit yellow from the sulfur at the hot springs (they did warn us about that).

I didn’t expect to care so much about lunch, but honestly? The grilled chicken was smoky and perfect after swimming. The crew passed around plates of shrimp and pasta with tomato and basil — simple, but you could taste the sea in everything. White wine flowed pretty freely (within reason — they kept an eye on us), and there was always someone topping off your glass or offering another piece of bread. At one point I just sat back, listening to music mixing with the slap of waves against the catamaran, not really thinking about anything except how blue everything felt.

Watching Oia from below as we drifted toward sunset — that hit different than any photo I’ve seen. The houses almost glowed against the cliffs. I caught myself shivering a little even though it wasn’t cold; maybe just too much sun or too many new things at once. Nikos told us stories about Santorini’s volcanoes while we floated by Nea Kameni, and for a second it felt like time slowed down out there. We didn’t get off at every stop (the boat stays anchored in deep water sometimes), but honestly, I didn’t mind. Sometimes just being there is enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise and Swimming

• Board luxury catamaran yacht
• Sail towards Palea and Nea Kameni volcanoes
• Swim at warm volcanic hot springs
• Sail past Santorini lighthouse and caldera cliffs
• Pass White and Mesa Pigadia Beaches
• Swim at Red Beach
• Enjoy full Greek meal and drinks onboard

Top questions

How many people are on the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The cruise is limited to 20 guests plus crew members for a small-group experience.

Is hotel pickup included in the Santorini catamaran tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included or you can meet at the port if preferred.

Do you swim at Santorini hot springs during this cruise?

Yes, there is a swimming stop at Palea Kameni where volcanic activity warms parts of the water.

What kind of food is served on board?

A full Greek meal is prepared onboard including BBQ chicken, fish fillets, shrimp, pasta with tomato and basil, salads, dips, snacks, and bread.

Are drinks included on the catamaran cruise?

Complimentary white wine, Greek beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are served onboard within reasonable limits.

Does this tour visit Oia town directly?

No, you see Oia from the water as you sail beneath it; there is no stop to walk in town.

Are towels provided on board?

Yes, each guest receives one beach towel for use during the cruise.

What beaches does this Santorini cruise visit?

The itinerary includes sailing past Red Beach and White or Mesa Pigadia beaches with swimming stops offshore.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian options like pasta with tomato sauce and basil, salads, dips, and bread are available onboard.

What’s included

Your day covers hotel pickup and drop-off (or meeting point at port), all boat facilities including restrooms and changing rooms on a comfortable catamaran with music playing softly in the background. You’ll get one beach towel per person plus unlimited soft drinks or water—alongside complimentary white wine or Greek beer within safe limits. Lunch features freshly grilled chicken BBQ or vegetarian pasta dishes with salads and snacks while you relax between swims at volcanic springs or off Red Beach before returning around sunset.