Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Volcano, Hot Springs & BBQ

Swim in warm volcanic waters, then eat fresh grilled food on the boat

A 5-hour sailing catamaran cruise from Santorini visits the volcano, Hot Springs, Red Beach and White Beach with swimming and snorkeling stops, a barbecue meal prepared onboard, and complimentary Santorinian wine, soft drinks and water. Hotel pickup and roundtrip transfer are included, and the English-speaking crew provides safety instruction and a map of landmarks. Maximum 55 passengers per departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Sailing and BBQ

• Start tour from Ammoudi or Athinios port
• Sail next to the Volcano
• Sail next to Palea Kameni
• Swim in the Hot Springs area
• Watch the Ancient Lighthouse from the sea
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Swim and snorkel at White Beach
• Enjoy BBQ meal and drinks onboard

The Experience

The catamaran departs from Ammoudi or Athinios port and sails the length of the caldera, passing the volcano and Palea Kameni before reaching the Hot Springs. You swim in waters 4 degrees warmer than the open sea while staying 50 meters from the yellowish thermal zone — close enough to feel the heat, far enough to stay safe. The crew keeps the boat positioned so you can enter and exit easily without a beach to walk from.

From there the route moves to Red Beach, where the red volcanic rock rises straight from the water and you can snorkel along the cliff face. The final stop is White Beach, where the catamaran anchors for the barbecue. Food is grilled onboard — a full meal, not snacks — and served with a selection of Santorinian white wine (Nychteri), water and soft drinks throughout the day. Floating devices and a blanket are provided; the restroom is onboard.

A driver picks you up from your hotel and brings you back after the cruise ends, so you don't arrange transport separately. The crew speaks English and hands out a safety leaflet and a detailed map of the landmarks you pass. One day before departure, the operator confirms your pickup time by phone.

What’s included

• Barbecue meal prepared onboard.
• complimentary Santorinian white wine, soft drinks and water.
• floating devices and a blanket.
• restroom onboard.
• safety leaflet and landmark map.
• roundtrip hotel transfer.
• English-speaking crew.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Sunset Oia Nepa

Is this one for you?The 5-hour pace means you're on the water the whole time with no long walks or early starts — you swim at three stops, eat lunch on the boat, and the driver meets you back at your hotel. It suits anyone who wants to see the volcano and Hot Springs without renting a car or booking separate transport.

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Top questions

What's the water temperature like at the Hot Springs compared to the rest of Santorini?

The Hot Springs are up to 4 degrees warmer than the surrounding sea, so you feel the difference as soon as you enter the water. The catamaran stays 50 meters away from the yellowish thermal zone itself, keeping you in the warmer water while staying safely clear of the active springs.

Do I need to bring a towel, or is one provided?

A blanket is provided onboard and must be returned to the crew before you leave the boat. Towels are not included, so bring your own or pack a quick-dry one.

How does the barbecue work — is it a full meal or just snacks?

A full barbecue meal is freshly prepared onboard at White Beach, the final stop of the cruise. It's served with complimentary Santorinian white wine, soft drinks and water, so you eat and drink without ordering or paying extra.

Can I get from the boat to the beach at the swimming stops, or do I stay in the water?

All yachts and boats in Greece cannot moor directly on the beach, so you swim and snorkel from the anchored catamaran. The crew positions the boat at the closest safe distance to each beach and provides floating devices to help you enter and exit the water.

What language does the crew speak?

The crew speaks English and provides a safety leaflet in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. A detailed map of the landmarks and destinations is handed out at the start of the cruise.

Is the pickup from my hotel included in the price?

Yes, roundtrip hotel transfer is included. The operator will call one day before the tour to confirm your pickup time and the name of your accommodation.