Santorini: Catamaran Cruise, Hot Springs Swim & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Sail past volcanoes swim at red beach taste bbq santorini wine

You’ll sail Santorini’s caldera by catamaran with stops for swimming at Red Beach and White Beach, plus a dip near volcanic hot springs. Enjoy a fresh barbecue lunch onboard with Santorini wine as you watch cliffs drift past. Hotel pickup and friendly local crew make it easy to just relax into island time.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so light stepping barefoot onto the catamaran — shoes off, sun already warming my shoulders, and that salty smell you only get near real open water. Our crew from Oia was joking around in Greek as they untied the ropes. I caught maybe one word (“kali mera” — good morning?), but it made me smile. We drifted out of Amoudi Bay and the cliffs looked almost painted, all those layers of red and white rock stacked up like cake.

The first real surprise hit when we got close to the volcano. The water changed color — deep blue to something almost coppery near Palea Kameni. Our guide, Eleni, pointed out the steam rising off the rocks and said the hot springs are about four degrees warmer than the sea. She laughed when I hesitated before jumping in (it’s still chilly at first). Floating there with that faint sulfur smell and black pebbles underfoot felt weirdly ancient, like you’re borrowing someone else’s memory. I kept looking back at the boat bobbing nearby — it felt safe but also kind of wild.

Afterwards we sailed along the coast past that old lighthouse (I missed her story about it because I was distracted by a huge gull swooping low). At Red Beach and then White Beach, we stopped for swimming and snorkeling. The water’s so clear you can see your own shadow on the sand. Lunch was grilled chicken and veggies right off a little barbecue at the back of the boat — not fancy but honestly perfect after swimming. Santorini wine tastes different out here; maybe it’s just being hungry or maybe it’s salt in your mouth mixing with the glass. I still think about that view of cliffs behind us while everyone ate together on deck.

It all went by faster than I thought. The music got louder as we headed back, people wrapped in blankets against that late breeze (I forgot sunscreen on my knees — classic). There’s something about watching Santorini slip by from the water that makes everything feel softer somehow, even if you’re a little sunburned or tired or just quiet for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Sailing and Swimming

• 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, snorkel, and enjoy BBQ at White Beach

Top questions

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The sailing tour lasts approximately 5 hours from start to finish.

Does this cruise include hotel pickup?

Yes, roundtrip transfer from and to your hotel is included in your booking.

Can you swim at Santorini Hot Springs during this tour?

Yes, there is a swim stop near the Hot Springs area close to Palea Kameni island.

Is food provided on board?

A barbecue meal is freshly prepared on board during the cruise.

Are drinks included on this Santorini cruise?

Complimentary drinks such as Santorinian white wine, soft drinks, and water are served throughout.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The tour starts from either Amoudi Bay or Athinios port depending on arrangements.

Is snorkeling gear available?

Floating devices are provided for swimming; guests should check directly regarding full snorkeling equipment availability.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel transfer to Amoudi or Athinios port where you’ll board a spacious catamaran with an English-speaking crew. You’ll get safety instructions in multiple languages plus floating devices for swimming stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and near Santorini Hot Springs. A barbecue meal is cooked fresh onboard with complimentary Santorinian white wine, soft drinks, and water served throughout—plus music playing as you sail back toward sunset.