Santorini snorkeling: catamaran with Red Beach and hot springs

Swim in the volcano's warm waters, then snorkel the clarity at Thirasia

A half-day catamaran cruise from Santorini's Vlychada Marina takes you to Red Beach, the Santorini Volcano's healing hot springs, and Thirasia Island for snorkeling in clear water. The boat includes hotel pickup, a guided tour in English, snorkeling gear, a full meal prepared on board, and an open bar with local wine and beer. You choose between a morning departure at 10:00 or an evening cruise at 15:00 that ends with the Santorini sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Experience

• Start at Vlychada Marina
• Stop at Red Beach for swimming
• Sail past White Beach and Mesa Pigadia
• View Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at Hot Springs by Volcano
• Swim and snorkel at Thirasia Island
• Enjoy meal and open bar on board
• Sail by Old Port of Fira and Indian Rock
• Return to Vlychada Marina

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Vlychada Marina and sails past White Beach's limestone cliffs and the volcanic coastline of Mesa Pigadia—sights only visible from the water. You'll pass the Venetian Lighthouse standing at the edge of the Caldera before reaching the volcano itself, where you swim in the warm mineral-rich waters of the hot springs. The boat then moves to Thirasia Island for the main snorkeling stop in crystal-clear water while the crew prepares a meal on board: finger food, fresh appetizers, grilled shrimp and mussels, Greek salad with feta, pasta with Mediterranean sauce, fresh fruit, and handmade dessert. An open bar runs throughout, stocked with local white wine, beers, soft drinks, and a glass of Prosecco.

Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided. The route also passes the Old Port of Fira, Indian Rock, and the Black Mountain before returning to Vlychada. If you book the Scarlet Sunset option at 15:00, the cruise ends as the sun sets over the Caldera—the timing is built around that moment. Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus are included, and the guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus.
• snorkeling equipment and towels.
• a guided tour in English.
• a full meal prepared on board with finger food, appetizers, grilled shrimp and mussels, Greek salad, pasta, fresh fruit and handmade dessert.
• an open bar with local white wine, beers, soft drinks and Prosecco.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Santorini Star Sailing

Is this one for you?Choose the morning Diamond Day departure if you want the full day ahead after the cruise, or book the Scarlet Sunset at 15:00 to end with the light show over the Caldera—both follow the same route and stops, so the choice is timing and which moment matters to your day.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Diamond Day and Scarlet Sunset cruises?

The Diamond Day cruise departs at 10:00 in the morning, while the Scarlet Sunset cruise leaves at 15:00 and times the return to catch the sunset over the Caldera. Both follow the same route and include the same meal and snorkeling stops; the choice is about when you want to sail and whether you want to end the day with the famous Santorini light.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, along with towels. You don't need to bring your own gear.

What exactly happens at the hot springs stop?

At the Santorini Volcano stop, you swim in the warm mineral-rich waters of the hot springs. The water is heated naturally by the volcano and is known for its healing properties. This is a swimming stop rather than a snorkeling one.

Does the price include meals and drinks?

Yes. A freshly prepared meal is cooked on board and includes finger food, appetizers, grilled shrimp and mussels, Greek salad, pasta, fresh fruit, and dessert. An open bar with local white wine, beers, soft drinks, and Prosecco is available throughout the cruise.

How does hotel pickup work?

Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus are included. The boat departs from Vlychada Marina, and the minibus collects you from your hotel and returns you after the cruise ends.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs for five hours from start to finish, including all stops, swimming, snorkeling, and the meal on board.