Santorini: Catamaran Cruise, Red Beach Swim & BBQ Meal

Summary

Santorini caldera cruise with swim stops bbq meal & open bar

You’ll sail Santorini’s caldera by catamaran with swim stops at Red Beach and Thirasia island, plus a dip in volcanic hot springs. Enjoy a BBQ meal cooked on board with local wine or beer from the open bar before cruising back as sunlight fades over white cliffs. It’s relaxed but full of little surprises—like how good grilled shrimp tastes after swimming.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull as we left Vlychada Marina — not loud, but steady, like a heartbeat. Our guide, Yiannis, grinned and handed out towels while someone tried (and failed) to tie their hair back in the wind. The cliffs around Red Beach looked almost fake, that deep rusty color against blue water. I didn’t expect it to smell so salty and clean out there — not fishy at all, just sun and sea. We dropped anchor and jumped in; the water was colder than I thought but you get used to it fast.

We sailed past White Beach (you can only see it from the boat — locals say it’s too tricky to reach by land), then drifted toward the volcano. The hot springs weren’t scalding or anything, more like this weird lukewarm spot in the sea where you suddenly feel your skin tingling. There was this sulfur smell — not bad, just sharp. Yiannis told us how people believe the minerals help your skin. Maybe he’s right; my arms felt softer after.

Lunch was on deck near Thirasia island. The crew grilled shrimp and mussels right there — smoke mixing with sea air — plus Greek salad and pasta with this tangy tomato sauce. Someone tried to teach me how to say “tzatziki” properly (Li laughed when I butchered it). I still think about that meal sometimes; food always tastes better when you’re barefoot and a little sunburned.

If you do the sunset cruise…well, I won’t try to describe it because words don’t really work for that kind of light over Santorini’s cliffs. Just—don’t forget your camera, or maybe do forget it for a minute so you actually see it instead of just snapping photos. Anyway, we sailed back with everyone quiet for once except for glasses clinking from the open bar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise and Swimming

• 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 Black Mountain
• Return to Vlychada Marina

Top questions

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The half-day cruise lasts several hours, including multiple swim stops and lunch on board.

Is hotel pickup included for the cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included by luxury air-conditioned minibus.

Do you stop at Red Beach during the tour?

Yes, there is a swim stop at Red Beach where you can snorkel or relax in the water.

Are meals provided on board?

Yes, a freshly prepared BBQ meal is served on board along with appetizers and dessert.

Is alcohol included in the open bar?

The open bar includes local white wine, beers, soft drinks, and a glass of Prosecco.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for swim stops at Red Beach and Thirasia island.

What should I bring for the Santorini catamaran tour?

You should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, camera or phone for photos.

Are towels available on board?

Towels are provided for all guests during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop off by luxury minibus, all safety equipment and snorkeling gear onboard, towels for swimming stops at Red Beach or Thirasia island, an open bar stocked with local white wine and beers plus soft drinks and Prosecco if you want it. Lunch is cooked fresh onboard—BBQ seafood, Greek salad with feta cheese, pasta in Mediterranean sauce—and there’s fruit and dessert before heading back to Vlychada Marina.