Santorini Snorkeling: Catamaran Cruise with Hot Springs

Swim in volcanic hot springs and snorkel between white and red cliffs, all from one boat.

A five-hour catamaran cruise from Santorini combines snorkeling at Red Beach and White Beach with a swim in the mineral-rich Hot Springs, plus a full Greek BBQ and local wine served on board. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; you choose between a daytime or sunset departure. The itinerary may shift with weather, and all passengers must provide passport details at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Experience

• Hotel pickup and transfer to Vlychada Port
• Begin sailing along Santorini coastline
• Visit and swim at Red Beach
• Visit and snorkel at White Beach
• Relax at secluded beach with rock formations
• Admire Santorini volcano and learn history
• Swim in warm Hot Springs
• Enjoy BBQ and Greek buffet onboard
• Return to hotel after cruise

The Experience

The boat leaves Vlychada Port after pickup from your hotel, and the first stop is Red Beach—a shoreline of dramatic volcanic cliffs where you'll snorkel in clear water and see the rock formations up close. From there, the catamaran sails to White Beach, accessible only by boat, where white limestone cliffs rise above the water and the seabed stays shallow enough to explore. Between the two beaches, you'll pass the Venetian Lighthouse and Indian Rocks, landmarks that frame the island's volcanic history without needing a guide to point them out.

The Hot Springs come next—warm, mineral-rich water where you wade in and float, the color and temperature noticeably different from the open sea. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided throughout the day. Back on the catamaran, a Greek buffet and BBQ are served with local wines, beers, and soft drinks included; vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking. The boat returns to your hotel as the day ends, or at sunset if you've chosen that departure.

Weather can shift the itinerary or the port without notice, and a minimum number of passengers is required to run the cruise—if that threshold is not met, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a light jacket; the sun reflects off the water and the wind picks up once you're away from the shore. All passengers need to provide passport details (full name, gender, passport number, expiration date, and country) at the time of booking in accordance with Greek Maritime Law.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• catamaran cruise along the Santorini coastline.
• snorkeling equipment and towels.
• swimming stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and the Hot Springs.
• Greek BBQ and buffet with vegetarian option.
• local wines, beers, and soft drinks.
• guided tour on board.
• English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by YourConciergeEurope

Is this one for you?Pick the daytime cruise to snorkel and swim in full daylight, or the sunset departure to watch the light change over the water and return to your hotel in the evening.

Top questions

What's the difference between the daytime and sunset snorkeling cruises?

Both cruises visit Red Beach, White Beach, and the Hot Springs with the same inclusions—snorkeling, Greek food, and wine. The daytime cruise runs during the day; the sunset cruise departs later and returns as evening falls, so you choose based on when you prefer to be on the water.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the water at Red Beach and White Beach is clear and shallow enough for beginners. A guide is on board to help, though the cruise is not a snorkeling lesson—you operate the gear yourself at your own pace.

What exactly is the Hot Springs stop like?

The Hot Springs are warm, mineral-rich waters where the catamaran stops so you can swim and float. The water feels noticeably warmer and has a distinctive color; it's a short dip rather than a long swim, and you return to the boat afterward.

Is the Greek food included, or do I pay extra for meals?

A full Greek buffet and BBQ are included on board, along with local wines, beers, and soft drinks. Vegetarian meals are available—just request one when you book.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my cruise?

The itinerary and departure port may shift without notice due to weather. If conditions are too rough to run the cruise safely, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No—snorkeling equipment and towels are provided on the catamaran. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, and a light jacket or windbreaker.