Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Swim near Santorini’s volcano then eat fresh BBQ on a catamaran

You’ll sail from Amoudi Bay around Santorini’s volcanic coast with a local crew, swimming near hot springs and snorkeling by White and Red beaches. A Greek barbecue lunch is served onboard with cold drinks as you drift between cliffs and open sea. Expect laughter, salty skin, and moments that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my flip-flop at Amoudi Bay before we even got on the boat—turns out you’ve got to leave your shoes behind. Our guide, Yiannis, grinned and said it’s “Greek style,” so I just shrugged and went barefoot. The deck felt warm under my feet, and honestly, it made everything feel more real somehow. We set off from the port with music playing low and that salty air hitting my face. I didn’t expect the water to be so blue—like someone turned up the color dial.

The first stop was near Santorini’s volcano. You can’t actually dock right at the hot springs (something about the water), so we jumped in and swam close enough to feel that weird mix of cool sea and warmer yellowish patches. It smelled faintly sulfurous but not in a bad way—more earthy than anything. Yiannis pointed out Palea Kameni and told us stories about old eruptions while I floated there, half-listening, half-just drifting. My arms got tired faster than I’d admit.

We cruised past the old lighthouse (looked ancient against the sky), then anchored near White Beach for snorkeling. I tried to say “kalimera” to one of the crew—Li laughed at my accent but handed me a mask anyway. Lunch was already grilling: pork skewers, shrimp saganaki, stuffed vine leaves—all those smells mixing with sea air and sunscreen. The wine was cold and local; I spilled some trying to pour on a moving boat but nobody cared. Later we stopped by Red Beach for another swim—I still think about how those cliffs glowed in late afternoon light.

It all ended at Vlychada Port, sunburnt shoulders and hair full of salt. Not everything went smoothly (I lost my towel for ten minutes) but that’s kind of what made it stick with me—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini sailing cruise with swimming and BBQ

• Start tour at Amoudi Bay
• Sail next to the Volcano
• Sail next to Palea Kameni
• Swim in the Hot Springs
• Watch the Ancient Lighthouse from sea
• Swim and snorkel at White Beach
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• End tour at Vlychada Port

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Santorini catamaran cruise?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel are included in the tour.

Can you swim in the Santorini hot springs during this cruise?

You can swim very close to the hot springs area; boats stay about 50 meters away due to regulations.

What food is served on board during the cruise?

The menu includes pork skewers, shrimp saganaki, grilled chicken, pasta with red sauce, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad, roasted vegetables, and vegetarian options.

Are drinks included during the catamaran cruise?

Yes, complimentary drinks such as Santorinian white wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water are provided.

How many people are on each catamaran tour?

The maximum number of passengers per cruise is 20.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for all guests at no extra charge.

Which beaches do you visit or see during this cruise?

You’ll see or swim near White Beach and Red Beach along with views of Palea Kameni island.

Are towels provided on board?

Towels are provided by the crew but must be returned at the end of the tour.

Is this cruise suitable for children or infants?

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

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transfers across Santorini plus safety instructions in several languages before boarding at Amoudi Bay. Onboard you’ll have towels (to return), snorkeling equipment for swimming stops at White Beach or Red Beach, floating devices if needed, a freshly prepared Greek barbecue lunch with local wine or beer (and vegetarian options), plus music as you sail toward Vlychada Port after exploring volcanic sights along the way.