Snorkeling in Santorini: Catamaran cruise with BBQ & hotel pickup

You swim to the hot springs and float in warm sulfurous water that's an old volcano crater.

This 5-hour catamaran cruise from Santorini includes three snorkeling stops, a BBQ meal on board, and hotel pickup and drop-off. You depart from Ammoudi Bay or Vlychada Marina, pass the active Nea Kameni volcano, swim at the Red Beach and White Beach (boat-only access), and soak in the natural hot springs. The itinerary and departure port may shift due to weather. Vegetarian options are available. Bring your own sunscreen and swimsuit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Ammoudi Bay or Vlychada
• Cruise past Thirasia Island
• Swim at Hot Springs
• Sail below Indian Rocks
• Swim and snorkel at quiet cove
• Enjoy BBQ lunch or dinner on board
• Pass Red Beach for photos
• Pass White Beach and slow down for photos
• Pass Santorini Volcano and learn history
• Return to Ammoudi Bay or Vlychada

The experience

The boat leaves from either Ammoudi Bay below Oia or Vlychada Marina, and your hotel pickup happens in an air-conditioned minivan beforehand. Once aboard, you sail past Thirasia Island and the caldera views, then stop at the hot springs: a natural spa fed by the old volcano. The water is warm year-round but varies by season, and you'll swim about 100 meters of open water to reach it. Other boats cluster here, so it's not a private moment, but the crew doesn't drop you off, so you're in control of your time in the water.

The second stop takes you below the Indian Rocks near caves and formations that define the Aegean landscape. At the third and quietest cove, the crew sets up a buffet on deck while you snorkel: grilled shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, vine-leaf rolls, bread and dessert, with local white wine, beer and two cocktails per person included. You're away from the crowded spots here, though again the boat doesn't beach, so you're swimming from the catamaran itself.

The Red Beach stop is a photo opportunity. Its red soil and mineral content make it one of the island's most distinctive. White Beach, accessible only by boat, has clear water and reefs worth snorkeling. You'll pass the active Nea Kameni volcano on the way back and hear the history of Santorini's eruption. The whole experience runs 5 hours, and you can choose either a daytime or sunset departure. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses and a windbreaker.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• hotel pickup and drop-off by minivan.
• BBQ lunch or dinner with grilled shrimp, chicken, sausage, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, vine-leaf rolls and dessert.
• local white wine and beer.
• two cocktails per person and open bar for soft drinks.
• towels.

Options for this experience

2 options

Daytime CruiseGuide in English or Greek · 09:30Luxury class of service, lasting 5 hours, with an onboard BBQ and cocktails. Santorini highlights on a sailing catamaran. Pickup is included.

Sunset CruiseGuide in English or Greek · 13:30 and 14:00Luxury class of service, lasting 5 hours, with an onboard BBQ and cocktails. Santorini highlights on a sailing catamaran. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 13:30 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose the daytime cruise if you want the clearest water and the best light for underwater photography. Pick the sunset departure if you'd rather eat and drink while the light changes over the caldera and the volcano.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

The Daytime Cruise and Sunset Cruise are the two departure options. Both follow the same route with three snorkeling stops and the same meal and drinks, but the timing changes which light you photograph in and when you eat.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel at these stops?

The hot springs stop requires you to swim 100 meters of open water, and the crew does not drop you off at the beach. You enter and exit from the catamaran. The other snorkeling stops work the same way. Suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator, but you should be comfortable in open water.

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

Snorkeling equipment is provided on the catamaran. You'll need to bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses and a windbreaker.

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

The itinerary and starting or ending port can change without prior notice due to bad weather or other operational reasons, so the operator may adjust the route or timing on the day.

Does the price include the hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan are included in the booking.

What food and drinks are served on the boat?

The BBQ meal includes grilled shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki dips, vine-leaf rolls with rice, bread and dessert. Drinks include local white wine, beer, two cocktails per person and an open bar for soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking.