Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Sail past red and white beaches taste greek bbq and swim in volcanic springs

You’ll sail Santorini’s coastline on a small-group catamaran cruise with stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and volcanic hot springs. Swim or snorkel straight from the boat, then share a BBQ lunch with local wine as cliffs slide by outside your window. Hotel pickup keeps things easy—just bring your swimsuit and let yourself drift for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the catamaran at Ammoudi Bay was the smell—salty air mixed with sunscreen and something grilled from the little harbor cafés. Our guide, Yannis, grinned as he handed out towels and made a joke about “Greek time”—I guess we left a bit late, but no one seemed to care. The cliffs of Oia looked different from below, all those pastel houses stacked like sugar cubes. I kept trying to take photos but honestly, it’s one of those places where the camera never gets it right.

We drifted past Nea Kameni—the volcano—with Yannis telling us about the eruption that shaped Santorini. He pointed out the black rocks and said you could still feel warmth in some spots if you swam close enough. When we stopped near the hot springs, I hesitated (it’s a 100-meter swim in open water), but ended up jumping in anyway. The water changed from cool blue to this murky rust color near the springs and smelled faintly of sulfur—kind of weird but not bad. Someone on board tried to pronounce “Santorini” in Greek; Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her wine.

The boat slowed by Indian Rocks and then we anchored near a quiet cove for lunch. The crew set out plates of shrimp, chicken skewers, pasta with tomato sauce—plus tzatziki that tasted garlicky enough to keep vampires away for days. Local white wine flowed pretty freely; I probably had more than two glasses if I’m honest. There was music playing softly (some old Greek pop song) while people snorkeled or just floated around. It felt easy—nobody rushing or talking too loud.

Red Beach looked wild from the water—all that iron-red stone against turquoise sea—and White Beach was even more surreal since you can only get there by boat. We didn’t get off but dove in for another swim; the water was colder than I expected but so clear you could see tiny fish darting around your toes. On the way back toward Vlychada, everyone got quiet for a bit—maybe just sun-drunk or maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. I still think about that last stretch of open sea sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Ammoudi Bay or Vlychada
• Sail past Santorini Volcano Nea Kameni
• Swim at Hot Springs natural spa
• Sail below Indian Rocks caves
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling in quiet cove
• Enjoy BBQ lunch with drinks on board
• Pass Red Beach for photo opportunity
• Pass White Beach and slow down for photos
• Return to Vlychada or Ammoudi Bay

Top questions

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 5 hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

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

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from either Ammoudi Bay (below Oia) or Vlychada Marina.

Do you actually land on Red Beach or White Beach?

No, swimming stops are made offshore; guests do not disembark onto these beaches.

What food is served during the BBQ lunch?

The menu includes BBQ shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki dips, vine-leaf rolls with rice, bread, and dessert.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes, there’s an open bar with soft drinks, two cocktails per person, local white wine and beer.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is available for use during swimming stops.

How far do you have to swim to reach the hot springs?

You’ll need to swim about 100 meters of open water from the boat to reach the hot springs area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by minivan; all fees and taxes; towels; use of snorkeling equipment; an open bar with soft drinks plus two cocktails per person; white wine and beer; a freshly prepared BBQ meal featuring shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki dips, vine-leaf rolls with rice and bread; plus dessert before heading back as evening falls over Santorini.