Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Fresh Meal & Open Bar

Summary

Sail past red cliffs swim volcanic springs lunch on deck local wine

You’ll sail Santorini’s coast by catamaran with a local guide—swimming at Red Beach and White Beach, soaking in volcanic hot springs, sharing laughs over lunch with fresh seafood and local wine. Feel salt on your skin and sun on your face as you drift past ancient cliffs—this is one of those days that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever get used to that deep blue you see around Santorini — it’s almost too much, like someone turned up the color settings. We started from Vlychada port, and right away there was this salty wind and the sound of Greek pop coming softly from the crew’s radio. Our guide, Maria, handed out towels and grinned when she saw me eyeing the open bar (I mean, it was barely noon but when in Greece…).

The first stop was Red Beach. The cliffs really are this rusty red — not sure photos do it justice. I jumped in for a swim and the water felt cooler than I expected, sharp against my skin, but good. Maria pointed out how the iron-rich soil gives those colors; she said locals used to come here before tourists found it. Then we drifted past White Beach — only reachable by boat, she said — and honestly I just lay back on deck for a bit, sun warm on my face, trying not to spill my drink.

We sailed under the old Venetian lighthouse at Akrotiri (I waved at some goats on the cliffs — no idea if they saw me), then headed toward the volcano. The hot springs weren’t exactly “hot,” more like bathwater with this faint smell of sulfur that clung to my hair after. Still, floating there with everyone laughing about our muddy skin was one of those moments that sticks with you. Lunch happened somewhere between swims — grilled chicken, seafood, salad, bread still warm from being near the grill. Someone spilled wine and nobody cared.

On the way back to Vlychada port I watched sunlight flicker off the water and realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours. There’s something about being out there — just wind, sea spray, people you’ve only just met but feel oddly close to already. I still think about that view over the caldera as we sailed home; maybe it’s cheesy but yeah… it got to me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Start cruise at Vlychada port
• Sail past Red and White Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Black Mountain
• Sail past Venetian Lighthouse in Akrotiri
• Swim at hot springs of the Volcano
• Sail around the Volcano
• Lunch and swim at Red Beach
• Return to Vlychada port

Top questions

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 5 hours from start to finish.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, transportation from and to your hotel is included.

Are meals and drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch or dinner is served onboard along with an open bar featuring local wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Can I swim at both Red Beach and White Beach?

You’ll have swimming stops near both Red Beach and White Beach during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear and swimming aids are available for use onboard.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Will we visit Santorini’s volcano hot springs?

Yes, there’s a stop for swimming in the volcanic hot springs during the cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus or van, a guided catamaran cruise around Santorini with stops for swimming at Red Beach and White Beach plus time in volcanic hot springs near the caldera. You’ll get snorkeling equipment (and towels), enjoy lunch or dinner onboard—think fresh seafood, chicken fillet, grilled sausages—and sip unlimited local wine or beer from an open bar before returning to port in comfort.