Santorini Catamaran Day Cruise with Greek Lunch & Snorkeling

Summary

Catamaran day trip from Santorini with swimming, lunch and local wine

You’ll start your Santorini catamaran day trip sipping coffee as you meet new faces on deck. Swim or snorkel in quiet coves, then share a traditional Greek lunch with local wine and beer onboard. With every salty breeze and laugh over raki, you’ll feel what makes these islands special.

What’s the experience like?

Maria handed me a tiny cup of coffee right when I stepped onto the catamaran — she smiled like she already knew half of us were nervous about our sea legs. I found myself next to a couple from Thessaloniki who joked about how city people never get used to the smell of salt air. The Aegean was that weird shade of blue that almost hurts your eyes if you stare too long. There was music playing softly (some old Greek pop song I didn’t know), and someone’s sunscreen had that coconut smell that always makes me hungry for dessert, for some reason.

We drifted out past the edges of Santorini, the cliffs shrinking behind us. Our guide, Nikos, pointed out a cove where he said his grandmother used to fish for octopus — he laughed when I tried to say “octopus” in Greek (I definitely butchered it). First stop: clear water, almost cold enough to make you yelp but after a second you just float there, watching little silver fish dart around your toes. Snorkeling gear was all laid out for us — no fussing or weird sizes — and somehow I ended up being the last one back on board because I lost track of time counting rocks under the surface.

Lunch was served while we were still dripping dry in the sun: tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes, feta so salty it made my mouth water, grilled chicken and something with eggplant that Nikos called “the real stuff.” There was raki if you wanted it (I did), plus cold beer and local wine — not fancy but honestly good. Everyone talked more after eating; maybe it was the wine or just being out there together, but it felt easy. We stopped at another spot before heading back, quieter this time — just wind and water slapping at the hull.

I keep thinking about how calm everything felt on that boat. Even with strangers around me and my hair tangled from salt spray, it felt like a break from real life. If you’re looking for a day trip from Santorini that’s less about ticking off sights and more about just…being there? This catamaran cruise is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and swimming

• Board the modern catamaran
• Meet the group and enjoy coffee
• Sail to secluded beaches and coves
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Enjoy traditional lunch on board
• Drink refreshments, beer, raki, and wine
• Continue snorkeling and swimming
• Return after approximately seven hours

Top questions

How long does the Santorini catamaran cruise last?

The cruise runs for approximately seven hours.

Is lunch included during the catamaran day trip?

Yes, a traditional Greek lunch prepared with local products is served onboard.

Are drinks provided on the cruise?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, raki, coffee and tea are included with lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel and fins is available for everyone.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian or vegan meals can be arranged if requested at booking.

Does the tour include pickup?

The tour includes group pickup; public transportation options are also nearby.

Can service animals join this cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed onboard.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

The captain may change the itinerary to ensure safety in case of adverse weather conditions.

What’s included

Your Santorini catamaran day cruise includes group pickup near public transport options, all snorkeling equipment ready for use at each stop, snacks throughout the trip plus a full traditional Greek lunch served onboard with local wine and beer—plus coffee or tea to start your morning at sea.