Santorini: Catamaran Day Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Sail past red beach white cliffs and volcanic hot springs with greek lunch

You’ll step aboard a Santorini catamaran with open bar service and cruise past Red Beach’s wild cliffs before swimming at White Beach and soaking in volcanic hot springs. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch at Mesa Pigadia Beach with time to relax or snorkel before sailing back along the Caldera’s dramatic rim—leaving you with salt in your hair and one of those slow smiles you can’t quite shake off.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the salty air hitting my face as we stepped onto the catamaran at Vlychada port — you could already smell grilled something from somewhere, maybe another boat. Our guide, Yiannis, grinned and handed out towels like he’d done this a thousand times but still found it funny when someone slipped on deck (me, obviously). The water was that unreal blue you only get around Santorini, and honestly, I nearly dropped my phone trying to catch the first glimpse of Red Beach. It’s not just red — more like rust and burnt orange cliffs crumbling into the sea. We stopped there for a swim; I didn’t expect the pebbles to be so warm underfoot.

Sailing past White Beach and these odd rock shapes Yiannis called “Indian Rocks” (he pointed out a nose — I couldn’t see it), we drifted towards the Venetian Lighthouse. There’s always wind here, but that morning it was gentle enough that you could hear people laughing on other boats nearby. At the Caldera, everything went quiet for a second — even Yiannis stopped talking. You just feel tiny in a good way. Then we hit the hot springs. The sulfur smell is real (not exactly pleasant), but floating there with warm bubbles around your toes is weirdly relaxing.

Mesa Pigadia was our last big stop before heading back. Lunch came out fast — tomato fritters, grilled chicken, Greek salad piled high. Someone spilled ouzo on my towel but nobody cared much by then. The sun got higher and sharper on our skin; I ended up sitting next to an older couple from Athens who told me their favorite island isn’t even Santorini (they said Milos — maybe next time). On the way back to Vlychada, everyone just sprawled out quietly watching those wild Caldera cliffs fade behind us. Still think about that view sometimes when things are too loud at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Day Cruise

• Depart from Vlychada port at 10:00am
• Swim and explore Red Beach
• Sail past White Beach, Indian Rocks, Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at Hot Springs of the volcano
• Swim and snorkel at Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Enjoy Greek lunch and drinks on catamaran
• Return to Vlychada with Caldera views

Top questions

What time does the Santorini catamaran day cruise start?

The cruise departs from Vlychada port at 10:00am.

Is lunch included on the Santorini catamaran cruise?

Yes, a traditional Greek lunch is served onboard during the stop at Mesa Pigadia Beach.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, there is an open bar with alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water included.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Santorini?

Yes, private transportation to and from your accommodation is included.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes, there are swimming stops at Red Beach, White Beach, Mesa Pigadia Beach, and the volcanic hot springs.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for guests to use during swim stops.

How long does the Santorini day cruise last?

The tour lasts several hours—departing at 10:00am and returning in the afternoon.

Are infants or children allowed on board?

The cruise is suitable for all ages and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation in Santorini, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, towels ready on board plus WiFi if you want it (though most people forget about their phones). Drinks flow from an open bar—wine or soda—and after swimming stops at Red Beach or soaking in hot springs near the volcano caldera, you’ll sit down to a traditional Greek lunch before heading back toward Vlychada port in the afternoon.