Santorini catamaran cruise: Snorkeling Red Beach hot springs

Sail past the volcano, swim in warm mineral water, eat grilled food the captain prepares while you float.

A half-day catamaran cruise from Santorini with hotel pickup sails past the volcano, stops at Red Beach and the hot springs for snorkeling, and serves a Greek barbecue meal on board. You choose morning departure (best for snorkeling and the white cliffs in bright sun), or an afternoon sunset cruise. The boat holds a maximum of 14 guests, and all snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks and a guide in English or Greek are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Beach30m
2. White Beach1h 30m
3. Santorini Hot Springs30m
4. Santorini Volcanopassing by

Santorini Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling

• Transfer from accommodation to dock
• Meet captain and crew
• Sail past Ancient Lighthouse
• Sail next to Palea Kameni
• Sail next to the Volcano
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Swim and snorkel at White Beach
• Enjoy BBQ meal on board
• Swim in the Hot Springs

The experience

The catamaran picks you up from your hotel or the nearest accessible point and takes you to the dock. Once aboard, the captain and crew brief you on safety, and the boat sails toward the island's volcanic landmarks. The route passes the ancient lighthouse, Palea Kameni and the volcano itself, so you see the geology that shaped Santorini without leaving the deck. The captain has chosen the best anchoring points for swimming and snorkeling: the boat stays 50 meters from the hot springs' yellowish water, close enough that you swim securely in water up to 4°C warmer than the surrounding sea.

Snorkeling happens at Red Beach first, then at White Beach, where the crew prepares a Greek barbecue meal on board while you're in the water. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, towels, floating devices and a leaflet with safety instructions in multiple languages. Drinks include soft drinks, white Santorinian wine and beer. A restroom is on board, and music plays throughout the day. The morning departure suits anyone staying a few days in Santorini and wanting another activity in the afternoon. The sunset cruise works better for guests on the east side of the island without a direct view to Oia.

Shoes come off before you board. Bring swimwear, dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Children from age one are welcome, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed. The operator will confirm your pickup time and location the day before the tour, so provide contact details when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• Greek barbecue meal prepared on board.
• snorkeling equipment, towels, floating devices and a blanket.
• soft drinks, white Santorinian wine and beer.
• a guide in English or Greek.
• a restroom on board.
• a map with information on the landmarks and a safety leaflet in multiple languages.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning DepartureGuide in English or Greek · Available from 1 Apr 2027The morning tour leaves from the Amoudi port of Oia at 9:45am. It suits swimming, snorkeling and the photo opportunities that daylight provides. Pickup is included.

Sunset departure in the afternoonGuide in English or Greek · Available from 15 Apr 2027The sunset tour sets off from the Vlychada port at 2:45pm. It is well suited to a romantic experience in Santorini, with a stunning view of Oia's unique sunset. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Sunset Oia Nepa

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the clearest water for snorkeling and the brightest light on the white cliffs. Choose the sunset cruise if you're staying on the east side of the island and want to watch the sun drop below Oia from the water instead of from a crowded viewpoint on land.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): 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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The catamaran cruise includes snorkeling equipment and floats, and the captain chooses shallow, protected spots at Red Beach and White Beach. The crew briefs all passengers on safety before entering the water, and you can stay on board if you prefer not to swim.

What's the difference between the morning and sunset departures?

The morning cruise offers the best light on Santorini's white cave-houses and dark cliffs, and the water is calmest for snorkeling. The sunset cruise ends your day on the water below the Oia settlement and suits guests staying on the east side of the island without a sunset view from their hotel.

Is the hot springs stop included, or do I pay extra?

The hot springs are part of the standard route and included in your ticket. The catamaran anchors offshore, and you swim in the warm mineral water as part of the snorkeling stops.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel?

You can stay on board and watch the Red Beach and White Beach from the deck. The Greek barbecue meal is served on board regardless, and you'll still see the volcano, lighthouse and hot springs as the boat sails past them.

Does the price include drinks and food?

Yes. A Greek barbecue menu prepared on board, soft drinks, white Santorinian wine and beer are all included. Snorkeling equipment, towels, a blanket and a map of the landmarks are also part of the cruise.

How many people will be on the boat?

The catamaran holds a maximum of 14 guests, so it stays small enough that the captain can anchor at the best snorkeling spots and the crew can prepare the meal without crowding.