Santorini: Catamaran Sailing Trip with BBQ, Drinks & Pickup

Summary

Sail past red beach swim at white sands taste bbq on deck

You’ll sail along Santorini’s volcanic coastlines with a small group, swimming by Red Beach and White Beach before sharing fresh Greek BBQ cooked right on deck. There’s time to snorkel or float near hot springs as your guide shares local stories—and plenty of wine or beer if you want it. Expect sun-warmed skin, laughter over lunch, and views that linger long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

“You can leave your shoes here,” the captain said, waving at a basket by the dock. I hesitated—something about standing barefoot on a catamaran in Santorini made it feel suddenly real. The sun was already bright, bouncing off those wild black cliffs and the white houses stacked like sugar cubes above us. Our guide, Dimitra, handed out towels and grinned when I tried to pronounce ‘Kalimera’—I think I got close? The boat hummed as we pulled away from shore, everyone a little quiet at first except for the seagulls overhead.

The first stop was Red Beach. The water there is… well, it looks unreal. Clear but with this weird reddish shimmer from the cliffs. I jumped in (colder than I expected!) and tried snorkeling for a bit—saw some tiny fish darting between rocks. There was this salty tang in the air that stuck to my skin even after I dried off. We drifted toward White Beach next and the crew started up the grill right there on deck—garlic and oregano everywhere. It’s funny how food always tastes better after swimming; maybe it’s just being hungry or maybe it’s Greece.

We sailed past the old lighthouse—Dimitra pointed out stories about shipwrecks and storms—and then headed toward Palea Kameni and those famous Santorini Hot Springs. You can’t get super close with a catamaran (something about protecting the sea floor?), so you swim out if you want to feel that warm sulfur water mixing with the cool sea. Some people stayed on board drinking cold white wine; others floated quietly near the boat, just watching steam rise over the volcano in the distance. There was music playing softly but mostly it was just wind and laughter echoing off the cliffs.

I still think about that moment when we all sat together eating grilled chicken and tomatoes under a flapping blue awning, salt drying on our arms. It wasn’t fancy but felt kind of perfect—a little messy, a little loud, everyone passing plates around like old friends even if we’d only met that morning. If you’re looking for a half-day sailing trip from Santorini with BBQ and drinks included (and honestly who isn’t?), this is one of those days that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling

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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini catamaran sailing trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can I swim at Red Beach during the cruise?

Yes, there is time for swimming and snorkeling at Red Beach during your tour.

Are meals or drinks provided on board?

A Greek BBQ meal is prepared on board along with drinks like local wine, beer, and soft drinks.

How many people are on each sailing trip?

The maximum group size is 14 guests per cruise.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for all guests.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Will we visit Santorini Hot Springs?

You will sail near Santorini Hot Springs; guests can swim close to them but not directly into them due to regulations.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Please bring swimwear, dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup (or closest accessible point), towels and blankets to borrow onboard, all snorkeling equipment plus floating devices if needed, a freshly prepared Greek BBQ meal served with local wine or beer (and soft drinks), music during your cruise, restroom access on board, safety instructions in multiple languages—and an easygoing crew who’ll make sure you don’t miss any of Santorini’s best sights before returning you back to your accommodation.