Santorini: Catamaran Sunset Cruise, BBQ & Open Bar

Summary

Santorini caldera cruise with bbq dinner open bar and sunset views

You’ll sail Santorini’s caldera by catamaran with a small group, swimming off Red Beach and White Beach before soaking in volcanic hot springs. Enjoy a barbecue dinner on deck with Greek wine and ouzo as you watch sunset near Oia—plus hotel pickup makes it easy to relax into island time.

What’s the experience like?

Opened my eyes to the Red Beach cliffs rising out of the water — that rusty color is even stranger up close. We’d just left Vlychada marina, and already I could smell the salt mixing with something smoky from the grill. Our guide, Maria, handed me a glass of local white wine (crisp, almost lemony) and pointed out how the volcanic layers run like cake stripes through the rock. I tried to snap a photo but honestly it never looks right in pictures. There was this couple from Athens next to us, laughing about how they always forget sunscreen.

When we anchored near White Beach, everyone shuffled for towels and jumped in — the water’s colder than you’d think for June. Maria set up a barbecue right there on deck; I grabbed some dolmadakia and tzatziki (the bread was still warm). The seafood pasta had this kick of oregano that stuck with me. Someone put on music quietly in the background — Greek pop, nothing too loud — and we all just sort of drifted between eating and staring at those white cliffs. The main keyword here is “Santorini catamaran tour,” but honestly it felt more like floating inside a postcard.

Later we stopped at the hot springs by Santorini volcano. You can actually feel the water go from chilly to bath-warm in seconds — plus there’s this faint sulfur smell that clings to your skin after. Not unpleasant, just… different. Sailing toward Oia as the sun started dropping, everything turned gold for maybe ten minutes. Maria poured us ouzo (I probably made a face), and someone asked if sunsets always look this unreal here or if it was just luck. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini catamaran cruise and sunset

• Start from Marina of Vlychada
• Sail to Red Beach
• Stop at White Beach for BBQ and drinks
• Visit Hot Springs
• Sail across caldera towards Ammoudi Bay
• Enjoy sunset views
• End tour at Ammoudi Bay

Top questions

How long is the Santorini catamaran sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What meals are served during the cruise?

A barbecue meal is served onboard, including Greek appetizers, seafood pasta, meat options, vegetarian/vegan meals upon request.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes, there is an open bar with Santorinian wine, ouzo, beer, juice, and soft drinks.

Which beaches does the catamaran visit?

The tour stops at Red Beach and White Beach near Mesa Pigadia.

Are towels provided on board?

Yes, towels are provided for guests during the cruise.

Do you visit Santorini’s hot springs on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at the volcanic hot springs for swimming.

Is this Santorini cruise suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle; towels; onboard Wi-Fi; an open bar with Santorinian wine, ouzo, beer and soft drinks; plus a barbecue meal featuring Greek appetizers like tzatziki and dolmadakia along with seafood pasta and grilled meats or vegetarian options—all while sailing past Red Beach, White Beach, Oia’s caldera cliffs and stopping for swims at each spot before sunset at Amoudi Bay.