Santorini: Catamaran Sunset Cruise, Thirassia Swim & Dinner

Summary

Sail past red & white beaches, swim thirassia island, taste local dinner at sunset

You’ll sail Santorini’s caldera by catamaran with stops to swim at Thirassia Island and soak in volcanic hot springs. Enjoy fresh dinner on deck as you pass White Beach and Red Beach at sunset—plus stories from your local guide along the way. The sea air and changing colors will stick with you long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the sea smells like just before sunset in Santorini? I didn’t, honestly — not until we stepped onto the catamaran at Ammoudi Bay and the salt hit me, sharp and clean. Our guide, Eleni, handed us towels with a grin (“Don’t lose these!”), and we set off with maybe a dozen others. The cliffs around Oia looked almost unreal from the water — all those layers of color stacked up like someone painted them in a rush.

The first swim stop was Thirassia. I hesitated at first (the water looked cold), but everyone else was already splashing around so I just went for it. It’s true what they say about the clarity — you can see your toes even when you’re floating way out. Someone nearby found a tiny shell and passed it to me; it felt smooth and oddly warm from the sun. Back on board, Eleni poured us local white wine (crisp, kind of peachy?) while she told us stories about how Santorini’s volcano shaped everything here — even the beaches’ colors.

I didn’t expect to like the hot springs as much as I did. The water near Nea Kameni turns this weird rusty color from the minerals, and it’s warmer than you’d think — sort of like slipping into a bath after a long hike. There was this sulfur smell that stuck to my skin for hours (not bad though, just… volcanic). We sailed past Black Mountain and that old Venetian lighthouse; someone pointed out goats scrambling along rocks way above us. Dinner was grilled chicken and seafood — simple but perfect after swimming all afternoon. I probably ate too much bread with olive oil.

As we drifted close to Red Beach for photos, everyone got quiet for a second. The cliffs really do look redder right before sunset. Then suddenly there were cameras everywhere again, but I just watched the light change on the water instead. We ended at Vlychada port after dark, hair tangled from wind and salt. Still thinking about that last bit of sun over Oia — it’s hard to explain unless you see it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini catamaran cruise highlights

• Start cruise at Ammoudi Bay
• Swim and snorkel at Thirassia
• Sail around the Volcano
• Sail past Plea Kameni
• Swim at Volcano hot springs
• Sail past Black Mountain and Indian Rock
• Sail past Venetian Lighthouse in Akrotiri
• View White Beach from boat
• Take photos at Red Beach
• Enjoy sunset before Vlychada port

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Santorini catamaran cruise?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned minibus or van.

Can I swim during the Santorini sunset cruise?

Yes, there are swimming stops at Thirassia Island and in the volcanic hot springs near Nea Kameni.

What food is served on board?

The cruise includes dinner with seafood, grilled sausages, chicken fillet, salads, dessert, plus an open bar with local wine and beer.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear, towels, and swimming aids are available for use during the cruise.

How long does this sunset cruise last?

The cruise typically lasts around 5 hours from departure to arrival at Vlychada port.

Do I need my passport or ID for this tour?

A copy or photo of your passport or ID is required during embarkation for all passengers.

Is this Santorini catamaran cruise suitable for children?

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

Does this tour include information about Santorini's history?

Your host shares historical and geological facts about Santorini during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus or van, printed safety instructions in seven languages, use of snorkeling equipment and towels for swimming stops at Thirassia Island and volcanic hot springs near Nea Kameni, an open bar with local white wine or beer plus soft drinks throughout the cruise, fresh dinner served on board featuring seafood dishes alongside salads and dessert—and drop-off back at your accommodation after sunset at Vlychada port.