Santorini: Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drinks & Pickup

Summary

Sail past red and white beach swim in hot springs watch sunset from the caldera

You’ll sail along Santorini’s caldera on a luxury catamaran cruise with hotel pickup included. Swim near Red Beach and soak in volcanic hot springs before savoring a fresh Greek BBQ meal on board with local wine or beer. Watch sunset over Oia from the water—quietly unforgettable in its own way.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to keep your shoes off,” Maria grinned as we stepped barefoot onto the Ipanema catamaran at Ammoudi Bay. The deck felt cool under my feet — kind of grounding, actually. We’d barely left the port before someone handed me a glass of chilled white wine (local, crisp), and the crew started joking about who’d be brave enough to jump in first at Red Beach. The cliffs really are that color — a rusty red that looks almost painted on.

I didn’t expect how quiet it gets out there, away from the island’s crowds. Just wind and water slapping against the hull, and the occasional laughter from people trying (and mostly failing) to pronounce “Palea Kameni.” Our guide pointed out the volcano as we sailed by — you could see steam rising faintly in the distance. When we stopped for swimming near the Santorini Hot Springs, I hesitated (the water’s got this sulfur smell, not strong but definitely there), but then everyone else was already splashing around so… in I went. It’s warmer than you think, especially compared to the open sea.

Later we drifted past the lighthouse and anchored close to White Beach. The crew grilled souvlaki right on deck — honestly, I still think about that smoky smell mixing with salt air. There were salads and bread too, plus more wine if you wanted it. Someone played music from their phone (not Greek music, oddly enough), but nobody seemed to mind. Watching the sun sink behind Oia from out on the water is different than seeing it from land — softer somehow, less crowded with selfie sticks. I tried taking photos but ended up just sitting there holding my towel around my shoulders.

The transfer back was quiet; everyone a little sunburned and salty and tired in that good way. I kept thinking about how small Santorini looked from out there — all those blue domes just dots against the cliffs. So yeah, if you’re wondering about a Santorini luxury catamaran sunset cruise… it’s not really about luxury for me. It’s more like getting time to just float for a while and let things slow down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini catamaran cruise and activities

• Start tour from Ammoudi or Athinios port
• Sail next to the Volcano
• Sail next to Palea Kameni
• Swim in the Hot Springs
• Watch the Ancient Lighthouse from the sea
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Swim, snorkel, and enjoy BBQ at White Beach

Top questions

What beaches do you visit on this Santorini catamaran cruise?

The cruise sails past Red Beach and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini sunset cruise?

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

Do you stop at Santorini Hot Springs during the tour?

Yes, there is a swimming stop near Santorini Hot Springs by Palea Kameni island.

What food is served during the catamaran cruise?

A full Greek BBQ meal is served onboard with salads, bread, beer, wine, soft drinks and water.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, towels and snorkeling gear are provided by the crew for use during swimming stops.

How long does the sunset cruise last?

The tour lasts around 5 hours including sailing time and stops for swimming and dinner.

Can infants or children join this cruise?

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

Is there an English-speaking guide or crew?

The crew speaks English and provides information about landmarks along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Santorini, all your drinks (beer, local white wine, soft drinks), towels and snorkeling gear to borrow onboard, plus a full Greek BBQ meal prepared fresh as you sail between Red Beach, White Beach, Palea Kameni hot springs, past the volcano and lighthouse—all with an English-speaking crew looking after you until sunset brings you back ashore.