Santorini Sunset Cruise: BBQ Fish Small Group Sailing Oia

Sail past Santorini's volcanic coastline, swim in crater waters, then eat grilled fish as the sun drops behind the caldera.

A six-hour sunset sailing cruise from Oia takes you past Red Beach, White Beach and the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Thirassia, with time to snorkel in the crater's mineral-rich waters and swim at secluded bays. The boat holds a small group (maximum 16 or 20 depending on your option), and includes unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks, plus appetizers and a BBQ dinner of fresh fish or chicken souvlaki. A guide speaks English throughout, and snorkeling gear is provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Thirasia20m
2. Nea Kameni20m
3. White Beachpassing by
4. Red Beach1h

Santorini Sunset Cruise and BBQ

• Depart from Ammoudi Bay in Oia
• Swim and snorkel at Thirassia Island
• Cruise past Santorini volcano and sulfur springs
• Visit Nea Kameni volcanic islet
• Pass by Santorini Lighthouse
• Swim or snorkel at secluded black beach
• Pass from Red Beach to White Beach
• Stop at Red Beach for snorkeling and BBQ dinner
• View and photograph Santorini's oldest port
• Watch Santorini sunset from the sea

The experience

The cruise departs from Ammoudi bay in Oia in the late afternoon and works south along the caldera wall, stopping first at Thirassia Island, a quieter settlement where the water stays almost always calm. You'll swim and snorkel in the turquoise bay, then move on to Nea Kameni, the preserved volcanic islet where black lava rocks, yellow sulfur deposits and white ash create a landscape that looks like another planet. The water here is so salt-heavy you float without effort: a physical sensation that stays with you.

The itinerary takes you past the Lighthouse of Santorini, a secluded black-sand beach, and then to the Red Beach, where scarlet volcanic cliffs rise straight from the water. This is where the BBQ begins: the crew grills fresh fish or chicken souvlaki on deck while you watch the light change on the rocks. The meal includes appetizers, salads and a vegetarian option if you've chosen it, paired with unlimited local dry white wine, beer, soft drinks and water. You'll also pass the White Beach, accessible only by boat, and see the old port at the center of the island before the final stop to watch the sunset from the water.

Two options shape the evening: one keeps the group to 16 guests and serves dinner on the boat itself. The other allows up to 20 and moves the BBQ to a private tavern on Thirassia Island. Both include the same snorkeling stops, the same drinks and the same route. Pickup from your hotel is available on one option. The other departs directly from Ammoudi bay. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Six hours of sailing with an English-speaking guide.
• unlimited local dry white wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
• appetizers, salads and a BBQ dinner of fresh fish or chicken souvlaki with a vegetarian option.
• snorkeling equipment for all stops.
• swimming and snorkeling time at Thirassia Island, Nea Kameni's volcanic crater, Red Beach and White Beach.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset cruise excluding transferGuide in English · 12:00Includes pickup

Sunset cruise including transferGuide in English · 12:00Snorkeling tour lasting 6 hours, with an onboard BBQ meal prepared from the freshest ingredients, aboard a Catamaran Lagoon vessel; includes pickup

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 12:00Last departure this season: 3 Nov

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Renieris Santorini Sailing Center

Is this one for you?Pick the onboard BBQ if you want dinner under the stars with fewer people around you. Choose the Thirassia tavern option if you prefer eating ashore in a larger group.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

What's the water like for swimming and snorkeling on this cruise?

Thirassia Island's bay stays almost always calm and turquoise, ideal for swimming. Nea Kameni's volcanic crater waters are so mineral-rich and salty you float naturally, which makes snorkeling effortless even for nervous swimmers. All snorkeling gear is included.

Where does the BBQ dinner happen, and what's included?

On the smaller-group option (16 guests), dinner is grilled on the boat. On the larger option (20 guests), the BBQ moves to a private tavern on Thirassia Island. Both include appetizers, salads, fresh fish or chicken souvlaki, a vegetarian meal if you've chosen it, and unlimited local white wine, beer, soft drinks and water.

Can I get a hotel pickup, or do I need to get to Oia on my own?

One option includes hotel pickup. The other departs directly from Ammoudi bay in Oia. Choose at checkout based on where you're staying and whether you want to arrange your own transport to the port.

How long is the cruise, and when does it start?

The cruise runs six hours and departs in the late afternoon, timing the route so you finish watching the sunset from the water. The exact departure time depends on the season and the sunset hour.

What are Red Beach and White Beach like?

Red Beach is a dramatic volcanic coastline where scarlet cliffs meet turquoise water. This is where dinner happens on the boat. White Beach is a secluded stretch accessible only by boat, with crystal-clear water and black sand. Both are stops where you can snorkel or swim.