Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise, Volcano & BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.68 (31 reviews) 90% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent qualityLikely to sell out

1/27

Duration4h–6h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · EL

PickupAt your hotel

Red cliffs drop straight into the water—your private boat waits at the marina

You board at Vlychada Marina and spend the day swimming at Red Beach and the volcano's warm waters, snorkeling in clear seas, and anchoring for a freshly grilled BBQ with unlimited local wine and beer. The captain tailors the route to weather and your pace, optional stops include Thirasia Island and the seals' caves, and hotel pickup and drop-off handle transport so you don't have to arrange it yourself.

4h–6h

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Santorini Catamaran Cruise

Hotel pickup and panoramic transfer
Board catamaran at Vlychada Marina
Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
Sail past White Beach
Cruise past Akrotiri Lighthouse
Sail along Akrotiri coastline
Swim at volcano hot springs
Sail towards Santorini Caldera
Swim and enjoy Santorini BBQ
Sail back to Vlychada Port
Return and drop-off at hotel

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Vlychada Marina in the morning, and from the moment you step aboard, the route is yours to shape. Your captain coordinates with you on where to stop, how long to linger, what the sea conditions allow. Most days that means Red Beach first—the dramatic rust-colored cliffs rise up around you as you slip into water so clear you can see the seabed, snorkel gear already in hand. The crew briefs you on safety, hands you fins and a mask, and then you're in, drifting past volcanic rock formations that only exist here.

After Red Beach, the boat moves toward the volcano itself. You'll swim in the warm mineral-rich waters where thermal activity heats the sea, a sensation that's strange and oddly soothing. The crew keeps an eye out for dolphins—they do show up, though not every trip—and the Akrotiri Lighthouse slides past on the southern coastline, one of Greece's oldest. White Beach stays visible from the deck, its pale volcanic cliffs a sharp contrast to the red you swam in an hour before. The Santorini caldera opens up as you sail, whitewashed villages and blue domes visible from the water, and you can take photos without the crowds you'd find on land.

Around midday, the boat anchors in a quiet cove and the crew sets up the BBQ. Grilled chicken, fillet fish, seafood, pasta with Santorini tomato sauce, fresh salads, rice, and bread come out hot. Wine and beer flow throughout—local varieties, unlimited pours, though the captain does keep track of consumption for safety. Soft drinks, Fanta, Sprite, and Coca-Cola are there too if you want to pace yourself. You eat on deck with the caldera in front of you, no restaurant noise, no other tables. The private catamaran cruise means you're not jostling for space with forty other tourists; your group stays small, your stops are flexible, and the captain can adjust the route if weather shifts or if you want to spend extra time somewhere.

The return to Vlychada happens in late afternoon or early evening depending on your preference. The crew provides towels and blankets if the wind picks up, fresh water and a restroom are onboard, and Wi-Fi lets you share photos in real time if you want. Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus bookend the whole day, so you're not arranging transport separately or navigating the island yourself. Shaded areas on deck keep you out of the sun between swims, and snorkeling gear is provided—you just show up with sunscreen and a swimsuit.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus.
expert crew guidance and safety briefing.
snorkeling gear and safety equipment.
BBQ buffet with grilled chicken, fillet fish, seafood, pasta, salads, rice, and bread.
unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks.
shaded areas on deck.
onboard restroom and fresh water.
towels and blankets upon request.
complimentary Wi-Fi to share your photos in real time.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ippokampos Sailing

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Santorini highlights—Red Beach, the volcano, the caldera—in one day without renting a car or booking separate transport and meals. The private catamaran means the captain adjusts the route to your pace and the weather, which is what makes a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and dining possible without the rigid schedule of a group tour.