Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise, Volcano & BBQ

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Beach30m
2. White Beachpassing by

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day Time PrivateGuide in English or Greek · 09:00includes pickup

Sunset Time PrivateGuide in English or Greek · 13:20includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:20Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic 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.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

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 included in the BBQ?

Grilled chicken, fillet fish, seafood, pasta with Santorini tomato sauce, fresh salads, rice, bread, and traditional dips. Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are served throughout the day. An optional upgrade adds lobster, fresh fish, squid, and Moët & Chandon Champagne for €400 (up to 4 guests).

Can I snorkel, or do I just swim?

Both. Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can explore the underwater landscape at Red Beach and other stops. The crew briefs you on safety before you enter the water.

How many people will be on the boat?

It's a private catamaran, so your group size determines occupancy. It's not a large tour boat. The experience is tailored to your party.

What if the weather is bad?

The captain coordinates stops and route based on sailing conditions. If conditions aren't safe, the route is adjusted to protect you and the vessel.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes. An air-conditioned minibus picks you up from your hotel across Santorini and returns you at the end of the day, so you don't arrange separate transport.

Can I visit Thirasia Island?

It's an optional stop. The captain can arrange a direct transfer to Thirasia if you request it at the start of the cruise, depending on sailing schedules and weather.

Are children allowed?

Yes, with parental consent and full responsibility. Parents must accompany and ensure their children's safety onboard. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Can I bring my dog?

Small dogs, puppies, and cats are allowed only if they remain in their carriers at all times and do not roam freely on deck.