Snorkeling in Santorini: Catamaran cruise with BBQ & open bar
Snorkel the Aegean without arranging the boat or the meal
A 5-hour private catamaran cruise from Vlychada Marina around Santorini with snorkeling stops at White Beach and the hot springs, plus a full BBQ meal and open bar. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you choose between a morning or sunset departure. The itinerary covers the Red Beach, Indian Rocks, the volcano, and Thirasia Island, with a guide in English or Greek.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights
- Depart from Vlychada Marina
- Sail past Red Beach and take photos
- Pass by White Beach for swimming and snorkeling
- Stop at Mesa Pigadia bay for swim or relax
- Sail below Indian Rocks and caves
- Swim at hot springs natural spa
- Sail towards Santorini Volcano and learn about eruption
- Cruise past Thirasia Island and admire caldera views
- Enjoy onboard BBQ lunch or dinner with open bar
- Return to southern Port of Vlychada
- Red Beach 30m
- White Beach passing by
- Mesa Pigadia Beach 1h
- Lighthouse passing by
- Palea Kameni 30m
- Santorini Volcano passing by
- Thirasia passing by
- Vlychada passing by
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus.
- snorkeling equipment and safety gear.
- towels.
- BBQ lunch or dinner with shrimp, chicken, sausage, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, vine-leaf rolls, bread, and fresh fruit.
- open bar with white wine, beer, and soft drinks.
- a live guide in English or Greek.
- all fees and taxes.
- Every day 09:30 13:30
Information
Sail around Santorini on a private catamaran for 5 hours with snorkeling at White Beach and hot springs, plus hotel pickup and meals.
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The experience
The catamaran leaves Vlychada Marina and sails past the Red Beach (its rust-red cliffs caused by mineral-rich soil) before heading to White Beach, accessible only by boat. This is where the snorkeling happens: the water is clear enough to see the reefs and underwater life, and the crew provides all the gear. A second swim stop at Mesa Pigadia bay lets you either stay in the water or rest on deck, then the boat sails below the Indian Rocks, where caves and rock formations rise from the sea.
The hot springs come next (sulfurous water that feels like a natural spa), and then you sail toward the volcano itself while the guide explains the eruption that shaped the island. The route also passes Thirasia Island, where you see the caldera from sea level and the traditional taverns built into the cliffs above Korfos Bay. By the time you return to Vlychada, you've covered most of what makes Santorini visible from the water.
The meal is served on board: BBQ shrimp, chicken fillet, and beef sausage, plus pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, vine-leaf rolls, bread, and fresh fruit. The open bar runs to white wine and beer, with soft drinks available throughout. Towels and snorkeling equipment are provided, and the air-conditioned minibus picks you up from your hotel and brings you back. You can book the morning cruise or the sunset one. Both run the same route and include everything listed here. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when you book.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Pickup is included in the price. When you book, you choose your hotel from 441 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure.
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Greek.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 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 difference between the morning and sunset snorkeling cruises?
Both depart from Vlychada Marina and follow the same route (White Beach, the hot springs, the volcano, and Thirasia Island) with the same snorkeling stops, meal, and drinks. The morning cruise leaves earlier in the day. The sunset cruise departs in the late afternoon so you return after dark. Choose based on when you prefer to be on the water.
Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?
Yes. The snorkeling stops are at White Beach and the hot springs, both suited to different levels. The crew provides all equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, and a safety vest), and the water is calm enough for beginners. The guide is there to help, and you can stay on deck during the swim stops if you prefer.
Is the meal included, or do I need to bring my own food?
The meal is included: BBQ shrimp, chicken, and sausage, pasta, salad, dips, bread, and fruit, served on board. The open bar includes white wine, beer, and soft drinks throughout the cruise. If you're vegetarian, let the operator know when you book and they'll prepare a different plate.
What do I need to bring or wear?
Bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a windbreaker or light jacket for the boat. Towels and all snorkeling gear are provided. The minibus is air-conditioned, so you'll be comfortable between the water and the meal.
Does the cruise stop at the volcano, or do we just sail past it?
You sail toward the volcano and view it from the water while the guide explains the eruption. The boat does not land on the volcano itself. The stop is a viewing and explanation from sea level as part of the route around the island.
Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Snorkeling in Santorini: Catamaran cruise with BBQ & open bar
5h · EN +1
from € 500 per person
≈ US$ 562 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.