Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar & Pickup

Summary

Sail past red and white beaches swim volcanic springs bbq lunch wine

You’ll board a catamaran in Santorini for five hours of swimming at Red and White Beaches, floating in volcanic hot springs, and feasting on fresh BBQ with open bar drinks—all with hotel pickup included. Feel the Aegean breeze, taste real Greek flavors, and catch those quiet sunset moments you’ll keep thinking about later.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the catamaran at Vlychada Marina, sandals squeaking on the deck, and I instantly caught that salty Aegean smell mixed with sunscreen and grilled something—maybe shrimp? Our guide, Yannis, had this way of telling stories about Santorini’s volcano that made it sound like he’d watched it erupt himself. He pointed out the Red Beach first—those cliffs really are this deep rusty color, almost like paprika. I tried to snap a photo but my lens fogged up from the sea spray. It was warm but not too hot, just enough wind to keep things easy.

White Beach came next, only reachable by boat. The water looked fake-blue, like someone turned up the saturation. We jumped in for snorkeling—honestly, I’m not much of a swimmer but the crew tossed me a noodle and said “no worries.” There were tiny silver fish darting around my feet and bits of black volcanic rock under my toes. Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Greek (I butchered it). The Indian Rocks looked almost like sculptures jutting out of nowhere—Yannis called one “the elephant,” which I didn’t see until he tilted his head and squinted.

The hot springs near Nea Kameni were weirdly soothing—the water had this faint sulfur smell but it wasn’t bad, more earthy than anything. Some folks rubbed the mud on their arms; I just floated for a bit, eyes closed. Back on board, plates started appearing: grilled chicken and shrimp, vine-leaf rolls stuffed with rice (I ate too many), cold beer sweating in my hand. There was Greek salad with tomatoes that actually tasted sweet—not like back home—and tzatziki so garlicky I worried about talking too close to anyone after.

I still think about how quiet it got as we sailed past the lighthouse at Akrotiri—the sun starting to dip behind the caldera rim, everything gold for a minute. Nobody said much then. The crew handled everything so smoothly you barely noticed them working—just laughter sometimes from behind the grill or someone offering another glass of wine. We ended back at Vlychada with sand stuck to our feet and hair full of salt. Kind of wish I could bottle that light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Vlychada Marina
• Sail past Indian Rocks and caves
• Stop at Red Beach for photos
• Swim and snorkel at White Beach
• Swim at hot springs natural spa
• Sail towards Santorini Volcano
• Swim and snorkel at northern volcano cove
• Enjoy onboard BBQ lunch or dinner with drinks
• Return to Vlychada Port

Top questions

How long is the Santorini private catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours from departure at Vlychada Marina until return.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included with an air-conditioned minibus.

Are meals and drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, there is an onboard BBQ lunch or dinner plus an open bar with white wine, beer, soft drinks, and fresh fruit.

What beaches do you visit on this Santorini catamaran tour?

You’ll stop at Red Beach and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, complimentary snorkeling equipment is provided for all guests.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

Vegetarian options are available if requested upon booking.

Are there any age restrictions for alcohol?

You must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol on board.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Vlychada Marina in Santorini.

If arriving by cruise ship to Santorini can I join this tour?

If your tender arrives at Old Port Fira you must take the cable car up to Fira before joining; direct pickup is not possible from Old Port due to no road access.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by minibus, all entry fees and taxes covered, towels plus snorkeling gear provided free of charge, unlimited white wine or beer from the open bar alongside soft drinks and fresh fruit throughout your private catamaran cruise. Lunch or dinner is served onboard—BBQ meats and shrimp plus Greek salad, tzatziki dips, pasta with tomato sauce, vine-leaf rolls with rice, bread and dessert—all while you sail past Santorini’s famous beaches and volcanic coves before returning to port in comfort.