Santorini Private Catamaran Cruise: Volcano, Beaches & Meal
Swim in volcanic hot springs, then eat fresh Greek food on the boat
A private catamaran cruise from Vlychada in Santorini sails past the island's most striking beaches and volcanic sites, with time to swim in the hot springs near Nea Kameni. The boat carries lunch, unlimited wine and beer, snorkeling equipment and towels. You choose between a morning or sunset departure, and hotel pickup is included.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Santorini half-day catamaran cruise
- Depart from Vlychada port
- View Vlychada Beach and chimneys
- Pass Red Beach and photograph
- Sail near White Beach
- See Black Rock and Akrotiri lighthouse
- Admire Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs
- Swim near the volcano area
- Enjoy traditional Greek meal onboard
- Relax on deck with fruit salad
- Watch Santorini sunset (sunset cruise only)
- Red Beach 5m
- White Beach 5m
- Lighthouse 5m
- Palea Kameni passing by
- Nea Kameni passing by
- Santorini Volcano 30m
- Mesa Pigadia Beach 1h
What’s included
- Round-trip private transfer from your hotel.
- lunch freshly cooked on board.
- unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks.
- snorkeling gear, towels and bathrobes.
- a live English-speaking guide.
- all taxes and fees.
- WiFi on board.
Next departure: 25 Apr 2027
Information
Private catamaran from Vlychada port sails past Red Beach and White Beach to the volcano and hot springs, with lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear aboard.
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The experience
The catamaran leaves Vlychada port and heads south along the coast, passing Vlychada Beach with its dark sand and unusual rock formations. From the water you see Red Beach (the famous cove of red and black volcanic rock that sits just above the ancient site of Akrotiri), and then White Beach, a quieter cove where white limestone cliffs rise above black pebbles and crystalline water. The boat takes you close enough to see the 1892 lighthouse at Akrotiri and the Indian Head Rock formation on the southern shore.
The main stop is the volcanic islands in the caldera. You swim in the hot springs near Palia Kameni, where sulfurous water about 5 degrees warmer than the sea is said to help skin conditions. Snorkeling gear and towels are provided. On the return journey, the boat serves a traditional Greek meal freshly cooked on board (vegetarian options available if you request them at booking) along with unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks. A fruit salad comes out as you relax on deck. For the sunset cruise, you watch Santorini's famous sunset from the water.
The tour runs 5 hours and includes round-trip private transfer from your hotel, a live English-speaking guide, and all taxes and fees. WiFi is available on board. You'll need to carry your passport or a photo of it, a requirement of Greek port authorities since 2018. The departure time shifts with the season because sunset times change, so confirm your exact time when you book.
Top questions
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.
Can I swim during the Santorini catamaran cruise?
Yes, you swim in the hot springs near Palia Kameni, one of the volcanic islands in the caldera. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the water is warmer than the surrounding sea by about 5 degrees Celsius.
What's included in the meal on the boat?
A traditional Greek meal freshly cooked on board, unlimited local wine and beer, soft drinks, and a fruit salad on the return. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.
Is hotel pickup included in this cruise?
Yes, round-trip private transfer from your hotel is included in both the morning and sunset options.
What's the difference between the morning and sunset cruises?
Both follow the same route and include the same meal and swimming time. The morning cruise departs earlier in the day, while the sunset cruise times its return to catch Santorini's famous sunset from the water. Exact departure times shift with the season.
What beaches does the boat pass on this cruise?
The catamaran sails past Vlychada Beach near the departure port, Red Beach (the famous red and black volcanic cove), and White Beach (a quieter cove with white cliffs). You also see the Akrotiri lighthouse and the Indian Head Rock formation.
Do I need to bring anything for swimming?
Snorkeling gear, beach towels and bathrobes are all provided on board. You do need to carry your passport or a photo of it, as required by Greek port authorities.
Operated by Sail Away - Santorini Catamaran Sailing. 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
Santorini Private Catamaran Cruise: Volcano, Beaches & Meal
5h · EN · at your hotel
from € 420 per person
≈ US$ 472 in your currency
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