Private Boat Cruise Santorini: Red Beach & Volcano Swim

Set your own pace and savor exclusive stops on your private Santorini cruise.

A private speedboat cruise departing from Vlychada port in southern Santorini takes your group to Red Beach for a swim, past the Venetian Lighthouse and Mesa Pigadia Beach, and finishes at the Volcano's hot springs for a rejuvenating dip. The boat is yours alone, the captain speaks English, and snorkeling gear, local wine, beer and a snack menu come included; you pick the half-day, three-hour or full-day option at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Half-Day Luxury Private Cruise

• Meet captain at Vlychada port
• Depart to Red Beach for swim
• Stop at White Beach for optional swim
• Pass by Santorini Lighthouse
• Visit Volcano and swim in Hot Springs
• Stop at Mesa Pigadia Beach for swim
• Return to Vlychada port

The Experience

The boat leaves Vlychada port in the south of the island, and from there the captain sets the route around your group's interests. Red Beach is the first major stop—the red and black cliffs rise straight from the water, and you'll have time to swim in the shallow bay before moving on. The Venetian Lighthouse stands at the top of the Caldera cliffs as you pass, and Mesa Pigadia Beach comes next, where you can choose another swim or just watch the volcanic landscape roll past.

The Volcano is the centerpiece. You approach it by water, see the formation up close, and then swim in the hot springs themselves—the water carries the mineral warmth of the volcanic activity beneath. Snorkeling gear is on board if you want it. Between stops, the captain serves a snack menu with vegan and vegetarian options, plus local wine, beer and soft drinks. If you book the sunset option, you'll be on the water as the light changes over the Caldera.

Five hours is the standard half-day length, though you can choose three hours or a full day depending on how much time you want to spend in the water and how far you want to range. The boat holds your party only—no strangers, no schedule built around other groups. An English-speaking captain is included, and pickup from your hotel is part of the booking.

What’s included

• Private speedboat for your group only.
• English-speaking captain.
• hotel pickup and transfer to Vlychada port.
• snorkeling equipment.
• salads, fresh fruit and snack menu.
• unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks.
• swimming stops at Red Beach, the Volcano hot springs and Mesa Pigadia Beach.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Santorini 24hr

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to control the day without coordinating with other travelers. A private boat means the captain can adjust the route to your group's pace, spend extra time at a beach you love, or skip a stop if the water or weather shifts—the flexibility is what you're paying for, and it's what a shared tour can't offer.

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Top questions

Can I swim at the Volcano's hot springs, or is it just a viewing stop?

The Volcano stop includes a swim in the hot springs themselves. You'll have time in the water to feel the warmth from the volcanic activity below.

What's the difference between the three-hour, half-day and full-day options?

The three-hour cruise covers Red Beach and Mesa Pigadia Beach with one swim stop. The half-day (five hours) adds the Volcano hot springs and more time at each location. The full-day extends the route and gives you the most flexibility to linger or explore further stops.

Is snorkeling gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included on board. Bring a swimsuit and a towel; everything else for the water is there.

What food and drinks are served on the boat?

A snack menu with salads and fruit comes with the cruise, along with unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know when you book.

Does the sunset option change the route, or just the timing?

The sunset option follows the same route—Red Beach, Volcano, Mesa Pigadia—but you'll be on the water as the light changes over the Caldera at the end of the day, finishing closer to dusk.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel to Vlychada port is included, and the captain will meet you at the boat.