Santorini: Private Sunset Sailing Tour with Dinner & Pickup

Summary

Private yacht sails past Red Beach White Beach Thirasia with dinner drinks and transfer

You’ll sail Santorini’s caldera with a local captain, pass Red Beach and White Beach by private yacht, swim off Thirasia island, and enjoy dinner cooked fresh onboard as sunset colors fill the sky. Includes hotel pickup and drinks — it’s not just scenery but real warmth you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

I’d seen photos of Santorini’s sunsets before, but honestly, none of them really prepared me for how it feels to be out on the water as the sky starts to go gold and then just… kind of explodes into color. We met Captain George at the marina — he’s got this calm way about him, like he’s been at sea forever (which, turns out, he has). The boat itself felt big enough for space but small enough that we all ended up chatting together, swapping stories over a glass of cold white wine. There was a salty breeze and I could smell something garlicky from the galley even before we left.

We cruised past Red Beach first — I thought the cliffs would look harsh up close, but in that evening light they almost glowed. George pointed out spots only locals know about (he teased us about tourists missing half the island), and when we passed White Beach, I tried to get a photo but gave up and just watched instead. The water there is this weird milky blue you only see in volcanic places. At one point someone jumped in for a swim near Thirasia; I hesitated (the water looked cold) but then just went for it. It wasn’t cold at all — more like a gentle shock that wakes you up in the best way.

Dinner was cooked right there on board — grilled fish, tomatoes so sweet they tasted like fruit, bread still warm from somewhere local. We ate as the sun started dropping lower behind the caldera rim. There was this moment where nobody said anything for what felt like ages; just forks scraping plates and waves slapping softly against the hull. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini private sailing and sunset dinner

• Depart from the Marina
• Pass pumice beach near Marina
• Pass Red Beach
• Pass White Beach
• Pass between two volcanoes
• Approach sulfuric warm water
• Swim at Thirassia island
• Enjoy meal on board
• Watch Santorini sunset on board

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini sailing tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included with your booking.

How many people can join the private sunset sailing tour?

The yacht can carry up to 10 passengers comfortably for private or small group cruises.

Are meals and drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, dinner is freshly cooked onboard and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Can we swim during the Santorini private sailing tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim in the clear waters near Thirasia island during your cruise.

Is this sunset sailing tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at time of booking.

Who is the captain or guide on board?

The cruise is led by Captain George or another local guide experienced with Santorini’s waters.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Santorini, unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks), bottled water throughout the trip, a freshly prepared dinner served onboard after swimming near Thirasia island, plus your own local captain ready to share stories or answer questions along the way before returning you safely to your hotel.