Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Red Beach, Volcano & BBQ

Red Beach cliffs, warm volcanic springs, fresh seafood on deck, and the Caldera at sunrise or sunset

A small-group catamaran cruise from Santorini visits Red Beach and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling, soaks in the island's volcanic hot springs, and anchors for a freshly grilled BBQ with local wine and beer. Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, and an expert crew are included. You choose a morning departure with daylight Caldera views or an evening departure timed for sunset. The boat holds a small group, so the stops stay uncrowded and the pace stays unhurried.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Beach30m
2. White Beachpassing by

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Experience

• Hotel pickup and panoramic drive
• Board catamaran at Vlychada Marina
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Sail past White Beach and Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Sail along Akrotiri coastline
• Swim at volcanic hot springs
• Sail towards Santorini Caldera
• Swim and snorkel at Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Enjoy BBQ with drinks onboard
• Sail back to Vlychada Port
• Return and drop-off at hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Santorini hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, then a short drive to Vlychada Marina on the island's southern coast. You board a modern catamaran and sail first to Red Beach, where you swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water ringed by dramatic red volcanic cliffs: a natural landmark unique to Santorini and one of the most photographed spots on the island. The crew provides snorkeling gear and stays on hand while you explore the water at your own pace.

From Red Beach, the boat sails past White Beach with its striking white cliffs and blue-and-white churches visible from the water, then cruises the Akrotiri coastline and passes the historic Akrotiri Lighthouse. The route then takes you to the volcanic hot springs, where you float in warm mineral-rich water created by volcanic activity: a smaller, quieter stop than the crowded hot spring tours, so you can soak and photograph without the press of large groups. The crew keeps the group intimate and the atmosphere peaceful.

Mid-afternoon or early evening (depending on your departure time), the catamaran anchors at a sheltered beach for the BBQ. You swim or snorkel again in some of Santorini's clearest waters, then climb back on board for a freshly grilled meal: chicken, fillet fish, seafood, rice, pasta with Santorini tomato sauce, salad, and traditional dips. Unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks flow throughout the cruise. On the return sail to Vlychada, morning departures catch the Caldera and coastline in bright daylight. Sunset departures time the return for golden light and the chance to spot dolphins. You're back at your hotel within four to six hours of departure.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• expert crew guidance in English and Greek.
• snorkeling gear and safety equipment for both swimming stops.
• BBQ buffet with grilled chicken, fish, seafood, salads, pasta, and traditional dips.
• unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• fresh water, soft drinks (Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola), towels, and blankets on board.
• Wi-Fi access to share your photos in real time.
• onboard restroom and safety briefing before departure.

Options for this experience

4 options

Half-day tour, daytime, without transferGuide in English or Greek · 09:00

Half-day tour, daytime, with transferGuide in English or Greek · 09:00Pickup is included

Half-day tour, sunset, without transferGuide in English or Greek · 13:20

Half-day tour, sunset, with transferGuide in English or Greek · 13:20Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:20Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ippokampos Sailing

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the Caldera and coastline in clear daylight for photos. Choose the sunset option if golden light and a romantic return sail matter more. Either way, the small-group size keeps the swimming stops uncrowded and the volcanic hot springs peaceful. You're not competing with dozens of other boats for space in the water.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

107 verified traveler reviews

5 ★98

4 ★3

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 departures on this Santorini catamaran?

Morning departures sail the Caldera and coastline in bright daylight, ideal for clear water photos and spotting marine life. Sunset departures time the return journey for golden light and a romantic atmosphere, with the same stops but different lighting and mood.

Is hotel pickup included in the Santorini catamaran cruise?

Pickup is included when you book the "With Transfer" option. The "Without Transfer" option means you arrange your own way to Vlychada Marina. Both options include the same catamaran experience, BBQ, and snorkeling gear.

What do I get to do at Red Beach on this cruise?

You swim and snorkel in the clear water at Red Beach, surrounded by the dramatic red volcanic cliffs that make it one of Santorini's most unique natural landmarks. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew stays nearby while you explore at your own pace.

What's included in the BBQ meal on board?

The BBQ features grilled chicken, fillet fish, seafood, rice, pasta with Santorini tomato sauce, fresh salad, and traditional dips like tzatziki and fava. Unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks are served throughout the cruise.

Can I snorkel at multiple stops on this Santorini catamaran?

Yes, you snorkel at Red Beach early in the cruise and again at the final beach stop before the BBQ. Snorkeling gear is provided for both swims, and the crew briefs you on safety before each entry into the water.

What happens at the volcanic hot springs stop?

You swim in warm, mineral-rich water created by volcanic activity near Santorini's volcano. This stop is kept smaller and quieter than the crowded hot spring tours, so you can soak, float, and photograph without large tour groups around you.