Santorini catamaran cruise: snorkeling, hot springs, BBQ

Red Beach, White Beach, hot springs, and a quiet cove—three swim stops and a crew-prepared meal on the water

A 5-hour catamaran cruise from Vlychada Marina sails past Santorini's Red and White Beaches, the Venetian Lighthouse, and the active volcano, with three snorkeling stops including the natural hot springs and a final quiet cove where the crew serves grilled shrimp, chicken, beef sausage, Greek salad and traditional appetizers with open bar. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with snorkeling gear and towels. You choose between a daytime or sunset departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Vlychada Marina
• Pass Red Beach, take photos
• Pass White Beach, take photos
• Stop at Mesa Pigadia for swim
• Pass Venetian lighthouse of Akrotiri
• Swim at Hot Springs natural spa
• Pass active volcano Nea Kameni
• Cruise past Thirasia Island
• Stop at quiet cove for swim and snorkeling
• Enjoy onboard BBQ lunch or dinner with open bar
• Return to Vlychada Port

The Experience

The boat leaves Vlychada Marina and heads north along the caldera, passing the Red Beach—a mineral-rich shoreline you photograph from the water—then the White Beach's dramatic white rock formation. The first swim stop is Mesa Pigadia bay, where you can jump in or stay aboard. From there the route passes the black rock and swings toward the southwestern cape and its Venetian lighthouse, then reaches the hot springs: a natural spa in sulfurous water where you swim about 100 meters of open water to reach the warmth. The springs are a popular site, so expect other boats, and the water temperature varies by season.

After the hot springs, you sail past Nea Kameni Island—the active volcano—where the crew explains Santorini's eruption history. The route then curves past Thirasia Island and its caldera views before reaching the final stop: a quiet cove away from the crowds. Here you snorkel while the crew sets up a buffet of grilled shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, vineleaf rolls with rice, tzatziki, bread and dessert. White wine, beer and soft drinks flow throughout the meal. The cruise ends back at Vlychada by late afternoon or early evening, depending on your departure time.

Hotel pickup and drop-off come in an air-conditioned minibus; snorkeling equipment and towels are provided. A live guide speaks English and Greek. Bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses and a windbreaker. If you're arriving by cruise ship, note that tender boats dock at the Old Port of Fira, and you'll need to take the cable car to reach the office in Fira at least an hour before departure—let the operator know your ship's schedule so timing works. Weather or operational changes can shift the itinerary or starting port without notice.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus.
• snorkeling equipment and towels.
• grilled shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, vineleaf rolls with rice, tzatziki, bread and dessert.
• open bar with white wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose the daytime cruise if you want the volcanic landscape and snorkeling stops lit by natural light, or the sunset departure if you prefer to end the day on the water as the light changes over the caldera. Both work around hotel pickups, so the only planning you do is choosing your time.

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Top questions

What exactly happens at the hot springs stop on the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The hot springs are in sulfurous water near the old volcano, offering a natural spa experience. You swim about 100 meters of open water to reach them, and the water is warm depending on the season. Other boats typically gather at this popular site, and you are not dropped off at a beach—you enter and exit from the water.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the cruise price. You do not need to bring your own mask, fins or snorkel. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a windbreaker; a towel is also provided onboard.

What food and drinks are served during the cruise?

The crew prepares a buffet meal at the final quiet cove stop, featuring grilled shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, vineleaf rolls with rice, tzatziki dips, bread and dessert. The open bar includes white wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the day. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

Does the cruise include hotel pickup, and how does it work?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price, provided by air-conditioned minibus. The driver collects you from your hotel and returns you after the cruise ends at Vlychada Marina. If you are staying outside the standard pickup zone, confirm your location when booking.

Can I choose between a daytime or sunset cruise?

Yes, you select either the Daytime Cruise or Sunset Cruise when you book. Both follow the same route and include the same stops, snorkeling, meal and open bar; the difference is the departure time and when you return.

What is the Red Beach stop like—do we swim there?

The Red Beach is one of Santorini's most distinctive beaches, colored by mineral-rich and iron soil. You view it from the boat and take photos, but you do not swim or go ashore at this stop. It is a photo opportunity as you sail past.