Santorini: Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar

Summary

Sail past red cliffs swim in hot springs taste greek bbq on the aegean

You’ll sail Santorini’s coast by catamaran in a small group, passing Red & White Beaches and swimming near volcanic hot springs. Enjoy a Greek BBQ lunch with open bar as you relax on deck. With hotel pickup included, it’s all easy — just bring your swimsuit and let yourself drift for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the way the Red Beach looked from the water — those cliffs really are that color, almost rust-red, and somehow even brighter against the sea. We’d barely left Vlychada Marina when our guide, Yannis, started pointing out little things I’d have missed: fishermen waving from tiny boats, the way the wind shifts near Akrotiri. The boat was smaller than I expected (in a good way), and you could actually hear people laughing over the sound of the waves. Someone spilled wine right away but nobody cared — it just felt like summer.

We drifted past White Beach next, and then stopped at this quiet bay where you could jump in or just dangle your feet off the side. The water was colder than I thought (May is tricky), but it woke me up fast. There was this smell of grilled shrimp coming from behind me — turns out they start prepping lunch early so it’s ready after swimming. Yannis handed me a snorkel and made a joke about “not feeding the fish with your lunch.” He laughed at his own joke longer than anyone else did.

The best part for me was floating near the hot springs by Nea Kameni. You have to swim out maybe 100 meters — not hard if you’re comfortable in open water, but I hesitated at first. The sulfur smell hits you before you see the steam, and my skin felt kind of tingly (in a good way). There were other boats nearby but ours found its own spot. Afterward, back on board, we piled plates with Greek salad and tzatziki and vineleaf rolls while someone poured more local white wine. The sun hit everything gold for a minute before we headed back toward Vlychada. I still think about that light sometimes, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Depart from Vlychada Marina
• Pass Red Beach for photos
• Pass White Beach for photos
• Stop at Mesa Pigadia for swim
• Pass Venetian lighthouse at southwest cape
• Swim at Hot Springs natural spa
• Pass active volcano Nea Kameni Island
• Stop at quiet cove for swim and snorkeling
• Enjoy onboard BBQ lunch and open bar
• Return to Vlychada Port

Top questions

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 5 hours from departure to return at Vlychada Marina.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini day trip?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned minibus.

Can I swim at Red Beach or White Beach during this tour?

No, you only stop for photos at Red Beach and White Beach; swimming stops are elsewhere.

What food is served on board during the cruise?

You’ll get BBQ shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, vineleaf rolls with rice, tzatziki dips, bread, and dessert.

Is there an open bar on this Santorini catamaran tour?

Yes—white wine, beer, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes—both snorkeling gear and towels are included for all guests.

Do I need to be able to swim to join this tour?

You should be comfortable swimming if you want to enter the hot springs; otherwise relaxing on board is fine.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes—vegetarian options can be requested when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by minibus from anywhere on Santorini plus all fees and taxes covered up front. On board you’ll get towels and snorkeling gear to use as much as you want. Lunch is a generous Greek BBQ with local specialties—shrimp, chicken fillet, sausages, salads—and there’s an open bar serving white wine, beer or soft drinks until you dock again at Vlychada Marina.