Santorini: Sunset Catamaran Cruise, BBQ & Drinks with Pickup

Summary

Sail past red and white beaches eat fresh bbq watch the caldera glow

You’ll sail Santorini’s coast on a spacious catamaran with a small group, swimming at Red and White Beaches before sharing a fresh Greek BBQ lunch onboard. Your local guide handles everything from snorkeling gear to stories about volcanoes, leaving you free to watch sunset colors spill across the caldera as you sip Santorinian wine.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet just watching the cliffs of Santorini slide by — it’s different from seeing them on land. We’d been picked up at our hotel (the driver was early, which surprised me), and by the time we stepped barefoot onto the catamaran at Amoudi Bay, the sun was already low enough to make everything look golden. Our guide, Maria, handed out towels and grinned when I tried to pronounce “Akrotiri” — I definitely got it wrong. The boat smelled faintly of sunscreen and grilled onions from somewhere below deck.

We stopped near Red Beach first. The water was cold at first touch but then just right — salty, clear, weirdly blue. Some people jumped in right away; I hesitated but ended up floating on my back staring up at those cliffs. The crew passed around wine (local stuff, crisp and not too sweet) while music played quietly — not loud enough to drown out the wind or that little bit of laughter from a couple trying to snorkel together for the first time. Lunch was served after we swam at White Beach: chicken skewers, shrimp saganaki, pasta with this tomato sauce that tasted like summer. I had seconds of the stuffed vine leaves because why not?

Later we drifted near the hot springs by Palea Kameni — you could smell sulfur in the air if you paid attention. Maria explained we couldn’t get too close with the catamaran but could swim toward the warmer water if we wanted. I tried it; my skin tingled where hot met cold. There was this moment when everyone got quiet as we sailed past the volcano — just watching steam curl up into nothing.

The last stretch was between Oia and Thirassia Island. I wrapped up in one of their blankets (the wind picks up fast after sunset) and just watched the caldera light change from orange to purple to almost black. Someone pointed out how all the houses looked like tiny lanterns stacked on top of each other. It’s funny — I thought a luxury sailing cruise would feel fancy or stiff, but honestly it felt more like being invited onto someone’s boat for dinner with new friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini sailing and sightseeing tour

• Start your tour
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Swim and snorkel at White Beach
• Enjoy BBQ meal on board
• Watch Ancient Lighthouse from sea
• Swim in Hot Springs
• Sail next to Palea Kameni
• Sail next to the Volcano
• End tour at Ammoudi Port

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Santorini sunset catamaran cruise?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included in your booking.

Do they provide food and drinks during the cruise?

Yes, a Greek BBQ meal plus soft drinks, local white wine, beer, water and juice are served onboard.

Can I swim or snorkel during this tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling near Red Beach, White Beach and close to the Hot Springs area.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, towels and snorkeling gear are provided by the crew for use during your cruise.

How many people will be on board?

The maximum number of passengers is 20 per cruise.

Can children or infants join this sailing tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Will we go into the Hot Springs directly?

No, catamarans stay about 50 meters away; you can swim toward warmer waters safely from there.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You don’t need much—just swimwear and maybe a jacket for after sunset; shoes are removed before boarding.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Santorini, all swimming stops near Red Beach, White Beach and by the Hot Springs area (with towels and snorkeling equipment provided), plus a freshly prepared Greek BBQ lunch with drinks like local wine or beer served throughout your cruise before returning at sunset.