Santorini: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Drinks

Summary

Sail past red beach and hot springs then watch sunset from the caldera

You’ll sail along Santorini’s coast on a catamaran cruise with stops for swimming at Red Beach and near the Hot Springs, plus a barbecue lunch served on deck with local wine. Watch sunset from beneath the caldera cliffs as music plays softly in the background—one of those evenings where time slows down just enough to notice.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to say I still smell that mix of salt and grilled veggies when I think about our Santorini sunset catamaran cruise? We started down at Amoudi Bay — shoes off before getting on board (I always forget how freeing that feels). Our guide, Yannis, had this way of making everyone relax, chatting in both Greek and English like he was switching radio stations. The boat drifted past the volcano and Palea Kameni, and someone pointed out steam curling up in the distance — you could almost taste minerals in the air, or maybe that was just my imagination running wild.

I didn’t expect the water by the Hot Springs to look so yellowish. We couldn’t get too close (Yannis said something about regulations), but you could feel a subtle warmth if you dipped your hand overboard. There was this moment when we all fell quiet watching the old lighthouse flash against the cliffs — not dramatic, just kind of peaceful. Then suddenly music started up again, kids splashing near Red Beach while some of us tried snorkeling (I swallowed a bit of seawater — classic me). The color of those rocks really does mess with your sense of what’s real.

Lunch was simple but honestly perfect — grilled chicken and veggies, plus this local white wine called Nychteru that went down too easy. Someone asked if we’d ever tasted tomatoes that sweet; I hadn’t. I ended up talking with Maria from Athens about island life while holding my plate awkwardly because the boat kept rocking. By the time we reached White Beach for another swim, the sun had started dipping low and everything turned gold. It’s funny how everyone gets quiet right before sunset — even the crew just leaned back for a second to watch.

The last stretch was just wind and laughter and that feeling you only get when you’re not checking your phone every five minutes. Watching Santorini’s cliffs light up orange from out on the water… well, it stays with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini catamaran sailing and swimming

• Start tour from Ammoudi or Athinios port
• Sail next to the Volcano
• Swim in the Hot Springs
• Sail next to Palea Kameni
• Watch Ancient Lighthouse from the sea
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Swim, snorkel and enjoy BBQ at White Beach

Top questions

How long is the Santorini sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts several hours in the late afternoon through sunset, including swimming stops and dinner.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, roundtrip transfer from your hotel is included in your booking.

Can I swim at Santorini Hot Springs during this tour?

You can swim near the Hot Springs; boats stay about 50 meters away due to regulations.

Is food provided during the Santorini catamaran cruise?

Yes, a barbecue meal is freshly prepared on board with vegetarian options available.

Are drinks included on this sunset sailing tour?

Complimentary drinks such as local white wine, soft drinks, water, and juice are served throughout.

What should I bring for this Santorini sailing trip?

Bring sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, dry clothes, and a light jacket for after sunset.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear and floating devices are available on board for guests to use.

How many people are on each catamaran cruise?

The maximum number of passengers per cruise is 55 people.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off, all safety instructions in multiple languages, use of snorkeling gear and floating devices, cheerful onboard music, a freshly prepared barbecue meal with vegetarian options, complimentary drinks like Santorinian white wine or soft drinks throughout the cruise—and warm blankets if it gets chilly after dark before returning to port.