Santorini Sunset Catamaran Cruise: Swim, Dinner & Hot Springs

Five hours on the water: Red Beach, hot springs, Therasia Island, and the Aegean at dusk

A sunset catamaran cruise from Vlychada port in Santorini that includes three swimming stops (Red Beach with snorkelling, the caldera's sulfur-rich hot springs, and Therasia Island) plus an onboard Greek dinner and open bar. The boat departs in the afternoon, returns as the sun sets, and pickup from your hotel is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Sunset Catamaran Cruise

• Depart from Vlychada Port
• Sail past Red Beach, White Beach, Indian Rocks, and Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Swim in the sulfur-rich Hot Springs
• Visit and swim at Thirasia Island
• Enjoy onboard lunch with sea views
• Return to Vlychada while watching the sunset

The experience

The boat leaves Vlychada in the early afternoon and heads into open water, passing the Red Beach, White Beach, and Indian Rocks before reaching the first swim stop at Mesa Pigadia Beach. The water there is clear enough for snorkelling, and equipment is provided. From there the route enters the caldera itself (the sunken volcanic crater that defines Santorini's shape), and stops at the hot springs, where the water is warm and mineral-rich from sulfur vents below. A second swim here is optional. Some travelers soak for a few minutes, others skip it.

The third stop is Therasia Island, the smaller landmass across the caldera from Santorini's main cliffs. While anchored there, the crew serves a Greek dinner and drinks on deck. The meal is substantial enough to be the day's main course, and the bar stays open throughout. This is when most travelers stay aboard, eating and watching the light change on the water and the cliffs opposite.

The sail back to Vlychada takes the sunset with it. The boat is shared with other travelers, typically a small group. A guide in English is onboard throughout. Towels and snorkelling gear are provided, and the pickup from your hotel is arranged before you book. The whole day runs about five hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and return transport.
• snorkelling equipment and towels.
• Greek dinner and open bar (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks).
• English-speaking guide throughout the cruise.
• swimming stops at Red Beach, the hot springs, and Therasia Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00 and 14:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Santorini Yachting Cruises

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat, not a private charter, so you'll be with other travelers: a good fit if you want the full experience without the cost of a private vessel, and the fixed itinerary and timing mean the day is planned for you, which works well if you prefer not to build the schedule yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): 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 water like at Red Beach and the hot springs?

Red Beach, or Mesa Pigadia, has clear water suitable for swimming and snorkelling with the equipment provided. The hot springs in the caldera are naturally warm from geothermal activity and mineral-rich. They're a short swim, not a long one, and optional if the temperature or mineral content isn't for you.

Is the dinner a full meal or just appetizers?

Dinner is a full Greek meal served onboard while the boat is anchored at Therasia Island. The open bar runs throughout the cruise, so drinks are included beyond what comes with the meal.

How much time do we actually spend swimming versus sailing?

The itinerary includes three distinct swim stops (Red Beach, the hot springs, and time at Therasia Island) with sailing between them. Most of the five-hour duration is split between the water and the meal onboard. The return sail to Vlychada happens as the sun sets.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the port, or is transport included?

Private transport from your hotel to Vlychada port is included in the booking. The pickup is arranged before departure, so you don't need to organize a separate taxi or rental.

What should I bring for the swimming stops?

Snorkelling equipment and towels are provided. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for after. The boat has space to store belongings while you're in the water.

Is this cruise suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The cruise is suitable for all fitness levels. The swimming stops are optional (you can stay onboard if you prefer), and the water at Red Beach and the hot springs is calm and shallow enough for wading and floating.