Santorini Sunset Catamaran: Volcano, Red Beach & Oia

Sail Past the Volcano, Swim in Hot Springs, Watch the Sun Sink into the Aegean

You board a catamaran at Vlychada and spend five hours moving between four stops: Red Beach for snorkeling, White Beach where the crew grills your dinner and pours wine, the volcano and its hot springs, and finally Oia for sunset. The boat includes snorkeling gear, a full BBQ with Greek mezedes, Santorinian wine and an open bar, plus hotel pickup and return. You're back by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Catamaran Sunset Cruise

• Depart from Vlychada port
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Relax, swim, snorkel at White Beach
• Enjoy BBQ on board
• Sail past Indian Rock and Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at Volcano and Hot Springs
• View Caldera rim and isles
• Watch sunset at Oia

The experience

The boat pulls away from Vlychada port and the Caldera cliffs start to rise behind you. You're on a shared catamaran with maybe thirty other people, which sounds crowded until you realize the deck is wide enough that you can stand alone at the rail if you want to. The first stop comes fast: Red Beach, those rust-colored cliffs that look like they belong on another planet, and the water is so clear you can see the sand shift under your feet. You get thirty minutes to swim or snorkel. Most people jump in right away because the water is warm and the light is still high and sharp.

White Beach is next, and this is where the crew starts the BBQ. You can smell the pork chops and chicken before you see them, and while the food cooks you have an hour to float in the water or lie on the deck with a glass of Santorinian wine in your hand. The crew sets out mezedes (tzatziki, dolmadakia, the small salty things that make you thirsty), and there's an open bar, so you're not counting drinks. If you're vegetarian or vegan, they've already made something separate. The boat rocks gently and the conversation around you is in five languages and nobody's in a hurry.

Then you sail toward the volcano. Indian Rock and the Venetian Lighthouse pass on your left, and the water changes color: deeper blue, almost purple in the shadows. The volcano stop is short, maybe thirty minutes, but the hot springs are real and the water is warm in a way that feels medicinal, sulfurous, strange. You float in water that the earth itself is heating and it's the kind of moment that makes you understand why people come back to Santorini again and again.

The sail back to Ammoudi Bay takes you past small islands, St. Nicolas, St. Eftapedes, and then you're anchored off Oia as the sun starts its drop. The sky goes orange, then red, then a color that doesn't have a name. Everyone on the boat is quiet. The sun touches the water and disappears, and for a few seconds after it's gone, the sky is still burning. You're back at the port by dark, tired and salt-dried and already thinking about booking it again.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return by minibus.
• catamaran cruise with four stops (Red Beach, White Beach, Volcano and Hot Springs, Oia).
• snorkeling equipment.
• BBQ dinner with grilled meat or vegetarian option.
• Greek mezedes.
• open bar with Santorinian wine, juice, water and soft drinks.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BoatsAdvisor Hub&Events

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the main Santorini water experience (volcano, snorkeling, sunset) without renting a boat or coordinating transport. The fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you show up at your hotel and the rest is handled.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What time does the catamaran leave?

Departure is 3:30pm from April through October 14, and 4:30pm from May through September. Check your booking confirmation for the exact date.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided at no extra cost. Bring a towel or rent one if you need it.

What's included in the BBQ dinner?

You get grilled pork chops or chicken fillet, Greek mezedes (tzatziki and dolmadakia), and an open bar with Santorinian wine, juice, water and soft drinks. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if you request them when booking.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the port?

No. Hotel pickup and return by air-conditioned minibus are included in the price.

How many people are on the boat?

It's a shared catamaran, so you'll be with other travelers. The exact number varies by departure date.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes, WiFi is available during the cruise.

What if I want seafood instead of the standard BBQ?

A seafood option is available and also includes Greek ouzo, beer and towels. Confirm this choice when you book.