Santorini Sunset Sailing: Snorkeling, Dinner & Hot Springs

Five swim stops and a volcanic hot springs dip, all in one afternoon sail.

A sunset catamaran cruise departing Vlychada Port at 3pm with five snorkeling stops around Santorini's caldera, including the Red Beach, White Beach, Hot Springs and Mesa Pigadia Beach. The boat includes snorkeling gear, a full Greek dinner and open bar; hotel pickup is arranged, and the five-hour voyage ends with the sunset sail back to port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise

• Depart from Vlychada Port at 3:00pm
• Swim and snorkel at Red Beach
• Sail past White Beach, Indian Rocks, Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at volcanic Hot Springs
• Swim and snorkel at Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Enjoy Greek dinner and BBQ onboard
• Sail back to Vlychada Port at sunset

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Vlychada Port at 3pm and heads straight to the Red Beach, where you get your first swim and snorkel in the Aegean. From there the boat sails past the White Beach, Indian Rocks and the Venetian Akrotiri Lighthouse—landmarks you see from the water without stopping. The real turn comes when you enter the caldera itself and drop anchor at the Hot Springs, where the water is warm from the volcanic activity below and sulfur-rich. Most people spend twenty minutes there before the boat moves on.

Mesa Pigadia Beach is the last stop before the return, and it's where the crew sets up the Greek dinner—a buffet with grilled meat and local sides served on deck. The open bar runs through the meal and the sail back. Snorkeling gear is provided at every stop, and towels are on board. You're in the water or on deck for most of the five hours; there's no long bus ride or waiting around.

The sunset happens on the way back to Vlychada, which is why the timing matters—you're sailing west into it instead of watching from a beach. Hotel pickup is included if you're staying in the northern part of the island; if you're based elsewhere, public transport runs to the port.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup (northern Santorini).
• snorkeling equipment at all five stops.
• Greek buffet dinner with grilled meat and local sides.
• open bar throughout the cruise.
• bottled water.
• towels.
• WiFi on board.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Santorini Yachting Cruises

Is this one for you?This is a shared catamaran with a live English-speaking guide, so you're sailing with other travelers and following the boat's fixed schedule—book it if you want the five snorkeling stops, the Hot Springs and the sunset all in one afternoon without renting a boat or planning the route yourself.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Red Beach and why is it the first stop?

The Red Beach is a cove on Santorini's south coast with red volcanic sand and clear shallow water, making it ideal for a first swim and snorkel. The boat reaches it within the first hour of departure.

Do I need to know how to snorkel, or is this for beginners too?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and the stops are suitable for all fitness levels. The water at each stop is calm enough for first-timers, and you can swim without the gear if you prefer.

What happens at the Hot Springs—is it actually hot?

The Hot Springs in the caldera are warmed by volcanic activity below and rich in sulfur. You swim in naturally heated water as part of the cruise, and most people spend around twenty minutes there.

Is the dinner included, or do I pay extra?

Dinner is included—a Greek buffet with grilled meat and sides served on deck at Mesa Pigadia Beach. The open bar runs throughout the meal and the return sail.

When does the sunset actually happen, and where am I when it does?

The boat sails back to Vlychada Port as the sun sets, so you watch it from the water heading west. The timing depends on the season, but the five-hour cruise is scheduled to catch it on the return.

Is hotel pickup really included, or only from certain areas?

Hotel pickup is included if you're staying in the northern part of Santorini. If you're based elsewhere, public transport runs to Vlychada Port, or you can arrange your own ride to the departure point.