Santorini Sunset Cruise: Catamaran BBQ, Open Bar & Transfers

Summary

Sail past red beach and hot springs then share greek bbq at sunset

You’ll board a Santorini catamaran for an easygoing afternoon—swimming off Red Beach, soaking in caldera hot springs, passing old lighthouses—before sharing Greek BBQ on deck as the sun slides behind those famous cliffs. With transfers included and local guides making it feel like a friend’s boat trip, you’ll leave with salt on your skin and probably a new favorite sunset memory.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed the second we stepped onto the catamaran at Vlychada port — maybe it was the salty air or just the way our guide, Eleni, grinned and handed us cold water before we’d even found a seat. The sun was still high but already soft around the edges, bouncing off those white cliffs as we drifted toward Red Beach. I remember the water looked almost painted, that weird deep turquoise you see in postcards but never think is real. We jumped in anyway — chilly at first, then just right. I got sand stuck between my toes and didn’t even care.

We sailed by White Beach and these jagged rocks they call Indian Rocks (I tried to see the face everyone talks about — maybe squint harder next time). Eleni pointed out the old Venetian lighthouse, her voice mixing with the wind and music from someone’s speaker. The caldera opened up all dramatic; you could smell sulfur before you saw the steam from the hot springs. I floated there for a bit, skin tingling from the minerals. My friend tried to snorkel but mostly just laughed at how slippery everything felt underfoot.

Mesa Pigadia was quieter — fewer boats, more space to just float or mess around with goggles. Dinner came out smelling of grilled meat and oregano, plates passed around as we found spots on deck. Someone spilled wine (not me this time) and nobody cared because honestly, that sunset was starting to do its thing — colors melting together over Santorini’s cliffs. On the way back I wrapped up in a towel and just watched it all fade out behind us. Still think about that light sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise

• Depart from Vlychada Port at 3:00pm
• Swim and sightsee at Red Beach
• Sail past White Beach, Indian Rocks, and Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at the Hot Springs in the Caldera
• Swim and snorkel at Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Enjoy Greek dinner onboard
• Sail back and watch Santorini sunset

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Santorini sunset cruise?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel is included.

What beaches do you visit during this Santorini sailing tour?

The cruise stops at Red Beach, sails by White Beach and Indian Rocks, and visits Mesa Pigadia Beach.

Are meals provided on this Santorini catamaran cruise?

Yes, a Greek BBQ dinner is served onboard during the cruise.

Can you swim in the hot springs during this sunset cruise?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming in the sulfur-rich hot springs inside the caldera.

Is snorkeling equipment available on board?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear is included during beach stops.

How long does this Santorini sunset sailing cruise last?

The tour starts at 3:00pm from Vlychada Port and lasts until after sunset.

Are drinks included on this catamaran tour?

Yes, there’s an open bar with alcoholic beverages available throughout the cruise.

Is this sailing tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private transport, towels ready on board, bottled water to start you off right away, WiFi if you want it (though honestly most people forgot their phones), open bar with drinks flowing until sunset fades out completely, use of snorkeling equipment at every swim stop—even dinner: Greek BBQ straight from the grill as you float near Mesa Pigadia before heading back to port under that famous Santorini sky.