Santorini Snorkeling Private Yacht Cruise with Meal & Bar

Red cliffs, volcanic hot springs, and snorkeling stops on a 46-foot yacht

A private full-day motor yacht cruise from Vlychada Marina visits Santorini's Red and White Beaches, the Venetian Lighthouse, thermal hot springs and snorkeling sites around Thirasia Island. The yacht carries your group only; a captain and crew navigate while you relax on the private flybridge with sunbeds, and a Greek traditional meal with open bar (wine and beer) is included, along with snorkeling gear and towels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Santorini yacht cruise

• Depart from Vlychada port
• Sail to Red Beach and swim
• Swim at White Beach
• Admire Indian Rocks and Venetian Lighthouse
• Swim at Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Stop at volcanic hot springs for swim
• Snorkel near Thirasia Island
• Optional hike Santorini Volcano
• Sail past Ammoudi Harbour and enjoy sunset
• Return to Vlychada port

The Experience

The boat departs Vlychada and heads straight to the Red and White Beaches, where you'll swim in the cove beneath white towering cliffs and explore the black menir and small caves at Mesa Pigadia Beach. From there the route passes the Indian Rocks and the 19th-century Akrotiri Lighthouse—a French-built structure from 1892—before reaching the Santorini Volcano. You can pay an entrance fee on the day and hike the crater for an hour if you choose, or stay aboard and watch the caldera from the water.

Two stops anchor the middle of the day: the thermal hot springs near Saint Nicholas' church, where the shallow sulfurous water is warm and mineral-rich, and a snorkeling site by Thirasia Island where you'll use the provided equipment to explore underwater. The crew handles navigation from the interior cockpit while you occupy the flybridge—a private upper deck with sunbeds and a sofa, unobstructed views of the Aegean, and no other groups sharing the space. A Greek traditional meal and open bar (white wine and beer) are served aboard; vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

The return to Vlychada takes the route past Ammoudi Harbour and its red rock formations. Ten hours total means you're back by early evening, giving the rest of your day free. Weather can shift the itinerary or the departure port without notice, and if conditions force a cancellation, you'll be offered another date or a full refund. Bring your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses and a windbreaker; towels are provided.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment and towels.
• Greek traditional meal with vegetarian options available.
• open bar with white wine and beer.
• private transportation (the yacht is yours alone).
• all fees and taxes.
• fuel.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises

Is this one for you?Ten hours is a full day commitment, which means you won't fit other activities into the same afternoon—but it's also what lets the yacht visit the volcano, the hot springs, two distinct beaches and a snorkeling site without rushing any of them, and still have time to relax on the flybridge between stops.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Red Beach and White Beach stops on this cruise?

Red Beach is a scenic cove near Akrotiri village where you swim in the open water; White Beach is surrounded by white towering cliffs that form a small cove and provide partial shade, so it offers a different landscape and sun exposure.

Can I snorkel at more than one spot, or is there just one snorkeling stop?

Snorkeling happens by Thirasia Island as a dedicated stop; the hot springs and beach swims are separate moments in the day, so you get one focused snorkeling session with the provided gear.

Is the volcano hike included, or do I pay extra?

The yacht stops at the Santorini Volcano, but the one-hour crater hike requires a separate entrance fee paid on the day; you can choose to hike or stay aboard and view the caldera from the water.

What happens if I'm arriving on a cruise ship—can you pick me up from the Old Port?

Cruise ship tenders typically drop passengers at Fira's Old Port, but there is no road access from there to the Vlychada Marina where the yacht departs; you'll need to take the cable car to the office in Fira and arrive at least one hour before the sailing time, so let the operator know your tender schedule in advance.

How much of the day is spent actually on the water versus at stops?

The full experience is ten hours from departure to return at Vlychada, which includes sailing time between stops, swimming and snorkeling moments, the meal aboard, and time to relax on the flybridge—the itinerary is built as one continuous day on the yacht rather than a series of short visits.