Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ Fresh Fish & Drinks

If you’re dreaming of an elegant way to see Santorini’s famous sunset, this luxury catamaran cruise might catch your eye. This experience promises a blend of relaxing sunbathing, scenic swimming spots, and a tasty Greek BBQ, all aboard a sleek Lagoon vessel. While we haven’t personally taken this cruise, based on a detailed review and feedback, we can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines luxury and authenticity—you get to enjoy a well-appointed boat while tasting real Greek flavors, plus the chance to see volcanic islets and charming islands. Another highlight is the spectacular sunset view in Oia, which is truly one of those moments you’ll want to remember.

That said, a possible consideration is the price point—at $176 per person, it’s on the higher side, but many consider it good value given the included drinks, food, and the level of comfort. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a comfortable, well-organized experience and want a touch of luxury without sacrificing the authenticity of Greek scenery.

If you’re someone who loves a relaxed, scenic day on the water with excellent food and drinks, this cruise might appeal to you. It’s perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even those celebrating a special occasion. Just keep in mind that the experience’s success depends on weather conditions, which can sometimes cause itinerary adjustments.

Key Points

• Luxury vessel: Sail aboard a Lagoon catamaran, ensuring comfort and style.
• Beautiful scenery: Watch the sunset in Oia, visit volcanic islets, and spot iconic landmarks like the Lighthouse of Akrotiri.
• Gourmet meal: Enjoy a traditional Greek BBQ, with fresh fish, grilled octopus, and delicious salads.
• Unlimited drinks: Sip on white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the cruise.
• Swimming stops: Snorkel at Thirassia Island and volcanic islets, swimming in salty, crystalline waters.
• Flexible options: Cruises are available in the morning or evening, with the evening highlighting the sunset.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting Sail and the Itinerary

The adventure kicks off with pickup from your hotel in a luxury minibus, making the start seamless. You’ll head to the marina, where the Lagoon catamaran awaits, looking every bit the part of a comfy, stylish vessel perfect for a relaxing day at sea.

The journey begins with a first stop at Thirassia Island—a quiet, less-touristy spot where you can dive into clear blue waters. Many reviews highlight how this is the ideal place to cool off and enjoy some snorkeling or just float around while taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Next, you’ll cruise past the volcanic islets, notable for their deep black lava and rugged charm. These spots are more than just scenic—they’re part of Santorini’s unique geology. The waters here are salty and inviting, often praised by swimmers for their clarity and warmth. Some reviews mention how “swimming in the volcanic waters felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience”—a highlight of the tour for many.

The Lighthouse of Akrotiri, built in 1892, is a stop that offers a glimpse into maritime history, and many appreciate the photo opportunities here. Passing the Indian face mountain and black mountain adds to the geological spectacle, making the cruise both scenic and educational.

The Meal and Drinks

Once on the open sea, the crew serves a traditional Greek BBQ, which is noted as a major highlight. Guests can choose between fresh fish, chicken skewers, or vegetarian options, all grilled to perfection. Alongside, they serve appetizers like grilled octopus and talagani cheese, plus Greek salads and yogurt for dessert.

Guests consistently rave about the quality and taste of the food, with many reviewers mentioning how the fish was fresh and the sides flavorful. The unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water make the meal feel more like a celebratory feast. Many say the drinks kept flowing, enhancing the relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Sunset in Oia

As the meal winds down, the boat heads toward Oia, where you’ll get a perfect vantage point for the famous sunset. The experience here is described as breathtaking, with many noting the view of the sun sinking into the horizon, casting a golden glow over the white buildings. Guests often stop for photos, capturing memories of this iconic scene.

The cruise then takes you to Ammoudi Bay for a quick stop before heading back to the harbor. Many review comments mention that the sunset view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially for those who want a more upscale, less crowded experience of Santorini’s most famous horizon.

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Ending the Day

After the sunset, a minibus takes you back to your accommodation, making the end of the journey smooth and convenient. The overall duration is around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the day’s conditions and the group size.

Experience Quality and Value

The price of $176 per person covers not just the cruise, but also the pickup/drop-off, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and a meal. Many reviews agree that this represents good value, especially considering the quality of the food, the comfort of the boat, and the scenic stops.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers found the experience to be on the pricier side, which might be a consideration if you’re on a tight budget. But for those looking for a luxurious, all-included experience, this cruise ticks many boxes.

Weather and Flexibility

Since the itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, travelers should stay flexible. Strong winds or rough seas could alter stops or the schedule, but the staff typically communicate these changes well.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is particularly suited for those who want an upscale experience with comfort, good food, and beautiful scenery. It’s great for couples celebrating a special occasion, friends on a scenic getaway, or anyone who values relaxed luxury over a fast-paced tour. If you’re traveling with others who enjoy fine food, quality drinks, and a scenic sunset, this experience will likely satisfy your expectations.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in a luxury vehicle, making the start and end of the day hassle-free.

How long does the cruise last?
The experience lasts between 4 to 6 hours, with check available for specific starting times.

What’s included in the price?
Your fare covers the cruise itself, unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, water, snorkeling gear, towels, a meal, and onboard facilities like toilets.

Can I choose the meal?
You can select from options like fresh fish, chicken skewers, or vegetarian skewers. The meal is served during the cruise at sea.

Are there stops for swimming?
Yes, at Thirassia Island and volcanic islets, where you can snorkel and swim in salty, clear waters.

Is the sunset view in Oia worth it?
Most reviews say yes—many describe it as breathtaking and highlight the chance to capture stunning photos.

Is the experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed to families, the tour is suitable for anyone comfortable on a boat, and children who enjoy swimming and scenic views.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change if weather conditions are strong, but the team usually communicates adjustments clearly.

How is the group size?
This is a private group experience, or you can join a shared cruise, which typically offers a more intimate setting.

What about tipping?
Tipping the crew is customary but not included, so consider extra gratuities if you enjoyed the service.

Final Thoughts

This luxury catamaran sunset cruise combines scenic beauty, delicious food, and a relaxed vibe—making it ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded, memorable evening in Santorini. The experience’s highlights, from snorkeling at volcanic islets to the sunset view in Oia, are genuinely extraordinary.

If you’re after a comfortable, scenic, and tasty way to enjoy Santorini’s iconic sunset, this cruise offers good value and a touch of elegance. Just keep in mind the price and weather dependency, and you’ll be set for an enjoyable, peaceful adventure on the Aegean Sea.

Whether celebrating a special moment or simply wanting to treat yourself, this cruise is a lovely way to see the island from a different perspective—luxurious, beautiful, and authentically Greek.

You can check availability for your dates here: