Santorini: Motor Yacht Sunset Cruise with 5-Course Dinner

Planning a trip to Santorini and craving a way to see its famous caldera from the water? This motor yacht sunset cruise might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a well-regarded experience, offering a blend of stunning views, delicious food, and relaxed cruising — all in a small-group setting that feels intimate but not overly exclusive.

Two things really catch the eye about this tour: firstly, it’s Santorini’s first semi-private cruise offering a full 5-course meal onboard, which means you’re not just nibbling on snacks but enjoying a proper dinner with multiple courses. Secondly, the limited group size of 14 ensures a comfortable experience and a chance to soak in the sights without feeling crowded.

Of course, there are some considerations. The tour runs for about five hours, which might be a bit long for very young children or those with limited patience for sitting on a boat. Plus, the experience doesn’t include hiking on the volcano, so if you’re eager for a more active volcano adventure, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

This cruise is best suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants to enjoy Santorini’s iconic views from the water while indulging in a relaxed, upscale dinner. If you’re after a scenic, well-organized, and delicious experience, this could fit the bill nicely.

Key Points

• Semi-private and limited to 14 guests for comfort and personalized experience
• Includes a 5-course meal and unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea)
• Stops for swimming at the Volcano and Mesa Pigadia with snorkeling equipment provided
• Spectacular views of Santorini, Caldera, and hilltop villages from the water
• Transportation from and to your hotel included, simplifying logistics
• Sunset timing varies seasonally, making each cruise a unique experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Motor Yacht Sunset Cruise

When you picture Santorini, it’s the shimmering blue of the water, the rugged cliffs, and the colorful villages that come to mind. This cruise offers a fantastic chance to see all of that from a different perspective — right on the water, with the setting sun casting golden hues over the caldera.

Starting Point and Itinerary

Your journey begins in Vlihada at 15:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere before the sunset spectacle. From there, the boat departs, gliding past some of Santorini’s most recognizable sights — the red and white beaches, Indian Head Mountain, and the Akrotiri Lighthouse. These are pretty iconic sights, and being able to see them from the water adds a new dimension to your visit.

Once underway, the boat continues to the Caldera, where it cruises between Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, the old and new volcanoes. This is a highlight for anyone interested in volcanic geography and the natural forces that shaped the island. The stops for swimming at the Volcano and Mesa Pigadia are well-loved, giving travelers a chance to cool off and snorkel in clear waters.

The Main Event: Dinner and Views

What sets this cruise apart is the 5-course dinner served onboard. Unlike many other tours that offer just a snack or buffet, this experience emphasizes quality and variety. The dinner is served once the boat anchors at the most suitable spot, which depends on the sea conditions — so your captain will choose the best location for both swimming and dining.

The meal, included in the price, is a true highlight. You’ll enjoy multiple courses, paired with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. It’s a relaxed way to indulge while taking in the panoramic views of Santorini’s cliffs and villages. The inclusion of water, coffee, and tea ensures you stay refreshed throughout the evening.

The Experience on the Water

We loved the way the boat limits its size, creating a more intimate atmosphere. “To insure your comfort and safety, we limit the number of guests to 14,” the tour provider states, which pays off because it avoids the chaos of larger, crowded vessels. This size also means the crew can give more personalized attention, answer questions, and ensure everyone feels comfortable.

The route is flexible; based on current sea conditions, your captain will anchor at the most suitable spot for swimming and dining. This adaptability is a nice touch, considering weather can change quickly in the Aegean. It’s worth noting that this cruise does not include hiking on the volcano, so if that’s your main goal, you’ll need a different tour.

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Practical Details and Logistics

Transport from your hotel to the port is included, which is often a welcome convenience given how spread out some hotels are around Santorini. The pickup is straightforward — just wait outside your accommodation or at a specified point 5 minutes before your scheduled departure.

The tour lasts about five hours, starting in the late afternoon and ending after sunset. This timing allows you to enjoy the most beautiful light of the day, perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery. Since the tour is all-inclusive, you don’t have to worry about additional expenses during the cruise.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is ideal for romantic couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic experience. The limited group size and high-quality dinner make it a more upscale option, but not overly formal. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a gourmet meal and some swimming.

If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind that the experience is about 5 hours long, and smaller kids might find that a bit long on a boat. Also, there’s no hiking involved, so it’s more about relaxing and enjoying the scenery than active exploration.

Final Words: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after stunning sunset views, a premium dining experience, and a peaceful cruise on the caldera, this tour offers a compelling package. The small-group aspect makes it feel more personal, and the all-inclusive nature means you can relax without worrying about extra costs.

The price, considering the dinner, drinks, transportation, and the exclusivity of the experience, offers good value. It’s a way to see Santorini from a different perspective that many travelers never get — on the water, with fewer crowds and more comfort.

However, if hiking on volcanoes or long active excursions are what you’re after, this isn’t the right choice. It’s designed for those who want a leisurely, scenic evening with excellent food and beautiful views.

Overall, we’d say this cruise is about creating memorable moments rather than adrenaline rushes or exhaustive exploration. For couples, small groups, or those celebrating something special, it’s a lovely way to end a day in Santorini.

FAQ about the Santorini Motor Yacht Sunset Cruise

What time does the cruise start?
It begins at 15:30 pm in Vlihada, and the timing varies seasonally depending on sunset.

Is transportation from my hotel included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included. Just wait outside your hotel or a designated spot 5 minutes early.

Does the cruise include hiking on the volcano?
No, the cruise does not include volcano hiking. The stops are for swimming and sightseeing only.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a 5-course dinner, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, transportation, towels, and snorkeling equipment.

How many people are on this cruise?
The maximum group size is 14 guests, making it more intimate and comfortable.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, your passport or ID, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s best for those who can sit comfortably for around five hours. Not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What if weather is bad?
The company reserves the right to modify the route or cancel due to weather conditions, prioritizing safety.

Is there a dress code?
There’s no formal dress code, but since it’s an evening cruise, casual, neat attire is appropriate.

To sum it up, this Santorini sunset cruise with a 5-course dinner offers a well-rounded experience suited for travelers looking to enjoy the island’s beauty in a relaxed, intimate setting. With stunning views, excellent food, and a small-group vibe, it’s something you’ll remember long after the sun dips behind the horizon.

You can check availability for your dates here: