Santorini: Private Sunset Cruise with Barbecue and Drinks

Discovering Santorini from the Water: A Detailed Look at the Private Sunset Cruise with Barbecue and Drinks

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing, personalized way to see some of Santorini’s most beautiful sights, a private sunset cruise might just be the experience you’re after. We’ve been fortunate enough to gather insights from travelers who have enjoyed this tour, and it’s clear that it hits many marks for those craving an intimate, flexible day on the sea.

What draws people in? First, the opportunity to craft your own route around the island’s stunning landscapes and beaches—no rigid itineraries here. Second, the chance to indulge in a Greek barbecue and unlimited drinks while watching the sun paint the sky with vibrant colors. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience is designed to be luxurious and exclusive, which comes at a price—$847 for a group of up to four. It’s an investment, but one many find justified for the level of comfort, privacy, and customization.

This tour suits travelers who prioritize flexibility, enjoy a good meal and drinks, and appreciate a more intimate setting away from crowded group tours. It’s especially appealing if you want to combine sightseeing with a touch of indulgence, all while turning your visit into a personalized adventure.

Key Points

• Tailored experience: You choose your stops, from beaches to villages, making the day unique to your interests.
• Secluded beaches and volcanic sights: Swim at Red Beach, White Beach, or visit uninhabited Aspronisi for dramatic volcanic scenery.
• Gourmet food and drinks: Enjoy a freshly prepared Greek barbecue, mezze, and unlimited beverages including wine, beer, ouzo, and water.
• Expert crew: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share interesting facts about the islands and sights.
• Convenient pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day seamless and stress-free.
• Ideal for sunset: The trip includes a stunning sunset sailing experience, often described as unbeatable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Sail in Santorini: What the Experience Looks Like

From the moment you get picked up at your hotel, this tour begins with a sense of ease. The group is private, meaning no crowded boats or shared experiences with strangers—just your party and the crew. The boat departs from Vlychada port around 3:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon and sunset.

The size of the boat is a highlight—smaller and more nimble than larger cruise ships, allowing for closer access to some of the most spectacular spots like the sulfur hot springs or the volcanic sands of Red Beach. As one review puts it, “Smaller boat = more nimble and closer to the sulfur hot spring,” which really makes a difference when you want to get in and out quickly, or spend more time at your favorite spots.

Once underway, the crew guides you past breathtaking sights like Thirasia, with options to swim, snorkel, or just relax on deck. Many guests loved the way they could decide where to spend their time: “Dropping anchor at Thirasia and swimming with the fish was so much fun,” one reviewer shared.

The stops are tailored to your wishes, but some of the popular options include exploring the volcanic beaches, visiting the uninhabited Aspronisi island, or heading to the charming village of Oia for a quick wander. The flexibility is what makes this cruise stand out.

Snorkeling, Hot Springs, and Other Highlights

The tour provides snorkeling gear, so if you’re into exploring under the water, you’ll love the chance to see fish and enjoy some underwater time. Plus, the mention of natural hot springs adds a unique element—though one review notes that at the sulfur hot springs, white swimsuits aren’t recommended, which is good to keep in mind.

The crew’s knowledge really shines when they share stories and facts about the islands, adding depth to what you’re seeing. As one guest said, “Dimitrious knew SO much about Santorini and the surrounding islands, sharing facts and history that made the trip even more interesting.”

The food on board is a highlight—fresh, made with love, and quite possibly the best meal some guests had during their entire trip. The barbecue features local ingredients, and there’s plenty of mezze to go around. The unlimited drinks—water, beer, wine, ouzo—are a significant perk, especially since many reviews mention never running out, which is rare on such tours.

As the sun starts to set, the boat’s setup offers the perfect vantage point. Guests often describe the sunset as “unbeatable,” with many considering it one of the best they’ve seen in Europe. The combination of natural beauty and the intimate setting makes for a memorable conclusion to the cruise.

Real Reviews, Real Impressions

Travelers consistently praise the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. Elena notes, “Everything went great and smooth from the pick-up to drop-off,” emphasizing the seamless experience. Cristina calls it “by far the best experience in Santorini,” highlighting the quality of the yacht, service, and captain.

Colin’s review really captures what many appreciate—the personal attention, the excellent food, and the chance to swim in volcanic waters. “Captain Tony and his crew were kind, professional, and eager to answer questions,” he recounts, adding that the smaller boat allowed them to get closer to hot springs and enjoy a more personal experience.

Kelly praises the guide Dimitrious for his knowledge and the freshness of the food, which was all sourced from the captain’s farm. The boat ride’s comfort and the ability to relax or sunbathe as desired seem to be key factors in the tour’s appeal.

Tina’s review captures the family-friendly vibe—her group enjoyed swimming at hot springs and a fantastic sunset, with remarks like “extremely good food and a great setup for sunset.”

Is It Worth the Price?

At $847 for up to four people, this tour is definitely an investment. When you consider the private setting, personalized itinerary, gourmet barbecue, unlimited drinks, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, many see it as offering good value. It’s not a budget option, but if you’re after an exclusive, flexible experience with top-notch service, this cruise checks those boxes.

What really sets this apart is the level of customization and personal attention. Unlike larger group tours, you won’t be part of a crowd, and the guides’ local knowledge makes the experience richer. Plus, the chance to enjoy a sunset in peace—away from the crowds—is often cited as a highlight.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re comfortable with a slightly higher price point for a private, tailored day on the water. It suits those who want to avoid large crowds, enjoy good food and wine, and prefer a flexible itinerary that allows for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing at different spots.

It’s also perfect for travelers seeking a romantic or special occasion cruise, as the sunset views and intimate setting create a memorable backdrop. Families with older children who can handle an active, water-based day may also find this a fun and unique way to see Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a barbecue dinner with mezze, unlimited drinks (water, beer, wine, ouzo), Wi-Fi, towels, snorkeling equipment, and all taxes and fuel.

How long does the cruise last?
The experience lasts about 5 hours, with departure around 3:00 PM from Vlychada port. Exact starting times can be checked when booking.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the cruise is tailored to your preferences, offering options like snorkeling, visiting hot springs, beaches, or villages such as Oia. The crew guides you based on your interests.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is private and flexible, it involves swimming and being on a boat for several hours, which may suit older children comfortable with water activities. Families with very young children should consider comfort and safety.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, and any personal items. Sunscreen is recommended, and note that white swimsuits are not advised at sulfur hot springs.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later.

Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, making it easier for dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, private day on the water in Santorini that offers flexibility, great food, and stunning sunset views, this cruise ticks many boxes. The small boat size and knowledgeable crew make it feel personalized, and the ability to choose your stops means you get exactly what you want out of the day.

While it’s priced higher than some group tours, many appreciate the exclusivity and comfort, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a laid-back, tailored experience. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or families who value quality and privacy over shared experiences.

This tour offers a memorable way to see Santorini from a different perspective—one filled with excellent food, sparkling waters, and breathtaking sunsets that you’ll remember long after you leave.

You can check availability for your dates here: