Fira is a fantastic place to start your sailing adventures in Santorini. Its central location offers easy access to the caldera’s stunning waters, dramatic cliffs, and iconic volcanic islands. What makes Fira particularly appealing is the variety of sailing experiences available, catering to different interests — whether you want a luxurious cruise with gourmet food or an active day with snorkeling and hot springs. We especially like the Caldera Luxury Catamaran Cruise for its combination of comfort, panoramic views, and comprehensive itinerary, which includes snorkeling at Nea Kameni and watching the sunset from the water. If you’re after a more budget-friendly but equally memorable trip, the Greek BBQ cruise offers a relaxed vibe with great food and plenty of swimming.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top sailing experiences in Fira. From upscale to casual, each offers a different way to see Santorini from the water — and each has its own charm. Check out the details and see which one suits your style.
1. Santorini: Caldera Luxury Catamaran Cruise w/ Meal & Drinks
At number one on our list is this luxurious 5-hour catamaran cruise that promises an indulgent day on the water. For around $147 per person, you’ll enjoy a delightful onboard meal, complemented by drinks, while sailing past some of the most striking sights in the caldera. The tour includes snorkeling at the volcanic islet Nea Kameni, swimming at the Red Beach and White Beach, and passing by the Akrotiri Lighthouse. But the real highlight is watching the sunset from the deck — Santorini’s colors are unforgettable.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance of comfort and activity. The luxurious catamaran provides ample space to sunbathe or relax to calming music, and the itinerary is packed with diverse experiences. The snorkeling stops offer chances to explore sulfuric waters and volcanic formations. Reviewers praise the delicious onboard BBQ and the attentive crew, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a premium experience. The tour’s multiple pickup points and detailed itinerary make it flexible for various schedules.
Bottom line: This is ideal for those wanting a high-end, all-inclusive day with spectacular views and the chance to snorkel at key volcanic sites.
2. Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Greek BBQ and Drinks
Number two offers a more affordable luxury at about $81 per person, with similar length and a focus on great food and relaxing swims. This 5-hour cruise is perfect if you want to explore Santorini’s beaches and volcanic hot springs while enjoying a traditional Greek BBQ. The tour includes stops at Red and White Beaches, where you can swim and snorkel, and a visit to Palea Kameni hot springs for some therapeutic soaking.
What makes this trip special is its comprehensive itinerary, with stops at key volcanic sites like Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, plus plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing. The open bar and gourmet BBQ are consistently praised, and reviews mention the friendly crew and the beautiful scenery. For travelers looking for value without sacrificing comfort, this cruise offers an excellent balance, especially for families or couples.
Bottom line: If your priority is enjoying good food, swimming, and relaxed sightseeing with a friendly group, this cruise hits the mark.
3. Additional options can be explored by visitors, but these two stand out. Now, let’s look at the details of each to help you decide which best fits your needs.
1. Santorini: Caldera Luxury Catamaran Cruise w/ Meal & Drinks
This luxury cruise is a well-rounded experience that combines comfort, scenic beauty, and active swimming. The 5-hour trip includes snorkelling at Nea Kameni, exploring the volcanic waters, and enjoying the iconic sunset. The onboard BBQ meal and drinks add a special touch, making this more than just a boat ride. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.9/5 rating based on 233 reviews, highlighting the delicious food, beautiful views, and professional crew.
The tour departs from multiple locations, offering flexibility, and the itinerary includes stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and Akrotiri Lighthouse — ensuring you see the most photographed spots from the water. Passengers love the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to sunbathe or simply enjoy the calm of the sea. The sunset segment is often cited as the highlight, with vivid colors reflecting off the caldera walls.
This cruise is best suited for travelers who appreciate luxury, want a comprehensive experience, and value quality food and service. The price reflects the upscale vibe, but the inclusion of snorkeling, meals, and drinks makes it a good value for a special day.
Bottom line: For those wanting a premium, all-inclusive adventure with stunning scenery, this cruise is a smart pick.
2. Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Greek BBQ and Drinks
Offering a fantastic value for money, this 5-hour cruise is more casual but still packed with memorable moments. The review score of 4.8/5 from 194 reviews underscores its popularity. You’ll start with a pickup and head straight to the boat, where the focus is on swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The stops at Red and White Beaches are the main highlights, with plenty of time to soak in the volcanic waters.
What sets this trip apart is the authentic Greek BBQ, served with an open bar, and the hot springs visits, which many find a relaxing highlight. The itinerary also features stops at Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, giving you photo opportunities of volcanic landscapes. The friendly crew earns consistent praise, and many mention the beautiful scenery and fun atmosphere.
Ideal for travelers who want a laid-back, food-filled day with plenty of swimming, this tour offers a good balance of exploration and relaxation. The shorter pickup time (15 hours) and lower cost make it accessible for more travelers.
Bottom line: If you prefer a casual, fun day on the water with excellent food and volcanic sights, this cruise is worth booking.
How to Choose
When selecting your sailing experience in Fira, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a luxury experience with gourmet food, the $1 is ideal. For a more budget-conscious but still memorable trip with great swimming and local cuisine, the $1 offers fantastic value.
Think about how much time you want to spend on the water and whether you prefer a more relaxed or active day. Both tours operate around 5 hours, with options for early or late afternoons. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, as these popular trips fill up quickly.
To sum it up, Fira offers a range of sailing experiences that showcase Santorini’s volcanic beauty from the water. The luxury catamaran cruise is perfect for those wanting a premium, all-inclusive day, while the Greek BBQ cruise suits travelers seeking a relaxed, fun atmosphere at a better price. No matter your choice, these tours promise unforgettable views and wonderful memories. So, pick your style, book early, and prepare for a fantastic day on the caldera.
