Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: An Honest Look

Thinking about a day on the water in Santorini? This Luxury Sailing Catamaran Tour promises a mix of beautiful scenery, delicious food, and relaxing dips in hot springs—all wrapped up in a comfortable, intimate setting. While it’s not the cheapest option, many travelers find the experience well worth the price, especially given the inclusion of hotel transfers, food, and drinks.

What we really like about this tour is how smoothly everything is organized—hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to relax from the moment you step outside your door. Plus, the stops at iconic spots like the hot springs and Red and White beaches are thoughtfully curated, giving you a taste of Santorini’s best without the fuss of planning each detail yourself. That said, it’s not a tour for those who want to snorkel actively or swim on open beaches—boats can’t moor directly on the shore in Greece, and swim options are close to the boat.

If you’re after a day that balances sightseeing, swimming, good food, and a touch of luxury, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially popular among those who appreciate a relaxed vibe, great vistas, and a well-rounded experience. But, if you’re looking for an adventure filled with extensive swimming or a more energetic day at the beach, you might find this cruise a little tame.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• All-in-one experience combining scenic sailing, swimming, and great food
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off reduce logistical worries
• Inclusion of drinks and a Greek barbecue offers great value and flavor
• Stops at hot springs, lighthouse, and beaches provide memorable highlights
• Limited mooring options mean no direct beach access or active snorkeling equipment
• Ideal for those seeking relaxation rather than high-adventure activities

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Catamaran Cruise

When you think about exploring Santorini by boat, this cruise combines the best of what many visitors want: a chance to see iconic sights, dip into hot springs, enjoy refreshing drinks, and savor a traditional Greek barbecue—all in about five hours. We’ll break down what you can expect and why it might be a good fit for your trip.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup, which is a major plus—no need to worry about transportation logistics when you’re already imagining your day on the water. Once at Amoudi port, you’ll board a beautiful, well-maintained catamaran in a group that’s capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

The boat departs around 9:30 am, giving you a peaceful start and a chance to settle into your spot. From there, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sail past some of Santorini’s most recognized landmarks, including Indian Rock, Akrotiri, and the Aspronissi Lighthouse—the oldest lighthouse in Greece. These views alone are worth the trip, especially if you’re a fan of dramatic landscapes and volcanic scenery.

The Hot Springs Stop — A Unique Experience

One of the tour’s top draws is the visit to the volcanic hot springs. The boat stops about 50 meters away from the yellowish waters that are up to 4° warmer than the surrounding water, thanks to the volcano underneath. Here, you have roughly 30 minutes to swim in the springs or indulge in a mud bath, if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a chance to float in natural thermal waters while enjoying the incredible scenery—a favorite among many reviews. One guest mentioned that the tour stays close enough to the springs to swim securely, which helps alleviate concerns about safety.

Exploring the White and Red Beaches

Next, the boat sails to the White Beach, with its striking cliffs and white sands. You’ll have around 1 hour and 30 minutes here, allowing plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or simply unwind on deck. Many reviews rave about the authentic Greek barbecue served on board, with comments highlighting how good the food is—even vegetarians find plenty of tasty options. When we read reviews, it’s clear that the food quality and drinks are a big hit, with guests mentioning how well the crew handles the meal service and how generous the portions are.

The Red Beach is the last stop, with approximately 30 minutes allocated. Its dramatic red cliffs make it a visually stunning spot for swimming and snorkeling. While swimming is only in the waters near the boat, many guests still enjoy the chance to explore the underwater world with provided snorkeling gear.

The Return and the Overall Vibe

After the Red Beach, the boat heads back to Vlychada Port, where a shuttle awaits to take you back to your hotel. The overall experience is described as a relaxing day, with many reviewers praising the crew’s professionalism and friendliness. The ship itself is described as clean, well-equipped, and comfortable—important details for those who value a smooth, hassle-free outing.

Food, Drinks, and Facilities

The menu includes a Greek salad, shrimp saganaki, grilled chicken and pork skewers, roasted vegetables, pasta with red sauce, stuffed vine leaves, and vegetarian options. Plenty of reviews emphasize how tasty and authentic the food was, with one guest calling the barbecue “nice and authentic.” Drinks are unlimited, with soft drinks, local wine, beer, bottled water, and juice, adding to the laid-back, party-on-the-water atmosphere.

Onboard amenities include snorkeling equipment, towels, floating devices, a restroom, and music. The crew also provides safety instructions in multiple languages, which contributes to a secure environment.

Price and Value

At around $127 per person, this tour is on the pricier side compared to more basic day trips, but it offers a good mix of scenery, food, and convenience. Many travelers feel that the included hotel transfers, quality of the boat, and the delicious meal justify the cost. Plus, with positive reviews highlighting the friendly crew and stunning views, most guests feel they’ve received good value for their money.

Considerations and Downsides

One common point mentioned by some guests is that boats in Greece cannot moor directly on beaches, so swimming is limited to waters near the boat. If you’re seeking active beach days or snorkeling in open beaches, this might not be the ideal tour. Plus, some reviews note waiting times when boarding, and the smaller boat size means limited space to stretch out when anchoring.

Lastly, the tour operates in good weather—bad weather can lead to cancellation with a full refund or rebooking, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’re planning around specific dates.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water, enjoying good food, and soaking in Santorini’s most iconic sights. It’s perfect for travelers who value comfort and convenience, and who want a gentle way to explore the caldera and volcanic landscapes. Families, couples, or small groups will find the intimate setting and inclusive amenities appealing.

If you’re after a high-energy adventure, with lots of snorkeling or beach access, you might want to explore other options. But for a leisurely, well-organized day filled with beautiful vistas, delicious food, and a touch of luxury, this cruise hits the mark.

The Bottom Line

In essence, this Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Tour offers a fine blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and good eats. The included hotel transfers and unlimited drinks make it a stress-free option, while the stops at hot springs and beaches are genuinely memorable. The small group size ensures a more personal vibe, and the positive reviews speak to overall satisfaction.

This experience is especially great if you’re happy to spend your time soaking up views, swimming near the boat, and enjoying a leisurely meal. It’s not the most adventurous or active tour, but it’s a beautiful way to see Santorini from the water without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, starting around 9:30 am with hotel pickup included, and returning in the early afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel are part of the package, making the experience easier and more comfortable.

What’s included in the meal?
A Greek barbecue featuring options like Greek salad, shrimp saganaki, grilled chicken, pork skewers, roasted vegetables, pasta with red sauce, and stuffed vine leaves. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the open bar includes soft drinks, white Santorinian wine, beer, bottled water, and juice.

Can I snorkel during the stops?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can explore near the boat at the White and Red beaches, but the boat cannot moor directly on the shores.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the relaxed pace and beautiful scenery make it suitable for most travelers, though very young children might find the boat’s size limiting.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re after a scenic, stress-free day with plenty of stunning views, good food, and a relaxed vibe, this Santorini catamaran cruise is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate comfort, delicious local flavors, and a bit of luxury on their Greek holiday.