Deluxe Santorini Sailing with BBQ and Drinks Shared Tour

If you’re looking for a way to truly experience the beauty of Santorini beyond just snapping photos from the cliffs, a sailing cruise like this could be just what you need. The Deluxe Santorini Sailing with BBQ and Drinks is a popular choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, relaxation, and good food into one smooth, all-inclusive package. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve looked into what makes it stand out—and what to keep in mind—to help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

Two things I really like about this experience are the comprehensive itinerary that covers multiple scenic spots around the caldera and the all-inclusive aspect, which includes drinks, a barbecue meal, and transfers. Plus, the reviews suggest it’s a smooth and enjoyable experience with friendly staff. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the food doesn’t always include a barbecue as advertised, and with a max group size of 18, it’s a relatively intimate experience, but that might feel crowded for some.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed day on the water, love scenic views, and appreciate having everything organized for them—especially the drinks and food. If you’re after a hassle-free way to see Santorini’s highlights while enjoying some good eats and drinks, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience covers transfers, snorkeling basics, food, and unlimited drinks.
• Multiple scenic stops including beaches, the lighthouse, and volcanic islands.
• Group size capped at 18, making for an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
• Flexible timing with options for daytime cruise or sunset sail.
• Quality reviews highlight friendly staff and stunning views, with some noting occasional discrepancies in food offerings.
• Good value when considering the included food and drinks compared to booking separate tours or activities.

Booking and Timing

This cruise is popular—most travelers book about 30 days in advance—probably because it offers such a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation with convenience. The tour lasts around 5 hours, which sounds about right for a day on the water, with options for daytime or sunset views. The price is roughly $185.77 per person, which, considering the included food, drinks, transfers, and snorkeling gear, feels like a fair deal for many.

What’s Included

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which takes one stressor off your plate—especially if you’re staying further from the port. Towels, snorkels, and masks are provided, so you can cool off in the water whenever you fancy. Plus, you get unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks—a real perk for keeping the mood lively and comfortable on a sunny day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

This cruise hits several key spots, each offering its own unique appeal:

Red Beach

The journey begins with a stop at Red Beach, famous for its striking crimson cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The quick 20-minute stop is perfect for snapping photos or just marveling at the scenery. Several reviews mention how stunning the views are here, making it a memorable photo opportunity—even if a short one.

White Beach

Next, you’ll visit White Beach, which is only accessible by boat, adding a touch of exclusivity. Weather-dependent, the tour usually stops here for about 20-30 minutes. While the beach is small, it’s known for its white volcanic cliffs and clear waters—great for a quick swim or some snorkeling. Travelers say it’s a lovely, less crowded spot to dip your toes in.

The Lighthouse

Sailing past the Old Venetian Lighthouse is a highlight, offering fantastic views from the boat. It’s a great photo backdrop and provides a sense of the island’s maritime history. The lighthouse is visible from the water, and the views of Indian Head Mountain add to the overall visual feast.

Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni

The volcanic islands—Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni—are major attractions. Palea Kameni, the “Old Burnt Island,” is fascinating for its volcanic landscape, while Nea Kameni offers the chance to see natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity. The tour spends about 20 minutes at Palea Kameni and around 30 minutes at Nea Kameni, giving plenty of time to explore or just soak in the views.

Multiple reviews mention how these volcanic islands are a must-see. Angie_R highlighted the “fabulous sunset tour,” noting the boat’s comfort and the friendly crew, though she mentioned the BBQ wasn’t available as advertised. Many travelers find the volcanic scenery mesmerizing and enjoy the opportunity to swim in the warm springs.

Food and Drinks

The tour’s BBQ feast is a central feature, with many reviews describing it as delicious. However, some travelers noted that the BBQ was sometimes absent despite being advertised, which can be disappointing. Luckily, even without the barbecue, the food served is generally well-received, and the unlimited drinks—local wine, beer, and soft drinks—are a definite plus for many.

For those with dietary preferences like vegetarian, the tour offers a vegetarian option if specified at booking. It’s worth mentioning that the tour is family-friendly—children are allowed, but must be accompanied by adults.

Crew and Overall Atmosphere

Based on reviews, the crew is consistently described as friendly and professional. Amy_A enjoyed the “wonderful staff” and appreciated the chance to explore nooks and crannies by boat that would otherwise be inaccessible. The small group size (max 18) allows for a more personalized experience, and many reviews mention the attentive service and relaxed vibe.

Practical Considerations

The cancellation policy is flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Since the experience is weather-dependent, they’ll reschedule or refund in case of poor conditions, which adds peace of mind.

Keep in mind, if you’re arriving via cruise ship, you’ll need to provide detailed information about your ship’s schedule, which the tour provider handles smoothly, according to reviews.

This sailing adventure suits travelers looking for a relaxed, all-in-one day that combines sightseeing, swimming, and good food. It’s especially appealing if you value included drinks and transfers, want to visit volcanic islands and beaches, and prefer a smaller group setting. If you’re after a sunset cruise, the evening option is available, providing spectacular views to cap off your day.

While families with children can join, it’s not specifically geared as a family-focused tour, so if traveling with very young children, ensure they’re comfortable on water and in group settings.

The Deluxe Santorini Sailing with BBQ and Drinks is a solid choice if you want a balanced experience—beautiful scenery, good food, and the convenience of an all-inclusive package. The reviews consistently praise the stunning views, friendly crew, and relaxed vibe, making it clear that many travelers leave with happy memories of their day on the water.

The main consideration is the possibility that the advertised BBQ might not always be available, but even without it, the tour offers plenty of value with scenic stops, snorkeling, and unlimited drinks. For anyone eager to see Santorini from a different perspective—on a comfortable boat, with good company, and plenty of local wine—this tour ticks many boxes.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable, hassle-free way to explore Santorini’s volcanic islands and beaches, this cruise could be just the ticket.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from designated locations near your hotel, which helps eliminate transportation worries.

How long does the cruise last?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity without feeling rushed.

Are drinks included?
Absolutely. You’ll enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkels and masks are provided, giving you the opportunity to explore beneath the water’s surface during your stops.

What are the main stops on the route?
Stops include Red Beach, White Beach (weather permitting), the Lighthouse, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni with its hot springs.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally family-friendly but check specifics if traveling with very young kids.

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

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 18, making for a more personal experience.

What if I am arriving on a cruise ship?
You’ll need to provide your ship’s schedule details, and the tour operator will coordinate pickup accordingly, based on reviews indicating smooth arrangements.

Whether you’re after stunning scenic views, a relaxed day on the water, or just want to enjoy some local wine in a beautiful setting, this tour offers a balanced, enjoyable way to explore Santorini’s volcanic coastline.