Santorini All-inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Thirassia Stop

If you’re dreaming of seeing Santorini’s iconic caldera, volcanic islands, and colorful beaches from a unique vantage point, a catamaran cruise might be just what you need. This particular tour, offered by Caldera Yachting, promises a luxurious, small-group experience that balances sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying the island’s famous sunset. We’ve gathered plenty of honest insights to help you decide if it fits your style and expectations.

What we love about this cruise is its intimacy — limited to just 16 travelers, so it feels personal and relaxed rather than crowded. Also, the combination of delicious onboard food and unlimited local wine keeps the mood light and sociable. The scenic stops at Thirasia, the volcanic hot springs, and the colorful beaches add variety to the experience. However, one consideration is that the tour doesn’t include hiking on the volcano, so if that’s on your list, you’ll need to plan separately. This tour suits travelers looking for a comfortable, well-rounded day on the water, especially if you appreciate good food, scenic views, and a touch of luxury.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Limited to 16 guests, creating a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
• Multiple Stops: Includes swimming, snorkeling, and visiting volcanic hot springs, plus scenic beach and island views.
• All-Inclusive: Enjoy a freshly prepared onboard meal and unlimited local wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Timing Flexibility: Options for morning or sunset cruises, with sunset views often hailed as spectacular.
• Family Friendly: Children are welcome, but note that activities such as volcano hiking aren’t included.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Setting Sail from Santorini: What to Expect

Starting your day (or afternoon) at the old port of Amoudi, you’ll be greeted by your crew and the sleek, modern catamaran that will be your home on the water for the next few hours. Most travelers find the process smooth; the tour includes pickup from your hotel or accommodation, which takes away the hassle of logistics. Once on board, you’ll be introduced to your skipper and crew, who are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making everyone feel comfortable and informed.

The vessel itself is roomy and comfortable, with a deck perfect for lounging, taking photos, or simply soaking in the views. As the boat gently slips away from the port, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Santorini’s whitewashed towns and the surrounding caldera. This is a moment when you realize how small the island appears from the water, yet how grand its scenery truly is.

The Stops and Highlights

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize your experience while keeping the day manageable. Each stop offers something special:

• Amoudi Bay: The cruise begins in one of the prettiest spots in Santorini, Oia’s Amoudi Bay. It’s a scenic, picture-perfect anchorage — an ideal opening to your adventure. Travelers often mention how charming it is, and it sets the tone for a memorable day.

• Thirasia Island: Known as a fishermen’s island, Thirasia provides a calmer, less tourist-heavy environment. Here, you get time to swim or snorkel — many reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the clear waters and the relaxed vibe.

• Volcano & Hot Springs: Circling the volcanic islands, including Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, is a core part of the tour. For many, bathing in the sulfurous hot springs is a highlight, and the thermal waters are said to have therapeutic benefits. Just a tip from reviews: avoid wearing white or pastel swimsuits to prevent staining from mineral deposits.

• Scenic Beaches & Landmarks: You’ll pass Black Mountain, and stop near the White Beach and Red Beach, which are among the most photogenic spots you’ll see. The Red Beach, in particular, impresses with its vivid mineral hues, often drawing praise for its scenery.

• Lighthouse: The 19th-century Venetian lighthouse near Akrotiri adds a historic touch to the voyage, and many trip reports mention the beauty of sailing past this iconic structure.

• Sunset (Optional): If you opt for the later cruise, prepare for a breathtaking sunset over the caldera. Reviews repeatedly note the sunset as one of the most spectacular sights in Santorini, often described as a “must-see” moment.

The Meal and Drinks

The onboard meal is designed to satisfy — expect dishes like seafood, grilled sausages, chicken, and fresh salads, all prepared on the boat. A number of reviews rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “excellent,” “fresh,” and “more than expected.” The open bar, offering local wine, beer, and soft drinks, keeps the atmosphere lively and relaxed.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and their knowledge about the island’s geology and sights. One review highlights how “Ilias and his crew were phenomenal,” with guests appreciating their attentive service and storytelling. The quality of the food is another common theme, with travelers remarking that it surpasses expectations for a boat meal.

Sunset Cruise Specifics

For those choosing the sunset option, the timing means you’ll watch the sky turn brilliant shades as the sun dips behind the caldera. Even on cloudy days, many reviewers find the experience worthwhile, noting that the crew keeps the vibe upbeat and the drinks flowing. If weather cancels the sunset, the tour offers the flexibility of rescheduling or a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, which is a good length for experiencing a variety of sights without feeling rushed. The small group size (max 16) is a huge bonus, as it fosters a more intimate setting — no crowded decks or noisy parties here. The price of around $185 per person is reasonable considering the inclusiveness of food, drinks, and all stops.

Transportation is included with pickup and drop-off, reducing the stress of navigating busy ports. The cruise also provides snorkeling equipment, towels, and swimming aids, so packing a swimsuit and towel is all you’ll need to enjoy the water.

One downside mentioned in reviews is that the trip does not include hiking on the volcano. If climbing volcano craters is on your must-do list, you’ll need separate arrangements. Also, the weather can impact the experience; bad weather might lead to cancellations, but the company’s flexible refund policy offers reassurance.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This tour is perfect if you want a comfortable, all-in-one day exploring Santorini’s caldera, islands, and volcanic hot springs. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups of friends, and anyone eager for a relaxing day on the water with good food and stunning scenery. Travelers who appreciate a smaller, more personal experience will especially enjoy the limited group size.

Families with children should consider the fact that the tour involves swimming and water activities, but since it doesn’t include volcano hiking, it’s manageable for kids who are comfortable in the water. The focus on scenic stops and a laid-back vibe makes it generally suitable for most ages.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most activities involve swimming and standing on the boat, but since there’s no volcano hiking included, it might be easier for those with limited mobility. It’s best to check with the provider for specific concerns.

Does the tour include transportation from hotels?
Yes, it offers complimentary pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned vehicles, which makes getting to and from the port hassle-free.

Can I choose between the morning and sunset cruises?
Yes, there are options for both. The sunset cruise is especially popular for viewing Santorini’s twilight magic.

What is the group size?
Limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an open bar with local wine, beer, and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

Is lunch served on board?
Yes, a freshly prepared onboard meal with seafood, chicken, salads, and dessert is included.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, towels, and comfortable clothes. White or pastel swimsuits are discouraged for thermal springs to avoid staining.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The company is flexible and transparent about cancellations.

Wrapping It Up

This Santorini catamaran cruise offers a well-rounded experience of the island’s highlights from the water, combining scenic beauty with comfort and good food. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who value intimacy, quality, and a relaxed atmosphere over large group chaos. The stops at volcanic hot springs, colorful beaches, and scenic islands make it a memorable way to see Santorini beyond the land-based sights.

If you’re seeking a day of gentle exploration, delicious eats, and sunset magic, this cruise is likely to check your boxes. Just remember that the experience hinges somewhat on the weather, so flexible planning around the weather forecast can help ensure you get the most out of your outing.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting a high-quality, small-group cruise that combines stunning views, good eats, and leisurely stops, this Santorini all-inclusive catamaran tour ticks many boxes. It’s not the cheapest option, but the reviews show it offers excellent value for the experience and service. Whether it’s your first time visiting Santorini or a special treat during your stay, this cruise could become one of your favorite memories from the island.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy relaxed, scenic days with a touch of luxury. If you’re after adventure hikes or a wild party scene, you might want to explore other options. For a peaceful float with the chance to see Santorini’s most breathtaking sights from a comfortable, intimate vessel, this cruise really delivers.