Santorini: Catamaran Cruise, Winery, & Oia Sunset Combo Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and looking for a way to experience its beauty beyond just wandering the streets, this all-inclusive combo tour might be just what you need. It offers a mix of relaxing sailing, wine tasting, and picture-perfect sunset views—perfect for travelers who want a taste of everything without the hassle of organizing each activity separately.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines a 5-hour scenic catamaran cruise with visits to local wineries and a sunset in Oia, giving you a well-rounded day on the island. It’s especially appealing if you’re after a blend of relaxation and culture, with enough structure to make the most of your time.

One thing to note is that the schedule involves a bundle of activities with some waiting time between the cruise and the sightseeing bus tour. If you’re not someone who loves tight schedules or waiting around, it’s worth keeping that in mind. But overall, it’s a flexible way to see some of Santorini’s most iconic sights in one day.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a mix of leisure and sightseeing, especially if you enjoy wine and stunning sunsets. It’s ideal for those wanting to explore the volcanic landscapes, enjoy local flavors, and take in the breathtaking views that make Santorini famous.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic 5-hour catamaran cruise with swimming and snorkeling opportunities
• Visits to two renowned wineries, tasting volcanic white wines and desert wine
• A perfect sunset viewing in Oia from the historic castle ruins
• All activities are combined in one day, making it a convenient option
• Includes meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi, adding value for the price
• Ideal for a relaxed, full-day experience that balances adventure and leisure

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour packs a lot into ten hours, making it a great way to experience multiple facets of Santorini in one go. Here’s what you can expect and why each part is worth your time.

Morning Catamaran Cruise

The day kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a real bonus because it means you don’t have to worry about finding a meeting point. Once aboard the catamaran, you’re in for a relaxing cruise around the caldera that spans about five hours. The views are truly something special—think steep cliffs, colorful volcanic formations, and that famous whitewashed architecture dotted along the coast.

During the cruise, you’ll have ample time to swim and snorkel in the clear waters, with snorkeling gear provided. The boat stops at the hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach—some of the most striking volcanic beaches on the island. The swimming spots tend to be a highlight, as reviews mention how beautiful these waters are, but they do wish they’d had a little more time to fully enjoy them.

The lunch on board is a barbecue, featuring grilled chicken or pork skewers, stuffed vine leaves, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, and potato salad. It’s a tasty, filling meal paired with unlimited Santorinian white wine and soft drinks—a good value considering most tours charge extra for drinks. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed, and you’ll probably enjoy the chance to unwind and take in the scenery.

Wineries and Wine Museum

After the cruise, you’ll hop onto a bus for a visit to two traditional wineries. First, at Venetsanos Winery, you’ll sample three different wines while enjoying panoramic views of the volcano—one of those views that stay with you long after the day ends. The next stop is the Wine Museum in Mesa Gonia, where you get a glimpse of the island’s long winemaking tradition. Here, you’ll taste a variety of volcanic white wines and the unique desert wine, giving you a taste of Santorini’s wine-making character.

Reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides significantly enhance the experience, making this part of the tour both educational and enjoyable. The wines tend to be a highlight, with many guests appreciating the chance to try something different—something you might not find on your own.

Sunset in Oia

The final leg of the tour takes you to Oia, one of the most famous villages on the island. You’ll arrive at Sun Spirit Bar, one of the best spots to watch the sunset. Expect to relax with a glass of wine in hand as the sun dips behind the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

Reviews rave about the spectacular views in Oia, though some mention that the waiting time to get to the sunset spot can be a bit long, especially during peak season. But if you arrive early or are patient, you’re rewarded with a truly memorable scene that’s worth every minute.

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What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour offers a lot of value, especially with round-trip hotel transfers, meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi included. The meals are substantial, with vegetarian options available, and the drinks include local white wine, which is a nice touch.

You’ll want to bring your passport (or a copy), swimwear, towel, and sunscreen—the usual essentials for a day out in the sun, especially on a boat.

The duration is around 10 hours, so it’s a full day of activities, which can be tiring but also incredibly rewarding. The live English-speaking guide on the boat adds context to what you’re seeing, though the bus tour guide speaks both Spanish and English.

Considerations

One of the main things to keep in mind is that this is a bundle tour with some waiting times in-between activities. If bad weather hits, there’s at least one review mentioning a postponement without reimbursement for the missed part—something to be aware of if your schedule is tight or you’re dependent on good weather.

Also, this tour doesn’t include dinner afterward, so if you’re a big eater or looking for a full evening meal, plan that separately.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive Santorini day with minimal planning. It offers a blend of sailing, wine tasting, and sunset views that cover many highlights in one package.

It’s especially good for couples, small groups, or anyone who loves wine and picturesque scenery. Travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace but want to see a lot in one day will find this a satisfying option.

It might be less ideal for families with young children due to the boat and walking involved, but older kids who are comfortable with water activities and sitting for a while could still enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini combo tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending scenic sailing, cultural wine tastings, and breathtaking sunset views. It hits many of the high notes that make Santorini special, all in one day, which is perfect if you want to maximize your time without the hassle of organizing multiple activities.

The value for the price is fair, considering the included meals, drinks, and transportation. The guides’ knowledge and the quality of the experiences—especially the winery visits—are points that guests consistently praise.

If you’re after a chill, scenic, and flavor-filled day that captures the essence of Santorini—its volcanic beauty, delicious wines, and iconic sunset—this tour is a solid pick. Just be prepared for a busy day and some waiting around, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of memories.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, starting with hotel pickup, the boat cruise, winery visits, and ending with sunset in Oia.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers round-trip hotel transfers, a 5-hour catamaran cruise, meals (including barbecue lunch), unlimited wine and soft drinks, visits to two wineries, snorkeling gear, swimming noodles, and Wi-Fi.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
No, the tour provides all meals and drinks, including unlimited Santorinian white wine. You can’t bring your own on board.

Is there any flexibility if the weather is bad?
Weather can impact the schedule; at least one review mentions a postponement without reimbursement. It’s best to check the weather forecast and stay flexible if possible.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are offered, such as stuffed vine leaves and roasted vegetables, accommodating different dietary preferences.

What’s the best way to enjoy the sunset in Oia?
Arrive early at Sun Spirit Bar to secure a good spot. Be prepared for some waiting as crowds gather, but the view is worth it.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, older children comfortable with water activities and sitting through some waiting may enjoy it. Check with the provider if in doubt.

This Santorini combo tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s highlights in one well-organized day, combining scenic waters, delicious wines, and a sunset that’s hard to forget. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or just want to tick off some must-see sights, it’s a solid choice that balances all of those elements.

You can check availability for your dates here: