Santorini: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise, with Food|Drinks

If you’re dreaming of sailing around Santorini’s famous volcanic landscapes, a full-day catamaran cruise might just be the highlight of your trip. We’ve looked into this experience offered by Ippokampos Sailing, and it’s clear that it appeals to travelers who love stunning scenery, a mix of adventure and relaxation, and enjoying Greek flavors on the water.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is how customizable it is—whether you’re into swimming and snorkeling or just soaking up the views, you can tailor your day. Plus, the on-board food sounds genuinely tasty, with fresh seafood, Greek yogurt, and local wine.

On the flip side, keep in mind that the day is long—10 hours can be quite the commitment, especially if you’re not used to a full schedule or have young kids. Also, since it’s a private group, the experience might feel a bit more curated, which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s something to consider if you prefer larger, more social tours.

This cruise seems ideal for those wanting a flexible, scenic, and foodie-friendly day on the water, especially if you’re comfortable with a full itinerary and looking for a more intimate experience.

Key Points

• Customizable route: You can choose between scenic bays, hot springs, or beaches, tailoring your day to your interests.
• Stunning scenery: Sail past cliffs, caves, and iconic landmarks with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Swimming and snorkeling: Dive into crystal waters at various stops—great for water lovers.
• Gourmet onboard meal: Enjoy a tasty Greek buffet featuring seafood, local dips, and Greek yogurt with honey.
• Comfort and safety: Modern catamaran, shaded seating, safety gear, and clear safety instructions ensure a relaxed experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve with no upfront payment, ideal for flexible plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Duration

This experience kicks off from Vlychada Port, one of Santorini’s more scenic and less crowded spots, giving you a peaceful start to your day on the water. The cruise lasts about 10 hours, with departure times varying based on availability, so you’ll want to check and plan accordingly.

The long duration means you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy each stop and absorb the views, but it’s also a full day, so be prepared for a day packed with activity and relaxation alike. The boat departs in the morning and returns in the evening, allowing you to catch that famous sunset at the end of your journey.

What Does the Itinerary Look Like?

This cruise covers a thoughtfully planned route, balancing sightseeing, swimming, and eating. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Pickup and Safety Briefing

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel or a designated spot in Thera, followed by a short van ride to Vlychada Port. Once onboard, the crew offers a safety briefing—an important step that ensures everyone understands how to enjoy the day safely, especially when swimming or snorkeling.

2. Red Beach

Your first stop is the striking Red Beach, famous for its vibrant cliffs and unique landscape. You’ll get about 15 minutes here for a quick dip or photos—enough to get a taste of the scenery.

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3. White Beach

Next, a brief stop at White Beach for a photo opportunity. While you won’t swim here, this is a lovely spot to marvel at Santorini’s volcanic formations and snapping some pictures.

4. Santorini Caldera

The highlight for many is cruising around the caldera. You can admire the rugged cliffs, volcanic islands, and landmarks like the Akrotiri Lighthouse. This part lasts about 40 minutes, perfect for taking in the sweeping views and capturing memorable photos.

5. Palea Kameni Hot Springs & Secluded Bays

The biggest chunk of your day is spent around Palea Kameni, where you can choose to swim or snorkel in the hot springs or explore calmer, crystal-clear bays. The onboard meal is served here, featuring grilled seafood, pasta, grilled chicken, and more, all washed down with local wine or beer. This part lasts around 100 minutes, giving plenty of time for water fun and a hearty meal.

6. Return and Sunset

As the cruise winds down, you’ll sail back towards Thera, enjoying panoramic views of the caldera at sunset. You can relax on the sunbeds, sip your drinks, and soak up the magic of Santorini as daylight fades.

The Food and Drinks

One of the biggest surprises is how well the onboard meal is received. The buffet includes traditional Greek dishes like fresh salads, dips, grilled seafood, and Greek yogurt with honey and fruits. Many reviews mention how tasty and generous the portions are—definitely a step above typical cruise fare.

The drinks selection is decent, with complimentary water, soft drinks, wine, and beer. The inclusion of these drinks means you can toast the stunning scenery without worrying about extra costs, which adds to the overall value.

Comfort and Safety

The boat itself looks modern and well-maintained, with shaded seating areas and plenty of space to stretch out or relax in the sun. Towels and blankets are provided, making it easy to stay comfortable during the longer stretches.

Safety is prioritized, with clear instructions, safety gear, and rules about swimming and moving around the boat. The crew is attentive, and the safety briefing is available in multiple languages, helping everyone feel secure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who appreciate a blend of scenic beauty, water activities, and good food. It’s ideal if you prefer a more intimate experience—since it’s a private group, you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, which many find more relaxed and exclusive.

If you’re comfortable with long days and want the flexibility to customize your stops, this is a perfect fit. Families with older children, water lovers, and those looking for a romantic, scenic day will all likely enjoy this experience. Just remember, if you’re pregnant, swimming in hot springs is not recommended, and elderly guests should consider their physical comfort.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the sun on the water is intense.
• A light jacket or cover-up is useful for cooler breezes or when returning to the boat after swimming.
• Comfortable swimwear and a change of clothes will make the day more enjoyable.
• Don’t forget cash for extras or tips, though most things are included.
• Motion sickness prevention might be worth considering if you’re prone to seasickness—especially given the length of the cruise.

Final Thoughts

This full-day catamaran cruise offers a wonderful way to see Santorini from a unique perspective—on the water, with stellar views, and in good company. The mix of sightseeing, swimming, and delicious Greek food makes it an experience many will remember.

While it’s a long day, the flexible stops and personalized route make it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a more intimate and customized way to explore Santorini’s volcanic landscapes. And if you’re a fan of scenic boat trips, this one definitely delivers some of the best views around.

If you’re after a relaxing yet adventurous day that combines sightseeing with fantastic food and watersports, this cruise could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally suitable for older children, especially those comfortable with swimming and boating. Children must be supervised by parents during swimming, and pregnant women are advised not to swim in the hot springs.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring sun protection like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Pack swimwear, a change of clothes, a light jacket for breezes, cash, and any personal medications. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 10 hours, giving plenty of time for stops, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the cruise is customizable. You can choose scenic bays, hot springs, or beaches based on your preferences, making your day more tailored.

What food is included?
A hearty Greek buffet featuring salads, appetizers, grilled seafood, pasta, grilled chicken, and Greek yogurt with honey is included, along with drinks like wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or designated location in Thera are included for convenience.

If you’re looking for a day on the water filled with gorgeous views, good food, and water fun—this Santorini catamaran cruise ticks a lot of boxes. Just be sure to check availability and prepare for a full, memorable day at sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: