Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer

Thinking about exploring Santorini from the water? This Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise promises an elegant way to see the island’s iconic sights, soak in hot springs, and enjoy a delicious Greek BBQ. It’s a popular choice, especially among those looking for a more upscale, relaxed experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable day on the water, this tour has plenty to offer.

What we love about this cruise is the exclusive feel of sailing aboard the Ipanema 58, the island’s only vessel of its kind, and the opportunity to swim in volcanic hot springs while surrounded by stunning volcanic scenery. Plus, the homemade Greek barbecue served on board gets high praise for its flavor and authenticity. But, a potential drawback is that the sunset isn’t guaranteed if you select the later time, which might matter if watching the sunset is your main goal. This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, great views, and a touch of luxury in their Santorini getaway.

Key Points

• Exclusive sailing experience aboard the only Ipanema 58 catamaran on Santorini.
• Multiple swimming spots, including volcanic hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach.
• Gourmet Greek BBQ paired with unlimited drinks—beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• Beautiful sunset views if the timing is right, making it perfect for romantic evenings.
• All-inclusive comfort with transfers, towels, snorkeling gear, and safety instructions.
• Small group sizes ensure personalized service, with a maximum of 20 travelers.

What to Expect from the Santorini Luxury Catamaran Cruise

This tour is a finely balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and indulgence. It’s designed to give travelers a taste of Santorini’s best on a beautifully maintained vessel, with attentive crew service and a focus on comfort. We’ll walk through the itinerary, what each stop offers, and what you can reasonably expect during the approximately five-hour cruise.

Starting Point and the Journey Begins

You’ll be picked up from your hotel—either from Ammoudi or Athinios port—and transported to the vessel. The pickup is included in the tour price, which is about $150.61 per person. The small group size (up to 20 people) helps keep the experience intimate and relaxed. Once onboard, you’ll quickly notice the luxury vibe of the Ipanema 58, a spacious, modern catamaran that stands out for its comfort and style.

Cruising Inside the Caldera

The main highlight is sailing inside Santorini’s caldera, a spectacular volcanic crater that forms the island’s dramatic landscape. From the water, you’ll get a fresh perspective on the island’s cliffs, villages, and volcanic features. The crew will navigate close to the volcano, Palea Kameni, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at the forces that shaped this land.

Soaking in the Hot Springs

One of the most praised aspects of the tour is swimming in the mineral hot springs. The boat stays about 50 meters away from the sulfuric waters, which are naturally warm—up to 4°C warmer than the surrounding sea. Guests are encouraged to swim in the seclusion and enjoy the mineral-rich waters. We loved the way this stop balances adventure with comfort, giving everyone a chance to relax amid stunning volcanic scenery. Some reviews mention that while the hot springs are lovely, the boat doesn’t actually dock on the beach but stays nearby for a safe, scenic swim.

Exploring Red Beach and White Beach

Next, the cruise makes stops at Red Beach and White Beach, both famous for their unique landscapes. These stops are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with clear waters and striking rock formations as backdrops. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew is responsive to safety instructions, making it accessible even for less experienced swimmers. The White Beach stop is notably longer—about 1 hour and 30 minutes—giving plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. Several travelers have remarked on how stunning these beaches look from the water, with one noting, “We had a lovely time! The crew was amazing and very hard workers. The food was delicious :)”

Lunch and Refreshments

A major plus for this cruise is the Greek BBQ, which is served on board during the White Beach stop. It’s cooked fresh and includes a variety of dishes, paired with unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Reviewers frequently mention how good the food is, with one saying, “The food was good, and the drinks were okay but we wish there was more variety like champagne.” The crew also provides towels, blankets, and safety instructions, making sure everyone stays comfortable and informed.

Sunset Views (if selected)

If you opt for the later time, you’ll get a chance to watch the famous Santorini sunset from the water. Travelers often describe this as a “spectacular” experience—bright hues reflecting off the caldera, creating a romantic and picture-perfect backdrop. However, one review notes that the sunset wasn’t visible on their trip, which highlights the importance of checking the schedule if catching the sunset is a priority.

Returning and Drop-Off

After the day’s adventures, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Some reviews mention that the drop-off might be a bit inconvenient if your hotel is in an area not directly accessible from the port, but the overall process is smooth and well-organized.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

The feedback from many guests is overwhelmingly positive. Here are some consistent themes:

The crew always gets high marks for being friendly, attentive, and professional. As one reviewer put it, “The staff were just amazing and the range of drinks and food on board were great!” Many mention how the crew makes the experience feel special without feeling rushed or impersonal.

The boat itself is described as luxurious but spacious enough for everyone to spread out. Several reviews refer to it as a “yacht,” emphasizing its high-end feel that adds to the overall experience.

The scenery and swimming stops are frequently highlighted as breathtaking. Guests love the chance to swim in volcanic waters and snorkel at unique beaches, all while surrounded by iconic caldera views.

The food and drinks consistently receive praise. The homemade Greek BBQ, paired with unlimited drinks, makes this a satisfying experience without feeling overindulgent. Some travelers wish for more drink variety, but overall, the quality and quantity meet expectations.

Sunset views are a highlight, with many describing the scene as “gorgeous” and “romantic,” making it a perfect option for couples or those celebrating special moments.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews are glowing, some mention minor downsides. A few guests found the drop-off location for the return trip slightly inconvenient, especially if unfamiliar with the area. Also, one review noted that the drinks could have more variety, such as champagne, which might appeal to those seeking extra luxury.

Another factor to consider is the potential presence of noisy or unruly guests—one review described a “frat party” vibe that disrupted the otherwise serene atmosphere. This seems to be more about the group composition on a given day rather than the tour itself, but it’s worth being aware of if you’re seeking a quiet, romantic cruise.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just over $150 per person, this cruise offers a good balance of luxury, scenic beauty, and inclusivity. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, a full BBQ meal, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, and the chance to see Santorini from a unique perspective. For many, it’s a value-packed way to spend a few hours that combines relaxation and adventure.

Compared to less comprehensive tours, the inclusion of a gourmet BBQ and the luxury feel of the vessel elevate this experience. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a sophisticated, all-inclusive water adventure without the crowds or the rough-and-tumble vibe of some party boats.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is best suited for couples looking for a romantic, luxurious outing with excellent scenery and sunset views. It’s also a great choice for small groups or families wanting a comfortable, all-in-one day on the water. If you’re interested in snorkeling, hot springs, and a gourmet meal, then this tour hits all those marks.

However, if you’re after a lively, party-style vibe or prefer a very budget-friendly trip, you might want to explore other options. Also, keep in mind that the drop-off location could be slightly inconvenient if your hotel isn’t near the port.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day without extra hassle.

How long is the cruise? It lasts approximately 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing on deck.

Can I swim in the hot springs? Yes, the boat stays about 50 meters from the hot springs, and you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in the mineral waters.

What’s provided on the boat? Towels, snorkeling equipment, blankets, safety instructions, and music are all included. Towels and gear should be returned after use.

Is the sunset guaranteed? No, it depends on the timing of the tour. If you select the later cruise option, you’ll likely see the sunset, but weather or schedule can sometimes prevent it.

Are drinks unlimited? Yes, you’ll have unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water during the cruise.

What about food? The highlight is a homemade Greek BBQ served on board, with a good variety of dishes, and the crew responds well to dietary needs.

Is this suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns about children or infants.

Are there any hidden costs? All major amenities and stops are included. Just be aware that the boat cannot moor directly on the beach, but that’s typical for Greece.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, dry clothes, and a camera. The boat provides some comfort items, but bring your essentials for sun protection.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise is an excellent pick for travelers seeking an elegant, scenic, and relaxing way to experience the island’s caldera. The combination of luxury, good food, beautiful views, and friendly crew makes it stand out from more basic boat trips. While it’s not the cheapest option, many guests feel the experience justifies the cost, especially given the all-inclusive nature and the personalized service.

If you’re after a romantic outing, a family-friendly adventure with a touch of luxury, or simply want to make your Santorini trip truly special, this cruise deserves a spot on your list. Just remember to book well in advance, especially during peak season, and double-check the cruise schedule to maximize your chances of catching that sunset.

Enjoy your trip, and if you decide to go, I hope it becomes one of your favorite memories of Santorini.