Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Meal and Drinks

If you’re dreaming of seeing Santorini from its most breathtaking vantage point, a private catamaran cruise might just be the highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers an unforgettable blend of stunning scenery, personalized service, and relaxing indulgence.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure, comfort, and cultural flavor. First, the chance to explore hidden beaches and caves accessible only by boat means fewer crowds and more intimate moments with the island’s natural beauty. Second, the delicious local cuisine paired with Santorini wines served right on the deck makes it feel like a special occasion—offering a genuine taste of Greek hospitality in a laid-back setting.

One thing to keep in mind is that the duration is around five hours, which is perfect for a leisurely exploration but might feel a bit rushed if you’re someone who prefers longer excursions or multiple days on the water. This tour primarily suits travelers looking for a luxurious yet practical way to see Santorini’s best-kept secrets without the hassle of planning each stop.

This cruise tends to attract those who enjoy personalized experiences with excellent service, breathtaking views, and good value for what you get. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to treat yourself, this trip hits a lot of marks.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Experience: Perfect for couples, families, or groups wanting a tailored day on the water.
• Stunning and Secluded Spots: Access to beaches and caves unreachable by land, away from crowds.
• Excellent Food and Drinks: BBQ meal, Greek delicacies, and local wine served onboard.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops can be arranged based on your preferences, including hot springs and beaches.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Towels, snorkeling gear, paddleboard, Wi-Fi, and drinks included.
• Smooth Logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point: Ammoudi Bay and the First Impressions

Your day begins at the picture-perfect Ammoudi Bay, a charming spot with crystal-clear waters and scenic cliffs. From here, your journey kicks off with a sense of anticipation—you’re about to explore parts of Santorini that most visitors only dream of. Many reviews mention how smooth the pickup process is, with hotel or closest meeting point transfers included, meaning no stress about logistics.

The Journey to Thirassia and Understated Charm

Next, your boat heads to Thirassia, a quiet fishermen’s island that feels untouched by the crowds. This is the ideal spot for a swim or simply soaking up the peaceful vibe while admiring the unique view of Manolas village, which looks frozen in time. Reviewers consistently mention how much they loved this tranquil stop, with one describing it as a place where “time seemed to have stopped.” It’s a real escape from the busier parts of Santorini.

Feeling the Power of the Volcano and Hot Springs

Sailing around the caldera, you’ll get close enough to feel the energy of the volcano, which is a powerful sight in itself. The tour includes a visit to the hot springs, where you can enjoy a revitalizing bath in warm waters. Many say this is one of the most memorable parts of the trip, with glowing reviews about how unique and rejuvenating it feels. The hot springs are a perfect blend of natural wonder and relaxation, adding a real wow factor to your day.

Exploring White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, and Red Beach

As your boat moves by the coast, you’ll see White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, and Red Beach. These iconic spots offer excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Red Beach, in particular, gets a lot of praise for its striking red cliffs and crystal waters. The flexibility to arrange stops with the captain means you can tailor your day to your preferences, whether that’s lounging on deck or jumping into the water.

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Discovering Hidden Caves and Coves

One of the real treasures of this tour is the chance to discover caves and secluded coasts accessible only by boat. Many travelers have appreciated the quiet, unspoiled beauty of these hidden gems, away from the bustling tourist spots. Passing by Fira Old Port under the cliffs adds another layer of natural drama to the day, making every moment full of awe.

The Meal: A True Greek Feast on the Water

A highlight that keeps popping up in reviews is the onboard BBQ meal, featuring delicious grilled Greek delicacies paired with Santorini wine. You might find the menu includes lamb, chicken, pork, or seafood—freshly grilled right on deck. Guests rave about the quality and flavor of the food, often saying it’s among the best meals they had while in Greece. The setting—shaded deck seats with views of the caldera—is perfect for savoring every bite.

Many reviewers mention that the meal is generously portioned, with plenty of food to go around. The open bar with wine, beers, ouzo, and soft drinks keeps the mood lively, and the inclusion of fresh seasonal fruit and traditional desserts adds a nice finishing touch.

Relaxation and Privacy: Sunbathing and Taking in the Views

The deck space provides ample room for sunbathing, and many describe it as a peaceful oasis where they could relax away from crowds. With blankets and towels provided, you can lounge comfortably, enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Some even mention how the boat’s spacious layout allowed for both indoor and outdoor relaxation, with plenty of spots to unwind.

The Return: A Memorable Ending

As your cruise winds down, you’ll return to Ammoudi Bay, filled with lifelong memories of a day well spent. Several reviews talk about how this experience was the highlight of their trip to Santorini, with many saying they’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Logistical Details and Practical Tips

This tour typically lasts about five hours, making it a flexible yet thorough way to see the island’s highlights. The pickup and drop-off from your hotel or closest accessible point help streamline your day. Since the experience is private, you get personalized attention and the flexibility to customize stops—perfect if you want a more intimate or activity-focused day.

The cost reflects the private, all-inclusive nature of the tour—covering food, drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboard, towels, Wi-Fi, and more. Many reviewers feel that the value for the experience, scenery, and service is excellent, especially considering how much is included.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a luxurious, personalized day on the water, this cruise is a solid choice. It suits couples celebrating a special occasion, friends wanting a memorable adventure, or families with children who enjoy water activities. The flexible stops and onboard amenities make it appealing for those who appreciate comfort and exclusivity.

This private catamaran cruise offers a beautiful mix of natural beauty, excellent service, and delicious food, making it a standout option for anyone wanting to experience Santorini from a different perspective. The ability to visit secluded beaches, hot springs, and caves without the crowds is a major plus—and the local wine and BBQ give it a real taste of Greece.

The reviews highlight how friendly, attentive guides and well-maintained boats make the whole day seamless and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a relaxing, personalized adventure that includes stunning scenery, water fun, and great eats, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you prefer a very long, extensive exploration or are on a tight budget, you might find this experience a bit on the pricier side. Still, many say it’s worth every euro for the quality and exclusivity.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want to celebrate a special moment, enjoy the natural beauty of Santorini without the crowds, and indulge in authentic Greek flavors. It’s a genuine and well-regarded way to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Is transportation included? Yes, you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel or the closest accessible meeting point, making logistics simple.

How long does the cruise last? The experience lasts about five hours, which is enough time to see many of Santorini’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the stops? Absolutely. The itinerary can be arranged with the captain based on your preferences, including visits to hot springs, beaches, or caves.

What’s included in the price? The tour features a BBQ meal, local wine, beers, ouzo, soft drinks, water, snorkeling gear, paddleboard, towels, blankets, Wi-Fi, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Is this tour suitable for children? While children who enjoy water activities may love it, the reviews don’t specify age restrictions, so consider your child’s comfort with boats and water.

What should I bring? Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, and your passport or ID. Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard.

This private catamaran cruise in Santorini offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, personalized service, and tasty Greek fare. It’s a perfect way to experience the island’s stunning caldera and secluded beaches in style and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: