Santorini: Private Day Cruise with Barbeque and Drinks

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Santorini’s coast in a way that feels exclusive yet relaxed, this Private Day Cruise with BBQ might just be the experience you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on detailed reviews and descriptions, it promises a tailored, scenic, and flavorful day on the Aegean. What really catches our eye are the customizable stops at volcanic beaches and hot springs, coupled with a delicious local barbecue and unlimited drinks—a combo that sounds both indulgent and laid-back.

One thing we really appreciate about this cruise is its flexibility. You can choose your stops based on your preferences, which means that whether you’re all about swimming in clear waters or soaking in natural springs, you can craft your ideal day. Also, the quality of the guides and crew looks to be a highlight, with reviews praising their knowledge and friendliness. One possible consideration is the price point of $847 per group—it’s not the cheapest way to see Santorini, but for a private experience, many find it worth the splurge.

This experience tends to suit travelers who value privacy, personalized service, and unique sightseeing. If you’re someone who wants a memorable, flexible day on the water with good food and drinks, this cruise is worth considering. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or friends wanting to enjoy Santorini in a more intimate setting that’s different from crowded boat tours.

Key Points

• Private and customizable day out on Santorini’s coast.
• Includes a hearty BBQ meal with unlimited drinks, perfect for relaxing.
• Stops at volcanic beaches and hot springs offer varied scenery and experiences.
• Guides and crew are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and professionalism.
• The 5-hour duration strikes a good balance between exploration and relaxation.
• Group size is limited to a maximum of four people per booking, maintaining an intimate feel.
• Price reflects the private, tailored nature of the experience, offering good value for a personal adventure.
• All logistics like transfers, towels, snorkeling gear are included, making it straightforward and hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Santorini Private Day Cruise in Detail

Setting Off from Vlychada and the Journey Begins

Your day kicks off with a hotel pickup, a nice touch that saves the hassle of finding your way to the port. Once at Vlychada, you’ll hop aboard your private vessel, where you can settle in and get ready for around five hours of scenic cruising. The departure time typically starts at 10:00 am, but check availability to confirm. This timing works well for anyone wanting to make the most of the daylight hours.

From here, the real magic begins. The boat’s route depends on your preferences and the crew’s suggestions, which adds a personal touch many travelers appreciate. You’re cruising along the rugged volcanic coastline, with spectacular cliffs and underwater caldera views that highlight Santorini’s volcanic past. This landscape is simply mesmerizing, especially when seen from the water.

The Unique Stops You Might See

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the flexibility to visit the beaches and sites that appeal most to you. Red Beach is often on the itinerary—famous for its vivid red and black volcanic sands, making it a photographer’s dream. The rugged beauty of this beach is unlike anything else you’ve seen, and the clear waters make for great swimming or snorkeling.

For those seeking a quieter, less touristy spot, White Beach offers similar volcanic spectacle with the added bonus of being more isolated and lacking facilities. It’s perfect if you want to relax without the crowds or just enjoy the untouched natural environment.

Another highlight is the Nea Kameni hot springs. Here, you can take a dip in natural sulfur springs, known for their rejuvenating qualities, and get a close look at the volcano’s central crater. The reviews emphasize how memorable this part of the tour is—“amazing! Our captain Tony was wonderful,” one review quotes, highlighting the quality of the crew and the experience.

Visiting Oia and Savoring the Meal

Your cruise also includes a stop at Oia, the iconic village famous for its whitewashed houses and stunning caldera views. While the cruise itself offers a different perspective, many travelers find that strolling through Oia afterward is a perfect way to soak in the charm and take some pictures of the famous sunset views.

Back on board, you’ll enjoy a barbecue meal featuring local products. The food is described as delicious, and the unlimited drinks—including water, beer, wine, and ouzo—keep everyone refreshed. One review calls the meal “very good,” noting the local flavors and the quality of the food. For those with dietary preferences, vegetarian options are available, ensuring most guests are catered for.

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The Experience’s Highlights and What Makes It Special

• The personalized itinerary means you can prioritize the beaches, springs, or towns you want to see.
• The expert crew is consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, adding a warm, professional touch.
• The scenery is breathtaking, with towering cliffs, volcanic sands, and underwater caldera views that are genuinely impressive.
• The food and drinks are top-notch for a boat-based meal, with plenty of local flavors and free-flowing beverages.
• The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and towels means you can jump into the water whenever you want without fuss.
• The small group size (up to 4 people) ensures an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a romantic escape or small friends’ outing.

Practical Considerations

The cost of $847 might seem steep at first glance, but it covers all essentials—transfers, the meal, drinks, snorkeling gear, fuel, and taxes. For a private experience, this is quite reasonable, especially considering how personalized and stress-free it is.

The tour operates in English and Greek, making communication straightforward. Remember to send full passenger details, including passport numbers, at least four days prior, and bring essentials like your passport or ID, sunglasses, and sun hat.

While the experience is not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and natural attractions could appeal to older children or teenagers. However, very young kids might find the boat ride a bit long or the hot springs less appealing.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Cruise For?

If you’re after a luxurious, private day on the water, with the flexibility to customize your stops and enjoy quality food and drinks, this cruise should be on your radar. It’s especially well-suited for couples or small groups who want a more intimate experience than the typical large tour. The combination of scenic stops, cultural charm, and good food makes it a well-rounded way to see parts of Santorini that few people experience from land.

The reviews confirm that this is a professional, friendly operation, with many travelers raving about their guides and the overall experience. If you enjoy personalized service, stunning scenery, and a relaxed pace, this cruise hits the mark.

Keep in mind the price—while it’s on the higher side—this experience is about the quality and exclusivity. If that fits your travel style, you’ll likely find it worthwhile.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who want to swim and snorkel?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and many stops are great for swimming and exploring underwater—especially in clear waters of beaches like Red Beach.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise is approximately five hours, starting around 10:00 am, giving you plenty of time to see multiple sites without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Your booking covers round-trip transfers, a BBQ meal with local products, unlimited drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and all taxes and fuel.

Can I customize my stops?
Yes, the crew will suggest stops based on your preferences, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests, whether beaches, springs, or towns.

Is there a dress code or things I should bring?
Bring a passport or ID, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a swimsuit—though wearing a white swimsuit isn’t recommended at sulfur springs. Towels are provided.

What language is the tour offered in?
The tour operates in English and Greek, with guides able to communicate comfortably in both languages.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for families, older kids who enjoy water activities and scenic explorations could find it suitable. Very young children might find the boat ride lengthy.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. Be sure to send your passenger details ahead of time.

In Closing

This private day cruise around Santorini offers a personalized, scenic, and flavorful way to enjoy the island’s natural wonders and local cuisine. The flexibility to choose your stops, combined with the high praise for the crew’s friendliness and professionalism, makes it a compelling choice for those looking for an exclusive day on the water.

Whether you’re celebrating a romantic getaway or seeking an intimate adventure with friends, this experience balances relaxation with sightseeing beautifully. Just be prepared for the price tag—it’s an investment in a memorable, private escapade. If the idea of a tailored, scenic cruise with good food and drinks appeals to you, then this tour might just be your perfect Santorini day.

You can check availability for your dates here: