Santorini:All-inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Thirassia Stop

If you’re heading to Santorini and looking for a way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights from a different perspective, a half-day all-inclusive catamaran cruise could be right up your alley. This experience, offered by CALDERA YACHTING, promises a relaxed way to soak in Santorini’s stunning coastlines, volcanic landmarks, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular choice because it combines scenic sightseeing, snorkeling, and delicious food—all in about five hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances adventure and comfort. The fact that it’s all-inclusive means you won’t be stressing about extra costs for drinks or meals, and the small group setting tends to make for a more intimate experience. Plus, the array of stops—from the dramatic Red and White Beaches to the volcanic hot springs—offers plenty of variety. One thing to keep in mind is that, depending on the weather, the itinerary might shift — so flexibility is key. This cruise suits travelers who enjoy boating, want to see Santorini’s volcanic features up close, and like the idea of a laid-back, all-in-one day out.

Key Points

• Scenic water views of Santorini’s caldera and volcanic sites
• All-inclusive offers with meals, drinks, and snorkeling gear
• Multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing
• Small group setting enhances comfort and personal interaction
• Flexible options for day or sunset cruises
• Weather-dependent routing may cause slight changes

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Santorini by Water: An Honest Breakdown of the Catamaran Cruise

When considering any boat tour, it’s natural to wonder what the day will look like, what’s included, and whether it’s worth your time and money. Based on what we’ve gathered, this cruise hits many of the right notes for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed way to experience Santorini’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

The tour begins with hotel pickup or a nearby accessible meeting point, typically about 90 minutes before departure. This gives you the chance to relax knowing your transport is sorted, especially if you’re staying outside the main hub. The cruise itself lasts around 5 hours, making it a manageable chunk of the day—especially if you want to leave the afternoon open for sightseeing or dinner later.

The transportation is via an air-conditioned van or minibus, and the small group size (unspecified but implied to be intimate) makes for a friendly, less crowded experience. The cruise includes a live English guide, so you can expect some interesting commentary on the sights and island history.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

This tour packs in a lot of highlights, which is part of its appeal. Let’s go through it:

• Start at Thera (Fira), your meeting point, and then head out on the water.
• The first stop is in the vicinity of Vlichada, a hop-on/hop-off point that lets you choose to explore or relax onboard.
• Next, you’ll visit Red Beach—famous for its striking red volcanic cliffs. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a quick swim. Reviews praise the “incredible sights” and highlight that this is a prime sightseeing and snorkeling stop.
• The White Beach follows, offering another chance for sightseeing and swimming—an excellent way to enjoy Santorini’s volcanic landscape from up close.
• The Akrotiri Lighthouse provides a scenic view and a chance to swim, with some reviewers noting how beautiful the location is.
• One of the main draws is the Hot Springs: swimming in geothermal waters, which many find a unique experience. The thermal springs are often a highlight, with a sense of soaking in natural warmth.
• The Santorini Volcano is another key stop—here, you can take photos, swim, and snorkel amidst the volcanic landscape. The water at this spot is described as “blue and clean,” and snorkeling gear is provided to enjoy the underwater scenery.
• The final destination is Thirassia Island, a lesser-visited gem where you can relax, swim, and explore. Many reviews mention how beautiful and peaceful this island is, making it a perfect end to the day.

The return route includes a stop at Ammoudi Bay, well-known for its charm and seafood restaurants, though the tour itself does not include beach stops beyond the water activities. The entire trip is punctuated with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities—ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing from afar.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort

The tour’s all-inclusive aspect means you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared meal onboard, which is a real plus. The menu features Greek delicacies like seafood, chicken fillet, grilled sausages, veggie rice, Greek salad, and dessert. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, with one mentioning the chef “blowing minds” with his cooking.

Drinks are unlimited, including white wine, beers, and soft drinks. The boat itself is described as roomy and well-maintained, ensuring comfort during the cruise. Towels are provided, so you can dry off after swimming, and snorkeling gear is included for those interested in underwater exploration.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Other Travelers Say

Our sample reviews paint a picture of consistent satisfaction. Denise calls the experience “worth it”, emphasizing how relaxed and enjoyable the trip was, especially appreciating the “incredible sights” and “amazing” food. Madison highlights the “best experience ever” with great memories, delicious food, and wine.

Daniela mentions the crew being “friendly and fun,” and notes that the boat is “so roomy and comfortable.” She also appreciated the thoughtful touch of a birthday surprise. Stephanie describes it as “breathtaking,” with stunning views, good snorkeling, and top-notch food.

The reviews also mention the knowledgeable guides, the beautiful locations for swimming and photos, and the unlimited drinks being a real perk. A few reviews note minor frustrations, such as the soft drink options being limited and some logistical issues with pickup communication, but these seem to be minor hiccups in an overall positive experience.

Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t listed here, the tour’s all-inclusive nature—covering food, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and transfers—suggests good value for a half-day experience. Compared to booking separate excursions or dining out, this package simplifies planning and often proves economical for what you get.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who enjoys being on the water, appreciates a relaxed pace, and wants to see Santorini’s volcanic sites without the hassle of organizing multiple activities, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort, good food, and a friendly atmosphere. Families might find it suitable, as long as children are comfortable with swimming and boat trips, but it’s primarily geared toward adults and older travelers.

For anyone looking for an immersive experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, snorkeling, and lounging under the sun, this cruise offers a well-rounded way to soak up the island’s most iconic natural sights while enjoying the comforts of a private boat.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini catamaran cruise offers a thoughtfully curated mix of sightseeing, swimming, and dining. Its small-group approach creates a friendly atmosphere, and the all-inclusive setup cuts down on stress and extra costs. The itinerary covers everything from volcanic beaches to geothermal springs, providing a comprehensive water-based adventure that highlights the island’s natural beauty.

The combination of stunning scenery, delicious Greek food, and friendly crew makes it a memorable experience for those who want to relax and take in Santorini from the water. While weather-dependent changes are possible, most reviews suggest that the experience is worth it, especially if you love spending time on the sea.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and well-organized day out—especially if you enjoy snorkeling and good food—this cruise is likely to meet your expectations. Just be sure to bring your swimwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and you’re set for a fantastic day on Santorini’s waters.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup or a nearby accessible meeting point, typically about 90 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?
The total duration is about 5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What’s included in the price?
The cruise includes transportation, a freshly prepared meal, drinks (white wine, beers, soft drinks), snorkeling gear, towels, and maps of the island.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the locations like the volcano and Thirassia are popular for underwater exploration.

What are the main stops?
Key stops include Red Beach, White Beach, the Hot Springs, Santorini Volcano, and Thirassia Island.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a jacket for the boat, and a passport or ID.

Is the route fixed?
The route may change due to weather conditions, and vessel availability can also vary, so some flexibility is expected.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, unlimited white wine, beers, and soft drinks are included during the cruise.

Is this suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed for children, the activities involve swimming and boat travel, so it could work for families with older kids comfortable in these environments.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind if your plans change.

This Santorini catamaran cruise offers a mix of natural beauty, comfort, and good company, making it a solid choice for those wanting to explore the island’s waters in style.

You can check availability for your dates here: