Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks

If you’re visiting Santorini and looking for a way to soak up the island’s beauty while relaxing on the water, this Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise might catch your eye. We’ve reviewed similar experiences, and this one consistently garners high marks for its scenic stops, good food, and overall vibe.

What we love about this tour: First, the spectacular views of the caldera and sunset are truly breathtaking; second, the all-you-can-eat BBQ and generous drinks keep the mood lively and satisfying. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the occasionally crowded atmosphere, especially if you’re hoping for a quiet, intimate cruise.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a laid-back day on the water, enjoying beautiful scenery, swimming in hot springs, and sampling local wines. If you’re after a relaxing mix of sightseeing, good food, and fun company, this cruise could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Stunning vistas and sunset views over Oia make for perfect photo moments.
• Multiple swimming stops at hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach provide plenty of chances to cool off.
• All-inclusive food and drinks, featuring a barbecue meal and local Greek wines, offer good value.
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel simplifies logistics and makes the day more relaxed.
• Group size capped at 55 ensures a comfortable experience without overcrowding.
• A flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An In-Depth Look at the Cruise Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off from either Ammoudi or Athinios port, two of Santorini’s popular docking spots. The company offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which means you won’t need to worry about navigating to the port yourself—definitely a plus if you want to keep things simple. Once on board, you’ll join a group that typically includes around 55 people, which feels intimate enough without being crowded.

Duration and Pace

The cruise lasts around 5 hours, a decent chunk of time that balances sightseeing with relaxation. Reviews highlight that the day feels well-paced; it’s long enough to enjoy a variety of stops but not so lengthy that it drags. Expect a longer day (about 6 hours total), considering transfer times and the cruise itself.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Hot Springs

The first swim opportunity is at the Hot Springs—a highlight for many. The boat stays about 50 meters away from the warm water, so you’ll need to swim or use the floating devices to get closer. The water is a few degrees warmer than the sea, making it a soothing dip. Reviewers love the experience, with Amanda_B saying, “We swam in the hot springs, and the food was DELICIOUS.”

One thing to note: the hot springs stop can sometimes be skipped if weather conditions aren’t favorable—something to expect depending on the day’s weather.

Sailing near Palea Kameni

Next, you’ll sail past Palea Kameni, a small volcanic island, getting a good view of the volcanic landscape. While you won’t get to step onto the island itself, seeing it from the sea offers a unique perspective that many travelers find memorable.

Lighthouse View

Another picture-worthy moment is the Ancient Lighthouse viewed from the water. It’s a classic Santorini sight, and many reviews mention how great it is to see these landmarks from the boat.

Swimming at Red Beach and White Beach

The two main swimming stops are at Red Beach and White Beach. Both beaches are famous for their distinctive colors—cliffs and sand that have vivid red and white hues. We loved how the stops allowed us to snorkel and enjoy the clear waters, although some reviews mention that the snorkeling itself might not be spectacular for marine life. Still, the landscape makes up for it.

The White Beach stop tends to be longer (around 1.5 hours), giving you enough time to swim, snorkel, and relax. This is also where the onboard BBQ is served, which many reviews rave about, describing the food as delicious and plentiful.

Food and Drinks onboard

One of the standout features is the barbecue meal, which offers vegetarian options as well. The food gets high praise, with comments like “the best Greek food” and “delicious, abundant.” The all-you-can-drink selection includes Santorinian white wine, water, and soft drinks—perfect for unwinding and enjoying the sunset.

Some reviews mention that while the food and drinks are good value, the beer isn’t included, so if you’re a beer lover, you might want to bring some along or buy it separately.

The Sunset

If you opt for the sunset viewing option, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display as the sun dips behind Oia. Many guests mention that capturing the sunset from the boat provides beautiful photo opportunities and a memorable experience.

Music and Atmosphere

The onboard atmosphere is cheerful, with music playing and a friendly crew. Several reviewers described the vibe as lively and fun, making it a great choice for those wanting a party atmosphere or just a relaxed gathering with new friends.

Overall Value and Considerations

Given the price of around $91.73 per person, this cruise offers a solid value. It includes transportation, a meal, drinks, snorkeling gear, and multiple scenic stops, all of which can quickly add up if booked separately.

However, some travelers mention drawbacks:
– Crowding at peak times or during a wedding party event can detract from the experience.
– Snorkeling might not be as vibrant as expected, with some noting the waters are clear but not abundant with marine life.
– The longer wait to board and limited explanations of each sight can leave some feeling a bit rushed or uninformed.

Despite these points, the overall consensus is positive, especially for those who want a combination of sightseeing, relaxation, good food, and sunset views.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy relaxed days on the water, especially those keen on witnessing the sunset over Santorini’s iconic landscape. It’s also great if you want comfortable, all-inclusive food and drinks in a friendly environment. It’s less ideal if you’re after a quiet, intimate experience or if marine life viewing is your main goal.

Families and groups looking for a fun, social atmosphere will find this appealing, but be mindful of the crowd during busy times or special events like weddings. For solo travelers or couples seeking a lively yet scenic outing, this cruise hits the right notes.

If you’re after a beautiful day on the Aegean Sea, with tasty food, plenty of opportunities to cool off, and a chance to see Santorini’s famous sunset, this catamaran cruise really delivers. The experience balances sightseeing with leisure, and the included amenities make it a good deal for the price.

While it’s not a private or ultra-exclusive experience, it offers a nice blend of adventure and relaxation—perfect for those wanting to tick off multiple highlights in one go. Just keep expectations in check about the snorkeling and the potential crowds, and you’ll have a memorable day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at your hotel, which takes the hassle out of getting to the port.

How long does the cruise last? The cruise is approximately 5 hours, with an overall experience time of about 6 hours including transfers.

What stops are included? The main stops are at the Hot Springs, Red Beach, White Beach, sailing past Palea Kameni, and viewing the lighthouse.

Can I swim at the hot springs? Yes, you can swim at the hot springs, but the boat stays about 50 meters away from the water. You’ll need to swim or use floating devices to get closer.

Are drinks included? Yes, there are complimentary drinks including Santorinian white wine, water, and soft drinks. Beers are not included.

What’s the food like? The onboard barbecue includes vegetarian options and is generally praised for being delicious and abundant.

Is this experience suitable for families? While not specifically marketed for children, the relaxed, scenic setting can be enjoyable for families, but always consider your kids’ swimming ability and comfort.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, dry clothes, and a light jacket are recommended. Towels aren’t provided, so bring your own if you want to dry off after swimming.

If you’re after a laid-back, beautiful day sailing around Santorini, with fantastic views and good food, this cruise might just be your perfect escape. Just plan ahead for the crowds and weather, and you’re set for a memorable adventure.