Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Discovering the Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

This review explores a popular half-day sailing experience around Santorini, offering both a Day Tour and a Sunset Tour option. Many travelers rave about this trip, which promises a relaxing way to see the island’s famous sights from the water, enjoy a seafood barbecue, and indulge in Greek wine. We’re highlighting what makes it stand out, as well as some points to consider before booking.

Two standout features we love are the welcoming crew that makes everyone feel at home and the stunning scenery – from the caldera’s cliffs to the beaches only accessible by boat. The inclusive hotel pickup simplifies logistics, making it a smooth, hassle-free experience. A possible downside is that towels are not provided, so travelers might want to bring their own, especially if they plan to swim or snorkel.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy water-based activities, want a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation, and are looking for a value-packed experience that combines scenic views, delicious food, and cultural highlights. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a smaller group setting, attentive crew, and authentic Greek hospitality.

Key Points

• Flexible Options: Choose between a Day or Sunset Tour to suit your schedule and preferences
• Stunning Views: Experience Santorini’s iconic landscape from a comfortable catamaran
• Inclusive Experience: Hotel pickup, BBQ, drinks, snorkeling gear, and towels included
• Variety of Stops: Visit Red and White Beaches, hot springs, and the Old Venetian Lighthouse
• Gourmet Food & Drinks: Enjoy a barbecue seafood feast with unlimited Greek wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Small Group Feel: Intimate experience with a maximum of 18 travelers, highly praised for the crew’s friendliness and professionalism

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Caldera Sailing Experience

Starting Off: Convenient Pickup to Marine Adventures

When you book this tour, you can count on hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start of your adventure seamless. The tour begins at 10am for the Day Tour or 3pm for the Sunset Tour, depending on what you select. This makes it easy to fit into your Santorini itinerary without the hassle of figuring out transportation. The short transfer from your hotel to Vlychada Marina, located at the island’s southern tip, sets the stage for a comfortable and scenic ride.

Setting Sail: What You’ll See from the Water

Once on the catamaran, you’ll find a cozy spot to relax and watch the scenery glide by. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy sights like Indian Head Mountain and the Old Venetian Lighthouse, both visible from the boat and perfect for photo stops. As the sail progresses, the views of the colorful sands at White Beach and Red Beach are particularly striking—these beaches are only accessible by boat, making them a special treat.

Traveling around the caldera, you’ll pass volcanic islands like Palea Kameni (the Old Burnt Island) and Nea Kameni (the New Burnt Island). The latter is especially popular for hot springs—geothermal waters where you can indulge in a relaxing soak. According to reviews, the swimming and snorkeling stops are highlights, with travelers praising the clarity of the water and the opportunity to dip into the volcanic springs.

Stops and Sights: Beaches, Volcanoes, and Landmarks

The itinerary includes stops at both the Red Beach and White Beach. The White Beach is only reachable by boat and offers a peaceful spot for swimming and sunbathing—weather dependent, of course. The Red Beach’s dramatic cliffs make it one of the most photographed spots in Santorini, and many reviewers mention how memorable these views are.

The tour also passes the Old Venetian Lighthouse, a relic of the island’s historical past, and Indian Head Mountain, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the sailing experience. The stops at Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni allow for a better appreciation of the volcanic landscape and the geothermal activity that fuels the hot springs. The 30-minute visit to Nea Kameni often includes time for a quick dip before heading back to the boat.

Enjoying the Meal: BBQ Seafood and Greek Wines

One of the main perks is the barbecue lunch, which features fresh seafood and steak. The meal is served onboard, with a generous amount of unlimited soft drinks, beer, and Greek wine flowing throughout the cruise. Multiple reviews mention the quality of the food—not just a simple picnic but a hearty, flavorful meal cooked by skilled crew members.

The crew’s hospitality shines here, with several reviewers noting that the staff is attentive, friendly, and eager to ensure everyone is comfortable. The music, relaxed atmosphere, and scenic views combine to create a memorable dining experience on the water.

The Sunset and Water Activities

For those opting for the Sunset Tour, the highlight is of course the breathtaking sunset over the caldera. Sitting on deck as the sun dips behind the volcanic cliffs, you’ll understand why Santorini sunsets are famous worldwide. The swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in hot springs continue to be available, providing plenty of opportunities to relax and cool off.

What Travelers Are Saying

The consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Many reviews mention the friendly crew, with descriptions like “super friendly,” “attentive,” and “helpful.” Travelers also rave about the spectacular scenery, the quality of the food, and the value for money. One reviewer even called it their “best excursion in Santorini,” highlighting how well-organized and enjoyable the experience is.

Some practical notes: towels are not provided despite being mentioned in the description, so packing your own is recommended if you plan to swim. The group size is limited to 18, which fosters a personal atmosphere, and the included snorkeling gear ensures you can explore the waters comfortably.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At around $220 per person, this tour offers a lot—scenic sailing, stops at iconic beaches and volcanic islands, a hearty barbecue meal, and unlimited drinks. When you consider the hotel pickup, the small group setting, and the quality of the crew and food, many travelers find it a worthwhile expense. Some reviews mention traveling in a small group of nine, which enhances the intimacy and gives ample space to relax.

The tour’s flexibility, including the option for a sunset or full-day experience, caters to different preferences. The fact that it’s booked about 35 days in advance suggests it’s in high demand, which speaks to its popularity and reputation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys sailing, scenic views, and authentic Greek hospitality, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate a small-group atmosphere and want to avoid the crowds on land. Families, couples, and small groups of friends will find it a perfect way to relax and explore.

Those looking for a combination of sightseeing and leisure—including swimming, snorkeling, and a delicious BBQ—will find this experience rewarding. It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those who dislike boat trips, as being comfortable on water and managing some movement is part of the experience.

The Sum Up

This Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks offers an excellent balance of stunning scenery, authentic local food, and friendly service. It’s a thoughtfully organized experience that caters to those who want to see the island from a different perspective, enjoy some leisure time, and indulge in Greek flavors.

The combination of beautiful views, informative guides, and high-quality food makes it a standout activity, especially for water lovers and those seeking a more intimate, relaxed way to enjoy Santorini. With mostly glowing reviews, it clearly delivers on its promise of a memorable day on the water.

If you’re seeking a value-rich adventure that combines sightseeing with leisure, this tour might just be one of your trip’s highlights. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a taste of Santorini’s natural beauty paired with excellent hospitality.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

What time does the tour start?
The Day Tour begins at 10am, and the Sunset Tour starts at 3pm, depending on your choice.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited soft drinks, beer, and Greek wine are included throughout the cruise.

What kind of food is served?
A barbecue meal featuring seafood and steak is served onboard. Many reviewers praise the quality and flavor.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkels and masks are provided, and stops at beaches like Red Beach and White Beach are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Are towels provided?
No, towels are not included despite what the tour description states, so plan to bring your own if you want to dry off after swimming.

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers mention that children are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What about rainy or bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled within that window.

This sailing trip around Santorini offers a memorable mix of stunning views, cultural sights, and genuine hospitality. It’s an excellent way to spend half a day enjoying the island’s natural beauty from the water, paired with delicious food and good company.